Before Samsung could officially unveil its Galaxy S25 lineup, another company beat it to the punch — and did so at a fraction of the price. itel, the budget smartphone brand, launched its own itel S25 and itel S25 Ultra in the Philippines, targeting cost-conscious buyers looking for premium-style hardware without a premium price tag. This bold move — releasing before Samsung company cheap alternatives — has turned heads in the budget smartphone market.
- itel launched the S25 and S25 Ultra in the Philippines ahead of Samsung's Galaxy S25 series, targeting budget buyers with affordable pricing.
- The itel S25 starts at PHP 5,799 (~Rs 8,300) while the S25 Ultra starts at PHP 10,999 (~Rs 15,800), both featuring 50MP main cameras and AMOLED displays.
- The S25 Ultra adds a Unisoc T620 chipset, curved display, Corning Gorilla Glass 7i protection, and an in-display fingerprint scanner over the base model.
itel S25 Beats Samsung to the Market with Budget Pricing
The timing of itel's launch is deliberate and clever. Samsung's Galaxy S25 series was anticipated for a February reveal, but itel moved early to capture consumer attention — and search traffic — by naming its devices identically. Both the itel S25 and itel S25 Ultra are successors to the company's S24 series and are clearly designed to visually echo Samsung's aesthetic, featuring a square camera module design and a distinctive ring-light flash arrangement on the rear panel.
Currently available in the Philippines, these phones represent itel's push into the mid-range AMOLED segment, an area typically dominated by larger brands. Whether you're a deal-hunter or simply want a stylish smartphone on a tight budget, itel's S25 lineup deserves a closer look. Browse more devices in our itel smartphones section.
itel S25 Specs and Price
The standard itel S25 comes equipped with a 6.78-inch flat AMOLED display running at Full HD+ resolution with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate — specs that are typically reserved for phones twice the price. Photography is handled by a capable 50-megapixel main camera on the rear, paired with a 32-megapixel front-facing camera for selfies and video calls.
Audio fans will appreciate the inclusion of DTS Audio support, while the 5,000mAh battery ensures you can get through a full day without hunting for a charger. The phone also carries an IP54 splash-resistance rating, offering everyday peace of mind against light rain or accidental spills. Chipset details have not been officially disclosed by itel at this time.
The itel S25 is priced starting at PHP 5,799 (approximately Rs 8,300) and is available in three color options: Bromo Black, Mambo Mint, and Sahara Gleam.
itel S25 Ultra Specs and Price
If you want more refinement, the itel S25 Ultra steps things up considerably. Its curved AMOLED display brings a flagship-inspired feel, and the glass is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 7i — a notable inclusion at this price tier. Under the hood, the device is powered by the Unisoc T620 chipset.
Camera specs mirror the base model with a 50-megapixel rear and 32-megapixel front shooter, but the Ultra adds an in-display fingerprint scanner for a more seamless unlocking experience. Water resistance is also upgraded to an IP64 rating, providing better protection against dust and water compared to the base S25.
How Does the itel S25 Ultra Compare to the Base S25?
The key upgrades in the Ultra model include the curved display with Gorilla Glass 7i, a confirmed Unisoc T620 processor, an in-display fingerprint sensor, and the improved IP64 rating versus the base model's IP54. For buyers willing to spend more, the Ultra offers a noticeably more premium experience.
The itel S25 Ultra starts at PHP 10,999 (approximately Rs 15,800) and comes in Meteor Titanium, Bromo Black, and Komodo Ocean colorways.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the itel S25 available outside the Philippines?
At launch, itel has officially released the S25 and S25 Ultra in the Philippines. Availability in other markets, including India, has not been confirmed yet. Check local itel retailers for regional availability updates.
What is the chipset in the itel S25?
itel has not officially disclosed the chipset details for the base itel S25 model. The itel S25 Ultra, however, is confirmed to run on the Unisoc T620 processor.
How does the itel S25 compare to Samsung's Galaxy S25?
The itel S25 is a budget device launching before Samsung's Galaxy S25, which is expected to feature flagship-grade processors and cameras. The itel S25 targets affordability, starting at PHP 5,799, while Samsung's Galaxy S25 will be a premium offering at a significantly higher price point.
