itel RS4 Review, Full Specs, Sample Camera Photos, Price and Availability

In the Philippines' mobile market that's starting to become crowded with flagship and midrange devices donning hefty price tags, hotshot tech brand itel steps onto the scene with a refreshing proposition: a budget-friendly gaming smartphone tailored for young consumers and Pinoy mobile gaming enthusiasts who refuse to compromise on quality. Say goodbye to budget constraints and hello to endless gaming possibilities – the itel RS4 is here to redefine the rules of the game.

Now, you might be wondering, "What sets the itel RS4 apart from the crowd?" Well, TP Friends, that's precisely what we're here to uncover. 

From its sleek design to its stellar gaming performance, we're about to dive deep into the world of the itel RS4 and discover what makes it a force to be reckoned with in the gaming arena for budget-conscious consumers.

Check out the racing-inspired, handsome design of itel RS4!

TechPinas is not just here to spill the beans; You are invited to join in this exhilarating journey. So grab your favorite beverage, get cozy, and prepare to be wowed as we unravel the mysteries of the itel RS4. Curious to learn more? Dive into the full review by TechPinas and prepare to be amazed. The game is on – let's play!

Price and Availability in the Philippines

Firstly, let's address the crucial aspect of price and availability. The itel RS4 comes in two configurations: 16GB + 128GB priced at PHP 6,299 and 24GB + 256GB priced at PHP 7,499. 

This competitive pricing strategy positions it as an enticing option for gamers seeking performance without breaking the bank. The official launch date in the Philippines is set for April 15, 2024.

Today marks the highly anticipated launch of the itel RS4 series. As a gesture of appreciation to its eager customers, itel is offering a choice of complimentary gifts with purchase: the sleek itel A10 EARBUDS or the dynamic itel BudsFire, available in limited quantities. 

The RS4 series promises top-notch performance and style, with sale prices starting at around PHP 4,000 exclusively through Shopee vouchers on launch day. Available in two configurations, the RS4 boasts ample storage options: the (8+8 128GB) variant and the robust (12+12 256GB) model. For more information and to secure your RS4, visit the product listing URLs: (8+8 128GB) https://tinyurl.com/RS4128 and (12+12 256GB) https://tinyurl.com/RS4256. Don't miss out on this opportunity to experience innovation at its finest with the itel RS4.

Quick Unboxing and Package Contents

The excitement that comes with this ultimate gaming smartphone starts with the unboxing experience. itel RS4 greets users with this sleek packaging, designed in collaboration with Free Fire. 

itel RS4 ships in this sizable Red and Black box featuring a Free Fire character and the model name printed on the cover.

RS4 is printed on the side with an attractive iridescent finish. Below, there's a sticker saying that the handset comes with 12 months warranty.

At the back of the box, itel had listed down the key technical specifications and the main selling points of the RS4, giving an idea to consumers about the caliber of handset that they will buy.

The box features a magnetic closure, which I find unique and exciting. This gives a hint as to how special this smartphone is, compared to other handsets in its price bracket.

Inside the box, alongside the device itself, users will find essential accessories such as a USB Type-C charging cable, a 45W fast travel charger, a transparent soft silicone case, and a metal pin for ejecting the SIM card tray. 

This is the complete and official itel RS4 retail package here in the Philippines.

The inclusion of these accessories in the box ensures users have everything they need to get started right away.

Design

The design of the itel RS4 exudes a premium aesthetic, with a focus on gaming-inspired elements. As I've shared on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, I find it very handsome and attractive.

For me, the identifying physical characteristic of the itel RS4 would have to be its large circular camera module at the back, which I think looks like a racing car wheel.

Available in three colorways - Silvery White, Lurex Black, and Elegant Beige (coming soon) - the device boasts great craftsmanship that will certainly appeal to gamers.

What I have here it the Silvery White colorway and as you can see, its polycarbonate midframe features a metallic finish. On the right side, you will see the volume rocker and the power button with an integrated side-mounted fingerprint scanner.

On the left side, you will see the SIM card tray, which can be ejected using the provided metal pin.

On the top panel, there's a row of holes one of the two loudspeakers and you will also see the words "Designed by itel".

At the rear, the phone dons a 3.5mm audio jack, a microphone pinhole, the USB Type C port, and another row of holes for the secondary loudspeaker. The two loudspeakers provides an enhanced sound experience, especially when playing your favorite games.

The slim and compact build, with dimensions of 163.5 x 75.5 x 8.3 mm and weighing just 198 grams, ensures comfortable handling during extended gaming sessions. The ultra-thin profile certainly adds to the phone's sleek appeal.

Despite having a budget-friendly price tag, itel RS4 looks more expensive than it actually is. If you ask me, this is a handset that you won't be shy to flaunt outside with friends, classmates, or officemates. I believe seeing its design is enough to make them curious about this model. You'll love flashing this phone when you're out and about.

Display

At the forefront of the gaming experience lies the display -- and the itel RS4 certainly doesn't disappoint in this department. Featuring a 6.56-inch IPS LCD panel with a resolution of 720 x 1612 pixels and a 20:9 aspect ratio, the device offers crisp visuals and vibrant colors. 

The standout feature here is the support for a 120Hz refresh rate, providing smoother animations and gameplay compared to traditional displays. 

Moreover, the Sunlight Screen Technology enhances visibility in bright outdoor environments, catering to gamers who enjoy gaming on the go.

Although I would have appreciated getting a FullHD+ screen on the device, I found its HD+ display thoroughly enjoyable to use and navigate. The details and colors that I get are pleasing and brilliant.

Cameras

While primarily focused on gaming, the itel RS4 delivers decently on camera capabilities. On the rear, it sports a 50 MegaPixel main camera with autofocus, accompanied by an auxiliary lens and an LED flash. 

Here are some sample photos that I took using the itel RS4's main camera at the back. Kindly tap photos for larger view:

At Espiritu Santo Parish Church where I was baptized

2X Zoom

Street Intersection in Broad Daylight

Building at Dusk

Sample High-Contrast Scene

Sample Low-Light Photo

itel RS4 delivers good bokeh in close-up photography.

Some greenery

The front-facing 8 MP selfie camera, featuring an LED torch light, ensures clear and bright self-portraits even in low-light conditions.

Here are some sample selfies that I took using the front-cam of the itel RS4. Kindly tap the photos for larger view:

With natural light

With LED torch light

While not groundbreaking, the camera setup suffices for casual point-and-shoot photography.

Video Recording

In terms of video recording, the itel RS4's front and back cameras support 2K, 1080p, and 720p recording at 30fps, delivering decent quality videos suitable for social media sharing and casual filming. However, enthusiasts looking for advanced video features may find the options limited.

Internal Hardware

The itel RS4 is powered by the MediaTek Helio G99 Ultimate chipset, built on a 6nm process, ensuring efficient performance without draining the battery. 

The octa-core CPU configuration, consisting of 2 x 2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 cores and 6 x 2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, delivers a balance of power and efficiency. Paired with Mali-G57 MC2 GPU, the device excels in handling graphically demanding games with ease.

In terms of memory, the itel RS4 offers two variants: 8GB RAM + 8GB RAM expansion (16GB total) and 12GB RAM + 12GB RAM expansion (24GB total). This ample memory ensures smooth multitasking and seamless app switching, contributing to an enhanced gaming experience. 

itel's MemFusion technology lets the user boost RAM performance by borrowing space from the internal storage.

Additionally, the option for memory expansion via a dedicated microSD slot allows the user to augment storage capacity for storing games and media without sacrificing Dual SIM capability.

Software

Running on Android 13, the itel RS4 provides users with the latest features and security enhancements offered by the Android ecosystem. 

itel RS4's user interface is neat, organized, and easy to navigate. I don't think anyone, regardless of age, will feel confused when using and customizing it.

The device also includes several proprietary software optimizations aimed at enhancing gaming performance and user experience. Features such as MemFusion, Dynamic Bar, Smart Panel, and Game Mode cater specifically to gamers, offering customization options and performance tweaks.

itel's AIVANA Voice Assistance performs a variety of tasks - like playing music, sending messages, and even taking photos - and makes use of AI to give you a great mobile experience when using the itel RS4.

Gaming Performance and Benchmark Test Score

If there's one department where itel RS4 shines the brightest, it's definitely in terms of mobile gaming. Powered by the MediaTek Helio G99 Ultimate chipset, the device delivers stellar gaming performance in its price range.

Free Fire on itel RS4

With a high frequency of up to 2.2 GHz and support for smooth operation of large mobile games, including popular titles like Free Fire and Mobile Legends Bang Bang, gamers can expect high frame rates and fluid gameplay. The 120Hz high refresh rate display further elevates the gaming experience, providing smoother animations and responsive touch controls.

You can turn on "High" Frame Rate and "Ultra" Graphics when you play Mobile Legends Bang Bang on the itel RS4

Enjoy ultra-smooth MLBB gameplay on the itel RS4

Get a stutter-free Free Fire gaming experience on the itel RS4

itel RS4 with its MediaTek Helio G99 Ultimate processor, Mali-G57 MC2 GPU, 12+12GB RAM, and 256GB eMMC 5.1 internal storage got a score of 424,764 when I ran AnTutu Benchmark Test on the handset.

Privacy and Security Features

Privacy and security are paramount in this digital age and the itel RS4 ensures users' data remains protected. Equipped with a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, facial recognition, pattern, and passcode unlock options, the device offers multiple layers of security to safeguard user information. 

These features provide convenient yet robust authentication methods, giving users peace of mind knowing their device is secure.

Battery and Charging Speed

The itel RS4 packs a sizable 5,000 mAh battery, ensuring extended gaming sessions without worrying about running out of power. 

What's more impressive is the 45W PowerCharge fast charging technology, capable of charging the device to 80% in just 30 minutes and achieving a full charge in only an hour. 

Just make sure that you use the provided 45W travel charger to enable the itel RS4's PowerCharge capability.

This feature is a game-changer for gamers who demand quick recharge times to minimize downtime between gaming sessions.

Verdict

The itel RS4 is definitely compelling option for budget-conscious gamers seeking a feature-packed device. With its powerful hardware, innovative features, and racing-inspired design, it delivers an immersive gaming experience without breaking the bank. While it may not compete with flagship devices in terms of camera performance or network capabilities, its focus on gaming prowess makes it a standout choice and perhaps, even "The Ultimate Gaming Smartphone" in its price segment.

Pros:

MediaTek Helio G99 Ultimate chipset for powerful gaming performance

120Hz high refresh rate display for smoother gaming experience

45W PowerCharge fast charging technology for rapid recharge times

Privacy and security features including fingerprint scanner and facial recognition

Competitive pricing with two memory configurations available

Cons:

No 5G Connectivity Support

FullHD Display Resolution would have been appreciated

Camera and Video performance may not satisfy demanding photography enthusiasts

Recommendation

Overall, the itel RS4 earns TechPinas' recommendation for youthful and aspiring gamers looking to further improve their mobile gaming experience without breaking the bank. Its combination of powerful hardware, innovative features, and budget-friendly pricing makes it a great choice in the crowded smartphone market. Whether you're a casual gamer or a competitive enthusiast, the itel RS4 promises to elevate your mobile gameplay to new heights!

itel RS4 Specs

BODY

Dimensions: 163.5 x 75.5 x 8.3 mm

Weight: 198 grams

Colorways: Colors: Silvery White, Lurex Black, and Elegant Beige (coming soon)

DISPLAY

Size: 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm²

Resolution: 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)

Type: IPS LCD, 120Hz Refresh Rate Support

PLATFORM

OS: Android 13

Chipset: 6nm Mediatek Helio G99 Ultimate

CPU: Octa-core (2 x 2.2 GHz Cortex-A76, 6 x 2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)

GPU: Mali-G57 MC2

MEMORY

RAM: 8GB + 8GB RAM Expansion (16GB), 12GB + 12GB RAM Expansion (24GB)

Internal: 128GB and 256GB Options, eMMC 5.1

Card Slot: Dedicated microSD Slot

MAIN CAMERA

Single: 50 MP, f/1.6, Wide, AutoFocus

Auxiliary lens

Features: LED flash

Video: 1080p 30fps

SELFIE CAMERA

Single: 8 MP

Features: LED Torch Light

Video: Yes

SOUND

Loudspeaker: Yes, with stereo speakers

3.5mm jack: Yes

COMMUNICATIONS

SIM: Dual nanoSIM, Dual Standby

5G: No

4G LTE-A: Yes

WLAN: Yes, a/b/g/n/ac

Bluetooth: Yes, 5.2

Positioning: GPS

NFC: No

USB: USB Type-C

PRIVACY:

Fingerprint Scanner: Yes, Side-Mounted

Facial Recognition: Yes

Pattern and Passcode Unlock: Yes

SENSORS:

Gyrosope, Accelerometer

BATTERY

Type: 5,000 mAh, Non-Removable

Charging: 45W PowerCharge Fast Charging, 80% in 30 Minutes

itel RS4 Official Retail Package

Box Design: Free Fire Collab Black and Red Box, Free Fire Character and itel RS4 Model Name Printed on Cover

Contents: itel RS4 Unit Itself, itel Warranty Policy Guide, Metal Pin for Ejecting SIM Card Tray, USB Type C Charging Cable, 45W Fast Travel Charger, Transparent Soft Silicone Case

itel RS4 Official Prices in the Philippines

16GB + 128GB = PHP 6,299

24GB + 256GB = PHP 7,499

Official Launch Date in PH: April 15, 2024