The itel A90 and Vision 3 Turbo represent itel’s commitment to the ultra-budget smartphone market. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at incredibly low price points, they differ significantly in their internal hardware, particularly in their chipsets and charging capabilities. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best value for users prioritizing performance or faster power-ups.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the itel Vision 3 Turbo emerges as the slightly better choice. Its 18W charging significantly reduces downtime, and while the Unisoc SC9863A is older, its architecture provides a more balanced CPU performance profile for everyday tasks compared to the A90’s Unisoc T7100.
| 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 | 2025, April 20 | 2022 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, April | Available. Released 2022 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 8.6 mm thickness | - |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Dual SIM |
| Weight | 187 g (6.60 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 1500 nits (peak) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.8 GHz | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T7100 | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8322 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 14, itel OS 14 | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, AF
Auxiliary lens | 8 MP (wide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB |
| WLAN | Yes | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted); unspecified sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Starlit Black, Space Titanium, Aurora Blue, Cosmic Green | Blue |
| Models | A6610L | - |
| Price | $ 76.23 | - |
itel A90
- Potentially higher peak CPU clock speed.
- Simple and straightforward user experience.
- Likely very affordable price point.
- Slower 15W charging.
- Unisoc T7100 may throttle under sustained load.
- Limited performance for demanding apps.
itel Vision 3 Turbo
- Faster 18W wired charging.
- Balanced CPU core configuration for consistent performance.
- Mature 28nm process node for potentially better thermal management.
- Lower peak CPU clock speed compared to the A90.
- Older chipset architecture.
- Likely similar camera performance to the A90.
Display Comparison
Neither itel provides display specifications beyond size, so a detailed comparison is limited. Both likely utilize LCD panels common in this price bracket. Expect similar color accuracy and viewing angles. The absence of higher refresh rates or advanced features like PWM dimming control is standard for this segment. The focus here is on functionality, not visual fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Both devices likely feature basic camera setups, and detailed sensor information is unavailable. Given the price point, image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing. Expect limited low-light performance and a focus on capturing usable images in well-lit conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing feature, offering minimal practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The itel A90 features the Unisoc T7100, an octa-core processor clocked at 1.8 GHz. The Vision 3 Turbo utilizes the Unisoc SC9863A, also octa-core, but with a split core configuration: 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 and 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55. While the T7100 boasts a higher clock speed, the SC9863A’s architecture, with its more efficient Cortex-A55 cores, may offer better sustained performance under load. The 28nm process node of the SC9863A is older, but it's a mature process, potentially leading to better thermal management than a newer, less optimized node. Users engaging in light multitasking and social media browsing will likely find the Vision 3 Turbo’s balanced core configuration more consistent.
Battery Life
While battery capacities aren't specified, both phones likely house batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range, typical for this segment. However, the itel Vision 3 Turbo’s 18W wired charging is a significant advantage over the A90’s 15W charging. This translates to faster top-ups, reducing downtime and making the Vision 3 Turbo more convenient for users who frequently use their phones throughout the day. A 3W difference may not seem large, but it can shave off a noticeable amount of charging time.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel A90 if you prioritize a simple, functional device for basic communication and light tasks, and aren't concerned with quick charging. It's ideal for first-time smartphone users or as a reliable backup phone. Buy the itel Vision 3 Turbo if you value faster charging speeds and a slightly more responsive experience for everyday apps and multitasking, even if it means potentially sacrificing some theoretical peak CPU performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the itel Vision 3 Turbo’s 18W charging damage the battery over time?
No, modern smartphones have battery management systems that prevent overcharging and protect the battery's health. 18W charging is a safe and standard charging speed for this class of device and won't significantly impact long-term battery lifespan.
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A in the Vision 3 Turbo capable of running popular social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp smoothly?
Yes, the Unisoc SC9863A is more than capable of running popular social media apps like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. Its octa-core configuration and Cortex-A55 cores provide sufficient processing power for these everyday tasks, offering a generally smooth and responsive experience.
❓ Can either of these phones handle basic mobile gaming like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers?
Both the itel A90 and Vision 3 Turbo can handle casual mobile games like Candy Crush and Subway Surfers. However, don't expect high frame rates or detailed graphics. These phones are designed for basic functionality, and demanding games may experience lag or stuttering.
❓ What type of charging port do these phones use?
Both the itel A90 and Vision 3 Turbo utilize a micro-USB port for charging and data transfer. This is standard for devices in this price range, although USB-C is becoming increasingly common.