itel S9 Star – Power, Style & Innovation
Itel India In the increasingly crowded space of affordable true-wireless earbuds, itel has made a bold move with the launch of Itel S9 Star. Priced at just ₹899 in India, the S9 Star offers a remarkably well-rounded feature set for such a budget model: large 10 mm drivers, AI-enabled noise suppression, water resistance, and a long battery life. It may not have all the bells and whistles of premium TWS, but for its price, it’s a very compelling choice.
Design & Comfort
The S9 Star earbuds adopt a stem-style in-ear design that is both minimalistic and practical. Unlike some bulkier true wireless models, these sit lightly in the ear and are easy to slip into your pocket thanks to their compact charging case. According to reports, the design is reminiscent of a “cobblestone,” giving it a modern, understated aesthetic.
Build-wise, the S9 Star is IPX5 rated, which means it can handle splashes, sweat, and the occasional rainy commute. This makes them a solid pick for exercise, travel, or everyday use — not something you always see in ultra-budget earphones.
Audio Quality & Features
At the heart of the S9 Star are 10 mm dynamic drivers, which deliver what itel describes as “360-degree bass.” In practice, reviewers note that while these earbuds don’t deliver booming, over-the-top bass, they do provide a pleasantly balanced sound that leans neutral, with vocals and instruments coming through clearly.
A standout feature is the AI-powered Environmental Noise Cancellation (AI ENC), which helps suppress background noise during phone calls. While this isn’t “active noise cancellation” in the traditional sense, it’s quite effective for the price: calls remain intelligible even in crowded or noisy environments. This makes the S9 Star more than just a music-oriented accessory; it's practical for communication, too.
Connectivity & Controls
Connectivity comes via Bluetooth 5.3, providing stable pairing and low-latency responses. The earbuds support touch controls, allowing you to manage calls, music playback, and more without pulling out your phone. There’s also support for voice assistants, which adds a layer of convenience if you like hands-free control.
Battery Life & Charging
Battery life is one of the most impressive specs of the S9 Star. Each earbud houses a 28 mAh battery, while the charging case holds 400 mAh. Together, itel claims up to 30 hours of total playback time with the case. In real-world testing, users report around 4–5 hours per charge for the buds, making the total 30-hour claim fairly realistic when you include the case. The case charges via USB-C, which is a welcome inclusion at this price point.
Durability & Use Cases
Thanks to its IPX5 rating, the S9 Star is built to withstand sweat, rain, and daily wear. That makes it well-suited for workouts, commuting, or outdoor use. Whether you’re going for a run, hopping on public transport, or just need reliable earbuds for daily calls, these feel like a go-anywhere, do-anything budget option.
Because of the AI ENC, these earbuds are especially useful for call-heavy users. Reviewers highlight that the voice comes through clearly on the other end, even in noisy settings. If you primarily use your earbuds for calls, the S9 Star gives you a surprisingly high level of clarity for under ₹1,000.
Limitations
Of course, the S9 Star has its trade-offs. According to reviews:
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Sound Depth: The sound, while clear, lacks the deep bass punch you’d find on more premium or bass-heavy models.
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Fit & Stability: The lightweight design, while comfortable, doesn’t always feel super secure during intense movement.
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Case Build: The charging case’s lid feels a bit loose — it lacks strong magnetic retention, which could make it less durable in a bag or pocket.
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No Customization: There’s no companion app to tweak EQ or control settings; you get what itel gives you out of the box.
These drawbacks are understandable for the price, but they’re worth considering depending on your priorities.
Color Options & Availability
The S9 Star is available in four attractive colors: Black, Midnight Blue, Brown, and White. That variety adds a touch of style to what is otherwise a very value-focused product.
Now available at retail outlets across India, the S9 Star’s launch makes quality audio more accessible for budget-conscious users.
Final Verdict
The itel S9 Star is a rare example of a sub-₹1,000 product that delivers features you normally associate with mid-range TWS earbuds. With 10 mm drivers giving rich 360° bass, AI ENC for clear calls, a 30-hour battery life, and IPX5 water resistance — what more could you ask for at this price?
It’s not perfect. Audiophiles or bass heads might find the sound lacking in punch, and the absence of an app limits customization. But if you’re someone who just wants reliable earbuds for music, calls, and daily use — without burning a hole in your wallet — the S9 Star is a standout.
In short: if you’re on a tight budget but don’t want to compromise on core features, the itel S9 Star is a smart pick. For under ₹1,000, it truly feels like a “star” in its segment.
