In an era where 5G smartphones are still considered premium by many, itel has broken that notion by launching the Zeno 5G—a fully loaded 5G smartphone priced under ₹10,000. With a balanced mix of design, performance, AI features, and long-lasting battery life, itel aims to bring future-ready technology to every pocket. Let’s dive into the full review of this budget marvel.
✅ Design & Display: Bold, Durable & Fluid
The itel Zeno 5G sports a large 6.67-inch HD+ IPS display with a resolution of 720 × 1,612 pixels. While HD+ might sound modest in today’s Full HD+ world, the 120Hz refresh rate and 240Hz touch sampling rate make up for it with smooth scrolling, responsive gaming, and fluid animations—especially at this price.
What sets the Zeno 5G apart is its slim profile and stylish aesthetics. At just 7.8 mm thickness, the phone feels light and compact in hand, while the unique water ripple texture on the back gives it both a premium feel and better grip. Available in Calx Titanium, Shadow Black, and Wave Green, the phone offers a modern look that doesn’t scream “budget”.
Another surprising addition is the Panda MN228 protective glass, which helps prevent scratches and minor drops. Moreover, the IP54 rating adds resistance against dust and water splashes—again, a rare inclusion in this segment.
⚙️ Performance & Processing Power: MediaTek Dimensity 6300
Under the hood, the itel Zeno 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor. This octa-core chipset is 5G-capable and is built to handle multitasking, light gaming, and daily usage without lag or stutter.
The phone comes with 4GB RAM, which can be virtually extended by another 4GB through Memory Fusion—a software-based feature that converts storage into additional memory. This is complemented by 128GB UFS 2.2 storage, offering better read/write speeds compared to eMMC-based storage. Plus, it supports expansion up to 1TB via microSD card, ensuring you never run out of space.
itel claims the phone is capable of delivering a lag-free experience for up to five years, thanks to software optimization and efficient hardware pairing. While only long-term use will confirm this, initial impressions suggest smooth performance for its class.
📸 Camera System: Focused on Everyday Shots
The Zeno 5G comes equipped with a 50MP AI Super HDR main camera with an f/1.6 aperture. This sensor does a decent job in daylight, capturing well-detailed photos with good color contrast. Thanks to AI optimization, it can handle backlit conditions and enhance HDR shots with better dynamic range.
On the front, there’s an 8MP selfie shooter that clicks serviceable selfies and is good enough for video calls. Both front and rear cameras support beauty modes, filters, and AI enhancements for social-media-ready pictures.
For videos, the rear camera can record up to 2K resolution at 30fps, which is again a rare offering in this price range. There’s no optical image stabilization or ultra-wide lens, but for casual users and budget-conscious creators, the Zeno 5G delivers solid camera performance.
🔋 Battery Life & Charging: Built to Last
Powering the Zeno 5G is a 5,000mAh battery, which is more than capable of getting you through an entire day and possibly even two, depending on your usage. Whether you’re streaming videos, scrolling through social media, or playing casual games, the battery holds up well.
The phone comes with a 10W charger in the box, but it also supports 18W fast charging if you use a compatible charger. While 10W is not the fastest in the market, it’s acceptable for this price range and ensures a full charge within a couple of hours.
itel also adds a layer of confidence by offering a 100-day free screen replacement program—a thoughtful addition for first-time smartphone users or buyers concerned about durability.
🧠 Software & AI Features: Smart and Snappy
The Zeno 5G runs on Android 14, layered with itel OS, the company’s own lightweight custom skin. Unlike many heavily bloated UIs, itel OS offers a near-stock Android experience with a few helpful customizations.
One of the standout software features is the Aivana AI voice assistant, which supports voice commands, translation, and even content suggestions. Whether you need help drafting a message or translating a foreign language, Aivana AI steps in as a handy assistant.
There’s also an Ask AI tool, designed for writing assistance, quick corrections, and productivity-based tasks. This is especially useful for students, freelancers, and content creators who work across languages.
The software experience is generally smooth, clean, and without unnecessary ads or bloatware—making it easy to recommend to non-tech-savvy users.
📶 Connectivity & Add-Ons: Truly Feature-Rich
Despite its budget nature, the Zeno 5G doesn’t cut corners on connectivity. It supports dual SIM 5G, ensuring future-ready network access as 5G expands across India. Other essential connectivity features include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.1, GPS, and USB-C with OTG support.
Some pleasant surprises include:
- IR Blaster: Control TVs, ACs, and more with your phone.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Scanner: Fast and responsive for secure unlocking.
- Face Unlock: Adds another convenient biometric option.
Such additions elevate the user experience and make itel stand out among other entry-level brands.
🎯 Who Should Buy It?
The itel Zeno 5G is perfect for:
- First-time 5G buyers looking for reliability and affordability.
- Students who need a long-lasting device with AI tools for productivity.
- Entry-level gamers who want smooth visuals with a 120Hz screen.
- Value-conscious users who appreciate camera, connectivity, and display extras.
If you’re on a tight budget but still want a phone that feels modern, capable, and 5G-ready, the Zeno 5G is one of the best options available today.
❌ What It Lacks (Limitations)
As impressive as the Zeno 5G is for its price, it does come with trade-offs:
- HD+ resolution may not be sharp enough for heavy media consumers.
- 10W charging is relatively slow by 2025 standards.
- No ultra-wide or macro lens limits creative photography.
- Only IP54-rated: Basic splash resistance, no full waterproofing.
Still, none of these are deal-breakers, especially when you consider the asking price.
💰 Pricing, Colors & Availability
The itel Zeno 5G is priced at ₹9,299, with an introductory Amazon discount of ₹1,000, bringing the effective price to ₹8,299.
It is available in three colors:
- Calx Titanium
- Shadow Black
- Wave Green
The phone is available exclusively on Amazon from June 10, 2025, and comes bundled with a 100-day screen replacement warranty for extra peace of mind.
🏁 Final Verdict
itel has delivered a powerful statement with the Zeno 5G. By combining a modern design, capable performance, long-lasting battery, and meaningful AI features—all wrapped in a sub-₹10k price point—itel proves that great smartphones don’t need to break the bank.
While it doesn’t offer every premium feature, it nails the essentials and even goes a step further in areas like 5G, display fluidity, and intelligent software.
🔚 Conclusion
The itel Zeno 5G is not just another budget phone—it’s a symbol of how far entry-level smartphones have come. Whether you’re buying your first 5G device, upgrading from an old 4G phone, or simply seeking dependable performance without spending a fortune, the Zeno 5G is well worth a spot on your shortlist.
For under ₹10,000, you’re getting a balanced package of speed, style, and smarts—and that’s hard to beat.
