Itel Mobile’s Latest Release: S23+ Performance and Specs Deep Dive
Core Performance: The Unisoc T606 Engine
At the heart of the itel S23+ lies the Unisoc T606 chipset, a defining component for budget-conscious smartphones. This 12nm octa-core processor features a configuration of two ARM Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz for handling more demanding tasks and six ARM Cortex-A55 cores running at 1.6 GHz optimized for efficiency during lighter workloads. Paired with the ARM Mali-G57 MP1 GPU, it targets reliable everyday performance. Benchmark scores place it firmly in the entry-level to lower-mid-range segment. In practical terms, the S23+ handles essential apps smoothly: social media scrolling (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, TikTok), web browsing with multiple tabs, email management, and standard definition video streaming (YouTube, Netflix) operate without significant lag. Multitasking between 3-4 standard apps is generally feasible, though heavier switching or demanding apps may prompt slight delays. The Mali-G57 MP1 GPU enables casual gaming. Titles like Candy Crush Saga, Subway Surfers, Temple Run 2, and 8 Ball Pool run acceptably at lower to medium graphics settings. More graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty: Mobile require settings dialed down to the minimum for barely playable frame rates, highlighting the device’s limitations for serious mobile gamers. Thermal management is generally adequate for everyday tasks and light gaming, avoiding excessive heat buildup under normal usage patterns.
Memory and Storage: Balancing Capacity and Speed
The itel S23+ comes in configurations centered around 8GB of RAM. Crucially, itel employs Memory Fusion technology, allowing users to allocate up to an additional 8GB of storage space to function as virtual RAM. This effectively offers up to 16GB of total usable RAM, significantly boosting the device’s ability to keep more apps open in the background and handle multitasking more smoothly than the base physical RAM might suggest. Storage starts at a generous 128GB (UFS) and expands to 256GB (UFS) variants in many markets. The use of UFS (Universal Flash Storage), even if likely UFS 2.1 or similar, is a notable upgrade over the eMMC 5.1 standard commonly found at this price point. UFS offers faster read/write speeds, translating to quicker app launches, faster file transfers, and a snappier overall system feel compared to eMMC. For users needing even more space, the S23+ retains the highly valued microSD card slot, supporting expansion up to a massive 1TB. This flexibility is a major selling point for users with extensive media libraries or those who prefer offline storage.
Battery Life Champion: The 5000mAh Powerhouse
Battery endurance is arguably the S23+’s most compelling feature, aligning perfectly with itel’s brand focus. It packs a substantial 5000mAh lithium polymer battery. Based on typical usage patterns – involving several hours of social media, web browsing, messaging, calls, some camera use, and music streaming – the S23+ consistently delivers 2 to 3 days of use on a single charge for moderate users. Even for heavier users pushing the device with extended screen-on time, mobile data usage, and gaming, achieving a full day and well into the next is realistic. This exceptional stamina caters directly to users with limited charging opportunities or those who prioritize reliability over constant top-ups. Charging is handled by an 18W Type-C fast charger included in the box. While not the fastest standard in the absolute sense, it’s a significant and welcome upgrade from the slower 10W charging common in this segment. A full charge from 0% takes approximately 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours. The combination of massive capacity and decently fast charging makes the battery system a standout feature.
Display Experience: Large Canvas, HD+ Clarity
The itel S23+ boasts a sizable 6.78-inch IPS LCD display. The HD+ resolution (1640 x 720 pixels) delivers a pixel density of roughly 264 PPI. While not the sharpest panel on the market (Full HD+ would be denser), the resolution is perfectly adequate for the screen size in everyday use. Text is readable, images are clear, and videos are enjoyable, especially given the device’s target audience and price point. The display features a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which is expected in this category. It offers smooth enough scrolling for general tasks but lacks the fluidity of higher refresh rate panels found in more expensive phones. Peak brightness is sufficient for indoor use and generally passable outdoors in moderate conditions, though direct sunlight can pose visibility challenges. The color reproduction is typical for an IPS LCD: decently vibrant and accurate enough for casual consumption, though not reaching the saturation levels or contrast of AMOLED displays. The screen utilizes a centrally aligned punch-hole cutout for the front camera and features relatively slim bezels, maximizing the screen-to-body ratio for an immersive viewing experience within its class.
Camera System: AI-Enhanced Triple Setup
The rear camera array consists of three sensors:
- 50MP AI Main Camera (f/1.6): The primary shooter utilizes pixel binning technology, combining data from four pixels into one, to produce sharper, brighter 12.5MP images by default, especially beneficial in lower light. The large f/1.6 aperture helps capture more light. Expect decent detail in good lighting, with colors leaning towards vibrancy due to AI processing. Low-light performance is serviceable for a budget phone, with noticeable noise and reduced detail, but Night Mode helps improve results marginally.
- 0.3MP Secondary Lens: This depth sensor’s primary function is to assist in creating portrait shots with background blur (bokeh). Its impact on overall image quality is minimal.
- QVGA AI Lens: Primarily used for AI scene recognition and potentially assisting with basic depth information. Its contribution to final image output is negligible beyond software-based scene optimization.
Camera features include Portrait Mode, Night Mode, HDR, Panorama, Time-Lapse, Slow Motion, Beauty Mode, and various AI scene detection modes that automatically adjust settings for subjects like food, sky, greenery, etc. The AI algorithms work to enhance colors and contrast. Video recording maxes out at 1080p resolution at 30 frames per second from the rear camera. Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) is present to help smooth out minor handshakes during video capture. The front-facing camera is an 8MP sensor (f/2.0) housed in the punch-hole. It handles selfies adequately in good light and supports features like Screen Flash for low-light selfies and Portrait mode. Video calls and basic selfie videos are handled competently.
Operating System and Software: Android 13 Go Edition
The itel S23+ runs on Android 13 (Go Edition) out of the box. This optimized version of Android is specifically designed for devices with entry-level hardware like 2GB or 4GB of RAM. While the S23+ has 8GB physical RAM, itel utilizes the Go Edition, likely for its streamlined efficiency and smaller app footprint. Key advantages include:
- Lighter OS Footprint: Takes up less storage space than the full Android version.
- Optimized Go Edition Apps: Pre-installed Google apps (like Google Go, Gallery Go, Files Go) are lighter and faster.
- Enhanced Performance & Battery: The streamlined nature aims for smoother operation and potentially better battery life.
itel overlays its custom itel OS 13 skin on top of Android 13 Go. This skin introduces specific customizations, themes, and additional features like itel’s proprietary Smart Manager for optimizing performance, cleaning junk files, managing battery, and securing the device. While itel OS adds functionality, it also includes pre-installed apps (bloatware), some of which can be uninstalled. Software update policy typically involves security patches for a limited period, but major OS upgrades (like Android 14) are less guaranteed for budget devices.
Design, Build, and Audio
The itel S23+ features a contemporary design with a glossy plastic back panel that reflects light, available in various color options like Starry Black, Mystery White, and Crystal Blue. The rear houses the vertically aligned triple camera module and a capacitive fingerprint sensor positioned centrally for easy reach. The frame is also plastic. The device includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, a crucial feature for many users in its target markets. A bottom-firing single loudspeaker delivers sound that is clear enough for calls, notifications, and casual media consumption, but lacks bass and can distort at higher volumes. A dedicated microSD card slot (triple slot tray: 2 Nano-SIM + 1 microSD) offers flexibility. Connectivity includes 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n (2.4GHz only, no 5GHz), Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, and the USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer. Security is handled by the rear-mounted fingerprint sensor and face unlock via the front camera, both offering reasonably fast unlocking speeds in good conditions.
Network and Connectivity
The S23+ supports 4G LTE connectivity on various bands depending on the region-specific model, ensuring reliable mobile data speeds where available. Dual 4G VoLTE support allows simultaneous 4G connectivity on both SIM cards for voice and data. Wi-Fi connectivity is limited to 2.4GHz bands (802.11 b/g/n), lacking the faster 5GHz band. Bluetooth 5.0 ensures stable connections for wireless peripherals like headphones and speakers. GPS provides location services for navigation apps. The inclusion of a USB Type-C port is a modern touch. FM Radio functionality is present, appealing to users in regions where radio remains popular.