In the world of budget smartphones, few brands have made an impact quite like itel. Known for delivering affordable mobile experiences with essential features tailored for everyday users, itel is now gearing up to launch a brand-new smartphone—itel CITY 100—on July 4, 2025. With teasers already sparking interest and leaks hinting at impressive features, the CITY 100 might redefine what consumers can expect from an entry-level device.
This blog dives into everything we know so far: from the expected specifications and features to its design, pricing, software, and who it’s best suited for.
Brand Positioning: What Does the “CITY” Series Stand For?
itel has a stronghold in emerging markets like India and Africa, where affordability and reliability are paramount. The “CITY” in itel CITY 100 likely represents an attempt to appeal to urban budget users—students, gig workers, and families looking for a secondary device.
The CITY series may emphasize urban-centric needs like decent cameras, large displays, good battery life, and reliable network connectivity—all without exceeding the ₹7,000–₹8,000 price bracket.
Design & Build: Simple, Sleek, and Sensible
Based on early render leaks and itel’s design philosophy, the itel CITY 100 will likely come with a polycarbonate unibody build and a matte finish back panel that resists fingerprints. It’s expected to be slim for its price range, weighing around 180g to 190g, with rounded edges for a comfortable grip.
Color options could include:
- Midnight Black
- Sky Blue
- Mint Green
- Metallic Grey
It may also include a side-mounted or rear-mounted fingerprint sensor for added security—a nice addition in the sub-₹8,000 category.
Display: Large & Bright for Daily Use
The CITY 100 is rumored to feature a 6.56-inch HD+ IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1600×720 pixels. A waterdrop notch is expected to house the front camera, a common feature in budget phones to maximize screen space.
With a peak brightness of around 500 nits, users can expect decent visibility in outdoor environments, and a 90Hz refresh rate might be included, making it one of the few devices in its price range to offer smoother scrolling and UI transitions.
Performance & Processor: Reliable Daily Driver
Under the hood, the itel CITY 100 is expected to be powered by the Unisoc T606 or T612 chipset—an octa-core processor that balances efficiency and performance. While it won’t compete with mid-range or premium phones, it will be more than capable of handling:
- Basic multitasking
- Social media apps
- Video streaming
- Light gaming
It will likely come in two variants:
- 4GB RAM + 64GB Storage
- 6GB RAM + 128GB Storage (Expandable via microSD up to 512GB)
itel may also offer Memory Fusion (Virtual RAM), allowing users to add an additional 4GB of virtual RAM for smoother app switching.
Camera Setup: Functional Dual Lens System
itel smartphones traditionally focus on delivering usable camera setups instead of hyped megapixel counts. The CITY 100 is rumored to feature a dual rear camera setup:
- Primary: 13MP AI Camera
- Secondary: VGA or Depth Sensor
The camera will support basic AI features like HDR, Portrait Mode, Beauty Mode, and Night Mode.
On the front, the CITY 100 may house an 8MP selfie shooter capable of 1080p video recording and face beautification filters—perfect for video calls and casual selfies.
Software Experience: Clean and Light
itel is known for optimizing Android for budget devices. The CITY 100 will likely ship with itel OS based on Android 13 Go Edition, a lightweight OS that runs smoothly on entry-level hardware.
Expected software features:
- Smart Gestures
- App Freezer
- Game Mode
- Face Unlock
- Kids Mode
itel typically avoids bloatware, giving users a clean and functional Android experience out of the box.
Battery & Charging: All-Day Power
One of the standout features of the itel CITY 100 is likely to be its 5000mAh battery. Paired with a power-efficient Unisoc processor and Go Edition software, users can expect:
- Up to 24 hours of talk time
- 14–15 hours of video playback
- 2 days of moderate usage
Charging may be handled via a 10W USB Type-C charger, which is a good upgrade over the traditional micro-USB found in older budget phones.
Connectivity: Covers the Basics
itel CITY 100 will likely support 4G VoLTE on dual SIMs, along with:
- Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
- Bluetooth 5.0
- GPS with A-GPS
- FM Radio
- 3.5mm audio jack
No 5G support is expected, but that’s acceptable for the target segment.
Price Expectations and Availability
itel is expected to keep the CITY 100 priced competitively, possibly launching in two price brackets:
- 4GB/64GB variant: ₹6,999 – ₹7,499
- 6GB/128GB variant: ₹7,999 – ₹8,499
The phone will be available across offline retail stores, Amazon, Flipkart, and itel’s official website starting July 4.
itel may also bundle free earphones or a screen protector with early purchases, as part of launch-day offers.
Who Should Buy the itel CITY 100?
The CITY 100 is aimed at:
- First-time smartphone users
- Students and college-goers on a tight budget
- Elderly users needing basic connectivity
- Secondary phone users
- Rural and semi-urban users
Its large display, good battery life, clean OS, and decent performance make it ideal for day-to-day communication, streaming, and light productivity.
Market Impact: Can itel Disrupt Again?
With the CITY 100, itel seems to be taking its value-for-money promise seriously. In a time when smartphone prices are steadily climbing, this launch might help itel maintain its grip on the entry-level segment.
If the phone delivers on battery life, display quality, and basic performance, it could seriously threaten other entry-level offerings from Lava, Micromax, and Infinix.
itel’s strong offline distribution network will also play a key role in its success, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
Conclusion
The upcoming itel CITY 100 is more than just another budget phone. It represents an opportunity for millions of Indians to own a well-rounded smartphone without breaking the bank. With thoughtful features like a large HD+ display, reliable battery, clean OS, and expected affordability, the CITY 100 is shaping up to be a smart choice in the under ₹8,500 segment.
As it launches on July 4, all eyes will be on how well itel delivers on its promises—and whether the CITY 100 becomes the next big name in India’s entry-level smartphone market.
FAQs
Q1. What is the launch date of the itel CITY 100?
A1. The itel CITY 100 is set to launch on July 4, 2025.
Q2. Will the itel CITY 100 support 5G?
A2. No, it is expected to be a 4G-only device.
Q3. What is the expected price of the CITY 100 in India?
A3. Between ₹6,999 to ₹8,499 depending on the variant.
Q4. Does the CITY 100 have fast charging?
A4. It is expected to support 10W standard charging.
Q5. Will itel CITY 100 be available offline?
A5. Yes, itel has a strong offline presence and the CITY 100 will be available in retail stores as well as online platforms.
