itel CITY 100 Review: KES 11,200 Smartphone With Flagship AI Features and 4-Year Battery

itel has launched the CITY 100, the first smartphone in its new CITY Series, in Kenya. The device retails at KES 11,200 and targets the country’s budget segment. Its key differentiator is the integration of DeepSeek R1 AI – a feature more common in flagship phones. This sets the CITY 100 apart in a crowded entry-level market where over 50% of devices on Safaricom’s network come from budget brands.

At 7.65mm, the CITY 100 is slim. The phone adopts a unibody design and an ultra-flat 6.75-inch display. The screen features a 90Hz refresh rate, 700 nits peak brightness, and an 83% wide color gamut. These specs are usually reserved for more expensive phones and place the CITY 100 on par with rivals like the Redmi A5.

Device Specifications Table

AI Features: DeepSeek Brings Intelligence to Budget

The CITY 100’s standout component is DeepSeek R1 AI, developed by Chinese startup DeepSeek. This AI engine is known for being efficient and affordable, now rivaling Google’s Gemini in capability. Its integration into a sub-KES 12,000 phone is significant.

CITY 100’s DeepSeek features include:

• Real-time image-to-text
• On-device translation
• Text-to-wallpaper generation
• AI-based voice-activated photography
• Creative photo styling
• AI-powered writing tools
• Noise reduction on calls

These tools bring real productivity value. The AI doesn’t just tweak photos – it enables shopping searches, content generation, and context-aware voice control. These are features once exclusive to flagships like Samsung’s Galaxy S25.

Battery and Performance: Designed for the Day-to-Day

Battery life is one of Kenya’s top buying factors. The CITY 100 houses a 5200mAh unit, aligning with the Redmi A5. Fast charging is rated at 18W – enough to recharge during a lunch break. But what’s rare is itel’s 4-year battery health warranty, which directly tackles common complaints about budget phones degrading too fast.

In terms of software, itel has added a 60-month fluency guarantee. It’s a promise that performance won’t lag severely over time. For budget Androids, this is uncommon and positions the phone as a longer-term investment.

Built to Last: Kenyan Market Needs Considered

Beyond specs, the CITY 100 is engineered with Kenya’s environment in mind. From dust protection to drop resilience, the phone is prepared for rough use. That includes street-level dust, accidental falls, and extended outdoor use.

The screen is legible in sunlight thanks to its 700-nit brightness, and IP64 resistance makes it usable in dusty markets or light rains. Itel even tested the device for 25,000 tiny drops – mimicking real-world use like falling from your lap or slipping off a couch.

Designed for Gen Z: A Strategic Bet

Gen Z is now the fastest-growing smartphone consumer group in Kenya. They want long battery life, creative tools, and stylish devices. The CITY 100’s flat-edged design, vibrant display, and AI tools check these boxes.

Itel’s decision to integrate AI into a phone at this price suggests a clear direction – making creativity tools and smart features available to the masses. That includes school-aged users, young workers, and anyone upgrading from a feature phone.

The Competition: How Does itel CITY 100 Stack Up?

Here’s how the CITY 100 competes with other major budget phones:

• Redmi A5: Similar battery and display. No advanced AI tools.
• Infinix Smart 8 Plus: Strong build, but lacks deep AI functionality.
• Vivo Y02: Offers basic features, but less innovation and no AI integration.
• Nokia C32: Durable, but lacks AI and has slower charging.

The CITY 100 doesn’t just compete on specs. It wins with its AI suite, durability certification, and long-term performance guarantees.

Software Experience: Longevity and Speed

The 60-month fluency guarantee is more than a gimmick. Android phones in this range typically lose responsiveness within a year. Itel addresses that by optimizing software performance to slow aging, delivering smoother scrolling and faster app launching for longer.

This is especially useful in areas where users don’t change phones often. It means CITY 100 buyers can hold on to their phone for years without struggling with lag.