itel recently unveiled the CITY 100, a budget smartphone that leans heavily into both form and function. The device packs a slim 7.65mm unibody frame, a 5200mAh battery with 18W fast charging, and IP64-rated durability. It also introduces magnetic accessories and built-in AI tools—all while staying comfortably within entry-level pricing.
A Slim, Seamless Build
At just 7.65mm, the CITY 100 is among the slimmest in its category. The unibody design means no visible seams or camera bumps, offering a smooth-in-hand experience that feels more premium than expected at this price point. This design choice doesn’t just look good—it adds to durability too, minimizing potential breakpoints.
Display and Durability
On the front is a 6.75-inch 90Hz High Brightness Display, boasting 700 nits peak brightness and 720×1600 resolution. Itel has added IP64 water and dust resistance, along with drop protection tested for up to 1.5 meters and 200 tumbles—making it surprisingly rugged for a phone this slim.
Battery That Lasts, and Then Some
The CITY 100 features a 5200mAh battery paired with 18W fast charging. Itel claims 1600+ battery cycles and a 4-year battery health guarantee. In testing, the device delivered nearly 70 hours of music playback and over 20 hours of YouTube streaming—numbers that rival midrange competitors.
Performance and Storage
Powered by a T7250 octa-core chipset, the phone supports up to 256GB of storage and up to 24GB RAM (8GB physical + 16GB virtual). It uses UFS 2.2 storage for faster app launches and file transfers. According to itel, that’s enough space for over 60,000 photos, 950+ apps, or nearly 100 full-length movies.
Built-In AI and Smart Features
The CITY 100 debuts with Pure OS 14.5, itel’s bloat-free Android skin. AI features include gesture controls, voice-activated photos, translation tools, and even an AI writer. One-press access launches the AI assistant directly. The device also supports DeepSeek AI, which learns user habits to optimize app performance and task handling.
Magnetic Accessories and Extras
Unique for this segment is the itel MagSpeaker, a snap-on accessory that turns the phone into a mini Bluetooth speaker. While sold separately and in limited supply, it signals itel’s attempt to inject more personality into its entry-level line.
Colour Options and Finish
The CITY 100 is available in three finishes:
- Fairy Purple: a light, whimsical shade with soft luster
- Pure Titanium: a matte, earthy grey tone
- Navy Blue: a cool-toned option inspired by crystal tones
Infrared Remote and Other Highlights
Other standout features include an infrared blaster to control home appliances, Dynamic Bar 2.0 for notifications, a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, and support for face unlock.
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