itel Zeno 20 Review: The Ultimate Budget Smartphone with AI Brilliance.
In the rapidly evolving Indian smartphone market, finding a device that balances affordability with modern features is often a challenge. However, itel Zeno 20 has emerged as a disruptive force in the entry-level segment. Launched with a focus on first-time smartphone users and budget-conscious students, this device brings surprisingly premium features like a 90Hz display and advanced AI capabilities to a price point under ₹6,000.
In this comprehensive review, we dive deep into the technical specifications, performance, and everyday usability of the itel Zeno 20 to see if it truly lives up to the hype.
Itel Zeno 20: Design and Build Quality
The first thing you notice about the itel Zeno 20 is its surprisingly sleek aesthetics. Despite being a budget phone, it does not feel “cheap.” It features a modern flat-edge design with a textured back that resists fingerprints.
One of the standout features in this price bracket is the IP54 rating. This provides the phone with much-needed protection against dust and accidental water splashes—a rarity for phones costing less than ₹7,000. It is available in three striking colours: Starlit Black, Space Titanium, and Aurora Blue.
Display: Smoothness Redefined
The itel Zeno 20 sports a 6.6-inch HD+ IPS LCD display. While the 720×1612 resolution is standard for this segment, the inclusion of a 90Hz refresh rate is a game-changer. It makes scrolling through Instagram reels or navigating the UI feel significantly smoother compared to traditional 60Hz panels.
Furthermore, the “Dynamic Bar” feature—similar to Apple’s Dynamic Island—elegantly displays notifications for low battery, incoming calls, and face unlock around the waterdrop notch, adding a touch of premium flair.
Performance and Software
Under the hood, the itel Zeno 20 is powered by the Unisoc T7100 Octa-core processor. While it is not designed for heavy gaming like BGMI or Genshin Impact, it handles daily tasks like WhatsApp, YouTube, and light multitasking with ease.
- RAM & Storage: It comes in two variants: 3GB RAM + 64GB storage and 4GB RAM + 128GB storage.
- Virtual RAM: itel offers “MemFusion” technology, allowing you to expand the RAM up to 12GB (4GB Physical + 8GB Virtual), ensuring the device remains fluid during moderate usage.
- OS: The device runs on Android 14 (Go Edition), which is optimized to run efficiently on lower hardware, providing a clutter-free and fast experience.
Aivana 2.0: The AI Assistant You Need
The USP of the itel Zeno 20 is Aivana 2.0, an inbuilt AI voice assistant. What makes it special for the Indian audience is its robust support for Hindi voice commands. You can ask Aivana to:
- Make WhatsApp calls hands-free.
- Summarize long webpages instantly.
- Solve mathematical problems.
- Generate captions for your social media posts.
Camera Performance
The itel Zeno 20 features a 13MP AI Rear Camera and an 8MP Selfie Camera.
- Daylight: In bright outdoor conditions, the 13MP sensor captures decent details with natural colours.
- Low Light: Like most budget phones, it struggles in the dark, but the built-in LED flash helps in close-up night shots.
- Selfies: The 8MP front camera is adequate for video calls and social media stories, featuring various AI beauty modes to enhance skin tones.
Battery Life: A Marathon Runner
Fueling the itel Zeno 20 is a massive 5000mAh battery. For an average user, this phone can easily last two days on a single charge. It supports 15W Type-C fast charging, which is a welcome upgrade from the dated micro-USB ports still found in some budget competitors.
Technical Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Display | 6.6-inch HD+ IPS, 90Hz Refresh Rate, Dynamic Bar |
| Processor | Unisoc T7100 Octa-core |
| RAM | 3GB / 4GB (Up to 12GB with Virtual RAM) |
| Storage | 64GB / 128GB (Expandable up to 1TB) |
| Rear Camera | 13MP AI Main Camera with HDR |
| Front Camera | 8MP Selfie Camera |
| Battery | 5000mAh |
| Charging | 15W Type-C |
| OS | Android 14 (Go Edition) |
| Security | Side-mounted Fingerprint + Face Unlock |
| Durability | IP54 Dust & Splash Resistance |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Highly Affordable: Starting at just ₹5,999.
- Smooth Display: 90Hz refresh rate is excellent for the price.
- AI Smart Features: Aivana 2.0 with Hindi support is very practical.
- Modern Design: IP54 rating and premium finish.
- Good Battery: Reliable 5000mAh capacity with Type-C.
Cons:
- Not for Gamers: Struggles with high-end graphic games.
- Basic Cameras: Low-light photography is average.
- No 5G: Limited to 4G connectivity.
Final Verdict: Is itel Zeno 20 Worth Buying?
The itel Zeno 20 is a stellar choice for anyone looking for a reliable, stylish, and smart secondary phone or a first smartphone for parents/children. It offers the best “value-for-money” proposition in the sub-6k segment in India. If you prioritize battery life, a smooth screen, and useful AI features over high-end gaming, the itel Zeno 20 is arguably the best budget pick of the year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the price of itel Zeno 20 in India?
The price starts at ₹5,999 for the 3GB/64GB variant.
Does itel Zeno 20 support 5G?
No, it is a 4G VoLTE enabled smartphone.
Does it have a fingerprint sensor?
Yes, it features a fast side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
What is the screen size of itel Zeno 20?
It has a 6.6-inch HD+ IPS display.
What is the refresh rate of the display?
The device supports a 90Hz refresh rate.
Does it have a dedicated microSD card slot?
Yes, you can expand storage up to 1TB via a dedicated slot.
Is itel Zeno 20 waterproof?
It has an IP54 rating, making it splash and dust resistant.
What is Aivana 2.0?
It is an AI voice assistant that supports Hindi and can perform various tasks via voice.
Does it come with a charger in the box?
Yes, it includes a 15W Type-C charger and a protective case.
What is the battery capacity?
It features a 5000mAh long-lasting battery.
Can it run BGMI or Free Fire?
It can run Free Fire on low settings, but it is not recommended for heavy gaming.
What version of Android does it use?
It runs on Android 14 (Go Edition).
What are the available color options?
Starlit Black, Space Titanium, and Aurora Blue.
Does it support Face Unlock?
Yes, it supports AI Face Unlock.
Is the battery removable?
No, it is a non-removable battery.
How much RAM can be expanded virtually?
You can expand up to an additional 8GB of virtual RAM.
What is the Dynamic Bar?
A software feature that shows notifications around the camera notch.
Does it have a 3.5mm headphone jack?
Yes, it includes a standard 3.5mm audio jack.
Where can I buy itel Zeno 20?
It is available exclusively on Amazon India and authorized retail stores.
Does it support OTG?
Yes, the Type-C port supports USB OTG.
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