Transsion Holdings sub-brand Itel has introduced a new smartphone model tailored to the entry-level gaming market.

The new Itel P65, now available on the company’s official online store, is a bold attempt to capture the attention of budget-conscious gamers seeking a device that doesn’t break the bank.

Priced at P6,599 (around $114) for its sole 4GB RAM/128GB storage variant, the P65 is already an enticing proposition. However, aggressive online discounts on platforms like Shopee can bring the price down to as low as P3,932 ($68), making it a truly wallet-friendly option.

What sets the handset apart is its gaming-centric aesthetic. Despite its entry-level price tag, the it sports a mecha-inspired back cover and a captivating color-changing LED ring light, appealing to gamers who appreciate a touch of flair.

Under the hood, the Itel P65 packs a surprising punch for its price point. It boasts a 120Hz 720p LCD display, ensuring smooth visuals, and a capable 50-megapixel main camera for decent photography.

Powering the phone is a Unisoc T615 SoC. While not a flagship-grade processor, the T615, with its two Cortex-A75 performance cores and six Cortex-A55 efficiency cores, should handle most gaming tasks with reasonable proficiency, especially at lower graphics settings.

The inclusion of a single-core Mali-G57 GPU is noteworthy, as it suggests that the Itel P65 could potentially handle demanding titles, albeit with graphical compromises. It’s essential to note that the T615 is closely related to the T616 found in more expensive devices like the Itel S23 Plus and realme C35, suggesting similar performance results when it comes to benchmarks and gaming.

To keep the unit powered through gaming sessions, Itel has equipped the P65 with a 5,000mAh battery, which should provide ample juice for extended gameplay. Additionally, the smartphone supports 18-watt fast charging, allowing for quicker top-ups between gaming marathons.

While not new to the budget segment, Itel’s decision to set its sights squarely on those who are on the market for a cheap phone with a unique, gaming-oriented design is a smart one. With a growing number of mobile gamers in the Philippines, offering a device that combines affordability with features rarely seen in this price range could prove to be a successful formula.

Launch promo for the Itel P65 (and Itel VistaTab 10)

Itel P65 specs

• 6.7-inch LCD display, HD+ resolution, 120Hz refresh rate
• 12nm Unisoc T615 4G processor
• Mali-G57 MP1 GPU
• 4GB LPDDR4X RAM
• 128GB storage
• Dual 50-megapixel main, AI rear cameras
• 8-megapixel front camera
• Side fingerprint reader
• 5,000mAh battery with 18-watt fast charging
• Itel OS 14 based on Android 14
• Colors: Cyber Black, Cyber Titanium, Cyber Blaze

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