itel S26 Ultra Review: Big Specs, Real-World Trade-Offs

Remember those days when smartphones were so few on the market we barely had enough options to choose from, today there are so many options that manufacturers are struggling to standout on the market. Today we're going to take a look at one of prefered devices in our local market - the itel S26.

At first glance, the itel S26 Ultra is a phone that breaks the rules: a curved AMOLED display, a 144Hz refresh rate, and a 6,000mAh battery - all at a price tag that's perhaps a bit too good to be true: just over KES 20,000.

But once you get to know it a bit better, the picture doesn't quite live up to those lofty expectations. This is a phone that looks premium on paper, but behaves like a budget device where it really counts.

Design and Display: The Star of the Show

Let's start with what the S26 Ultra gets absolutely right - the display.

• 6.8-inch curved AMOLED display that really does pop

• 1.5K resolution

• 144Hz refresh rate for silky smooth scrolling

• Protected by Gorilla Glass 7i for good measure

For the price, that's a bloody impressive display. Text looks sharp, colours are vibrant, and even outdoor visibility holds up pretty well - even if that 4,500 nits brightness claim does feel a bit of a stretch.

The design also looks pretty premium to be fair:

• A slim 6.8mm profile that doesn't feel like it's going to break the bank

• It's lightweight at 168g, so you won't have to worry about carrying a brick in your pocket

• A matte back that's got a decent grip on it

But of course, there's a catch - when you actually hold the thing in your hand, the plastic build starts to feel a bit... flimsy. The curved edges are a nice touch - but they also start to get a bit annoying when you're trying to avoid accidental touches.

Performance: Where the Engine Starts to Sputter

Under the hood, the S26 Ultra is powered by the Unisoc T7300 processor, paired with 8GB of RAM.

For everyday tasks - like messaging, browsing and social media - it's fine. It gets the job done.

But as soon as you try to push it a bit harder - like when you want to play some games at a decent setting, or do some video editing - that's when the limitations start to show.

• Gaming requires reduced settings to avoid dropping frames

• Performance starts to slow down

• And don't even get me started on the heat - the "IceCool" system doesn't really deliver on its promises of thermal control.

Camera: It's Serviceable, Not Exactly a Winner

The camera on the S26 Ultra is... fine. Not exactly thrilling, but it gets the job done.

• 50MP main sensor that takes decent snaps in good lighting

• 32MP front camera that's good for social media snaps

• Autofocus that's pretty reliable

But pop the camera app open in low light, and... well, let's just say it's not exactly going to win any awards. Noise starts to creep in, details get lost, and you start to regret not splashing out on a better camera.

Video tops out at 1440p/30fps, and while stabilisation helps a bit - your expectations should be pretty modest.

Battery and Charging: A Clear Strength With a Catch

Now, the battery life on this thing is one of its real strong points:

• 6,000mAh capacity that easily lasts you a full day of heavy use

• You can stretch it into a second day with moderate use

But... there's a catch. The charging rate is a bit of a letdown:

• 18W charging that's a bit slow

• Full charge takes around 70-90 minutes - which, let's be real, is a bit of a slog.

Software: Clean, But Some Caveats

The phone runs on Android 15 with itel OS 15.

On the plus side:

• It's got a clean and simple interface

• Minimal bloatware (which is always a good thing)

• Basic customization options

But... the long-term support is a bit of an issue:

• Not exactly the most reliable track record when it comes to software updates

• Let's just say you won't be getting any fancy new features anytime soon.

Audio and Extras

• A single bottom speaker that's loud but a bit lacking in the bass department

• An in-display fingerprint sensor that's pretty reliable

• IP65 rating - which is just basic dust and splash resistance for now.

Not exactly the most exciting extras, but for the price, it's not like you're going to complain.

Final Verdict: Be Realistic About What You’re Buying

The itel S26 Ultra is a clear case of compromises made to fit a price tag.

What I like about it:

• Oh, that display - it’s an absolute bargain for the price you pay

• The battery life is seriously impressive - it really lasts

• I love the way this thing weighs next to nothing and looks pretty sharp too

Where it fails to impress:

• Performance gets pretty rubbish when you put the phone through its paces

• The camera’s okay, but it really struggles with low light situations

• Don't even get started on the charging speed - it's glacial

At KES 20,499, it kind of justifies the price – on the understanding that your expectations aren’t sky high.

Who actually needs this phone?

• Anyone who's mostly going to be streaming, browsing and social media-ing

• If your main priorities are going to be battery life and a good display, then it’s a decent pick

• Anyone who’s really pinched for cash, it might just do the trick

And who should be prepared to look elsewhere?

• Gamers who need something with a bit more oomph

• If you're a serious photography fan then you might find yourself disappointed

• If you want to know that you can rely on your phone to just get the job done