The itel CITY 100 shatters entry-level stereotypes

itel Mobile has stamped on its new CITY series, and the first phone to carry this banner is the itel CITY 100, pushing its journey of innovation. This is a bold move by itel that aims to redefine what entry-level smartphones can offer. True to its “Fun, Yet Strong” motto, the CITY 100 is positioned not just as a phone, but as a lifestyle statement for young, style-conscious users. With a sleek design and a surprising touch of elegance, this device reflects how far itel has come, blending premium aesthetics with affordability.

The phone was introduced in Uganda (late May), and we managed to get a device in Pure Titanium, one of three striking color options alongside Navy Blue and Fairy Purple, to review, and the first impression is, it’s clear itel dedicated ample time to deliver an entry-level contender that punches above its weight with AI enhancement, rugged design, and a massive battery guarantee

Upon buying the itel CITY, you are given a 20,000mAh power bank and a portable itel Magspeaker, however, this offer is limited to a number of people. In addition, courtesy of Airtel Uganda, customers will also get 9GB of data and a 100% bonus on their next top-up.

Unboxing

Inside the box, you get the itel CITY 100 in the color option you chose, an 18-watt charging brick, USB Type-C cable, 3.5mm earphones, and a phone case that magnetically supports the MagSpeaker. Something we rarely talk about are the earphones that come with these itel phones. They are not the best, nor are they the worst. However, itel has got to step up to start making better earphones, and implement the same efforts they do for their phones. Particularly this phone, the itel CITY 100, it does deserves good earphones considering that the phone looks premium.

Build, Design, and Display

The CITY 100 has a robust body, is lightweight, and, like I mentioned, it has a premium finish. It has plastic frames. It is IP64 certified, so it’s water splash and dust proof, but we highly recommend that the phone is not submerged in water because it doesn’t have the strength to. And it can survive drops up to 1.5 meters, however, we do not highly recommend that you drop your phone.

The design is typically the same across all smartphones. At the bottom, you have a microphone, a USB Type-C port, and a single speaker grill. The audio is fairly good coming from the single speaker grill, but it sounds much better with the MagSpeaker (if you’re one of the lucky ones that gets to have it). The MagSpeaker is not for sale; it’s an add-on available when you buy the phone.

On the right side, you have the volume and power buttons; the power button works as your fingerprint sensor. Setting up the fingerprint sensor takes less than a minute, and it works swiftly while unlocking your phone. The left side panel hosts the SIM-MicroSD tray. At the back is the camera setup coupled with an LED flashlight, while at the front, you get your selfie camera housed in a punch-hole notch, and there’s also an “Apple kind of” dynamic bar basically for your notifications. The top is clean and uncluttered.

The phone’s screen employs a flat IPS LCD panel that delivers adequate brightness and colors for everyday use, browsing, videos, and social media with smooth motion courtesy of its 90 Hz refresh rate. While it won’t rival AMOLEDs, the size is great for media consumption at this price point. Resolution is standard HD+.

Despite its modest 720p resolution, the display remains crisp, and its peak brightness of 700 nits ensures excellent visibility, even under direct sunlight or outdoors.

Lastly, the 6.75-inch device remains surprisingly manageable. It fits perfectly in one hand, aided by a textured grip.

Overall, the build, design, and display are good enough for an entry-level budget phone like the CITY 100.

Software, Performance, and Battery

The itel CITY 100 runs on Android 14, coupled with itel Pure OS 14.5, is a major win. The complete lack of bloatware ensures a clean, responsive, and clutter-free experience, rare in budget phones. App launches and switching feel snappy. Probably, itel’s next device will come with Android 15, well, 14 still works well for the CITY 100.

The phone is equipped with 4 GB of RAM expandable virtually to 8 GB via software, and 128 GB of internal storage, offering ample headroom for multitasking and app installations. Under the hood, a 12 nm Unisoc octa-core processor paired with a Mali-G57 GPU delivers smooth day-to-day performance for social media, messaging, and web browsing thanks to effective software optimization. Gaming performance is average: while casual titles run without issue, more demanding 3D games require reduced graphics settings to maintain playable frame rates, though the Mali-G57 still handles light gaming adequately.

It packs a massive 5,200 mAh battery that comfortably delivers all-day performance even under heavy use and often stretches into a second day for moderate users. When you do need a top-up, the 18 W fast-charging support provides a welcome speed boost, getting you back to full power in minimal time. Perhaps most impressively, itel is offering a 4-year battery health guarantee, which underscores a commitment to long-term reliability, offering unprecedented peace of mind in this segment.

Camera

The device’s camera system is capable but not spectacular, featuring a 13 MP rear shooter alongside an 8 MP front-facing lens. In well-lit conditions, it captures decent photos with acceptable detail and color accuracy, while low-light performance remains typical for its class, usable but prone to noise. Video recording tops out at 720p, making it adequate for basic clips but lacking in sharpness and stabilization. Overall, this camera setup is best suited for social-media snaps, video calls, and casual photography.

AI Integration

The CITY 100’s AI capabilities, spearheaded by DeepSeek, set it distinctly apart in the entry-level market. DeepSeek AI effortlessly transforms simple text prompts into custom wallpapers or applies artistic styles to existing images, giving users a level of creative control usually reserved for higher-end devices. This powerful image-generation feature not only personalizes the look and feel of the device but also showcases itel’s commitment to bringing sophisticated AI tools to budget-conscious consumers.

Beyond DeepSeek, the integrated AI Assistant delivers a suite of smart conveniences at the touch of a button. One-press AI search streamlines shopping inquiries or troubleshooting, while instant translation breaks down language barriers in real time. Image-to-text conversion simplifies data entry, AI writing assistance helps craft messages or notes, and call noise reduction ensures clearer conversations. Voice-activated shortcuts like “AI Voice Snap” further enhance hands-free operation, making daily tasks smoother and more efficient.

Collectively, these AI features elevate the CITY 100 from a basic smartphone to a productivity and creativity hub. By embedding advanced tools directly into Pure OS 14.5—without the need for extra downloads or subscriptions—itel demonstrates a clear vision for democratizing AI. Users gain access to next-generation functionality that empowers smarter, more connected lifestyles, all while maintaining the affordability and reliability that define the CITY series.

Verdict
The itel CITY 100 marks a compelling evolution in entry-level smartphones by combining a premium design language with practical durability and clean, bloat-free software. Its standout features, exceptional battery life supported by an unprecedented four-year health guarantee, and surprisingly advanced AI tools elevate the user experience well beyond what its modest price tag would suggest. This balance of hardware and software innovations makes the CITY 100 more than just a budget device; it redefines expectations for what an affordable handset can deliver.

This handset is tailored for budget-conscious buyers who refuse to compromise on look and feel, those who place battery longevity and reliability at the top of their priorities, and anyone seeking a streamlined Android experience free from unnecessary clutter. It also appeals to users with active or rough lifestyles who need a phone that can withstand the occasional drop or scratch, as well as early adopters curious to explore accessible AI features for creativity and productivity.

Of course, no device is without trade-offs. The CITY 100’s camera system delivers average low-light performance and is limited to 720p video capture—adequate for everyday snapshots and social-media clips, but not for those seeking cutting-edge imaging. Gaming performance is modest, meaning demanding 3D titles will require turned-down settings to remain playable. Likewise, the large flat display employs IPS LCD technology rather than OLED, so deep blacks and infinite contrast are beyond its remit.

Overall, itel has worked to elevate its brand in the crowded entry-level segment. The CITY 100 offers a clean interface peppered with meaningful innovations like DeepSeek AI and the game-changing battery guarantee. For anyone prioritizing long-term reliability, a polished user experience, and everyday practicality, the itel CITY 100 stands out as a remarkably competitive choice that punches well above its weight.

Price and Availability

The itel CITY 100 is available for purchase at all itel shops, Airtel service centres, and authorized smartphone vendors across the country for UGX350,000. Upon purchase, you get 9GB of data courtesy of Airtel Uganda, a 20,000mAh power bank, and MagSpeaker.

itel is working with MOGO to allow users to buy the phone in installments. The application process is seamless, requiring only a national ID and a mobile-money-registered SIM card—no collateral or proof of income needed. You can visit any MOGO Uganda retailer, itel shop, or an Airtel Service Center with your National ID >> make an initial deposit of 28%. The remaining balance can be paid in flexible daily, weekly, or monthly installments over up to 52 weeks, tailored to fit individual budgets.