The itel A90 is a budget-friendly smartphone designed to meet the needs of entry-level users, students, and first-time smartphone buyers, particularly in markets like Uganda. itel has positioned the A90 as a device that balances affordability with essential modern features, making it a strong contender in the competitive budget segment.
The itel A90 is part of itel’s A-series, known for delivering reliable smartphones with good value for money. This model offers a large display, a robust battery, and runs on the latest Android 14 Go Edition, optimized for smooth performance on entry-level hardware.
Its IP54 rating provides dust and splash resistance, enhancing durability for everyday use. The phone also integrates AI-powered features through itel’s Aivana 2.0 assistant, designed to simplify tasks and improve user experience.
Display
The itel A90 features a sizable 6.6-inch IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen that delivers a comfortable viewing experience. The display offers an HD+ resolution of 720 by 1612 pixels, maintaining a tall 20:9 aspect ratio that is ideal for browsing, video streaming, and social media.
While some sources mention a 120Hz refresh rate, the widely confirmed specification is a smooth 90Hz refresh rate, which ensures fluid visuals and responsive interactions. The screen is also designed to be bright enough for outdoor use, with typical brightness levels around 480 nits. Adding to its durability, the display is protected by an IP54 rating, making it resistant to dust ingress and splashes of water, which is particularly useful for everyday use in varying environments.
Performance
Under the hood, the itel A90 is powered by the Unisoc T7100 chipset, an octa-core processor that combines ARM Cortex-A55 cores clocked up to 1.6 GHz, with some variants potentially including Cortex-A75 cores for improved efficiency. This processor is paired with the PowerVR GE8322 GPU running at 550 MHz, providing moderate graphical performance suitable for everyday tasks.
The phone is available in two RAM configurations: a base model with 3GB RAM and a higher variant with 4GB RAM. Additionally, the device supports virtual RAM expansion, allowing up to 8GB of RAM for smoother multitasking. Storage options are versatile, with 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB variants available, all utilizing eMMC 5.1 technology for reliable data access. For users needing more space, the itel A90 supports microSD cards up to 2TB, offering ample room for apps, media, and documents.
Camera
The camera setup on the itel A90 is designed primarily for casual photography. On the rear, it sports a 13MP primary sensor equipped with autofocus, complemented by a tiny 0.08MP auxiliary lens that likely assists with depth sensing or AI-powered effects such as portrait mode. The rear camera supports LED flash, HDR imaging, panorama shots, and can record Full HD 1080p video at 30 frames per second.
On the front, the device carries a 5MP selfie camera, with some reports indicating an 8MP sensor variant featuring AI beauty mode for enhanced selfies. The front camera also supports 1080p video recording, making it suitable for video calls and social media content creation. While the camera system performs well in good lighting conditions, it may struggle in low-light environments due to the absence of advanced sensors or optical image stabilization.
Battery
A standout feature of the itel A90 is its large 5000mAh non-removable Li-Polymer battery, which provides extended usage on a single charge. This capacity is well-suited for users who spend long hours streaming videos, browsing the internet, or making calls, reducing the need for frequent recharging throughout the day.
The device supports 15W wired fast charging, although the included charger in the box is typically rated at 10W. Despite this, charging times remain reasonable for a budget device, ensuring users can quickly top up their battery when needed.
Connectivity
The itel A90 offers comprehensive connectivity options typical of modern budget smartphones. It supports 2G GSM, 3G HSPA, and 4G LTE networks, ensuring broad compatibility with mobile carriers in Uganda and similar markets. The phone accommodates dual Nano-SIM cards with dual standby functionality, allowing users to manage two phone numbers simultaneously.
For wireless connectivity, it includes Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n standards but does not support the faster Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac). Bluetooth version 4.2 is available for connecting peripherals such as wireless headphones or speakers. Location services are powered by GPS and A-GPS for accurate positioning. The device uses a USB Type-C 2.0 port for charging and data transfer and retains a 3.5mm headphone jack for wired audio accessories. However, it lacks NFC and does not include an FM radio receiver.
Build and Design
Physically, the itel A90 measures approximately 165.9 mm in height, 77.3 mm in width, and 8.6 mm in thickness, striking a balance between a large screen and manageable size. It weighs 187 grams, offering a solid feel without being overly heavy. The phone’s body is constructed from plastic, which helps keep costs low while maintaining durability.
Its design is sleek and modern, featuring smooth curves and a contemporary aesthetic that appeals especially to younger users. The device is available in four vibrant color options: Starlit Black, Space Titanium, Aurora Blue, and Cosmic Green. The IP54 rating ensures the phone can withstand dust and water splashes, adding an extra layer of protection for everyday handling.
Additional Features
The itel A90 includes several convenient features to enhance user experience and security. It has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for quick and secure unlocking, alongside face unlock capabilities for added convenience. The phone is equipped with standard sensors such as an accelerometer and proximity sensor, supporting basic functions like auto screen rotation and turning off the display during calls.
Running on itel OS 14, which is based on Android 14 Go Edition, the software is optimized for low-spec hardware, ensuring smooth performance and improved privacy controls. The device also integrates itel’s AI assistant, Aivana 2.0, which supports voice commands, daily task management, WhatsApp calls, and other intelligent functions to simplify the user experience. Additionally, the Smart Link+ feature is designed to enhance online business activities and improve call quality by providing seamless connectivity.
itel A90 pricing and availability in Uganda
In Uganda, the itel A90 is priced competitively, with the base model featuring 3GB of RAM and 64GB of storage retailing for approximately UGX 298,000
