Wireless routers have become a thing. They are very common around offices, café, restaurants and homes. In most cases, people who purchase Wi-Fi routers in their homes and offices get it from their ISP provides. This is because it is convenient since you don’t need to do any set up and it saves them money.

But when you have many devices connected to it, the network is slow, or doesn’t reach most parts of your house. This is why in this article, we have discussed important features to look out for when buying a router.

Router’s Wi-Fi

standard

Just as technology continues to advance, Wi-Fi router manufacturers are constantly implementing new and more powerful wireless standards. When considering the Wi-Fi router to buy, the first thing to check is the Wi-Fi standard it supports. Though, regular Wi-Fi routers you’ll find around will likely support the 802.11 ‘b’ or ‘g, the newer versions support ‘ n ’. The regular Wi-Fi router that supports the 802.11n or WiFi 4, in theory, lets you transfer data at 600mbps (even though the speed is a lot more reduced in practical scenarios).

WiFi 5 also called 802.11 ac allows transfer speeds of upto 1.3Gbps. Thanks to this transfer speed, better multi antenna and better multi input multi output (MIMO), users can connect more devices with high data transfer speed. The latest WiFi standard WiFi 6 or 802.11 ax is at least three times faster than its predecessor boosting of data transfers speeds of up to 9Gbps.

So, which should you go for? The 802.11ax standard Wi-Fi router is still very expensive – much more expensive than the 802.11ac router and only a handful of phones and computers support it. For now, I’ll advice you choose the ‘ac’ standard. It is likely to support your devices and it is less expensive.

Router’s wireless

frequency – Single or dual-band?

Most wireless routers work with two different frequencies – 2.4GHz and 5GHz. The main difference between these two frequencies is speed, interference and range. The 5GHz band is typically less cluttered, it provides a faster connection , and there is less disturbance for each connected device – this lets them attain maximum gain from the bandwidth. The 5GHz is a better option for you if you will be connecting a lot of devices or there are overlapping networks in the area.

The 2.4 GHz on the other hand can also be used by many devices at the same time and is less susceptible to interference and congestion.

If you are in a densely populated neighborhood, the dual-band router is your best bet. A dual- band router is equipped with two radios, one operates on the 2.4GHz frequency, and the other runs on the 5GHz frequency. A dual band is designed to set up two separate wireless networks to improve speeds in a crowded wireless network. It does this by bumping some devices over to the alternate frequency.

Router’s antenna

range

For smooth connection to a router, it is important that the router is placed in a central location in your home or office away from physical obstructions and other gadgets and interference. But even from an open location, depending on the type of router, you might still experience connection lose in some areas in your home.

The range of a router can not be measured directly, it is dependent on a wide variety of factors. The only way around this is to look at the dBi ratings of the antenna of the router, which are most times included in the specifications.

If you need a Wi-Fi router for a small apartment, the 2-4dBi will definitely do the job. For wide offices or wide apartments with multiple floors and other physical obstacles (concrete wall, microwaves), you will need to purchase a router with higher dBi ratings.

MU-MIMO antennas

The MIMO technology makes your router very fast by sending data through multiple antennas. With this technology, the router is able to target multiple devices (smartphones, tablets, computers) at specific places at the same time. This is done via another technique called MU-MIMO (Multi-User Multiple-Input Multiple-Output). You should also note that only newer routers that support 802.11ac are compatible with MU-MIMO.

To confirm if your preferred router supports MU-MIMO, check the product package or specs sheet. Vendors usually indicate whether their router supports MU-MIMO.

Here’s a detailed explanation about Wi-Fi Beamforming, Beam steering, MU-MIMO and how It improves on your router’s signal

Router security

Wireless networks are so insecure that just about any body within connection range can spy on your online activities, hijack your Internet connection, gain access to files on your devices, and infect your device system with viruses.

Although new model routers come with many extra security features, which includes the ability add extra encryption, monitor other devices, and block unwanted users from the network, regular ones are still vulnerable.

When buying a Wi-Fi router, make sure you get one that support at least WPA2 (The Wi-Fi Protected Access protocol’s second implementation). Also, you want to make sure every device you add to your network supports WPA2. However, WPA3 is the latest WiFi security standard that’s succeeded WPA2. in most cases, WiFi routers that support WPA 3 also support WPA2. Take note that your network is as secure as the least secure device that’s connected to it.

Router ports

Most router come with USB ports. But what these USB ports can be used for is what should be of importance to you. for some routers, the USB port is merely used for transferring setup information from the router to a client.

Latest Wi-Fi router USB ports allows you connect a large hard drive to it and every device connected to the network will have access to resources on that storage.

Next, you should consider the generation of the USB ports – USB 2.0 and USB 3.0. The USB 3.0 is a better option because it lets you connect any accessory type. Also, some routers come with a combination of both the USN 2.0 and USB 3.0.

Price

A Wi-Fi routers cost is largely determined by their antenna, ports, and other features. The best router with full features available on Jumia costs as much as ₦80,000 ($225). Although, if you’re on a tight budget, you can get a decent one for as low as ₦7,000 ($20) available on Jumia , but I can guaranty that most budget routers will deliver a sub-par performance and won’t offer all the latest and greatest features.

Emmanuel Moses Temidayo is a consumer tech writer based in Nigeria, with a keen focus on fintech, mobile apps, and web technologies across Africa. He covers the latest tech news, provides practical how-to articles, and delves into the dynamic fintech landscape, offering readers a deeper understanding of the innovations shaping the continent’s digital future.

Type your email…

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]

Type your email…

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]

Type your email…