Itel has launched the S26 Ultra, a budget smartphone boasting premium features at an unbelievable price of around Rp2.3 million (approximately $150). This device stands out in the fiercely competitive entry-level market in Indonesia by offering a curved AMOLED display with a high refresh rate of 144Hz—a rare find in this price segment. Itel’s upgrade from the previous S25 Ultra is significant, delivering improvements in design, performance, and functionality that appeal to budget-conscious users seeking top-tier specifications.
The Itel S26 Ultra sports a sleek 3D curved body design with smooth edges on all sides, enhancing comfort during handling. Weighing only 170 grams and measuring just 6.8mm thick, it combines lightweight portability with durability, courtesy of a matte polycarbonate finish that resists fingerprints and smudges. This thoughtful design elevates the user experience by providing a premium feel in an affordable package.
Immersive Display Technology
At the heart of the S26 Ultra’s appeal is its large 6.78-inch AMOLED screen with Full HD+ resolution. The 144Hz adaptive refresh rate ensures smooth visuals and better responsiveness, especially noticeable in gaming and scrolling. The screen delivers excellent brightness levels: 650 nits indoors, 1800 nits outdoors, and a peak of 2136 nits on select HDR content, enabling clear visibility even under direct sunlight. To protect the display from scratches and everyday wear, Itel utilizes Gorilla Glass 7i, which is impressive for a device in this price tier.
Powerful Performance with Unisoc T7300
Performance-wise, the Itel S26 Ultra delivers a remarkable breakthrough. It is powered by the Unisoc T7300 chipset built on a 6nm process, featuring a powerful octa-core CPU setup with 2 Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.2GHz and 6 Cortex-A55 cores at 2GHz. This combination gave the phone an AnTuTu v10 score of 481,000, setting a new record for entry-level smartphones. The GPU is a Mali G57 MC2, capable of handling light to moderate gaming and daily tasks smoothly. Supporting the chipset is 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB of UFS 2.2 storage, enabling faster data transfer than the traditional eMMC found in many budget phones.
Long-Lasting Battery Life
The S26 Ultra impresses with a substantial 6000mAh battery capacity that easily supports intensive use throughout the day. Streaming 30 minutes of YouTube consumes just 3% of the battery, highlighting its efficient power management. Charging is done at 18 watts, with the phone reaching 50% capacity in about 55 minutes and full charge completed in just over two hours—noteworthy times given the large battery size.
AI Features and Cameras for Versatility
Itel enhances the user experience with a suite of AI tools designed for productivity and creativity. The smartphone includes an AI call assistant with auto summary and real-time translation, alongside document and writing assistants that aid office tasks. Photo editing is streamlined with AI-powered eraser, extender, and sharpness features, while an AI wallpaper generator personalizes the home screen.
Photography on the S26 Ultra is supported by a 50MP main camera with a bright f/1.5 aperture and fast autofocus. Complementing this is a 2MP macro lens and dual LED flash with flicker detection. Both front and rear cameras can record videos up to 2K resolution at 30fps, with a dual video mode allowing simultaneous recording from both cameras, offering flexible content creation options.
Durability and Gaming-Friendly Features
The device carries an IP65 rating, providing protection against dust and water splashes—suitable for light rain or outdoor usage. Additionally, the phone supports bypass charging, which enables gaming for extended periods without excessive heat buildup. A built-in gyroscope sensor enhances gameplay, particularly for FPS games, ensuring more precise control.
Summary of Key Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.78" AMOLED, Full HD+, 144Hz Refresh Rate |
| Processor | Unisoc T7300, Octa-core (2x Cortex-A78, 6x Cortex-A55) |
| RAM & Storage | 8GB LPDDR4X RAM, 128GB UFS 2.2 Storage |
| Battery | 6000mAh, 18W Fast Charging |
| Cameras | 50MP Main (f/1.5), 2MP Macro, Dual Flash |
| Video Recording | Up to 2K @30fps, Dual Camera Recording |
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 7i, IP65 Dust & Water Splash |
| Additional Features | AI Call Assistant, Bypass Charging, Gyroscope |
Priced at roughly $150, the Itel S26 Ultra offers value rarely seen with such a comprehensive list of features. Its combination of a premium curved AMOLED display, powerful chipset, large battery, and advanced AI enhancements makes it a compelling option for those looking for affordable yet capable smartphones in 2026. The early launch phase between September 24 and 30, 2024, also includes exciting offers such as a free smartwatch for the first 150 buyers, adding more appeal to this budget flagship.
With these specifications and aggressive pricing, Itel is poised to make a strong impact in the Indonesian market and among budget smartphone enthusiasts globally.
