Consumer Tech

The itel P55 Plus: Affordable, Reliable, and Stylish - A Comprehensive Review

Discover the itel P55 Plus: Affordable yet powerful, this smartphone strikes a balance between performance and budget.

The itel P55 Plus, a recent addition to the P55 series, is built on the strengths of its predecessor while offering a more premium experience. Just like the iPhone, the new smartphone comes with an iPhone-like Dynamic Bar that allows users to quickly access notification and face unlock features.

At ₦150,000 ($150), the smartphone packs more power and functionality. Let’s see what’s under the hood.

Pros

Powerful Performance: The Unisoc T606 processor is a step up from the P55's T610, offering improved performance for multitasking and light gaming.
Exceptional Battery Life: Like its sibling, the P55 Plus boasts a massive 5000mAh battery, ensuring all-day usage and even longer with moderate usage.
45W Fast Charging: The 45W fast charging capability remains a highlight, allowing you to power up quickly during short breaks.
Smooth Display: The 90Hz refresh rate on the 6.6-inch IPS LCD makes scrolling and animations feel smoother than standard 60Hz displays.
Decent Cameras: The 50MP main rear camera captures acceptable photos in good lighting, while the 8MP front camera is suitable for selfies and video calls.

itel P55 Plus Camera

Ample Storage: Starting with 128GB storage (with a 256GB option available), you'll have more breathing room for apps, photos, and videos compared to the base P55.
Latest Android OS: The phone runs Android 13, offering access to the latest features and security updates.
Vegan Leather Design: While not genuine leather, the back panel offers a more premium feel than the plastic build of the P55.

Cons

Display Resolution: Despite the 90Hz refresh rate, the 720p resolution remains a limitation, offering less sharp visuals compared to higher-resolution displays.
Software Experience: The custom UI on top of Android 13 may not be universally loved and could potentially impact performance.
Limited Cameras: While decent for basic use, the cameras won't impress photography enthusiasts, especially in low-light conditions.
No Ambient Light Sensor: This omission can affect automatic brightness adjustments, potentially impacting battery life and user experience.

Pricing

While more affordable than many flagship phones, the P55 Plus might still be out of reach for some budget-conscious buyers.

Final thoughts

The itel P55 Plus offers a compelling upgrade over the P55, particularly for users who prioritize long battery life, fast charging, smooth performance, and a more premium feel. However, compromises remain in display resolution, software experience, and camera capabilities.