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Recent market share data, as illustrated in the vendor performance report from August 2024 to August 2025 by StatCounter Global Stats, shows Itel consistently maintaining a strong position within Zimbabwe’s mobile sector. Itel Mobile has emerged as a key player in Zimbabwe’s mobile technology landscape, a country where economic challenges often dictate purchasing decisions. With the average Zimbabwean earning around $200 per month, affordability isn’t merely a preference, it’s a necessity.
Itel’s share hovers impressively in the range of 8–12%, repeatedly outperforming numerous well-known international brands. In August 2024, Itel held a 10.72% market share, significantly ahead of competitors like Tecno (7.67%), Xiaomi (3.56%), and Nokia (2.37%). Even as market dynamics shifted over the following months, Itel’s presence remained stable, underscoring its firm grounding in the local ecosystem.
By Gamuchirai Mapako
What makes this performance remarkable is the context: Zimbabwe’s smartphone market is dominated by giants like Samsung, which consistently leads with over 40% market share. Huawei and Apple also maintain strong positions. According To Rodney Redstone, a representative from Itel, “the company competes effectively, not by just engaging in the high-end spec race, but by perfecting the art of delivering genuine value at accessible price points”.
For the average Zimbabwean, earning $200 or less per month, every dollar counts, hence purchasing a smartphone is a major financial decision, one that requires careful balancing of upfront cost, durability, and everyday utility.
Mr. Redstone explained that the organization has a finely tuned strategy that aligns with the economic and functional realities of its users.
“Itel’s devices are engineered precisely with the consumer in mind,” he said.
Itel mobile phones are popularly known amongst users not just for their affordability but for their long battery life and features that support digital inclusion all without stretching the buyer’s budget.
While high-end devices from Apple or Samsung may also offer cutting-edge technology, they remain out of reach for most. Itel fills this gap by providing smartphones that may not have all the premium features but include the ones that matter most: reliability, extended battery life, and essential smart capabilities.
Itel has built a diverse ecosystem of products including TVs, home appliances, accessories, energy saving products and laptops, enabling users to stay within an affordable brand family as they expand their digital footprint. This holistic approach has helped Itel become more than a phone seller; it is a facilitator of digital adoption.
Itel’s latest offering, the CITY 100, exemplifies the brand’s commitment to elevating the budget segment with meaningful innovation. Priced at approximately $75, the device brings premium design and smart features to a price-sensitive audience, a group that constitutes a large portion of Zimbabwe’s population.
itel CITY 100 new product launch
The phone boasts a design with a 7.65mm and also features an ultra-flat display that blends seamlessly into the frame. Itel has equipped the CITY 100 with an IP64 rating for dust and water resistance, making it ideal for tough daily use.
The 6.75-inch screen offers a 90Hz refresh rate and 700 nits peak brightness and a 5200mAh battery supported by 18W fast charging promises all-day usage, a critical feature in areas with unstable power supply. Itel even provides a 4-year battery health guarantee.
To keep up with the latest trend, the company has integrated DeepSeek AI, enabling functions like AI-generated wallpapers, real-time translation, noise reduction during calls, and smart text-to-image conversion. This brings advanced capabilities typically reserved for higher-end models into the affordable segment.
The phone also includes a side fingerprint sensor, infrared remote support for controlling home appliances, and compatibility with magnetic accessories like the Itel MagSpeaker. It runs on an Android-based system, ensuring smooth performance over time.
The company’s focus on core needs has struck a chord with users who seek practicality and value.
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