This iTel S24 Smartphone Beats Some Flagships — Here’s Why.
If you’re like most people in Nigeria right now, you’re probably thinking of upgrading your phone — but the prices of big-name flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S24 or iPhone 14 Pro are just outrageous. We get it.
Spending ₦700,000 to over a million naira on a phone is just not realistic for many of us anymore, no matter how “smart” those phones claim to be.
But what if I told you there’s a smartphone under ₦90,000 that can actually rival some of these expensive flagships in ways that really matter — speed, battery, camera, and real everyday usability?
This isn’t just hype. In this review, I’ll break down a real ₦90k smartphone that punches way above its weight class and could easily become the best value-for-money smartphone in Nigeria right now.
Let’s get into the details.
What’s the Phone?
The phone in question is the iTel S24 — a device released earlier this year with barely any media noise, but quietly shaking up the budget phone market across Africa.
Now before you dismiss iTel because it’s usually known for basic entry-level phones, hear me out — this particular model feels like the company went all out to impress.
For ₦85,000 to ₦90,000 (depending on your location and the vendor), you’re getting features that would usually show up on phones in the ₦150k–₦200k range — or even more.
Why the iTel S24 Stands Out
Let’s walk through why this phone is impressing so many people and how it compares to some “flagships” in real-world use.
1. Performance: Shockingly Fast for the Price
You’d expect a phone under ₦90k to lag when switching apps or playing games. But the iTel S24 is powered by the MediaTek Helio G85 processor — the same chip used in more expensive phones like the Infinix Note 12 and Redmi 12C.
Pair that with 4GB or 8GB RAM (with memory fusion), and you’ll be surprised how smoothly it handles multitasking, even with WhatsApp, Facebook, Chrome, and music running in the background.
In real-world usage:
- You can game on it. Yes, even PUBG or Call of Duty on medium settings.
- No annoying freezing when switching between apps.
- It boots quickly and doesn’t overheat during long usage.
Many mid-range Samsung and older iPhones (like the iPhone 7 or 8) will struggle to give you this level of speed unless you’ve cleared everything out of memory.
2. Camera: 108MP Main Camera? At This Price?
Let’s be honest — you probably thought the camera would be trash. But here’s where the iTel S24 really flexes.
It comes with a 108MP main camera sensor, powered by Samsung’s ISOCELL technology.
No, that’s not a typo. 108. Mega. Pixels.
While it won’t beat the iPhone 14 Pro’s image processing in low light, in good lighting, this phone takes stunningly sharp photos — good enough for Instagram, YouTube thumbnails, and even product photography for your business.
Camera highlights:
- Detailed wide-angle shots in daylight
- Portrait mode with solid edge detection
- Decent night mode for the price
- 8MP front camera that handles selfies and video calls without turning your face into mashed yam
You’ll definitely impress your friends with the picture quality, and they’ll be shocked when you tell them how little you paid for it.
3. Battery Life: All Day and Then Some
One of the most annoying things with flagships is how quickly they die, especially when you’re using multiple features at once.
The iTel S24 has a 5,000mAh battery, which easily lasts a full day of heavy use and sometimes more.
You can:
- Stream Netflix or YouTube for 6+ hours straight
- Chat all day on WhatsApp
- Use it as a Wi-Fi hotspot
- Play music on Bluetooth
And still not hit 0% before bedtime.
It also supports 18W fast charging, so you’re not stuck at the socket for hours.
This makes it perfect for Nigerian users who don’t always have 24/7 light or access to power banks. It simply works, and lasts.
4. Display: Big, Bright, and Smooth
The S24 comes with a 6.6-inch IPS LCD display and a 90Hz refresh rate. That’s right — even some iPhones are still stuck at 60Hz.
You’ll feel the difference when scrolling — everything feels buttery smooth. Whether you’re browsing Twitter, reading blogs, or watching skits on TikTok, the experience is clean and fast.
The resolution is HD+, which isn’t as sharp as OLED displays on high-end phones, but for the price and size, it delivers well. Colours are punchy, and brightness is decent even under sunlight.
5. Storage and Expandability
You get:
- 128GB internal storage
- Expandable microSD slot (up to 512GB)
This means you can store:
- Thousands of pictures
- 50+ mobile games
- Dozens of movies
- Full offline gospel albums, Afrobeats, and lectures
Flagships may come with more storage, but they don’t always let you expand it — and once it fills up, you’re stuck.
6. Design and Build Quality
For a phone under ₦90,000, this thing actually looks premium.
The back has a matte finish that doesn’t collect fingerprints easily, and it comes in stylish colors like Starry Black and Coastline Blue.
It’s lightweight, slim, and feels good in your hand. iTel clearly made an effort to make this not look like a “cheap phone.”
The camera bump even mimics some iPhone and Samsung designs, giving you that flagship feel.
So How Does It Compare to Flagships?
Let’s break it down realistically:
| Feature | iTel S24 (₦90k) | iPhone 12 Pro (₦500k+) | Samsung Galaxy S21 (₦450k+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 108MP | 12MP | 12MP |
| Battery | 5000mAh | 2815mAh | 4000mAh |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Storage Expandable | Yes | No | No |
| Gaming Capable | Yes (medium settings) | Yes (high) | Yes (high) |
| Price | ₦90,000 | ₦500,000+ | ₦450,000+ |
Of course, the iPhone and Samsung flagships win in raw power, video quality, and overall ecosystem. But in real-world everyday use for the average Nigerian — calls, browsing, WhatsApp, Zoom, photography, and battery life — the S24 gives them a real run for their money.
Who Should Buy This Phone?
You’ll love this phone if:
- You’re a student or business owner on a budget
- You want a reliable phone that lasts all day
- You love taking pictures and creating content
- You need a fast phone without spending a fortune
- You’re tired of “managing” that old broken phone
It’s also perfect for gifting — for parents, younger siblings, or employees.
Where to Buy in Nigeria
The iTel S24 is available at:
- Jumia Nigeria (look for Jumia Express or Official Stores)
- Slot outlets nationwide
- Pointek, 3C Hub, and other trusted retailers
- Computer Village (if you’re okay with offline deals)
Make sure to check for warranty and avoid third-party sellers who tamper with packaging.
Final Verdict: A Game-Changer in the Budget Space
It’s not every day you see a phone this affordable that truly checks all the boxes: fast processor, beautiful design, stunning camera, smooth display, and a battery that refuses to quit.
While it’s not built to directly compete with ₦1 million flagships in every way, the iTel S24 beats them where it matters for real users in Nigeria — value, battery, durability, and camera.
If you’ve got ₦85k–₦90k to spend and you need something that actually delivers, don’t think twice. This phone is more than good — it’s arguably the best budget smartphone in Nigeria right now.