When people hear the word “budget phone,” they often imagine a plastic, outdated device with minimal features and slow performance. The itel P40 challenges that image entirely. Designed with the everyday South African user in mind, it offers a surprisingly modern look and feel for its price.
The phone comes with a smooth matte finish that resists fingerprints, and its curved edges make it comfortable to hold. It doesn’t scream “premium,” but it certainly doesn’t look or feel like a throwaway device either.
For students, first-time smartphone buyers, or anyone who just needs a reliable secondary device, the itel P40 immediately makes a good impression.
Big Battery, Big Advantage
One of the strongest reasons to consider the itel P40 is its massive 6000mAh battery – a feature usually reserved for higher-end phones or specialized power-user devices.
For South Africans dealing with loadshedding, limited charging access during commutes, or long hours on the go, battery life is critical. The itel P40 easily lasts more than a full day on a single charge and can stretch into a second day with moderate use.
Battery Performance Highlights:
- 6000mAh capacity
- 18W fast charging support
- Power-saving software modes
- Up to 3 days standby with light use
You can stream, browse, call, and use social media without constantly worrying about running out of power before the end of the day.
A Display That’s Surprisingly Immersive
The itel P40 features a 6.6-inch HD+ display with a 1612 x 720 resolution and a 120Hz touch sampling rate. While it’s not a high-resolution panel like you’d find on premium devices, it still delivers bright, colorful visuals that are more than adequate for watching YouTube, scrolling Instagram, or messaging on WhatsApp.
The screen size is large enough to make reading and video playback enjoyable, which is especially important for people who use their phones as their main entertainment hub.
Display Specifications:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 6.6 inches |
| Resolution | 1612 x 720 (HD+) |
| Touch Sampling | 120Hz |
| Panel Type | IPS LCD |
In this price range, the itel P40 holds its own as a media-friendly device that doesn’t cut corners where it matters most.
Decent Performance for Everyday Tasks
Under the hood, the itel P40 runs on a Unisoc SC9863A processor with options for 2GB, 3GB, or 4GB RAM depending on the variant. It also supports Memory Fusion, which allows virtual RAM expansion using storage space – making multitasking a bit smoother.
This phone is not made for heavy gaming or high-performance apps, but for basic day-to-day tasks like:
- Messaging and calling
- Light web browsing
- Streaming videos
- Social media apps
- Taking and sharing photos
…it handles them reliably.
For its price point, itel has optimized the phone well enough to avoid constant freezing or lag when switching between common apps.
Simple Camera Setup That Gets the Job Done
The itel P40 features a dual rear camera system with a 13MP main sensor and a QVGA depth sensor. On the front, there’s a 5MP selfie camera. It’s not a phone built for photography enthusiasts, but it’s good enough for taking quick shots, video calls, and social media posts.
In good lighting conditions, the main camera captures usable images with decent clarity and color. The AI camera features, such as portrait mode and beauty mode, also add a bit of creative flair.
Camera Breakdown:
| Camera | Specs |
|---|---|
| Main Rear | 13MP + QVGA (dual lens) |
| Front | 5MP |
| Features | AI portrait, beauty mode |
| Video | 1080p @ 30fps |
It’s not about high-end photography here – it’s about making sure you don’t miss the moment. And the itel P40 delivers on that promise.
Storage and Software That Cover the Basics
The phone comes with 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, depending on the version, with support for microSD cards up to 512GB. That’s enough room for essential apps, photos, and a few downloaded videos or playlists.
It runs Android 12 (Go Edition), which is designed for entry-level hardware and runs lighter, more efficient versions of popular apps like YouTube Go, Gmail Go, and Google Assistant Go. These are tailored to take up less space and use fewer resources – something South African users with limited mobile data will appreciate.
The user interface is clean, easy to navigate, and doesn’t feel bloated with unnecessary apps.
A Phone That Understands Its Audience
What makes the itel P40 special isn’t just its specs – it’s how well it aligns with the needs of budget-conscious South African users.
Here’s what makes it a great pick:
- Affordability: You get real value without overpaying
- Battery-first design: A true advantage in a power-sensitive market
- Decent screen size: Great for media and reading
- Expandable storage: Store more without breaking the bank
- Durable build: Sturdy enough for daily use, even for kids or older users
- Dual SIM support: Perfect for managing personal and work numbers
Whether you’re buying your first smartphone, gifting one to a student or elderly relative, or just looking for a low-cost backup, the itel P40 checks all the right boxes.
Final Verdict: Is the itel P40 South Africa’s Best Affordable Phone?
In a market flooded with budget options, the itel P40 makes a strong case for itself. It doesn’t try to compete with midrange or flagship models – it focuses on delivering what entry-level users actually need: battery life, a usable screen, reliable performance, and a fair price.
If you’re looking for a smartphone under R2,000 to R2,500 in South Africa, the itel P40 could very well be the best affordable smartphone for the money. It keeps things simple, practical, and accessible – without cutting out the features that truly matter.