The smartphone market is flooded with options, especially in the budget segment. We're putting the itel S23+, a value-focused device, head-to-head with the Realme 11 Pro+, which aims to deliver a more premium experience without breaking the bank. This comparison dives deep into their specs to determine which phone offers the best bang for your buck.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme 11 Pro+ is the clear winner. Its significantly more powerful Mediatek Dimensity 7050 chipset and blazing-fast 100W charging justify the price difference, offering a smoother experience and drastically reducing downtime. However, the itel S23+ remains a viable option for those on a very tight budget.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41 - India |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA2000 1x |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, September 19 | 2023, May 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, September 19 | Available. Released 2023, May 15 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, leather or plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 7.9 mm thickness | 161.6 x 73.9 x 8.2 mm or 8.7 mm |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 178 g (6.28 oz) | 183 g or 189 g (6.46 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~388 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 | 6.7 inches, 108.0 cm2 (~90.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 500 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 1B colors, HDR10+, 120Hz, 950 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G68 MC4 |
| OS | Android 13, itel OS 13 | Android 13, up to 2 major Android upgrades, Realme UI 5.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Triple | - | 200 MP, f/1.7, 23mm (wide), 1/1.4", 0.56µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 112˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/480fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Panorama |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.0 | 32 MP, f/2.5, 22mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 100W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Cyan | Astral Black, Sunrise Beige, Oasis Green |
| Models | S681LN | RMX3740, RMX3741 |
| Price | About 110 EUR | € 399.90 / ₹ 27,990 |
itel S23+
- Extremely affordable price point
- Decent performance for basic tasks
- Reliable for everyday use
- Slow charging speed (18W)
- Less powerful chipset compared to the competition
- Limited camera capabilities
Realme 11 Pro+
- Fast 100W charging
- Powerful Mediatek Dimensity 7050 chipset
- Brighter and likely higher-quality display
- Higher price compared to the itel S23+
- May be overkill for basic smartphone users
- Potentially larger size and weight
Display Comparison
The Realme 11 Pro+ boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 793 nits. While the itel S23+'s display specs are unavailable, Realme's brightness advantage translates to better visibility outdoors. The Realme 11 Pro+ likely utilizes a higher-quality panel, offering superior color accuracy and viewing angles. The lack of information on the itel S23+'s panel technology suggests it's a more basic LCD, potentially impacting color reproduction and contrast.
Camera Comparison
While both phones feature cameras, the Realme 11 Pro+ is expected to offer a more versatile and capable system. Details on the itel S23+'s camera are limited, but the Realme 11 Pro+ likely features a larger main sensor and more advanced image processing algorithms. The Realme's camera system is designed for better low-light performance and more detailed images. The presence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on the Realme 11 Pro+ is also a significant advantage, reducing blur in photos and videos.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme 11 Pro+’s Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6nm) is a substantial upgrade over the itel S23+'s Unisoc Tiger T616 (12nm). The Dimensity 7050’s Cortex-A78 cores, clocked at 2.6 GHz, provide a noticeable performance boost over the itel’s Cortex-A75 cores at 2.0 GHz. The 6nm process node of the Dimensity 7050 also contributes to better power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling during sustained workloads like gaming. This means the Realme 11 Pro+ will handle demanding apps and games with greater ease and maintain performance for longer periods.
Battery Life
The Realme 11 Pro+’s 100W wired charging is a game-changer. It can replenish the battery from 0-100% in a fraction of the time compared to the itel S23+'s 18W charging. While the Realme 11 Pro+ had an endurance rating of 112h, the itel S23+'s battery capacity and endurance are unknown. The faster charging speed of the Realme 11 Pro+ minimizes downtime and provides a more convenient user experience, especially for those who frequently use their phones throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel S23+ if you prioritize extreme affordability and basic smartphone functionality. It's ideal for first-time smartphone users or those needing a reliable secondary device. Buy the Realme 11 Pro+ if you value performance, fast charging, and a more refined user experience. It's best suited for users who enjoy mobile gaming, content creation, or simply want a phone that can keep up with their busy lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Unisoc Tiger T616 in the itel S23+ capable of running demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Unisoc Tiger T616 can run PUBG Mobile, expect to play at lower graphics settings and frame rates to maintain a smooth experience. The chipset's limitations will become apparent during extended gaming sessions, potentially leading to frame drops and lag. The Realme 11 Pro+'s Dimensity 7050 is far better suited for demanding games.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Realme 11 Pro+ with the 100W charger?
Realme claims the 11 Pro+ can charge from 0-100% in around 25 minutes. In real-world testing, this is generally accurate, making it one of the fastest-charging phones in its price range. The itel S23+, with its 18W charging, will take considerably longer – likely over 2 hours for a full charge.
❓ Does the Realme 11 Pro+ overheat during prolonged use, like video recording or gaming?
The Mediatek Dimensity 7050 is relatively efficient, and Realme has implemented cooling solutions to mitigate thermal throttling. While some warmth is expected during intensive tasks, the 11 Pro+ generally manages heat well and maintains performance for extended periods. The itel S23+'s Unisoc chipset is more prone to throttling under sustained load.
