The itel A23S and A27 represent itel’s continued push into the ultra-budget smartphone segment. While the A27 is a newer release, both devices share a remarkably similar core specification set, centered around the Unisoc SC9832E chipset. This comparison aims to dissect the nuances between these two models to determine if the A27 justifies its existence beyond a simple refresh.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the itel A23S remains the more sensible choice. Given both phones utilize the identical Unisoc SC9832E chipset and CPU, any differences are likely to be minimal and outweighed by the A23S’s potentially lower price point. The A27 may offer slight software improvements, but these are unlikely to be significant.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022 | 2022 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022 | Available. Released 2022 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | - | - |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM |
| Weight | - | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~196 ppi density) | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~197 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.4 GHz | Quad-core 1.4 GHz |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9832E (28 nm) | Unisoc SC9832E (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T820 MP1 | Mali-T820 MP1 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 0.3 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB | microUSB |
| WLAN | Yes | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 3020 mAh | 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sky Cyan, Sky Black, Ocean Blue | Blue |
itel A23S
- Likely lower price point
- Proven reliability (established model)
- Adequate for basic smartphone tasks
- Older software version (potentially)
- Limited performance for demanding apps
itel A27
- Potentially newer software version
- May benefit from minor hardware revisions
- Adequate for basic smartphone tasks
- Likely higher price point
- Limited performance for demanding apps
Display Comparison
Both the itel A23S and A27 are expected to feature similar LCD panels, given their price bracket. Without specific display specifications like resolution, brightness (in nits), or color gamut coverage, it’s safe to assume both offer a basic viewing experience. The 28nm Unisoc SC9832E chipset isn’t powerful enough to drive high-refresh-rate displays, so both are likely limited to a standard 60Hz refresh rate. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices. Itel typically equips its entry-level phones with basic camera sensors. Without detailed sensor specifications, it’s reasonable to expect a primary camera around 5-8 megapixels, accompanied by a VGA or 2MP secondary sensor for depth sensing. Image processing will be limited by the chipset’s capabilities, resulting in images that are acceptable in good lighting conditions but struggle in low light. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is expected on both models.
Performance
The core of both devices is the Unisoc SC9832E chipset, featuring a quad-core CPU clocked at 1.4 GHz. This chipset is designed for entry-level performance and is adequate for basic tasks. The 28nm manufacturing process, while cost-effective, is less efficient than newer nodes, potentially leading to moderate heat generation under sustained load. RAM capacity and type (likely LPDDR3) are critical performance factors not specified, but will likely be identical between the two models, further minimizing any performance gap. The GPU within the SC9832E is suitable for light gaming, but demanding titles will likely require significant graphical settings reductions.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is a crucial factor for budget smartphones. While the exact mAh rating isn't provided, both devices likely feature batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range. Charging wattage is also unspecified, but is likely to be limited to 5W or 10W, resulting in relatively slow charging times. The power efficiency of the 28nm Unisoc SC9832E chipset will impact battery life; users can expect a full day of light use, but heavy usage will require more frequent charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel A23S if you need a functional, extremely affordable smartphone for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media use, and prioritize maximizing value for your money. Buy the itel A27 if you specifically require the latest software version itel offers in this segment, or if you find it available at a comparable price to the A23S, suggesting potential minor hardware revisions not publicly detailed.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the itel A27 run PUBG Mobile smoothly?
Given the Unisoc SC9832E chipset and limited GPU capabilities, PUBG Mobile will likely be playable only at the lowest graphical settings and frame rates. Expect significant lag and stuttering, even on minimal settings. This phone is not designed for demanding gaming experiences.
❓ Does the itel A27 offer any noticeable software improvements over the A23S?
The itel A27 likely ships with a newer version of Android (Go Edition) compared to the A23S. However, the extent of these improvements will be limited by the chipset's capabilities and itel's software customization. Expect minor UI tweaks and potentially improved app compatibility, but don't anticipate a dramatically different software experience.
❓ Is the difference in price between the A23S and A27 worth it?
Generally, no. Since both phones share the same core hardware, the price difference is unlikely to be justified by a significant performance or feature upgrade. Unless the A27 is available at a price very close to the A23S, the A23S represents the better value proposition.
