Comparing the itel S24 vs itel RS4 – Which Budget Phone is Best?

Both the itel S24 and RS4 aim to deliver great value for money, but which of these affordable smartphones comes out on top? Let’s compare the specs and features to find out.

Design and Build Quality

The S24 has a simple plastic design that feels lightweight at 192g. While sturdy, it lacks special protection from external elements.

In contrast, the RS4 stands out with its rugged metallic chassis rated IP68 for water and dust resistance. At 198g it’s slightly heavier but inspires more confidence for rough use cases.

Build quality feels more premium on the RS4 thanks to its solid construction. The S24 isn’t flimsy by any means, but the RS4’s durability is a major selling point.

Winner: RS4 for its rugged looks and certified protection from the elements.

iTel S24
iTel S24
itel RS4 White
itel RS4 White

Display

Both sport 6.6-inch screens, but the RS4 takes the lead with its higher 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling visuals.

Resolution is only HD+ on both however the S24 settles for a basic 60Hz panel. The colors look punchier on the RS4’s screen as well.

The S24 display gets reasonably bright, but the RS4 can reach higher 480 nit peak brightness for better outdoor visibility.

Winner: RS4 with its faster 120Hz rating and increased maximum luminosity.

Performance

Under the hood, the S24 packs a capable Helio G37 chip compared to the Snapdragon 425 on some rivals. RAM is 4GB as standard.

Stepping up, the RS4 impresses further with the powerful new Helio G99 processor and choice of 8GB RAM. This boosts performance potential.

Real-world usage feels zippier on the RS4 which can better handle demanding tasks. Gaming and multitasking hold up well too.

Winner: RS4 for beefier processing power future-proofing the experience.

Cameras

Both feature triple rear cameras headed by a 13MP main sensor on the S24 versus 50MP on the RS4.

Low light shots favor the RS4 which also shoots sharper 1080p30 video. The S24 is limited to 720p30 recording quality.

Selfies look great in daylight on either, but the RS4’s 8MP front cam captures richer portraits.

Winner: RS4 for higher resolution imaging and better low light/video abilities.

Battery Life

Identical 5000mAh battery capacities are supplemented by 18W wired charging on the S24 versus faster 45W replenishing on the RS4.

Despite having lesser capacity in benchmarks, the RS4 manages longer screen time around 7 hours versus 6 on the S24.

Winner: RS4 for its advantage in charging speeds that top up the cell quicker when needed.

Specifications Summary

The RS4 undoubtedly packs the more premium feature set between both models. Its rugged build, high refresh AMOLED screen, beefy SoC and versatile cameras give it the edge.

While the S24 suffices basic needs competently, the RS4 pulls ahead as a future-proofed daily driver able to handle more intensive workflows comfortably within budget.

Verdict

For only $30-40 extra cost compared to the S24, the RS4 is undoubtedly the better value choice delivering flagship-grade hardware at a budget cost.

Those seeking an everyday device best equipped to handle demanding tasks should opt for the RS4. Meanwhile, the S24 remains a fair option for basic usage on even tighter budgets.

So in summary, while both phones offer good value, the itel RS4 is the recommended choice for its rugged construction quality, powerful specs and future-proofed user experience.