The smartphone ecosystem is filled with tons of brands that keeping track of them all can become overwhelming. However, there are some “top dogs” in the industry whose names are top-of-the-mind as they have rightfully earned their spot at the top.
Nokia is one of such brands, and even though the Finnish company once went off the radar about a year ago when it was knocked off by existing and emerging brands with killer devices, Nokia is back and this time, with a bang! But ever since its return to the scenes, there seem to have been so many unanswered questions about the brand. We answer some of them below.
1. Who owns Nokia?
Since Nokia has been in the business of making phones (and now smartphones), its ownership has been tossed around a great of time. From Nokia to Microsoft, HMD Global etc., Nokia Mobile’s ownership has switched hands a couple of times in the last decades.
EDIT : According to Wikipedia ,
After a partnership with Microsoft and market struggles, its (Nokia) mobile phone business was eventually bought by the former (Microsoft), creating Microsoft Mobile as its successor in 2014
To add (still according to Wikipedia),
Nokia would have been in a cash crisis had it not sold the division to Microsoft Advertisement - Continue reading below
That being said, the Finnish giant is presently owned by HMD Global, a company created by ex-Nokia executives. This same HMD Global solely owns the right to manufacture and market Nokia-branded smartphones and tablets.
Microsoft Mobile sold its Nokia-branded feature phone business to HMD Global,
The acquisition of Nokia (the phone business) by HMD Global was finalized on May 2016 from Microsoft Mobile when it sold the Nokia business to the former exactly 2 years after acquiring the business in April 2014.
2. Are all Nokia Phones Android?
Technically, no. But logically, yes.
About the former, not all Nokia-branded smartphones out there run the Android operating system. There are still Nokia Lumia smartphones that are based on Microsoft Windows Phone OS. In fact, some still actively run the Symbian operating system (though the OS has been discontinued).
However, Nokia had jumped on the Android OS bandwagon with its X line of smartphones even before Microsoft completed its acquisition and made Windows the primary OS for Nokia ‘Lumia’ devices. The first family of Nokia smartphones to run the Android OS are the Nokia X, X+, and XL.
To the ‘Yes’ part of the answer, all Nokia flagship smartphones being released after the company’s acquisition by HMD Global are all Android-powered.
3. Are Lumia Phones still being sold?
Straight answer — No. As soon as Microsoft sold ownership rights of Nokia phones to HMD Global, the Lumia family of smartphones died with it. While existing users will continue to get bug fixes, security updates, support and other information (till God knows when), there will be no production of new Lumia phones, neither will the company be rolling out new features and apps to old, existing devices.
4. Are Lumia Phones still covered under Warranty?
If you bought a Nokia phone when the company was still being operated by Microsoft, your phone is still very much covered under warranty as stipulated from the moment of purchase.
5. Which country(ies) manufacture Nokia phones?
Before I proceed, I should state now that when Microsoft sold Nokia, a part of the business was acquired by HMD Global while another was acquired by Foxconn, a multinational electronics manufacturing company based in Taiwan.
Nokia phones are manufactured almost everywhere a phone can be manufactured. Some are made by HMD Global in Finland, some in Taiwan by Foxconn while a good number are also outsourced to companies in China, Hungary, Vietnam, Brazil, Germany, etc.
6. Is there a Waterproof Nokia phone?
You mostly hear this sort of question from Nokia loyalists who see their folks with water-resistant iPhones and Samsung at the pool. Luckily, ever since Nokia’s return to the Android smartphone pool, the OEM have made a couple of high-end flagships with waterproof capabilities.
The Nokia 8 Sirocco comes with IP 67 waterproof certification while the IP 57 rating of the Nokia 8 only makes it resistant to splashes and not underwater usage.
7. How highly-priced are Nokia phones?
Basically, like every other smartphones manufacturer, Nokia phones also come in top-tier, mid-range, and low-end models. And these categories are priced in accordance to the level of features they sport. The Nokia 8 and Nokia 8 Sirocco, for example, are currently the most sophisticated phones from Nokia. Likewise, the most expensive.
Nokia 8 Sirocco
The Nokia 5.1 Plus , Nokia 6, Nokia 6.1 Plus, and Nokia 7.1 Plus belong to the mid-range class of the Finnish mobile company.
8. Which Nokia Phone is the best to buy?
While this question is subjective to a couple of factors like budget and preference, the Nokia 8 Sirocco — spec-wise— is one arguably the best smartphone ever made by Nokia.
The device is an upgrade to the Nokia 8 and it sports a finely finished glossy body with metal frame and Corning Gorilla Glass covering on the rear and front. There is a dual camera setup on the rear, a fingerprint sensor and it issue water and dust-resistant. It also supports Qi-standard wireless charging technology.
9. Which Nokia Phones supports Android 9 Pie?
The Android 9 Pie is the latest iteration of Google’s operating system. While HMD Global had earlier announced that the Android 9 Pie will be coming as an over-the-air upgrade to the Nokia 3, 5, 6, and 8, the Pie update have rolled out to Nokia 6 and Nokia 6.1 last month. Nokia however promises a November roll-out date for the Nokia 8 and Nokia 8 Sirocco .
10. What’s up with the Nokia 9?
The Nokia 9 HMD Global’s upcoming flagship phone expected to succeed the Nokia 8 and 8 Sirocco. For months, the device has been in the spotlight for many reasons. One, it is rumored that the Nokia 9 will come with a total of five cameras (Yes! 1, 2, 3, 4, 5!) on the rear. In fact, there are even image and video renders to support this rumour.
Upcoming Nokia 9 with Penta-camera
About when the Nokia 9 will be released, no one can really confirm. Initially, the device was scheduled for a Q4 2018 release but was reported postponed till next year. However, there are reports that there’s a possibility of the Nokia 9 surfacing before 2018 comes to an end .
Sodiq Olamide is a tech writer based in Nigeria, covering the latest reviews, how-tos, and news on consumer tech trends with a unique African perspective. Whether analyzing emerging technologies or offering practical guides, Sodiq brings a deep understanding of how technology shapes lives across the continent.
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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 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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