The sub-$100 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the itel A100 and Micromax X1i represent two contenders vying for dominance. While the Micromax X1i's specifications are largely unavailable, we can assess its position based on brand history and market segment, contrasting it with the itel A100’s known Unisoc T7250 chipset. This comparison aims to determine which device offers the best value for users prioritizing affordability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a functional and relatively smooth experience, the itel A100 emerges as the likely winner. Its Unisoc T7250 chipset provides a demonstrable performance advantage over what is typically found in Micromax’s X series, offering a more responsive user interface and better app handling. The X1i’s value proposition remains unclear without detailed specs.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | - |
| 4G bands | LTE | - |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | Class 10 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM |
| | - | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, September 25 | 2010. Released 2010 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, October | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 8.1 mm thickness | 106 x 44.5 x 16 mm (4.17 x 1.75 x 0.63 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | - | 82 g (2.89 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 128 x 128 pixels, 1:1 ratio (~124 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 | 1.46 inches, 6.9 cm2 (~14.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 700 nits | CSTN, 65K colors |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | - |
| Chipset | Unisoc T7250 (12 nm) | - |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | - |
| OS | Android 15 (Go edition), itel OS 15 | - |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | - | Yes |
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSD (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | - |
| Phonebook | - | 100 entries |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | - |
| Video | Yes | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | - |
| Positioning | GPS | No |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | No |
| WLAN | Yes | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | - | No |
| Games | - | Downloadable |
| Java | - | No |
| Messaging | - | SMS |
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer | - |
| | - | Organizer
MP3/AAC+ player
Voice memo
Predictive text input |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | - |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 720 h |
| Talk time | - | Up to 16 h |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Removable Li-Ion 1800 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Fresh Green, Star Titanium, Shadow Titanium | Black |
| Price | - | About 20 EUR |
itel A100
- More powerful Unisoc T7250 chipset
- Likely better app performance
- 15W fast charging support
- Display quality likely basic
- Camera performance expected to be limited
Micromax X1i
- Potential for a lower price point
- Brand recognition for Micromax loyalists
- Compact and lightweight design (likely)
- Likely weaker processor performance
- Unknown display and camera specifications
- Potentially outdated software
Display Comparison
Without specific display details for the Micromax X1i, a direct comparison is difficult. However, itel typically utilizes basic LCD panels in this price range. The itel A100’s display resolution is likely 720p+, standard for the segment. The X1i, given its positioning, likely offers a similar resolution. Color accuracy and brightness are expected to be modest on both devices, prioritizing power efficiency over visual fidelity. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is expected to be basic on both devices. The itel A100’s camera specifications are not detailed, but it’s reasonable to assume a primary sensor around 8-13MP. The Micromax X1i’s camera setup is unknown, but Micromax often includes a secondary depth sensor alongside a main camera. Image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing, and both devices will likely struggle in low-light conditions. The presence of a dedicated night mode is unlikely on either. Focusing on the primary sensor’s megapixel count is misleading; sensor size and lens aperture are more critical factors, and these are unknown for both devices.
Performance
The itel A100’s Unisoc T7250 chipset, built on a 12nm process, is the clear performance leader here. Its octa-core configuration – featuring two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 1.8 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.6 GHz – provides a significant advantage over the processors typically found in Micromax’s X series. The A75 cores offer a substantial uplift in single-core performance, crucial for app launch times and general responsiveness. The X1i likely utilizes a MediaTek Helio A22 or similar entry-level chipset, which will struggle to match the T7250’s capabilities. RAM configurations are unknown for the X1i, but the A100’s RAM speed will dictate multitasking performance; faster LPDDR4X would be preferable, but is unlikely at this price point. Thermal management is unlikely to be a concern on either device given the low-power chipsets.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is a crucial factor in this segment. While the itel A100’s battery size is not specified, it’s likely in the 4000-5000 mAh range, typical for this class. The Micromax X1i’s battery capacity is also unknown. The itel A100 supports 15W wired charging, which is relatively standard. The X1i’s charging speed is unknown. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but both devices should be capable of lasting a full day with moderate use. The 15W charging on the A100 will provide a faster 0-100% charge compared to a potentially slower charging solution on the X1i.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel A100 if you need a smartphone capable of handling everyday tasks like calling, messaging, and light social media browsing with reasonable speed. The Unisoc T7250 offers a noticeable performance boost in this price bracket. Buy the Micromax X1i if you prioritize brand loyalty to Micromax and are willing to accept potentially lower performance and a less refined software experience, hoping for a competitive price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the itel A100 be able to run popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Unisoc T7250 chipset in the itel A100 is capable of running popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram without significant lag. The Cortex-A75 cores provide sufficient processing power for these everyday tasks.
❓ Is the Micromax X1i likely to receive regular software updates?
Historically, Micromax has not been known for consistent and timely software updates. It's unlikely the X1i will receive frequent security patches or Android version upgrades, potentially leaving it vulnerable to security risks over time.
❓ What kind of gaming performance can I expect from the itel A100?
The itel A100 can handle casual gaming, but don't expect to play demanding titles at high settings. Games like PUBG Mobile will likely require the lowest graphics settings and frame rate to achieve playable performance. The Unisoc T7250’s integrated GPU is sufficient for basic gaming, but it’s not a gaming powerhouse.
