ITEL A50

Design and Build

The Itel A50 sports a simple yet functional design that is typical of budget smartphones. It features a plastic body that is lightweight and easy to handle, making it comfortable to hold and use for extended periods. The device is available in a range of colors, including Gradient Purple, Gradient Blue, and Dark City, allowing users to choose a variant that suits their personal style.

The front of the device is dominated by a 5.5-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 480 x 960 pixels. While the resolution may not be the highest in the market, it is sufficient for basic tasks such as browsing the web, watching videos, and using social media apps. The display is surrounded by relatively thick bezels, which is expected at this price point. Above the display, you’ll find the earpiece, front-facing camera, and sensors, while the bottom bezel houses the Itel branding.

The back of the Itel A50 features a smooth plastic finish with a glossy texture that gives it a premium look. The rear camera module is positioned at the top-left corner, accompanied by an LED flash. Below the camera module, you’ll find the fingerprint sensor, which is a notable feature for a device in this price range. The fingerprint sensor provides an added layer of security and allows users to unlock their device quickly and conveniently.

On the right side of the device, you’ll find the power button and volume rocker, while the left side houses the SIM card and microSD card tray. The bottom edge of the device features a micro-USB port for charging and data transfer, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a speaker grille. The top edge is devoid of any buttons or ports, maintaining a clean and minimalist design.

Display

The Itel A50 features a 5.5-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 480 x 960 pixels and an aspect ratio of 18:9. While the resolution may not be the sharpest, it is adequate for basic tasks such as browsing the web, watching videos, and using social media apps. The display offers decent color reproduction and viewing angles, making it suitable for casual use.

The 18:9 aspect ratio provides a more immersive viewing experience compared to traditional 16:9 displays, allowing users to enjoy content with less bezel interference. However, the thick bezels around the display may be a drawback for some users, especially those who are accustomed to more modern, bezel-less designs.

Performance

Under the hood, the Itel A50 is powered by a quad-core Spreadtrum SC7731E processor clocked at 1.3 GHz. This entry-level processor is paired with 1GB of RAM, which is sufficient for basic multitasking and running lightweight apps. However, users may experience some lag when running more demanding applications or switching between multiple apps.

The device comes with 16GB of internal storage, which can be expanded up to 32GB via a microSD card. This provides users with ample space to store photos, videos, and apps, although the limited RAM may restrict the number of apps that can be run simultaneously.

In terms of software, the Itel A50 runs on Android 9.0 Pie (Go edition), which is a lightweight version of Android designed for entry-level devices. Android Go is optimized to run smoothly on devices with limited hardware resources, ensuring a smooth and responsive user experience. The Go edition also comes with a suite of lightweight Google apps, such as Google Go, YouTube Go, and Maps Go, which are designed to consume less data and storage space.

Camera

The Itel A50 is equipped with a 5MP rear camera with an f/2.0 aperture and an LED flash. The camera is capable of capturing decent photos in well-lit conditions, although the image quality may suffer in low-light environments. The camera app offers basic features such as HDR, panorama, and beauty mode, allowing users to enhance their photos with minimal effort.

On the front, the device features a 2MP selfie camera with an f/2.4 aperture. The front camera is suitable for taking selfies and making video calls, although the image quality may not be the best. The camera app also includes a beauty mode that can be used to smooth out skin tones and enhance facial features.

While the camera performance of the Itel A50 may not be on par with more expensive smartphones, it is sufficient for casual photography and social media use. Users who prioritize camera quality may need to consider a higher-end device, but for those on a budget, the Itel A50 offers a decent camera experience.

Battery Life

One of the standout features of the Itel A50 is its impressive battery life. The device is powered by a 3000mAh removable battery, which provides ample power to keep the device running throughout the day. With moderate usage, including browsing the web, using social media, and making calls, the Itel A50 can easily last a full day on a single charge.

The device does not support fast charging, so it may take some time to fully charge the battery. However, the long battery life ensures that users won’t need to charge the device frequently, making it a reliable choice for those who are always on the go.

Connectivity and Features

The Itel A50 supports dual SIM cards, allowing users to use two different phone numbers on the same device. This is a useful feature for those who need to separate personal and work contacts or for frequent travelers who want to use a local SIM card while abroad.

In terms of connectivity, the device supports 3G networks, which is sufficient for basic internet browsing and social media use. However, the lack of 4G support may be a drawback for users who require faster internet speeds for streaming videos or downloading large files.

The Itel A50 also includes a range of standard connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS. The device also features a micro-USB port for charging and data transfer, as well as a 3.5mm headphone jack for connecting wired headphones.

One of the key features of the Itel A50 is the inclusion of a fingerprint sensor on the rear of the device. This provides an added layer of security and allows users to unlock their device quickly and conveniently. The fingerprint sensor is responsive and accurate, making it a useful feature for those who prioritize security.

Software and User Experience

As mentioned earlier, the Itel A50 runs on Android 9.0 Pie (Go edition), which is a lightweight version of Android designed for entry-level devices. Android Go is optimized to run smoothly on devices with limited hardware resources, ensuring a smooth and responsive user experience.

The Go edition also comes with a suite of lightweight Google apps, such as Google Go, YouTube Go, and Maps Go, which are designed to consume less data and storage space. These apps are optimized for devices with limited RAM and storage, ensuring that users can still enjoy a full Android experience without compromising on performance.

The user interface of the Itel A50 is simple and intuitive, making it easy for even first-time smartphone users to navigate. The device comes with a range of pre-installed apps, including Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, which are popular among users in emerging markets. However, some users may find the pre-installed apps to be bloatware, as they take up valuable storage space that could be used for other purposes.

Conclusion

The Itel A50 is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers a range of features typically found in more expensive devices. With its 5.5-inch display, quad-core processor, and 3000mAh battery, the Itel A50 is a reliable choice for users who need a basic smartphone for everyday use.

While the device may not have the most powerful hardware or the best camera performance, it offers excellent value for money, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers. The inclusion of a fingerprint sensor and Android 9.0 Pie (Go edition) further enhances the user experience, providing added security and a smooth, responsive interface.

Overall, the Itel A50 is a solid entry-level smartphone that delivers on its promise of affordability and functionality. It is an ideal choice for users who are looking for a reliable and affordable device that can handle basic tasks without breaking the bank