Itel Zeno 5G+ review
The Zeno 5G+ is for someone who needs a big screen and 5G on a tight budget and does not game or take photos seriously. Skip it if you want a sharp display, fast charging, or any camera ambition—look at slightly pricier rivals in the same market instead.
This review is written with AI assistance from Itel’s published specifications and public benchmark data for the Itel Zeno 5G+, and the rating is spec-based. GoSolo does not physically test devices; where we estimate real-world behaviour such as battery life or charge time, we say so. How we rate phones.
Overview
The Itel Zeno 5G+ is a no-frills 5G phone aimed squarely at buyers in tight markets who need a large screen and all-day battery without spending much. It delivers on those basics—a 5000 mAh battery and dual SIM 5G connectivity—but the weak processor, low-res display, and basic cameras mean it suits email and messaging far more than anything demanding.
Design & build
At 187 grams and 8.6 mm thick, this is a solidly built phone that feels substantial without being unwieldy. The dual SIM setup and dedicated microSD slot are practical touches for users juggling accounts or expanding storage on a budget. The IP54 rating handles light splashes and dust but won't survive dunking or heavy rain, which is fine at this price but worth knowing. Panda Glass is not reinforced as heavily as Gorilla Glass, so it will scratch more easily, though the thick bezels do offer some drop protection.
Display
The 6.6-inch screen is genuinely large and the 90 Hz refresh rate makes scrolling feel smooth and responsive. The problem is the 720p resolution packed into that size: at 267 ppi, text and small UI elements lack crispness, especially when reading long articles or playing games with small fonts. The 480 nits typical brightness is adequate for indoor use, though the 1500 nit peak is marketing window dressing because you won't hit that in everyday scrolling. For a phone this size at this price, a higher resolution would have been the smarter choice, but 90 Hz smoothness does soften the blow.
Performance
The Unisoc T7100 is a budget octa-core chip that handles basic tasks—messages, calls, browsing, social media—without stutter. It will struggle with heavy gaming, video editing, and multitasking under load. RAM sits at 3 or 4 GB depending on the variant, which is lean by 2025 standards but sufficient for light daily use on Android 14 Go, which is designed to run lean. Don't expect smooth performance if you load the phone with large apps or run demanding games. For what you're paying, the performance is honest and fit for its intended use case: someone who wants a large screen for messaging and video, not a productivity machine.
Software
Android 14 Go edition is a stripped-down version of Android designed to run on modest hardware, and it shows: the interface is no-nonsense and fast enough to get out of your way. Itel OS 14 sits on top as a light customization layer that doesn't add much bloat. Updates will likely be slow and sparse—Itel is not known for rapid security patches—but for a phone at this price, that is par for the course. If you plan to keep this phone for years, you should be realistic about the lifespan of software support.
Camera
The 13 MP main camera is basic. It captures decent shots in bright light with the LED flash helping indoors, and HDR keeps scenes from blowing out, but don't expect fine detail or strong performance in dim settings. The 5 MP selfie is adequate for video calls but won't impress for photos. Video tops out at 1080p 30 fps, which is workable but not fast or detailed enough for action or vlogging. The lack of ultra-wide or telephoto means you are stuck with the single field of view. For family snapshots and social media clips, it will do the job. For anything beyond casual photography, this phone will disappoint.
Battery & charging
The 5000 mAh battery is genuinely large and will easily last a full day of moderate use—messaging, calls, browsing, a bit of video. Heavy usage (gaming, streaming, constant scrolling) will drain it faster, probably to evening. The spec sheet does not list the charger wattage, which is a red flag: at this price, it is likely 10–15W, meaning a full charge will take close to 2 hours from empty. That is slow by modern standards, even at the budget end, but typical for phones under 70 EUR. The battery size is the phone's strongest suit.
Value & verdict
At around 60 EUR, the Itel Zeno 5G+ is cheap. You are getting 5G connectivity, a large screen, dual SIM, a microSD slot, and a day's battery—all the practical necessities for someone in a cost-conscious market. The trade-offs are clear: a low-res display, weak performance, basic camera, and slow charging. It is not a phone to keep for years or one that will surprise you with smooth gameplay or sharp photos. But if you need a large-screen 5G phone for messaging, light browsing, and media, and your budget is tight, the Zeno 5G+ delivers the essentials without pretense.
Verdict
The Zeno 5G+ is for someone who needs a big screen and 5G on a tight budget and does not game or take photos seriously. Skip it if you want a sharp display, fast charging, or any camera ambition—look at slightly pricier rivals in the same market instead.
- Large 6.6-inch screen with smooth 90 Hz scrolling and decent peak brightness for outdoor use
- Genuine all-day battery (5000 mAh) on moderate use, plus dual SIM and dedicated microSD slot for expandable storage
- 5G connectivity (FDD and TDD bands) at a price that undercuts most rivals
- Thin (8.6 mm) and light (187 g) for its screen size, with IP54 splash resistance
- 720p display on a 6.6-inch screen yields blurry text and soft detail—a step behind rivals in this price range
- Slow charger (wattage not listed but likely 10–15W) and weak processor limit usability for games or multitasking
- Basic 13 MP camera with no ultrawide or zoom, poor low-light performance, and no fast video options
Itel Zeno 5G+ Key Specifications
The essentials at a glance. See the full spec sheet.
| Released | 2025, August 23 |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2, IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 1500 nits (peak) |
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T7100 |
| RAM & storage | 64GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main camera | 13 MP |
| Selfie camera | 5 MP |
| Battery | 5000 mAh |
| Software | Android 14 (Go edition), itel OS 14 |
| Dimensions | 8.6 mm thickness |
| Weight | 187 g (6.60 oz) |
| Durability | IP54 dust protected and water resistant (water splashes) |
| Network | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| NFC | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
Itel Zeno 5G+ FAQ
Common questions, answered from the spec sheet.
Does the Zeno 5G+ support 5G?
Yes. The Zeno 5G+ supports 5G networks.
What chipset does the Zeno 5G+ use?
The Zeno 5G+ runs on the Unisoc T7100.
What display does the Zeno 5G+ have?
A 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 1500 nits (peak), 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density).
How big is the Zeno 5G+ battery?
The Zeno 5G+ has a 5000 mAh battery.
Does the Zeno 5G+ have NFC?
No, the Zeno 5G+ does not list NFC support.
Is the Zeno 5G+ water resistant?
The Zeno 5G+ carries a IP54 dust protected and water resistant (water splashes) rating.
Does the Zeno 5G+ support a microSD card?
Yes, the Zeno 5G+ supports expandable storage (microSDXC (dedicated slot)).
Alternatives to consider
If the Zeno 5G+ isn’t quite right, these are the closest calls.
Zeno 100
Zeno 20 Max
A100C
Zeno 20
Galaxy M17e
