itel has launched the Aqua feature phone in India at Rs 1,799, introducing what the company claims is India's only IP67-rated feature phone. Designed for users who prioritise durability and reliability, the Aqua brings water and dust resistance, AI-powered noise cancellation, Type-C charging, and support for regional languages to the entry-level feature phone segment. The device is available in Blue, Red, and Black colour options through retail stores across the country.
IP67 Protection Targets a Major Consumer Pain Point
According to itel, the Aqua was developed after an internal survey revealed that water damage was one of the leading reasons for feature phone replacement, cited by 42% of users. The new device comes with an IP67 rating, allowing it to withstand accidental water exposure, muddy conditions, and submersion in water for up to 30 minutes.
The launch marks the debut of itel's new Inno Series, which the company says focuses on durability, convenience, and practical innovation for everyday users. Arijeet Talapatra, CEO of itel India, said the Aqua has been designed to handle India's diverse climate conditions, from humid coastal regions to dry and dusty environments.
AI Environmental Noise Cancellation Comes to Feature Phones
One of the standout features of the Aqua is AI Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC), a capability rarely seen in the feature phone segment. The technology is designed to filter out background noise from environments such as construction sites, markets, factories, and busy roads, allowing clearer voice calls for both parties.
While AI-powered calling features have become common in smartphones, bringing them to a Rs 1,799 feature phone is a notable addition, particularly for users who rely on voice calls as their primary mode of communication.
Type-C Charging and Practical Features
The itel Aqua features a 2.4-inch display, a 1,200mAh battery, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless FM radio with recording support, auto call recording, and expandable storage of up to 32GB. The device also supports 1,000 contacts with contact icons and includes a VGA camera.
A practical upgrade is the inclusion of USB Type-C charging, replacing the older micro-USB standard that still remains common in the feature phone category. The phone also supports 10 regional languages and comes with King Voice, a bilingual voice assistance feature that provides menu prompts and call information in both English and Hindi.
Built for Bharat's Feature Phone Market
At Rs 1,799, the Aqua enters a highly competitive feature phone segment dominated by brands such as Nokia, JioPhone, and other local players. However, its combination of IP67 protection, AI-based call noise reduction, and Type-C charging gives it a set of features that are uncommon at this price point.
For users in rural areas, outdoor professions, or regions with challenging weather conditions, durability remains one of the most important purchasing factors. The Aqua's positioning reflects that reality, focusing less on entertainment features and more on reliability and longevity.
Whether the AI noise cancellation performs as effectively in real-world conditions as claimed remains to be seen, but the addition of water resistance and modern charging standards could make the Aqua one of the more practical feature phone options currently available in the Indian market.
