itel has announced that its itel 2165C feature phone now includes support for PhonePe, introducing digital payment functionality to users without requiring an internet connection. The partnership bridges PhonePe’s digital transaction platform with itel’s entry-level hardware, targeting users who rely on basic mobile devices rather than smartphones.
By facilitating transactions in offline environments, the integration provides 2G network users direct access to the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) ecosystem. The initiative aims to broaden digital financial inclusion across consumer segments that have historically remained outside app-based payment channels.
itel 2165C Specifications
| Feature | Details |
| Model | itel 2165C |
| Display | 2-inch |
| Battery | 1200mAh |
| Battery features | AI Battery, Super Battery Mode |
| Talk time | 11.67 hours |
| Standby time | Up to 25 days |
| Expandable memory | Up to 32GB |
| Contacts | 2,000 |
| Messages | 500 |
| Charging port | Type-C |
| Bluetooth | Supported |
| FM radio | Wireless FM with recording |
| Call recording | Automatic |
| Language support | 10 languages |
The itel 2165C is already on sale across online and offline retailers for around Rs. 1,199.
itel’s distribution footprint covers more than 130,000 retail outlets and over 1,000 authorized service centers nationwide. This existing retail and support infrastructure will serve as the primary conduit for distributing the PhonePe-enabled device across both urban and rural markets in India.
Commenting on this, Arijeet Talapatra, CEO, itel India, said:
At itel, we focus on bringing practical technology closer to everyday consumers. With PhonePe support on the itel 2165C, we are extending digital payment capabilities to feature phone users, making everyday transactions more convenient and helping more consumers participate in India’s growing digital economy.