Did you know there are lots of things you can use your smartphone for offline? It’s so rare to be without an internet connection these days. In Uganda, Airtel claims a whopping 100% 3G connection across the country. However, being offline can still happen if you visit a rural area, travel abroad, technical issues with the ISP, or when your internet bundle gets used up. Sometimes, it can be deliberate when you decide to take the high road and disconnect to concentrate on important things like reading a book or writing.
Good news is, smartphones are not all about data connection. There are lots of creative ways you can use your smartphone offline without needing any mobile data. You may need to have partial access to the internet so that you can prepare for that time you going offline.
Translate languages
No internet? No problem. You can easily translate from one language to another using Google Translate. It is one of the simplest-to-use and most effective translators out there. You can get things translated into more than 90 languages offline using Google Translate . However, you must download the languages onto your smartphone before you go offline. Feel like a linguist even without internet connection on your smartphone.
Take some photos
If you have traveled to a distant area where internet connection is slow or non-existent, don’t beat yourself up. Resort the time to capturing the untamed world around you. Smartphone cameras these days are so advanced and are easy to use. You don’t need internet connection to capture beautiful photos. Experiment on the different camera features like bokeh, pro-mode and among others. You might have some perfect shots to share when you regain internet access. And you will have learnt something.
Play Music
While these are internet based streaming services, most of them (like Tidal) offer the ability to download your music for access offline. This helps you carry your music everywhere, even to far-flung locales where internet connection is a disaster. You can use your smartphone offline for music. If you own a good wireless speaker, then you can get some monster sound out of your smartphone.
Read eBooks
Listen to radio and podcasts
Although headphone jacks and inbuilt radio functionality are dying, you may still be lucky to have a device that supports the feature. Radio has is getting substituted with podcast apps. Many podcast apps offer optional offline capabilities.
Radio too moved online. However, you can still catch up on FM radio when you don’t have an internet connection. Have a favorite show on radio? Also, the ability to download podcasts gives great convenience to travelers.
Become the guide with offline maps
Maps are a great way to get around places. You can be the star of the place, the cool guy that knows about the place you heading to without need of an internet connection. Heading to a strange place where internet access may not be as good as what you are used to? No worries, you can still use your smartphone to get around even without internet access. Google Maps offers full offline access to maps and turn-by-turn navigation. However, you must save offline areas either to your device or a microSD card, and then you can use Google Maps as you would when you’re online.
Related: How to use Google Maps offline
Play Games
Playing games are great way to use a smartphone offline. There are many offline games for both normal smartphones and those smartphones designed for hardcore gamers . All you need is to install a couple of offline games that will add a spark to yo offline time. Games like Temple Run and Matatu are great for offline play. However, you may have to forfeit some in-app purchases and playing against remote opponents. That’s not too bad?
Control your TV with the smartphone
You can use your smartphone offline to control your TV set if it has an IR blaster or you can use the method described here to use your Smartphone as a TV Remote . Yes, you don’t have to switch between phone and remote thanks to technology. Although most modern phones have deserted the IR blaster, some older smartphones from HTC (M8), LG, Samsung, Huawei and Xiaomi have it.
An infrared blaster emulates an infrared remote control to autonomously control a device that is normally controlled only by remote control key presses.
Watch movies and videos
Smartphone display technologies have improved so much in recent years. Some smartphones sport up to 4K resolution displays. With the rise of huge displays, this puts smartphones at the foreground in media consumption. They are great at watching videos and photos both online and offline.
If you are not happy with the small display of your smartphone, you can use this guide to screen mirroring to have a bigger picture of your content.
John Ivan is a tech writer based in Kampala with a rich background in digital marketing, Web 2.0, influencer strategy, and content creation. With years of experience in consumer tech blogging, he blends industry insight with storytelling to make technology accessible and relevant. At Dignited.com, John covers the latest in digital trends, gadgets, and how tech is shaping lives across Africa.
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Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.
This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.
This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.
READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”
Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”
The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:
- SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
- Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
- Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
- Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.
Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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The smartphone world has greeted us with many innovations. Some of these innovations later turn out to become trends. We’ve seen trends such as the dual rear cameras, dual selfie cameras, bezel-less designs, in-display fingerprint sensor and notch displays. An innovation in the form of dual screens and dual fingerprint sensors is what the ZTE Nubia X presents.
If this is an innovation that’ll become a trend, only time will tell. But it isn’t the first time a smartphone will come with two screens or two fingerprint sensors. For you to know, the Samsung W2019 flip phone recently surfaced with two displays. However, it is the first time a smartphone is coming with both features at the same time.
The dual screens
At the front of the smartphone, you have the 6.26 inches LTPS IPS screen with Full HD+ resolution of 1080 x 2280 pixels. It tags along with a 19:9 aspect ratio to deliver an intense viewing gusto.
Around the back, the OEM placed an OLED screen on the back panel to serve as the second display. This 5.21-inch panel makes good use of a resolution of 720 x 1520 pixels & 19:9 aspect ratio just like the front display.
Well, here’s an illustration of how the second screen works:
The Nubia X’s back color and screen color blend together, which is a laudable technology, and its visual effect is amazing. pic.twitter.com/1I08xvBDUW Advertisement - Continue reading below — ICE UNIVERSE (@UniverseIce) November 25, 2018
Additionally, both screens enjoy the protection of Corning Gorilla Glass 3.
No selfie camera
Like most smartphones of 2018, ZTE Nubia X is a bezel-less beauty. And we know that most OEMs try to push their bezel-less designs to the extreme to accommodate more screen. ZTE’s approach in the Nubia X is the elimination of the selfie camera. This enabled the phone’s primary display to attain a 93.6% screen-to-body ratio.
Although there’s no front-facing camera, it doesn’t strike out the capturing of selfies. Here’s where the second screen comes into play. The main 16MP + 24MP shooters on top of the back display are what discharge this role.
So, you can check out how good you look in a ‘selfie’ from the second screen. In other words, the primary camera is also the “selfie camera”; it’s all about perception. A dual-tone dual-LED flash is also there to illuminate the images.
CHECK THIS OUT : The Phantom, Camon, F and Spark series: A Guide to Tecno Smartphones
Competent powerhouse
Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 SoC sits at the phone’s core to handle efficient functionalities. The chip employs the 10nm process technology to run its actions. It also comprises four Kryo 385 Gold and four Kryo 385 Silver CPUs that reach a maximum speed of 2.65GHz.
Its operations are incomplete without the backing up of its 6GB LPDDR4X RAM. Another smartphone variant of 8GB RAM is also available for better performance. Either way, the two options are superb for heavy duties.
Speaking about heavy duties, the phone can deliver such activities for almost a day due to its 3,800mAh battery. The phone also charges rapidly because of the Qualcomm Quick Charge 4+ on board. Nubia UI 6.0 and the Android 8.1 Oreo OS work hand in hand at the software arena.
Heightened security
Two heads are better than one, an adage says. In the case of ZTE Nubia X, two fingerprint sensors are better than one. These fingerprint sensors are placed on the left and right sides of the smartphone for touch ID security. That said, the phone can also be unlocked with facial recognition.
Pricing & Availability
The ZTE Nubia X is available in the following colours: Blue gold, Sea blue, Black gold, Deep grey. It was launched in November 2018 with a starting price of $500.
ZTE Nubia X Key Specifications
- Display — Main : 6.26-inch LTPS IPS LCD FHD+ (1080 x 2280 pixels); 403PPI; 19:9 aspect ratio, Corning Gorilla Glass 3;
- Secondary display (on the back) : OLED, 5.1 inches, 720 x 1520 pixels, Corning Gorilla Glass 3
- Processor — 2.65GHz Octa-core Snapdragon 845 SoC
- GPU — Adreno 630
- Rear camera — 16MP + 24MP camera, dual tone LED flash
- Fingerprint sensor — Yes, dual (left & right side-mounted)
- RAM — 6GB / 8GB
- OS — Android 8.1 Oreo OS (Nubia UI 6.0)
- Storage — 64GB / 128GB / 256GB
- Battery — 3,800mAh (Qualcomm Quick Charge 4+)
This account is managed by the in-house team at Dignited, a collective of passionate tech writers, editors, and enthusiasts dedicated to bringing you the latest insights, reviews, and news on consumer technology. For inquiries or feedback, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] .
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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.
The key launches included:
- CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
- MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
- MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
- TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.
Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”
“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”
Laury Bai, TECNO CMO
Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”
James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek
CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography
TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.
Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer
The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”
Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud
The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.
TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability
To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”
Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK
Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.
MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers
The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.
World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14
Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.
TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.
Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm
In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.
The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series
TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.
TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future
Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.
Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.
Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.
With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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