This year 2021, Samsung held five separate events, launching devices in different categories over these events. The first event was held in January. At this event, Samsung Unveiled the Galaxy S21 series which includes the standard Galaxy S21, S21 Plus and the premium S21 Ultra smartphone. Launched alongside the Galaxy S21 series was the Galaxy Buds Pro earbuds and Samsung SmartTag object tracker. The next event – in March – saw the unveiling of the latest iteration in the budget-friendly Galaxy A series.
Another major event was held in August where Samsung unveiled devices in the Galaxy Flip, Galaxy Fold, Galaxy smartwatches, and Galaxy Smart buds. We also saw the unveiling of the Galaxy Z Flip 3 Bespoke Edition. And now that we can confirm that there are no plans by Samsung to host any other Unpacked event this year, here’s a list of the devices unveiled by Samsung in 2021.
Galaxy S21
The new S21 series features three new devices include the basic Samsung Galaxy S21, the Galaxy S21 Plus, and the premium Galaxy S21 Ultra. And surprisingly, this new device is slightly cheaper than its predecessor, the Galaxy S20. Also, for the first time on Samsung Galaxy smartphones, the Galaxy S21 didn’t come with a headphone jack or a charging brick.
- OS: Android 11 with One UI 3
- DISPLAY: 6.2 inches (2400 x 1080)
- PROCESSOR: Snapdragon 888
- RAM: 8GB
- STORAGE: 128GB, 256GB
- REAR CAMERAS: 12MP wide (f/1.8), 12MP ultra-wide (f/2.2), 64MP telephoto (f/2.0)
- FRONT CAMERA: 10MP
- BATTERY: 4,000 mAh
- Price : Starting at N320,000 ($799)
Galaxy Z Fold 3
Samsung – without a doubt – dominates the foldable smartphones category. And the Galaxy Z Fold 3 proves why it is that dominant in that space. It comes with an under display camera, an S Pen, an IPX8 Water Resistance rating, and the One UI 3.
- Display : Folded – 6.2′-inches 2268 x 832 pixels dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O display. Unfolded – 7.6-inches 2208 x 1768 pixels Dynamic AMOLED 2X (22.5:18) Infinity Flex Display.
- Selfie Camera : Folded – 10MP Selfie Camera | Unfolded – 4MP Under Display Selfie Camera
- Rear Camera : 12MP Ultra Wide + 12MP Wide-angle + 12MP Telephoto
- Processor : Octo-core snapdragon 888 processor
- OS : Android 10
- Battery : 4,400mAh battery capacity
- Storage : 12GB RAM with 512GB / 256GB internal storage
- Price : $1799
The Galaxy Z Flip 3
The Galaxy Z Flip 3 has received a lot of positive feed backs since it was launched months ago. Users have said handling and using it is seamless. Itg can easily be flipped open with your wrist one-handed. Also, the outside screen can be used when it’s closed.
- Display size : Internal: 6.7-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED; 2,640×1,080 pixels. External: 1.9-inch AMOLED; 512×260 pixels
- Camera : 12-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide)
- Front-facing Camera : 10-megapixel
- Processor : Qualcomm Snapdragon 888
- Internal Storage : 128GB/256GB
- RAM : 8GB
- Battery : 3,300 mAh
- Finger print : Left side
- Headphone Jack : No
- Price : $1,000 (128GB), $1,050 (256GB)
Galaxy Z Flip 3 Bespoke Edition
When Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Z Flip 3, it only came in four colors: Cream, Lavender, Phantom Black, Green. If you are a fan of the Z Flip but none of the colors released aren’t appealing enough, Samsung has got something for you – the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 Bespoke Edition. This Bespoke Edition is a version of the Galaxy Z Flip 3 foldable smartphone that you can customize in a variety of colors.
Ordering is exclusive to Samsung’s official website. And it starts from $1,099.
Samsung SmartTag+
If you know how difficult it can be to find missing keys and wallets, you would understand the importance of a SmartTag. The Samsung Galaxy SmartTag+ is a smart device for locating lost objects. The SmartTag+ is coming in as an upgrade to the SmartTag. The SmartTag+ comes with both BLE and UWB (Ultra Wide Band) technology which aids in pinpointing missing items with great precision and can detect Bluetooth range up to 120 meters. This SmartTag+ sells for $39 for a single unit and $64.99 for a two-unit pack.
Samsung Watch 4
Samsung did some tweaking with the launch of the Galaxy Watch 4 series. It made changes to the names of the smart watches. It released the Galaxy Watch4 to replace the “ Active ” moniker – and will continue to come without bezel, and the successor to the Galaxy Watch 3 will be called the “ Galaxy Watch4 Classic “. The Galaxy Watch4 Classic will, however, continue to come without bezels, however. They both come with upgrades in various areas including a new chip set, operating system, and improved storage.
Galaxy Buds Pro and Galaxy Buds 2
The Galaxy Buds Pro have a totally new design and it come in three different color options (phantom black, silver and violet). One of its major feature upgrades is its high IPX7 fully waterproof rating – that’s the highest rating for any Samsung earbuds.
- Speaker : Two-way (11mm woofer + 6.5mm tweeter)
- Weight : 0.2 ounces (6.3 grams)
- Charging case weight : 1.58 ounces (44.9 grams)
- Microphones : Three mics (two outer and one inner).
- Active Noise Cancellation : Yes
- Battery life with ANC on: 5 hours with 13 hours in charging case
- Battery life with ANC off: 8 hours with 20 hours in charging case
- IPX7 water-resistance rating (fully waterproof)
- Price : $200
Galaxy Buds 2Specifications
- Earbud Dimensions : 17.0 x 20.9 x 21.1mm
- Earbuds Weught: 5.0g
- Bluetooth : v5.2
- Sensors: Accelerometer, Gyro, Proximity, Hall, Touch, VPU (Voice Pickup Unit)
- Battery Time : 7.5 hours and 5 hours with ANC on
- Charging Case Dimensions : 50.2 x 50.0 x 27.8mm
- Charging Case Weight : 41.2g
Conclusion
We expected that certain devices like the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE would launch this year 2021, it was disappointing not to see it launch. We expect that it’ll be launched alongside other Galaxy devices like the Galaxy S22, in 2022, at its next keynote scheduled for Jan 4, 2022.
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.
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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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