itel A90 : The budget smartphone segment has long been associated with compromise. Users expecting smooth performance, ample storage, and modern display technology typically needed to stretch their budgets considerably.

The itel A90 challenges these assumptions by delivering specifications that would have been flagship-exclusive just a few years ago, all while maintaining a price point that genuinely surprises.

This device proves that thoughtful engineering can bring premium features to entry-level markets.

Storage Revolution in the Budget Segment

The inclusion of 128GB internal storage in the itel A90 represents a significant departure from typical budget offerings.

While competitors often limit entry-level devices to 32GB or 64GB, forcing users into constant storage management, itel recognizes that modern smartphone usage demands more space.

Photos, videos, apps, and offline content consumption all compete for storage, and the A90 provides breathing room that transforms the user experience.

This generous storage allocation means users can install their favorite apps without immediately worrying about running out of space.

Social media apps, which often balloon to several gigabytes with cached data, no longer require constant clearing.

Photographers can capture moments freely without the dreaded “storage full” notification interrupting important occasions. The psychological freedom this provides cannot be understated, especially for users upgrading from devices with limited storage.

Real-World Storage Impact

The practical benefits of 128GB storage extend beyond simple math. Users report being able to download entire seasons of shows for offline viewing during commutes. Music lovers store extensive libraries without relying on data-hungry streaming.

Parents capture countless photos and videos of growing children without the painful decision of which memories to delete. This storage capacity essentially eliminates one of the most frustrating aspects of budget smartphone ownership.

The storage implementation uses eMMC technology, which while not as fast as UFS standards in premium phones, provides perfectly adequate performance for the target market.

App installations complete reasonably quickly, and file transfers proceed without frustrating delays. The system reserves approximately 15GB for Android and pre-installed apps, leaving users with roughly 113GB of usable space—still generous by budget standards.

90Hz Display: Smoothness for Everyone

Perhaps more surprising than the storage is the inclusion of a 90Hz refresh rate display. This feature, once exclusive to gaming phones and flagships, fundamentally changes how the phone feels in daily use. Scrolling through social media feeds becomes noticeably smoother.

Animations appear more fluid. Even simple tasks like navigating home screens feel more responsive and modern.

The 6.7-inch LCD panel might not match AMOLED quality, but itel’s implementation impresses for the price point. Colors appear reasonably vibrant, with the higher refresh rate somewhat compensating for the LCD technology’s inherent limitations.

Brightness levels prove adequate for indoor use and acceptable outdoors, though direct sunlight remains challenging—a reasonable limitation given the price point.

Optimizing for Efficiency

Running a 90Hz display on budget hardware requires careful optimization, and itel deserves credit for their approach.

The refresh rate dynamically adjusts based on content, dropping to 60Hz for static images to conserve battery.

This intelligent switching happens seamlessly, maintaining the perception of smoothness while extending battery life. Users can also manually lock the refresh rate to 60Hz if preferring maximum battery duration over visual fluidity.

The touch sampling rate, while not reaching flagship levels, provides responsive input that complements the smooth display.

Gaming performance benefits notably, with supported titles feeling more immediate and responsive compared to traditional 60Hz budget phones.

Even casual games like puzzle titles feel elevated by the smoother animations and reduced input lag.

Performance Balance

The Unisoc T606 processor powering the A90 represents a sensible choice for this market segment. While not breaking benchmark records, it delivers consistent performance for everyday tasks.

Social media browsing, messaging, web surfing, and media consumption all proceed without frustrating stutters. The 4GB of RAM helps maintain smooth multitasking, keeping several apps in memory without aggressive reloading.

The combination of adequate processing power, sufficient RAM, and the 90Hz display creates an experience that punches above its price class.

Users migrating from older budget devices often express surprise at how premium the A90 feels in daily use. This perception matters more than raw specifications, as it directly impacts user satisfaction and device longevity.

Design and Build Considerations

Budget constraints obviously influence design choices, but itel managed to create something that doesn’t immediately scream “cheap.”

The plastic construction feels solid rather than hollow. The rear panel features a textured finish that resists fingerprints while providing secure grip. Color options include subtle gradients that add visual interest without appearing garish.

The camera module design follows current trends with a rectangular island housing multiple sensors.

While the additional lenses might be more about appearance than functionality, they contribute to a modern aesthetic that helps the device blend in rather than stand out as obviously budget-focused.

Port selection remains practical, including a headphone jack that many users still appreciate.

Battery Life and Charging

A 5000mAh battery powers the A90, providing endurance that often exceeds more expensive devices. The efficient processor and intelligent display management contribute to impressive battery life.

Most users report comfortable full-day usage, with lighter users stretching into a second day. This reliability proves crucial for the target market, where constant access to charging might not always be guaranteed.

Charging happens via micro-USB, a decision that keeps costs down while acknowledging that many budget-conscious users already own compatible cables.

While USB-C would be preferable, this compromise makes sense given the overall value proposition. The 10W charging speed won’t win any races, but overnight charging easily replenishes the battery for another day of use.

itel A90 Value Proposition Redefined

The itel A90 succeeds by identifying what truly matters to budget smartphone users and delivering those features without unnecessary extras.

The 128GB storage and 90Hz display address real pain points that significantly impact daily usage. By focusing resources on these meaningful improvements rather than chasing specifications that sound impressive but barely affect real-world experience, itel created a device that genuinely improves users’ digital lives without straining their finances.

This thoughtful approach to budget smartphone design deserves recognition and, more importantly, consideration from anyone seeking maximum value in their next device.