itel Zeno 10 hands-on: A budget smartphone for first-time users

The itel Zeno 10 has a practical design with flat edges and a textured back panel, complemented by a matte finish around the dual-camera setup. It is available in two striking colours: Phantom Crystal (dark green) and Opal Purple. As seen in the images, we tested the Phantom Crystal variant, which stands out with its subtle yet stylish appearance. It has a thickness of 8.7 mm and weighs 185 grams.

The phone features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button offers quick and reliable unlocking. The device also includes a USB Type-C port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a single speaker grille at the bottom. The SiM slot available on the left edge has slots for two nano-SIM cards and a microSD card. While the speaker is adequately loud for its class, sound quality takes a hit at higher volumes. itel has included a very attractive study case instead of a simple plastic one in the retail box.

The itel Zeno 10 features a 6.67-inch HD+ IPS LCD with a resolution of 1600 x 720 pixels and a pixel density of 267ppi. The 90Hz refresh rate, paired with a 120Hz touch sampling rate, ensures a smooth touch experience for basic operations. Colours appear reasonably vivid, and viewing angles are decent, making the screen suitable for casual video streaming and web browsing. An interesting feature is the customizable notch, which can transform into a pill-shaped bar for notifications and reminders, adding a touch of modernity to the user interface. For audiophiles, the device is equipped with a single bottom-firing speaker and a 3.5mm audio jack.

Powering the itel Zeno 10 is the Unisoc T603 chipset, paired with either 3GB or 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. The 3GB RAM variant supports up to 5GB of virtual RAM, while the 4GB version offers up to 8GB of virtual RAM. While 4GB of RAM may seem modest in today’s smartphone landscape, it is adequate for this price range, especially with virtual RAM extending its multitasking capabilities.

To avoid lag, users should focus on light to moderate usage, such as messaging, browsing, and running basic apps. Minimising the number of background apps and clearing the cache regularly can help maintain smooth performance. Casual 2D games run without any issues, but heavier games struggle even at the lowest settings.

The itel Zeno 10 is equipped with a 5,000mAh battery that easily lasts a full day with moderate usage. Activities such as browsing, social media, and video playback are comfortably supported on a single charge. However, the 10W charging speed means it takes over 2:30 hours to recharge, which could be inconvenient for some users. While the battery life is commendable, faster charging would have added more convenience.

The itel Zeno 10 is equipped with an 8-megapixel primary camera paired with an AI lens, while the front houses a 5-megapixel selfie shooter. The camera app offers photography modes, such as Portrait, Wide, HDR, Panorama, Short Videos, Slow Motion, and AR Shot. In well-lit conditions, the main camera captures decent photos with natural colours and satisfactory detail. However, focus can be slow, and the shutter lags at times, making it less ideal for action shots. The selfie camera is suitable for casual use, offering sharp but slightly overexposed images. Video recording is limited to 1080p at 30fps, which is acceptable for basic needs but lacks stabilisation. I found the camera app to be a bit laggy.

The Zeno 10 runs on Android 14 (Go Edition), a lightweight operating system tailored for entry-level devices. The interface is clean and user-friendly, with minimal bloatware that can be uninstalled if not required.

The itel Zeno 10 is priced at Rs 5,699 for the 3GB+64GB variant and Rs 6,099 for the 4GB+64GB version. It is available in two attractive colour options: Phantom Crystal and Opal Purple.

The itel Zeno 10 is a well-rounded entry-level smartphone that strikes a good balance between affordability and essential features. The inclusion of a large display, a 5,000mAh battery, and Android 14 (Go Edition) makes it a practical choice for budget-conscious buyers.

While the Zeno 10’s performance and cameras are basic, they are sufficient for light users. If you are looking for an affordable device for calling, messaging, and casual entertainment, the Zeno 10 is worth considering. However, those seeking gaming or advanced multitasking capabilities may need to explore higher-tier options.

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