The itel RS4 arrives as the latest addition to itel’s popular S-Series of smartphones, known for their combination of styling and power. With an upgraded design and focus on durability, does the RS4 live up to its rugged billing? Let’s dive deeper.
Design and Build Quality
The first thing that stands out is the RS4’s tough metallic chassis which gives it a solid, rugged aesthetic. It’s been rigorously tested to meet military-grade standard MIL-STD-810G for resilience against drops, shocks, water, and dust.
Its narrow bezels and 6.6-inch display occupy most of the front for an impressive screen-to-body ratio. Ergonomic side-mounted fingerprint sensor and textured power button add functionality.
Despite its sturdy case, the 181g weight feels well-balanced in hand. Itelaimeda thickness of just 8.9mm makes one-handed use hassle-free too.
Build quality impresses with tight seamless assembly and a matte finish that’s fingerprint resistant. IP68/IP69K certification ensures the RS4 can withstand harsh environments as well as accidental dunks up to 1.5m depth.
Display
Powering the RS4 is a 6.6-inch HD+ IPS LCD with a 90Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling. Though only HD+, colors appear accurate out of the box while the 90Hz panel provides extra fluidity versus 60Hz rivals.
A maximum brightness of 480 nits makes the display easily viewable even under direct sunlight. It supports Widevine L1 certification for HD streaming on platforms like Netflix.
Being an LCD keeps blacks inky while avoiding AMOLED’s inherent weaknesses like burn-in. Contrast is high and viewing angles are wide without colors distorting off-angles either.
Overall a solid all-round display that gets the job done reliably despite sacrificing pixel density for durability as needed in a rugged phone.
Hardware and Performance
Driving the internals is the efficient MediaTek Helio G37 octa-core chip paired with 4GB RAM as standard. While being entry-level silicon, the chip still handles daily tasks smoothly for non-gamers.
Apps load quickly without stuttering while simple games run decently too. The ultra-fluid 90Hz screen further enhances the perception of speed.
At its asking price, the RS4 packs more oomph compared to many budget alternatives. Multitasking between recent apps remains lag-free with help of 4GB RAM.
Worth noting is the option to upgrade RAM up to 8GBwhich future proofs the device as apps get demanding with time. Overall performance suffices while remaining affordable.
Cameras
For photography duties, the RS4 relies on a 13MP primary shooter joined by a 2MP depth sensor. Selfies are covered by a capable 8MP front camera.
Despite modest megapixel counts, stills show good details with natural colors in daylight when lighting is ample. Portrait shots with blurred backgrounds turn out neatly too.
As expected, low light performance takes a hit with slightly grainy outputs. However, night photos brighten up well using night mode without distortions.
Video capture maxes out at 1080p30 which is decent enough for most amateur cinematographers. EIS helps stabilize footage automatically.
Overall the cameras satisfy basic needs without complaints considering the RS4’s affordable positioning in the market.
Battery Life
Under the hood lies a 5000mAh high-capacity cell that breezes through routine use without needing frequent top-ups.
With moderate use including 3-4 hours of SOT, casual gaming, multimedia, and day-long social media browsing, it easily lasts over a full day.
Even with intensive assignments comprising games and YouTube binges, the smartphone managed to cross the 1-day mark adequately before requiring charging.
ItelaimestheRS4cansurviveupto7daysinstandbymodewhenfullcharged.Plus18Wfastchargingrecharges50%inaround35minutes, which is good for its price tier.
Battery champ credentials remain unquestionable while preserving the RS4’s rugged affordability. Long hours of intensive use rarely drain it fully either.
Verdict
At just $180, the itel RS4 undoubtedly punches above its weight class. Its rugged looks, durable build, and long-lasting power combo strike an excellent balance between style and performance.
Being IP68/IP69K certified future proves it against accidental damages without hassles. 90Hz display ensures smooth scrolling for media while reliable cameras suffice basic imaging needs.
For those seeking a budget workhorse that can withstand rough environments without cuts to essential specs or usage longevity, the RS4 stands out as a top-tier choice indeed.
Highly recommended for outdoor workers, students, or anyone looking to simplify smartphone ownership with dependable rugged hardware and stellar value. itel maintains its reputation for flagship-level smartphones at affordable costs with the RS4.