I Tried the Cheapest Android Phone of 2025 — Is It Even Usable?
When people say “you get what you pay for,” tech reviewers usually nod in agreement. But with budget phones becoming more capable every year, I wanted to find out: Can a smartphone under $100 still be usable in 2025?
So I picked up the Itel P55 5G — one of the cheapest Android phones available right now — for around $95 unlocked. It promises 5G, a large screen, a decent battery, and Android 13. But how does it actually feel to use in real life?
📦 Specs at a Glance:
- Display: 6.6” IPS LCD, 720p
- Chipset: MediaTek Dimensity 6080
- RAM/Storage: 4GB / 64GB
- Battery: 5000mAh
- OS: Android 13 (Go Edition)
- Price: ~$95 USD
🧪 Performance: Just Enough to Get By
Let’s be real — this isn’t a speed demon. But for basic tasks like:
- Scrolling Instagram
- Watching YouTube
- Checking email
- Navigating with Google Maps
…it handled things decently. You’ll feel the lag when switching apps or loading heavy web pages, but it’s not unusable.
Emma’s Tip: Turn off animations in developer settings. It makes a huge difference.
🎮 Gaming? Not So Fast
I tried Call of Duty Mobile. It opened — eventually. The frame rate? Let’s call it cinematic (aka slo-mo). Casual games like Subway Surfers or 2048 run fine, but don’t expect anything above that.
Verdict: Great for kids or casual puzzle players, not for mobile gamers.
🔋 Battery Life: Surprisingly Good
Thanks to its low-res screen and efficient chipset, I got nearly 2 full days of use on a single charge. That’s better than many flagships.
📷 Camera: Looks Better on the Box
You’re getting a dual-lens rear setup, but it’s mostly for show. Daylight photos are passable. Indoors or at night? Blurry, noisy, and better forgotten.
Verdict: Fine for receipts, QR codes, and the occasional selfie in bright light.
📡 5G — Yes, Really
I was shocked to see actual 5G connectivity on a sub-$100 device. Speeds weren’t incredible, but it did hold a decent connection on T-Mobile and Jio in real-world testing.
🧠 Emma’s Takeaway
If you:
- Just need a backup phone
- Want something for a kid or elder
- Are okay with basic app performance
…the Itel P55 or similar ultra-budget phones are surprisingly usable.
But if you’re even a mildly heavy user, spend just $30–50 more for a device with better RAM, camera, and display. You’ll thank yourself later.
For the price though? I was impressed.
