The itel Super 26 Ultra has officially arrived, and it’s making waves in the budget smartphone scene with a mix of eye-catching design and surprisingly premium features. The standout attraction is its large 6.8-inch curved AMOLED display, which pushes a sharp 1.5K resolution, refreshes at 144Hz, and boasts an impressive peak brightness of 4,500 nits. Protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, the panel also integrates an optical fingerprint scanner, lending the phone a flagship-like touch. 
Add IP65 dust and water resistance to the list, and itel is clearly trying to elevate expectations for its affordable lineup.
Powering the device is the new Unisoc T7300 chipset, a 4G SoC that positions itself as a notable improvement over earlier Helio G-series chips. Paired with 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of storage, it provides enough muscle for daily tasks, gaming on medium settings, and multitasking. On the camera front, itel keeps things modest: a 50MP main shooter accompanied by a 2MP depth sensor on the rear, and a 32MP selfie camera up front. While some may poke fun at the extra decorative cutouts on the camera module, the core imaging hardware remains straightforward and serviceable.
The 6,000mAh battery is another highlight – larger than many competing flagships, even Samsung’s Ultra series – though its 18W charging feels dated compared to today’s mid-range standards. Still, for users prioritizing endurance over speed, this is a welcome inclusion. The phone runs on ItelOS 15.1.2 based on Android 15, offering a relatively fresh software experience. Pricing starts at NGN 227,700 (around $151) for the 8/128GB variant, and NGN 257,300 ($170) for the 8/256GB model, with availability beginning September 15 in Nigeria.
Reactions to the Super 26 Ultra have been mixed. Many praise its value-for-money proposition, with features like the high-refresh AMOLED, massive battery, and IP certification usually reserved for pricier devices. Others criticize the design for mimicking Samsung’s Ultra phones, complete with multiple non-functional camera circles, which some view as misleading. The slower charging speed also left enthusiasts wishing for at least a 45W option. Nonetheless, compared to itel’s previous offerings, the Super 26 Ultra represents a significant step up – an attempt to prove that budget phones don’t have to look or feel cheap.