itel P65: A Comprehensive Look At This New Entry-Level Contender

Body

The itel P65 measures 165.9×77.3×7.9 mm, which translates to a comfortable and slim profile, making it easy to handle with one hand. Weighing in at 192.4 grams, it's a bit on the heavier side compared to some other entry-level devices, but the weight feels substantial, giving the phone a solid, premium-like feel.

The phone's design includes a distinctive LED ring on the back for notifications, charging, and gaming - a feature not commonly found in this segment, adding a touch of flair. It's available in three colors: Cyber Black, Cyber Blaze, and Cyber Titanium, allowing you to choose according to your style preference.

Here are the relevant specs:

The itel P65's dimensions give it a sleek, modern look without being excessively bulky. At 192.4 grams, it's on the heavier side for entry-level smartphones, but not uncomfortably so. The slim profile and well-balanced weight mean that the phone should feel comfortable to hold for extended periods, whether you're reading, browsing, or gaming.

For those who use their phone frequently throughout the day, the itel P65 should be manageable. The slight heft might even lend a sense of durability and premium feel. However, if you prefer ultra-light devices or have smaller hands, it might feel a bit cumbersome after long sessions.

In terms of portability, the itel P65 fits comfortably in most pockets and bags. Its dimensions are just right to ensure it doesn't protrude too much, making it easy to carry around. The phone's design is slim enough to slip into a pocket without too much trouble, and the weight is balanced enough that it shouldn't strain your pocket or bag.

The P65 is available in three distinct colors, catering to different personalities:

• Cyber Black: This color is classic and versatile, appealing to those who prefer a more understated and professional look. It suits users who want their device to blend seamlessly with various outfits and occasions. Ideal for those with a minimalist style or who work in formal settings.
• Cyber Blaze: This vibrant hue is perfect for individuals who like to make a statement. It's bold, energetic, and adds a splash of personality to the device. If you're someone who enjoys standing out and expressing yourself through bright, eye-catching colors, Cyber Blaze is a fitting choice.
• Cyber Titanium: The sleek and modern look of Cyber Titanium suggests a tech-savvy and contemporary personality. It's a sophisticated shade that balances between being noticeable and refined. This color might appeal to those who appreciate a touch of elegance and a high-tech vibe without going overboard.

In summary, the itel P65 is designed to be both practical and stylish. Its dimensions and weight make it comfortable for long-term use and easy to carry around, while the color options cater to a range of personal styles from classic and professional to bold and expressive.

If we compare the P65 with the predecessor itel P55, it's gotten a bit slimmer but heavier. The P55 was 8 mm thick and weighed 190 g.

IP Rating

(Related: IP ratings explained.)

Ah, the lack of an official IP rating on the itel P65 - a puzzle for many smartphone enthusiasts. It's not uncommon for budget smartphones to skip the official waterproof badge. These phones often focus on delivering key features at an affordable price point, and unfortunately, achieving a certified level of water resistance can add to the manufacturing costs. So, the absence of an IP rating on the itel P65 isn't surprising in the budget-friendly domain.

Now, should you, as a potential buyer, be concerned? It depends on your lifestyle. If you're the type to accidentally drop your phone into puddles or have a habit of texting in the rain, you might want to exercise caution. However, for the average users who treat their device with care, it shouldn't be a deal-breaker.

To safeguard your device from the environmental elements, here are some practical tips:

• Protective Case: A good-quality protective case can be your phone's armor against accidental spills and minor impacts. Choose one that offers a raised lip around the screen for added protection.
• Screen Protector: A tempered glass screen protector is like a shield for your display. It not only guards against scratches but can also provide an extra layer of defense in case of a sudden meeting with a puddle.
• Be Mindful Around Water: As your P65 does not have an official IP rating, exercising caution around water is wise. Keep it away from pools, sinks, and rainy days. If it does get a splash, a quick wipe should suffice.

In essence, a little proactive care can go a long way in keeping your itel P65 in top-notch condition. While it might not be ready for a deep-sea dive, with the right precautions, it can certainly weather the everyday storms of life. So, suit it up with a protective case, slap on a screen protector, and go forth without the worry of water woes!

For comparison, the predecessor itel P55 did not come with an IP rating, either.

Display

(Related: Know more about the various kinds of displays and screen specs.)

The itel P65 sports a 6.7-inch IPS LCD display with a 120 Hz refresh rate. This high refresh rate is a standout feature in the entry-level category, promising smoother scrolling and better responsiveness. The screen size and approximately 84.5% screen-to-body ratio provide an immersive viewing experience, making it ideal for media consumption and casual gaming. The resolution, while not Full HD, should be sufficient for browsing, social media, and streaming content.

itel P65 display. Image credit: itel

Here are the relevant specs:

IPS (In-Plane Switching) LCD displays are known for their accurate color reproduction and wide viewing angles. Unlike older LCD technologies, IPS panels offer consistent color and brightness levels even when viewed from the side. This means that whether you're sharing your screen with friends or viewing it from different angles, colors remain vibrant and true-to-life.

While IPS LCDs generally offer good brightness and clarity, they may not match the peak brightness and contrast levels of OLED displays. However, they still provide sufficient brightness for most indoor and moderate outdoor use, ensuring that the display remains clear and readable.

The 120 Hz refresh rate means the display refreshes 120 times per second, resulting in exceptionally smooth scrolling, animations, and transitions. This higher refresh rate enhances the overall fluidity of interactions, making activities like scrolling through social media, browsing, and playing casual games feel noticeably smoother compared to standard 60 Hz displays.

For casual gaming, the 120 Hz refresh rate provides a more responsive and immersive experience. While this refresh rate is not a substitute for higher-end gaming phones with advanced GPUs and displays, it does improve gameplay smoothness and responsiveness.

The 720×1600 pixel resolution, often referred to as HD+, is suitable for general everyday tasks such as browsing, watching videos, and reading. For a phone in this price range, it provides a decent level of clarity and detail.

The resolution is adequate for streaming HD content on platforms like YouTube and Netflix. The pixel density of around 262 PPI (pixels per inch) ensures that videos appear clear and sharp enough for comfortable viewing. Text and images on social media and websites will look sufficiently sharp, making for an enjoyable browsing experience.

However, for users interested in high-definition gaming or consuming high-resolution media, a higher resolution (such as Full HD+ or 4K) might be preferable. The 720p resolution might not fully capture the finer details in high-end games or ultra-high-definition videos, leading to less crisp visuals in those scenarios. If you're involved in professional media creation or high-resolution photo editing, the 720×1600 pixels might fall short in terms of detail accuracy and clarity.

In conclusion, the itel P65's display offers a good balance of performance and features for its price range. The IPS LCD technology ensures good color reproduction and wide viewing angles, while the 120 Hz refresh rate enhances the smoothness of interactions. The 720×1600 pixel resolution is suitable for general use and casual media consumption but might not meet the needs of users requiring higher resolutions for advanced gaming or professional tasks.

For comparison, the predecessor itel P55 featured a 6.6-inch, 720×1612 px IPS LCD display with a 90 Hz refresh rate.

Networks

(Related: Cellular networks explained.)

The itel P65 supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks, ensuring reliable connectivity for calls and data.

GSM and HSPA are the stalwarts, providing 2G and 3G connectivity, respectively. Then there's LTE, the foundation of modern 4G networks, delivering faster internet speeds and improved call quality.

SIM

The itel P65's dual Nano-SIM (dual stand-by) capability adds flexibility, catering to those who navigate between personal and professional domains.

Chipset - Performance

The itel P65 is powered by the Unisoc T615 chipset, an entry-level solution built on a 12-nm process. This is paired with an octa-core CPU (comprising two types of cores) and a Mali-G57 MP1 GPU, suitable for everyday tasks and light gaming. Here are the relevant specs:

The Unisoc T615 is an entry-level chipset designed for budget-friendly smartphones. Built on a 12-nm process, it balances power efficiency with performance. While it's not as high-end as Qualcomm's Snapdragon or MediaTek's Dimensity series, it provides adequate processing power for everyday tasks.

The octa-core configuration includes two types of cores:

• Performance Cores (2×1.8 GHz Cortex-A75): These high-performance cores are designed to handle demanding tasks that require more computing power. They come into play during intensive operations such as gaming, multitasking, and running applications that require a significant amount of processing power.
• Efficiency Cores (6×1.6 GHz Cortex-A55): These cores are optimized for efficiency, handling less demanding tasks while consuming less power. They manage background tasks, light web browsing, and app management, ensuring the phone operates smoothly without draining the battery excessively.

The combination of high-performance and efficiency cores allows the itel P65 to manage a range of tasks effectively. Performance cores boost the phone's capability for more intensive activities, while efficiency cores ensure that everyday tasks are handled with minimal power consumption, contributing to longer battery life.

The Mali-G57 MP1 is an entry-level GPU that provides adequate performance for handling basic graphics needs. It supports casual gaming, video playback, and general graphical tasks without significant lag or stutter.

Given these components under the hood, the itel P65's processing configuration is adequate for several tasks, including:

• Everyday Tasks: The P65's configuration is well-suited for standard activities such as web browsing, social media, streaming videos, and using productivity apps. It handles these tasks smoothly without notable slowdowns.
• Casual Gaming: The GPU and performance cores can manage light to moderate gaming, including titles like casual puzzle games and simple 2D games. Games with less demanding graphics and lower frame rates will perform adequately.

However, while the itel P65's is competent in many areas, certain tasks would benefit from a more powerful configuration, such as:

• High-End Gaming: For graphics-intensive games or those requiring high frame rates, the itel P65 may struggle. Games that demand significant processing power or high-resolution graphics might experience lag or reduced performance.
• Multitasking and Intensive Applications: Running multiple apps simultaneously or using apps that require substantial computational resources, such as video editing or 3D rendering, might exceed the capabilities of the Unisoc T615. The phone may experience slowdowns or reduced responsiveness in such scenarios.
• Heavy Media Consumption: While the phone can handle standard video playback, users who engage in professional video editing or consume very high-resolution media might find the performance lacking compared to devices with more powerful chipsets and GPUs.

In summary, the itel P65's Unisoc T615 chipset, with its octa-core CPU and Mali-G57 MP1 GPU, provides a solid performance for an entry-level device. It's designed to handle everyday tasks and casual gaming with ease. However, for users requiring high-end gaming capabilities, intensive multitasking, or advanced media processing, a more powerful configuration would be necessary to meet those needs effectively.

For comparison, the predecessor itel P55 featured the Unisoc T606 (12 nm) chipset, housing an octa-core CPU (2×1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 + 6×1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) and the Mali-G57 MP1 GPU.

Memory and Storage

Here are the relevant specs:

The itel P65 comes with three memory configurations. The option to expand storage via microSDXC is a plus, providing flexibility for users with extensive media libraries.

For comparison, the predecessor P55 came in three variants, offering 4 GB or 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB or 256 GB of UFS 2.2 internal storage, expandable via a microSDXC card.

Cameras

The itel P65 features a dual-camera setup with a 50 MP primary sensor and an auxiliary lens. This combination is designed to capture detailed and vibrant photos in various lighting conditions. On the front, the 8 MP selfie camera supports video recording and should deliver decent results for social media selfies and video calls.

Rear Camera

itel P65 main camera setup. Image credit: itel

The itel P65's main camera setup features a dual-camera system that includes a 50 MP primary sensor and an auxiliary lens. Let's have a detailed look at what each component offers and how well the camera performs across different photography and videography scenarios. Here are the relevant specs:

Specification	itel P65
Number of Cameras	2 (Dual)
Resolution (Megapixels)	50 MP, N/A (auxiliary lens)
Video Recording	Yes
Other Features	LED flash, panorama, HDR

The 50 MP sensor is the main workhorse of the camera setup. It is designed to capture detailed and high-resolution images. The high megapixel count allows for sharp and clear photos, which is especially useful for capturing fine details.

This lens is ideal for everyday photography, such as portraits, landscapes, and general snapshots. The high resolution means that you can crop or zoom into images without losing significant detail, which is beneficial for capturing subjects at a distance or framing shots more precisely.

The secondary lens complements the primary camera by providing additional functionality, although the specific type of auxiliary lens (such as ultra-wide, macro, or depth sensor) is not detailed in the spec sheet. The presence of this lens generally adds flexibility to the camera system, making it suitable for a wider range of shooting scenarios. Depending on its type, the auxiliary lens could enhance versatility. For instance, if it's a depth sensor, it helps with portrait mode by creating a bokeh effect. If it's a macro lens, it allows for close-up photography.

Among the camera features, the LED flash is designed to provide additional light in low-light conditions. It helps to brighten up dark scenes and reduce shadows, making it easier to capture clear and well-lit images in low-light environments. It is useful for indoor photography, night-time shots, or any situation where natural light is insufficient.

The panorama mode allows you to capture wide-angle images by sweeping the camera across a scene. This is useful for landscape photography or any situation where you want to capture a broader view than what fits in a single frame. It is ideal for scenic vistas, large group photos, and architectural shots.

And HDR (High Dynamic Range) enhances image quality by balancing the exposure levels in both the bright and dark areas of a photo. It combines multiple shots taken at different exposures to create an image with better detail and color accuracy. It is useful for high-contrast scenes, such as landscapes with bright skies and dark foregrounds, or when shooting in challenging lighting conditions.

With these lenses and features, the itel P65's main camera setup performs well in a range of scenarios, including:

• Everyday Photography: The P65's camera setup is well-suited for typical daily photography needs, such as capturing moments with friends and family, taking scenic shots, and general snapshots. The 50 MP primary sensor provides detailed images for most casual photography.
• Casual Videography: The camera's capabilities are adequate for recording videos of everyday activities and events. The high-resolution sensor ensures that videos have a decent level of detail.

However, certain tasks may benefit from a more powerful camera setup, such as:

• Professional Photography: For users seeking high-end features like advanced zoom capabilities, superior low-light performance, or professional-grade image quality, the itel P65 might fall short. Phones with multiple advanced sensors (e.g., telephoto, ultra-wide, and higher-quality low-light sensors) offer enhanced flexibility and performance.
• High-Resolution Video: If you require 4K video recording or advanced video features such as slow-motion or high frame rate options, the itel P65's camera might not meet those needs. It's designed for basic video recording rather than professional-level videography.
• Creative Photography: For users who want specialized modes like advanced portrait effects, manual controls, or extensive post-processing capabilities, a phone with a more advanced camera system would be more appropriate.

In conclusion, the itel P65's dual-camera setup, with its 50 MP primary sensor and auxiliary lens, offers a solid performance for everyday photography and casual videography. The features like LED flash, panorama, and HDR enhance its versatility, making it suitable for a range of scenarios. However, for professional-grade photography and high-end video recording, a more advanced camera system would be needed to meet those specialized requirements.

For comparison, the older P55 featured a dual camera setup, consisting of a 50 MP standard lens and a 0.08 MP auxiliary lens. It could also record videos, and its feature set included dual-LED flash and panorama.

Battery and Charging

(Related: Battery specs and charging types explained.)

Here are the relevant specs:

The itel P65 packs a 5000 mAh non-removable battery, which is ample for all-day usage under typical conditions. It supports 18 W wired charging, claiming 40% charge in 30 minutes. This is a respectable feature for its segment, ensuring minimal downtime.

For comparison, the older P55 featured a similar battery and charging setup.

Sound

(Related: Know more about the sound specs and features.)

Here are the relevant specs:

The itel P65 includes a loudspeaker and a 3.5 mm audio jack, catering to users who prefer wired headphones.

For comparison, the predecessor itel P55 had a similar audio setup.

Connectivity

The itel P65 doesn't compromise on connectivity and convenience. With support for Wi-Fi, it ensures you can connect to common Wi-Fi networks.

The P65 features Bluetooth, ensuring a seamless connection, whether you're connecting to headphones, speakers, or other devices.

The itel P65 features the GPS positioning system for accurate navigation and location services.

The itel P65's 6 GB / 256 GB variant features NFC, the digital magician! This technology allows you to make contactless payments, share files, and connect with other NFC-enabled devices with just a tap. It's like having a digital handshake, simplifying tasks and making your device interactions effortless.

Last but not least, the trusty USB-C - the universal connector. Whether you're charging your device, transferring files, or connecting to external devices, USB Type-C ensures a reliable connection. It's the jack-of-all-trades, allowing you to expand your device's capabilities and stay connected to the wider world of technology. And the support for OTG (USB On-The-Go) enables your device to act as host and connect to other USB devices, such as flash drives, keyboards, cameras, and more, without needing a computer as an intermediary.

Sensors

The itel P65 comes equipped with the following sensors:

• Proximity Sensor: Detects the presence or movement of an object (say, with infrared, sound, light, or electromagnetic fields) without physically contacting it. It is used, for example, to turn off the screen when you position your device close to your ear while making a call.
• Fingerprint Sensor: Used for quick and secure unlocking. It is side-facing in the P65.
• Accelerometer: The accelerometer detects changes in the device's orientation and acceleration. If you tilt, shake, or move your device, the accelerometer knows.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is itel P65 release date?

  The itel P65 has been announced and released on the 8th August, 2024.

• What is itel P65 price?

  The itel P65 is priced starting from about USD 120 for the 4 GB / 128 GB variant.