Itel Launches SUPER 26 Ultra in Machakos, Bringing AI and Premium Specs to the Budget Market
Itel is once again shaking up the budget smartphone scene with the launch of its new SUPER 26 Ultra, unveiled at a colorful event in Machakos. The device is being pitched as a game-changer—delivering flagship-inspired features, AI capabilities, and a sleek design, all while staying below the $175 price point.
Premium Display at a Budget Price
The SUPER 26 Ultra immediately stands out with its display. The phone boasts a 6.78-inch 3D Curved AMOLED screen with a crisp 1.5K resolution, paired with an ultra-smooth 144Hz refresh rate—a specification rarely seen in budget smartphones. For durability, itel has equipped the display with Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, while the overall build features a reinforced TitanShield Architecture and an IP65 rating for splash and dust resistance.
New Chipset + Long-Term Reliability
Under the hood, the SUPER 26 Ultra becomes one of the first devices to ship with the new 6nm Unisoc T7300 processor, which the company says delivers an AnTuTu score of over 510,000. Itel claims the chipset is optimized for “six years of smooth and stable operation,” offering consumers a strong balance of performance and longevity.
Despite housing a massive 6000mAh battery, the device remains slim at just 6.8mm thick. Modern conveniences such as NFC support and an Infrared Remote Control are also included—features often skipped in budget handsets.
AI for the Masses
Perhaps the most ambitious aspect of the SUPER 26 Ultra is itel’s push to democratize AI. The phone comes with Circle to Search, a feature borrowed from premium flagships, allowing users to highlight anything on screen for instant answers. There’s also an AI Camera Eraser for removing unwanted objects in photos, plus a brand-new AI assistant called Sola.
However, some headline features won’t be active at launch. Itel confirmed that both the 144Hz refresh rate and the “Hi Sola” voice wake feature will be rolled out later via an over-the-air (OTA) update.
A Statement of Intent
By blending flagship-grade design, a capable new chipset, and AI-powered features, the SUPER 26 Ultra is aggressively redefining what consumers can expect from budget smartphones. Launching the device in Machakos rather than Nairobi also highlights itel’s intent to make cutting-edge technology accessible beyond the major cities.
With this release, itel is sending a clear message: the budget smartphone category is no longer about compromises.