Hands-on with the itel Zeno 5G: Affordable 5G with Smart AI Features

Alright, folks, gather ’round—your mall mole has sniffed out the itel Zeno 5G, a smartphone that’s shaking up India’s entry-level scene faster than you can say “budget burner.” Priced under Rs 10,000 (yeah, about $120 USD if you’re converting), itel’s latest splash in the smartphone pond promises 5G connectivity wrapped in some unexpectedly smart AI goodies and a smooth user experience. And when I say “unexpectedly smart,” I’m talking features that don’t feel like last season’s hand-me-downs.

Budget Phones and 5G: The Elusive Combo

Let’s be real: 5G used to be the shiny toy reserved for the price-unconscious crowd, tickets that only flew first class in flagship jets. But the itel Zeno 5G is tossing that rulebook out like last year’s clearance rack finds. The heart of this phone? A MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset—a processor that quietly punches above its weight. This baby tackles your daily scrolling, streaming, and stalking-of-friends-on-social-media with surprising grace.

And because itel knows you hate lag (seriously, who has patience these days?), they’ve bunched 8GB of RAM together—a mix of physical and virtual—to keep things snappy for the “five-year lag-free fluency experience.” Bold claim, huh? I’m reserving judgment till we see some serious mileage under its belt, but hey, at least the specs read like a snarky budget nerd’s dream.

Your Eyes Deserve a Treat: Display and Durability

Note to self: cheap doesn’t have to mean chintzy when it comes to screens. The 6.67-inch HD+ IPS display delivers a crispy canvas for your daily double taps and swipes. But here’s the kicker—it runs at 120Hz. For those not into geek speak, that’s double the common palace of phones at this price point, and it means scrolling through your feeds feels smoother than a cucumber in a jazz club.

And itel throws in an IP54 rating, shielding you from casual water dribbles and dust sieges. Oh, and did you catch that nifty IR blaster? Yep, your phone suddenly doubles as a universal remote, so you can boss around your TV like a remote control tyrant. Dual 5G SIM support? Check. Storage up to a terabyte with a microSD card? Double check. They’re basically saying, “Here’s everything you need to own your budget smartphone life—and then some.”

AI in a Budget Phone? Say What?

Now, here’s where I raise an eyebrow like a skeptical shopper eyeing a suspicious deal. itel’s AI assistant, “Aivana,” aims to simplify your smartphone experience—whether you’re jotting down notes or just need a bit of digital help. Details on this assistant are still emerging, but the idea is to beef up usability without charging you a premium.

On the camera front, a 50MP shooter with AI-powered tweaks promises decent snaps even when you’re mastering the art of accidental blurry shots. Thanks to a wide f/1.6 aperture, low-light photos have a shot at not looking like your basement dungeon, and 2K video recording at 30fps lets you capture moments—even if the Oscar beckons are probably still a ways off. The selfie game’s held up with an 8MP front cam, respectable enough for your Zoom calls and the occasional duck face.

Security? The side-mounted fingerprint sensor offers a quick and secure unlock, no fuss. And to keep the speed demons satisfied, the phone runs Android 14, the latest iteration, ensuring you’re locked into the freshest software goodies and security patches.

Wrapping Up the Case: Why Should You Care?

The itel Zeno 5G makes a compelling case for entry-level phones that refuse to feel entry-level. You get 5G, a smooth 120Hz refresh rate screen, a chip that promises to keep up with your daily adventures, and AI features that hint at making your life easier—all without making your wallet cry.

Then there’s the sweet cherry on top: a 100-day screen replacement guarantee and a protective case in the box. That’s like buying a detective’s magnifying glass with a backup pair of lenses—and in the world of budget phones, that warranty is the unsung hero.

Sure, there are still questions about how well “Aivana” will deliver and if that “five-year lag-free” vow lasts beyond the honeymoon phase. But for now, the itel Zeno 5G feels like a savvy shopper’s find—modern and practical, with just enough smart flair to feel like it’s ready for this decade.

Oh, and if you’re thinking about snagging one, it’s an Amazon India exclusive, so you don’t have to dig through endless aisles or shady market stalls. Convenient and easy, just how we like it.

If you’re hunting for a smart entry into the 5G-era without emptying your pockets, keep an eye on the Zeno 5G—it’s got the goods to shake up the budget rumor mill.