The Itel P65 is a budget smartphone aimed at users looking for basic functionality without breaking the bank. Equipped with essential features, it appeals to users with moderate needs, such as social media, light apps, and basic connectivity. However, as with most budget devices, the Itel P65 has its share of issues that can impact the user experience. In this article, we’ll explore the most common problems with the Itel P65, discuss their causes, and offer practical solutions. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of whether this phone is worth considering or if better alternatives exist.
Software-Related Issues
Frequent Freezing and Lagging
One of the most common complaints about the Itel P65 is its tendency to freeze or lag, particularly when multiple apps are open or when switching between screens. This can make simple tasks feel sluggish and frustrating.
Common Causes:
- Limited RAM: With only a basic amount of RAM, the P65 struggles with multitasking or running resource-intensive applications.
- Basic Processor: The processor in the P65 is not designed for intensive use, which can lead to slower response times, especially over time.
User Feedback:
“Even with only a few apps installed, my P65 often slows down when I try to open new apps or switch between screens. I have to wait several seconds for things to load.”
Possible Solutions:
- Clear Cache Regularly: Freeing up cached data in the storage settings can sometimes improve performance by freeing up memory.
- Use Lite Versions of Apps: Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram offer "Lite" versions that consume less memory and are better suited for budget devices.
- Limit Background Processes: Reducing the number of background apps can help minimize lag. This can be done by going to Settings > Developer Options (if enabled) and limiting background process limits.
- Restart the Device Frequently: A regular restart can help clear temporary memory, which may alleviate some performance issues temporarily.
System Crashes and Reboots
Another common issue with the Itel P65 is random system crashes or unexpected reboots, often while using specific apps or sometimes even without clear cause. This can disrupt usage and make the device feel unreliable.
Potential Causes:
- Software Bugs: Budget smartphones often run custom Android skins that may not be well-optimized, leading to crashes.
- Compatibility Issues: Limited OS updates can lead to compatibility issues with newer apps, which may cause the system to crash.
Suggestions:
- Keep Apps Updated: Updating apps regularly can help address compatibility issues that cause crashes.
- Check for System Updates: While updates may be limited, checking for OS updates (Settings > System > Software Update) can sometimes offer performance improvements.
- Factory Reset: If crashes persist, a factory reset may help, though this should only be used as a last resort.
Battery and Charging Issues
Battery life is one of the most important aspects for many users, and while the Itel P65 has a decent battery capacity on paper, users report a range of battery-related problems.
Rapid Battery Drain
Many users report that the Itel P65’s battery depletes quickly, even with minimal usage. This issue often becomes more pronounced after a few months of use.
Possible Causes:
- Background Apps Consuming Power: Apps running in the background can consume battery even when the phone is idle.
- Battery Aging: Budget phone batteries tend to degrade faster, leading to reduced battery capacity over time.
Fixes:
- Enable Battery Saver Mode: Battery Saver Mode helps limit background activities, extending battery life.
- Turn Off Unused Features: Features like Bluetooth, location services, and mobile data can consume battery power; turn them off when not in use.
- Limit Background Data: Reducing background data for apps can help prevent them from using battery while not in use. This can be done in Settings > Apps > Data Usage.
Charging Problems
Users also report issues with charging, including slow charging speeds and sometimes failure to charge altogether.
Common Problems:
- Unstable Charging Cable: Budget phones often come with basic accessories, and a low-quality charging cable may fail over time.
- Dirty Charging Port: Dust and debris can accumulate in the charging port, causing poor contact and slow charging.
Possible Solutions:
- Use a Different Charging Cable and Adapter: A high-quality charging cable can sometimes improve charging speeds.
- Clean the Charging Port: Carefully clean the charging port using a soft brush or compressed air to remove any dust or debris.
- Avoid Using While Charging: Using the phone while charging can slow down the process and lead to battery overheating.
Display and Screen Issues
While the display on the Itel P65 is decent for a budget phone, it is not without issues. Users report problems with screen responsiveness, ghost touches, and even screen flickering.
Screen Responsiveness and Ghost Touches
Some users experience unresponsive touches, where the screen does not register taps or swipes correctly, as well as "ghost touches," where the screen seems to respond on its own without any user input.
Possible Causes:
- Screen Sensitivity Issues: Budget screens may not have high touch sensitivity, which can lead to inconsistent responses.
- Interference from Protective Accessories: Low-quality screen protectors or cases can sometimes interfere with touch sensitivity.
Solutions:
- Remove Protective Accessories: Try removing any screen protectors or cases to see if touch response improves.
- Clean the Screen: Fingerprints and dirt on the screen can affect touch sensitivity. Wipe the screen with a microfiber cloth.
- Recalibrate the Touchscreen: Some Android phones allow for touch calibration, which can help improve sensitivity.
Screen Flickering
Screen flickering is another problem reported by users, often occurring after extended use or under specific lighting conditions.
Suggestions:
- Adjust Brightness Levels: Keeping brightness at a mid-level can sometimes reduce flickering.
- Enable Adaptive Brightness: This setting automatically adjusts brightness based on ambient light, which can sometimes minimize flickering.
- Restart the Device: Restarting the phone can temporarily resolve minor display issues like flickering.
Camera Quality and Issues
While the Itel P65 camera provides basic functionality, users have noted several issues with image quality, particularly in low-light conditions, and slow camera response.
Blurry and Grainy Photos
The camera quality on the Itel P65 is limited, with many users experiencing blurry, grainy photos that lack detail, especially in lower light settings.
Potential Causes:
- Basic Camera Sensor: The P65’s camera sensor is not designed for high-quality photography, which is common in budget devices.
- Lack of Image Stabilization: Without image stabilization, even slight movements can cause blurring.
Possible Fixes:
- Use HDR Mode: If available, HDR mode can help improve image quality by balancing light and dark areas in the photo.
- Avoid Low-Light Settings: Taking photos in well-lit environments can improve image clarity.
- Use Third-Party Camera Apps: Some third-party camera apps provide better image processing and may improve results.
Slow Shutter Response
Users also note that the camera’s shutter response is slow, making it difficult to capture fast-moving objects.
Suggestions:
- Focus Before Capturing: Taking an extra second to focus can improve photo quality and reduce blur.
- Keep the Camera App Updated: Ensure that the camera app is updated to the latest version, as software improvements can sometimes enhance performance.
Connectivity Issues: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Network Signal
Connectivity is another common pain point with the Itel P65. Users report weak Wi-Fi signals, Bluetooth connectivity problems, and frequent signal drops.
Wi-Fi Connection Problems
Many Itel P65 users experience weak or unstable Wi-Fi connections, especially when moving farther from the router.
Possible Solutions:
- Forget and Reconnect to Wi-Fi Network: Forgetting the Wi-Fi network and reconnecting can sometimes resolve connectivity issues.
- Restart the Router and Phone: Restarting both the router and phone can help reset the connection.
- Limit Interference: Avoid using Wi-Fi in areas with many electronic devices, as interference can weaken the signal.
Bluetooth Pairing and Connection Issues
Bluetooth connectivity problems are also frequent, with users struggling to pair devices or maintain a stable connection.
Fixes:
- Update Bluetooth Settings: Ensure that Bluetooth settings are updated and remove any previously paired devices that are not in use.
- Restart Both Devices: Restarting both the phone and Bluetooth device can sometimes resolve pairing issues.
- Reset Network Settings: If problems persist, resetting network settings can help re-establish Bluetooth functionality.
Network Signal Drops
Network signal issues, such as dropped calls or weak reception, are common on budget phones like the Itel P65, particularly in areas with low coverage.
Suggestions:
- Toggle Airplane Mode: Switching Airplane mode on and off can help reset network connectivity.
- Try a Different Carrier: In areas with poor coverage, switching to a different carrier with better reception may help.
- Limit Network to 3G: If the phone struggles with 4G, limiting network settings to 3G can sometimes provide a more stable connection.
Conclusion: Is the Itel P65 Worth It?
The Itel P65 offers a basic smartphone experience at an affordable price, and it has its strengths for users with minimal demands:
Strengths:
- Low Price: One of the most affordable options available for essential smartphone needs.
- Decent Battery Capacity: With moderate use, the battery can last a reasonable amount of time on a single charge.
Weaknesses:
- Frequent Software and Performance Issues: Lag, app crashes, and slowdowns can make daily usage frustrating.
- Connectivity Problems: Weak Wi-Fi and network issues can impact reliability.
- Low-Quality Camera: The camera is basic, with poor performance in low light and slow shutter response.
Overall, if you’re on a strict budget and only need basic smartphone functions, the Itel P65 might be sufficient. However, if you can stretch your budget slightly, alternatives like the Xiaomi Redmi A2 or Realme C11 offer better performance, improved camera quality, and fewer connectivity issues, providing a more satisfying user experience.