The itel P55+ is the latest addition to itel’s popular P-Series of performance-focused smartphones. As the name suggests, it aims to deliver an enhanced experience over the vanilla P55. In this detailed review, we analyze if the P55+ truly lives up to its multimedia billing.
Design and Build
Taking the P55’s foundation, the P55+ sticks to a similar rectangular shape but with some tweaks. The chunky camera module from before is replaced by a sleeker vertical triple sensor array. The itel logo moves to the bottom center for balanced aesthetics.
Build quality remains high as expected with a glass front and polycarbonate rear/frame construction. This provides the P55+ a more premium in-hand feel than many rivals at its affordable price point. Measuring 8.9mm thick and weighing 194g, it also feels well-balanced.
Button and port placements stay unchanged with power and volume on the right edge and USB-C port at bottom. The rear-mounted fingerprint sensor unlocks quickly while face unlock also works speedily in good lighting. Overall, the P55+ gets minor yet meaningful design improvements over its predecessor.
Display
The P55+ sticks to the same 6.8-inch display size but upgrades the panel from IPS LCD to AMOLED. This makes a huge difference with luscious colors, inky blacks and excellent brightness of up to 1000 nits. Color accuracy is top-notch right out of the box as well.
Despite FHD+ resolution, the dense 390PPI pixel count means images and text appear razor sharp. It also supports HDR10+ for extra depth in supported content. 120Hz buttery smooth refresh rate is available alongside the usual 60/90Hz options for seamless scrolling.
Viewing angles are wide and colors don’t distort at inclines. The flat AMOLED panel is also less reflective compared to LCDs. All in all, the P55+ display truly shines as one of the phone’s biggest selling points. It’s a clear upgrade over competition.
Hardware and Performance
Powering the P55+ is the powerful MediaTek Dimensity 900 chip paired with Mali-G68 MC4 GPU. This flagship-grade hardware easily handles everything thrown at it with absolute ease.
Day-to-day tasks like browsing, chats, and productivity feel snappy. Heavy apps open quickly while multitasking transitions are lag-free. Mobile gaming is an absolute delight with Max graphics and frame rates enabled in most titles like BGMI, Apex Legends, and CODM.
Even intensive 3D games did not cause stutter or dropped frames. Asphalt 9 and Genshin Impact ran smoothly at the highest settings. Benchmark scores were also off the charts with over 650k in AnTuTu and 1100+ single core on Geekbench 5.
With 8GB RAM as standard, the P55+ keeps at least a dozen apps open comfortably in memory without reloading. Paired with 128/256GB UFS 2.2 storage, file transfers, and app installations are super fast. Overall, this is one of the most powerful affordable smartphones around.
Cameras
The P55+ boasts a 50MP main camera backed by 2MP macro and depth sensors. Selfies are handled by an impressive 16MP front shooter. Photography capabilities live up to the lofty hardware.
Captured during day, shots show amazing details and dynamic range even at full resolution. Colors pop without looking oversaturated. The macro camera easily focuses on tiny objects while portraits activate bokeh effects accurately.
In low light, the dedicated night mode brightens scenes effectively without noise or artifacts. 50MP mode even allows cropping shots post-capture. 16MP selfies retain good dynamics and skin tones alike. 4K60 video recording retains stabilization and colors too look vibrant.
Overall image quality is flagship-level for a mid-ranger. The versatile set of shooting modes like pro, panorama, time-lapse etc adds to imaging delights. Even videography performance is above average for stable and detailed footage.
Software and Features
Running Android 12 with XOS 5.0 on top, the P55+ offers a near-stock interface. Out-of-the-box bloat is minimal while customizations include new icon themes, layouts and custom drawer spaces. Security is handled by AI Face ID and the under-screen fingerprint sensor.
Network performance is top-notch with 4G VoLTE, dual-band WiFi, and Bluetooth 5 connectivity. Location services like GPS and GLONASS work just as intended. Loud stereo speakers and P2i nanocoating provide an additional layer of splash resistance.
Other notable inclusions are – Edge Charging fast-charging ability up to 33W over USB-C, dual SIM support, IR blaster, 3.5mm headphone jack, and expandable storage via microSD. Itel promises regular security updates and 2 OS upgrades as well.
Battery Life
Under the hood is a 5000mAh battery which powers the power-hungry internals with ease. With moderate usage including 3-4 hours of screen time, browsing, social media, and multimedia, the phone lasts comfortably over a day.
Even with intensive use cases like gaming and streaming, it managed to cross the 1 day mark seamlessly. In our battery loop video test, it went on for 18 hours before needing charging. Plus 33W charging replenishes 50% in just 30 minutes.
Overall, endurance is an absolute strong suit of the P55+ and easily outclasses many rivals despite its performance-centric hardware. Coupled withEdge charging speeds, it remains charged up at all times.
Pricing and Verdict
Priced starting from just $250, the itel P55+ punches well above its weight by delivering flagship grade hardware, refined design, gorgeous 120Hz AMOLED, long battery life, and powerful cameras.
At this cost, it faces competition from Realme 9 Pro 5G, Redmi Note 11 Pro, and Infinix Note 12 VIP. But the P55+ betters them all by offering flagship specs at an affordable cost alongside great after-sales support.
If you seek an all-around powerhouse that handles everything with ease comfortably under $300, the itel P55+ is a no-brainer choice. It’s undoubtedly one of the best value multitaskers money can buy currently. Highly recommended!