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The itel Super 26 Ultra has been turning heads since it arrived in Zimbabwe in October 2025, and for good reason. At between $175 and $200, it packs features that were unthinkable at this price point just two years ago — a curved AMOLED display, 144Hz refresh rate, 6000mAh battery, and Corning Gorilla Glass 7i protection. Whether you’ve already bought one or you’re still deciding, this guide will help you understand what makes this phone special and how to get the absolute best out of it.
Why the Super 26 Ultra Matters for Budget Smartphone Buyers
The smartphone market in Africa is undergoing a massive shift. According to recent data from Omdia, Africa’s smartphone market grew 24% in Q3 2025, with sub-$100 smartphones climbing 57% — the fastest rise in three quarters. At the same time, consumers are increasingly demanding features that used to be reserved for premium devices: OLED displays, high refresh rates, and large batteries.
The itel Super 26 Ultra sits right at the sweet spot. It’s powered by the Unisoc T7300, a 6nm processor that offers efficient multitasking without draining your battery. According to Counterpoint Research, OLED display adoption in the Middle East and Africa reached 42% in Q1 2025, and itel is riding that wave by putting a proper AMOLED panel in a phone that costs less than $200.
For Zimbabwean buyers comparing this to the Tecno Camon 40 or Redmi Note 14 — both strong competitors — the Super 26 Ultra holds its own, particularly on display quality and battery endurance.
5 Tips to Maximise Your Super 26 Ultra Experience
1. Activate the Full 144Hz Refresh Rate
Out of the box, the Super 26 Ultra may not run at its full 144Hz. itel has announced that a software update will unlock the display’s maximum smoothness. Make sure you’re running the latest version of itel OS 15 by going to Settings > System > Software Update. Once updated, head to Settings > Display > Refresh Rate and select the highest option. The difference in scrolling and general navigation is immediately noticeable.
2. Use the AI-Powered Photography Tools
The Super 26 Ultra comes pre-loaded with smart photography features that many users overlook. The AI Eraser lets you remove unwanted objects from photos — perfect for cleaning up those market or street shots where someone walked into your frame. There’s also a Visual Search feature that lets you point your camera at something and get information about it. These tools are found in the camera app’s editing menu.
3. Maximise Your 6000mAh Battery
With Zimbabwe’s power challenges, battery life is everything. Here are some practical settings to stretch your charge:
- Enable Battery Saver Mode when you’re not actively using the phone
- Set the display to Auto Brightness rather than keeping it at maximum
- Reduce the refresh rate to 60Hz when you’re doing basic tasks like messaging — you can toggle this in the quick settings panel
- Close background apps you’re not using, especially social media apps that constantly refresh
With these tweaks, most users report getting comfortably through a full day and well into the next morning.
4. Set Up the IR Remote Control
One feature that often goes unnoticed is the built-in infrared blaster. This means your Super 26 Ultra can control your TV, decoder, air conditioner, and other appliances. Look for the Smart Remote app in your app drawer. It supports most major TV brands sold in Zimbabwe, including Samsung, LG, Hisense, and Sinotec. Set up your devices once, and you’ll never need to search for the remote again.
5. Protect Your Investment
The phone has IP65 dust and water resistance, which means it can withstand low-pressure water jets — think rain or a splash. However, it’s not designed for submersion. Pair it with the Gorilla Glass 7i protection by adding a quality screen protector for extra peace of mind, especially if you’re in dusty working environments.
What’s Coming Next from itel
itel’s parent company, Transsion Holdings, continues to dominate the African smartphone market with roughly 48-52% market share across its three brands (Tecno, Infinix, and itel). The company’s strategy of bringing premium features to affordable price points is clearly resonating — and itel is at the forefront of that push with its S/Super series.
Looking ahead, itel is increasingly integrating AI across its devices, with its proprietary Sola AI assistant expected to gain voice activation capabilities through upcoming updates. The brand has also signalled a push into 5G-capable budget devices, following the success of the P55 5G. For Zimbabwe, where 4G remains the primary network standard, these 5G models represent a future-proof investment for those who can afford a slight premium.
The Bottom Line
The itel Super 26 Ultra represents what’s best about the current era of budget smartphones: you no longer have to sacrifice display quality, battery life, or build quality to stay within a reasonable budget. For Zimbabwean consumers — whether you’re a student, a professional, or running a small business — it’s a phone that delivers genuine value.
If you have any questions about the Super 26 Ultra or want to share your experience with the phone, drop a comment below or reach out to us on our social media channels.