2018 has been a great year, especially in the smartphone scene. 2019 already looks promising too; a number of OEMs have given a peek of what to expect from them in the coming months. Samsung is promising a foldable smartphone , a number of Chinese manufacturers also have 5G smartphones lined up for release. Equally, with display notches dying , we expect to see “true” full-view and bezel-less smartphones as there are already new innovations in place to bring them to actualization. No doubts, 2019 is coming with a lot… and we are excited.
However, putting future expectations aside, let’s take a walk down memory lane together and highlight some of the top innovative tech trends that rocked the smartphone space in 2018.
1. Mechanical Pop-up Cameras & Sliders
Notches helped maximize the amount of screen size available to users but it has its flaws. Aside from messing with your phone’s notifications , notches are actually still bezels. Miniaturized bezels. Sliders and pop-up camera designs, on the other hand, do better jobs eliminating bezels by moving the selfie camera away from the native ‘above-screen’ position into modules that slides out and retract into phones.
Vivo NEX S with a retractable camera slider
Credits to this innovation can be handed to Vivo as it was the first OEM to feature such engineering innovation on its smartphone when it introduced the Vivo Nex and Vivo Nex S . The sliders pops up only when you need them to take selfie photos or for biometric authentication via Face Unlock. Some smartphones that have sliders include the Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 , Oppo Find X , Honor Magic 2 , and Lenovo Z5 Pro. The sliding camera mechanism is intriguing and super innovative. However, like notches, they are far from perfect — at least for now. For example, sliding camera modules strip smartphones of waterproof and dustproof capabilities because they (sliders) leave a lot of space for moisture and tiny particles to get into your device. Nonetheless, we loved it.
2. In-display Fingerprint Sensor
Embedding a fingerprint sensor on a device’s rear meant you have to have the phone in your hands or lift it up each time you need to get the device unlocked or verify payments and app purchases. Front-facing fingerprint sensor embedded into home buttons solve both problems but increased the amount of bezels surrounding your smartphone display. And since we have evolved to hate bezels, something had to be done about it.
Vivo X20 Plus UD
Thanks to Vivo that pioneered the tech on the Vivo X20 Plus UD way back in January 2018, we were able to unlock our phones by tapping on a particular spot on our smartphone screen. Vivo further improved on the in-display fingerprint technology and equally showcased the prowess of its R & D team when it released the Vivo APEX . The special thing about the Vivo APEX is that the bottom-half section (about 80%) of the screen is the device’s fingerprint sensor, unlike earlier design where users were limited to placing their fingers on a marked/fixed spot.
Vivo Apex In-display fingerprint sensor
The In-display fingerprint sensor trend was widely adopted that OEMs like OnePlus, Oppo, Huawei, Xiaomi etc all have smartphones with under-display fingerprint sensors. Samsung will also be jumping on the under-display fingerprint sensor bandwagon soon.
3. Punch Hole
A hole in a smartphone screen? Who’d have thought!? Pioneered by Samsung with the Galaxy A8s, punch hole came into existence because smartphone manufacturers thought they could do away with the notch and give displays more real estate on the front without having to use a mechanical slider. This punch hole tech is still relatively new with only Samsung and Huawei having devices sporting the design. The punch hole design will not mess with your notifications (like notches do) and likewise, doesn’t raise any battery-consumption or durability concerns (like mechanical sliders).
For now, it is one of the best bezel-reduction and true full-view display solution we’ve seen so far that doesn’t change the position and form of the front-facing camera. That’s why we love it and can’t wait to see how other OEMs experiment with the innovation come 2019.
4. Reverse Wireless Charging
Huawei announced its flagship devices — Mate 20 and Mate 20 Pro — from its Mate series months ago and one of the many capabilities of the device that blew us away was the “ Reverse Wireless Charging ” feature of the Mate 20 Pro. It’s pretty much straightforward but for you to be sure, here’s what reverse wireless charging does: the Mate 20 Pro comes with a glass covering on the rear which allows the device be used as a charging mat/pad to charge other smartphones or gadgets that supports wireless charging .
For example, say you own an iPhone 8 and a Huawei Mate 20 Pro smartphone. Should your iPhone 8 run low on battery juice while you are out of the house or in transit, you can place the device on your Mate 20 and it charges. No cables, no power outlet, no hassle. Simply toggle the feature on in the battery section of the Settings menu and place the phones’ rear against each other, just like the person in the video below illustrates.
This is the first smartphone to sport this feature. In fact, it is about the only phone in existence with this feature on board. Big ups to Huawei on this one.
5. Quad Rear-Camera
Although smartphones with a triple rear camera setup made their debut in 2018 with the Huawei P20 and P20 Pro pioneering the movement, Samsung announced the Galaxy A9 (2018) , the world’s first quad rear camera smartphone not too long after launching the Galaxy A7 (2018) , its first triple rear camera smartphone.
Samsung Galaxy A9 (2018) with Quad Rear-cameras
The Galaxy A9 (2018) carries four different types of sensor (standard, telephoto, depth, and super-wide sensors) to give users more flexibility and more data for image processing. Basically for better-looking images in amazing quality. It’s exciting, truly. And while there have been some concerns and questions raised about the increasing number of lenses on smartphones, it doesn’t lessen the venturesomeness of quad-camera smartphones; we love it.
Extras: 1. Foldable Smartphones
10 years ago, the idea of a smartphone that could be folded would most likely have been labeled a crazy one. Thanks a California-based Chinese company called Royole, an idea that used to exist only in concept videos and render images was brought to life — Royole FlexPai , the world’s first foldable smartphone. Although Samsung announced plans to unveil a foldable phone , likewise Huawei , Royole beat the two industry big boys to the punch.
2. 10GB RAM Smartphones
In 2017, as well as a good part of 2018, the amount of RAM on smartphones maxed at 8GB. Xiaomi, however, switched things up when it launched the Black Shark Helo as the world’s first 10GB RAM smartphone. Barely 2 months after, many OEMs subsequently jumped on board, releasing 10GB RAM smartphones to take smartphone gaming and multitasking to a whole new level.
OnePlus 6T McLaren Edition with 10GB RAM
Interestingly, just when we thought it’d end there, at least for 2018, ZTE announced the Z5 Pro GT with -wait for it- 12 Gigabytes of RAM! Who knows? shrugs 2019 could bring us 15GB, 16GB or perhaps 20GB RAM smartphones. We really cannot wait.
Conclusively, we ask: what high-tech smartphone innovation or trend wow-ed you the most in 2018?
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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Demand for smartphones with edge-to-edge bezel-less displays is rising. That means smartphone vendors have less space for things like fingerprint scanners and home buttons at the front of the phone. For instance, Apple’s iPhone X completely did away with famous home button which also carried a fingerprint scanner used to unlock the device.
However, after several rounds of speculations that the big guns like Apple, Samsung, LG would include in-display fingerprint scanners, it’s Vivo, a major Chinese smartphone brand owned by the same company behind Oppo and OnePlus that has finally made a breakthrough. Vivo announced the Vivo X20 Plus UD, the first smartphone with a fingerprint scanner under the display at this year’s CES. The phone went on sale on January. 24, starting in China as it rolls out worldwide.
The Vivo X20 Plus UD displays a fingerprint icon on the display as soon as you lock the phone. The user then taps on the fingerprint icon on the display to unlock the phone the same way you would with the other phones. It sports a Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen, 128 GB ROM + 4 GB RAM, Qualcomm Octa-core Snapdragon 660, 12 MP, f/1.8 + 5 MP, autofocus, LED flash camera and runs Android 7.1.1 (Nougat).
We expect more phones to include fingerprint scanner under the display instead of at the front home button or at the back of the phone. The phone will retail for around 3,600 Chinese yuan which about $570.
David Okwii is the Editor-in-Chief of Dignited.com and a seasoned tech enthusiast whose journey began in the early 2000s. He started blogging while at university, diving deep into mobile apps, smartphone reviews, and operating systems—from testing Linux distros to tweaking Windows machines. David also explores Chromebooks, experiments with Raspberry Pi projects, and brings hands-on curiosity to every review. With vast experience in Uganda’s tech ecosystem and deep knowledge of Africa’s startup landscape, he offers informed, grounded perspectives on consumer technology. When he’s not writing or tinkering, David enjoys connecting with nature and exploring the outdoors.
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Fingerprint readers and sensors have proofed to be one of the best and most secure form of biometric authentication on smartphones out many types of security authentication technology present on modern-day devices. Although nothing beats PINs and passwords, fingerprint scanning feels more natural and comes close in terms of security.
Fingerprint authentication technology was properly introduced on smartphones by Apple a couple of years ago when the Cupertino-based tech giant launched the iPhone 5S. Afterwards, many other OEMs (as always) followed through with Apple’s innovation by placing the regular standalone fingerprint readers either on the rear or front of their smartphones. This continued for years until 2018 … when a particular Chinese smartphone manufacturer saw normal as boring and decided to take the fingerprint reader a notch higher.
In January at the CES 2018 event that held in Nevada, United States, Chinese OEM Vivo unveiled the first smartphone to have its fingerprint sensor embedded in its display. Dubbed the Vivo X20 Plus UD , Vivo beat the likes of Apple and Samsung to the under-display (also called in-display) technology. But how does it work? That, you’d find out below.
How an in-display fingerprint scanner works
An in-display fingerprint is (literally) embedded under a smartphone’s display uses an optical fingerprint sensor (see other types of fingerprint sensors ) to capture and identify users fingerprint information.
This particular type of fingerprint sensor that works under that screen was pioneered by Synaptics, a California-based manufacturer of fingerprint biometrics technology for smartphones and also, touchpads for laptops. Synaptics developed the ‘Synaptics Clear ID sensor’ (named the Clear ID FS9500). The Clear ID is the first-ever optical in-display fingerprint sensor and mass produced it for Vivo to use on the Vivo X20 Plus UD.
Synaptic Clear ID FS9500 optical in-display fingerprint sensor
Now, let’s highlight…
…how the Clear ID works under the display
First off, in-display fingerprint sensors (Clear ID) are produced to work with OLED panels and not on any other smartphone display technologies . This explains why you’d find the in-display fingerprint sensor only on smartphones with OLED display .
Literally, when you place your finger on the device, a light is shone on your finger, the sensor then proceeds to capture your fingerprint and the device is unlock. Technically, in-display fingerprint sensors work by using the light emitted from the gaps between the pixels of the OLED panel. When a hser places a finger on the sensor, this light illuminates the fingerprint and ultimately captures it.
A (very) high resolution image of fingerprint is taken and an algorithm proceeds to detect unique patterns of your prints by thoroughly analyzing every part of the captured image. The algorithm analyzes the dark and light part of your finger, as well as ridges and valleys. To ensure effective capture of your fingerprint data by any in-display sensor, you have to exert a little bit of pressure on the screen so the sensor can accurately differentiate between ridges and valleys of each fingerprints.
Advantages of in-display fingerprint sensor
In-display fingerprint sensors are thin : this makes them attractive as we are entering into an era where manufacturers are looking for the best possible ways to shrink down the thickness of phone sizes. Although many OEMs like Xiaomi and Huawei have now adopted the technology, we expect more manufacturers to get in line.
Easily accessible and Convenient : unlike rear-facing fingerprint sensors that takes some getting used to, in-display sensors are easy to reach and relatively convenient.
Functionality is independent of finger conditions: in-display fingerprint sensors will read your fingerprints accurately even if your fingers are wet, cold, or dry. Fingerprint capture with regular scanners under these conditions are difficult.
SentryPoint Security Suit : In-display sensors comes with industry’s highest level of secure fingerprint authentication.
Shortcomings
As innovative and interesting as the new in-display fingerprint scanning technology is, there are some downsides to it when compared to the regular on-body fingerprint sensor is.
Speed : although an in-display sensor unlocks in about half a second (averagely), it doesn’t compare to the unlock speed of regular fingerprint sensors.
Interference : applying any type of tempered glass may lead to delayed or inaccurate fingerprint capture. The sensor may also misbehave if the tampered glass is thicker than 1.5mm.
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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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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