The itel A25 and A23 Pro represent itel’s commitment to the ultra-budget smartphone segment. Both devices target first-time smartphone buyers and those seeking a reliable secondary device. However, with nearly identical core specifications – notably the Unisoc SC9832E chipset and quad-core 1.4 GHz CPU – discerning a clear winner requires a detailed examination of the nuances between these two models.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the itel A23 Pro is the slightly better choice. While both phones share the same processor and core functionality, the A23 Pro’s potential for software optimizations and slightly more refined design (based on typical itel product cycles) give it a marginal edge in overall user experience.
| 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 | 2020. Released 2020 | 2021 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | - | - |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM |
| Weight | - | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~196 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 | 5.0 inches, 68.9 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 9.0 (Pie) | Android 10 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 2 MP | 0.3 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 | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 3020 mAh | 2400 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Violet, Blue | Sapphire Blue, Lake Blue |
itel A25
- Potentially the lowest price point in the itel lineup
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Decent battery life for basic usage
- Limited performance for demanding tasks
- Basic camera capabilities
- May receive fewer software updates
itel A23 Pro
- Potential for slightly improved software optimization
- May feature a more refined design
- Likely to receive more frequent software updates (relative to A25)
- Slightly higher price than the itel A25
- Still limited performance for demanding tasks
- Basic camera capabilities
Display Comparison
Both the itel A25 and A23 Pro are expected to feature similar LCD panels, given their price bracket. Without specific display specs like resolution or brightness, it’s safe to assume both offer a basic viewing experience suitable for indoor use. The 28nm Unisoc SC9832E chipset won't be driving high-resolution or high-refresh-rate displays, so the focus is on efficiency rather than visual fidelity. 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, relying on software processing to enhance image quality. Given the target market, both phones likely feature a primary camera alongside basic auxiliary lenses (often 2MP macro or depth sensors). Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to assess image quality, but expectations should be tempered. The image signal processor (ISP) within the Unisoc SC9832E is geared towards basic image capture, not advanced features like HDR or night mode.
Performance
The core of both devices is the Unisoc SC9832E chipset, featuring a quad-core 1.4 GHz CPU. This chipset is designed for entry-level smartphones and is capable of handling basic tasks like calling, texting, and light web browsing. The 28nm manufacturing process, while older, prioritizes power efficiency over raw performance. Users shouldn’t expect to run demanding applications or games smoothly. The shared chipset means performance will be virtually identical between the two devices, with any differences stemming from RAM management and software optimization.
Battery Life
Battery life will be a key consideration for users in this segment. While specific battery capacities are not provided, both devices likely feature batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range. The power-efficient Unisoc SC9832E chipset should contribute to all-day battery life with moderate usage. Charging speeds are likely to be slow, utilizing Micro-USB connectivity, and a full charge could take several hours. The A23 Pro *may* benefit from slightly improved power management through software optimizations, but the difference will likely be minimal.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel A25 if you need the absolute lowest possible price point and prioritize simplicity above all else. It’s a functional device for basic communication and light tasks. Buy the itel A23 Pro if you prefer a potentially more polished software experience and are willing to spend a small premium for a device that may receive more frequent updates and feature enhancements, even within the budget category.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will either the itel A25 or A23 Pro struggle with popular social media apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While both phones can run WhatsApp and Facebook, performance may be sluggish with multiple apps open or when loading media-rich content. The Unisoc SC9832E chipset is not designed for heavy multitasking, so closing unused apps is recommended to maintain a smooth experience.
❓ Are these phones suitable for mobile gaming?
These phones are not ideal for mobile gaming. While simple 2D games may be playable at low settings, demanding 3D games will likely experience significant lag and frame rate drops. The chipset and limited GPU are not capable of handling modern mobile games effectively.
❓ What type of charging port do these phones use?
Both the itel A25 and A23 Pro are expected to use a Micro-USB charging port. This is a standard feature for phones in this price range, but it offers slower charging speeds and data transfer rates compared to USB-C.
❓ How much storage do these phones typically offer, and is it expandable?
These phones typically come with 16GB or 32GB of internal storage. Fortunately, both the itel A25 and A23 Pro usually include a dedicated microSD card slot, allowing you to expand storage up to 128GB or 256GB, depending on the model.
