The Mi Band series have had spectacular success with health and fitness enthusiasts looking for fitness band on the cheap. Huami Technologies, the company that’s been in charge of producing Xiaomi’s Mi Band fitness trackers decided to release its own under its brand Amazfit .
I have been using the Amazfit Band 5 for several weeks now as my daily driver after having used the Mi Band 5. For better comparison, I have used both bands at the same time during workout sessions just to compare performance and results. I was quite surprised to learn that Amazfit band 5 was giving me slightly less accurate workout results compared to the Mi Band 5. More on that later.
Summarily, here’s what we liked with the Amazfit Band 5;
- SpO2 (Blood Oxygen) monitoring
- 1.1″ AMOLED display
- Magnetic 2-pin charger
What we didn’t like;
- Inaccurate workout results.
- Alexa with limited geographical support
Amazfit band 5 specs
Dimensions : 47.2 x 18.5 x 12.4mm Weight : 24g (with strap) and 12g (without strap) Body material : Polycarbonate Strap material : Skin friendly TPUS Strap length : 162-235mm Strap width: 15.55mm Waterproof rating : 5 ATM Display : 1.1″ full color AMOLED, resolution 126×294 Touch screen : 2.5D glass + anti-fingerprint coating Sensors : – BioTracker TM2 PPG Bio-Tracking Optical Sensor -3-axis acceleration sensor | 3-axis gyroscope sensor
Bluetooth : BT5.0/BLE Battery : 125mAh lithium-ion polymer battery (Typical value) Charging time : About 2 hours Charging method : Magnetic Clip / 2-pins POGO pin Battery Life : Typical usage scenario is 15 days Power-saving scenario : 25 days Standby time : 90 days Supported devices : Android 5.0 or iOS 10.0 and above Accessories : Clip dock, user manual
In the Box
The Amazfit is a light-weight fitness tracker weighing only 24g with the strap. It measures 47.2 x 18.5 x 12.4mm in dimension with body built from Polycarbonate . The fitness band comes with a 2-pin Magnet charger cable and a manual. No USB wall charger is included in the box. Luckily you can charge the band with your standard USB-A smartphone charger. The Band itself comes with some charge to get you started. But before you do, you must install the Zepp App from Amazfit to set it up.
Amazfit Band 5 Features
The Amazfit Band 5 comes with 11 sports modes including outdoor running, walking, cycling, treadmill, pool swimming, freestyle, indoor cycling, Elliptical, jump rope, yoga and rowing machine. You can record your distance, speed, heart rate and calories burnt.
Now I took the Amazfit band 5 for an outdoor session once and I noticed a discrepancy in results compared to the Amazfit GTS and Mi Band 5 I had used earlier. So I took the Amazfit band 5 and the Mi Band 5 on the same outdoor running session to rule out any unknown variables. Still the Amazfit band 5 was reporting way less distance and pace than the other trackers. For instance, during my 11km run, the Amazfit Band 5 incorrectly reported 8.58km.
Amazfit band 5 vs Mi Band 5 results
Now you need to know that both Amazfit Band 5 and the Mi Band 5 don’t come with built-in GPS. So the results are not point accurate unless you take your smartphone paired with the band with you. Instead the bands use an algorithm that uses steps taken and other metrics to determine distance, pace and calories burnt. Amazfit has a lot to tweak in this regard.
Now unto Heart rate monitoring . I found both bands giving pretty much the same results. The Amazfit band 5 supports continuously 24 hour heart rate monitoring which you can turn on/off from the settings. I tend to prefer on-demand measurements.
SpO2 Blood oxygen monitoring
What distinguishes the Amazfit Band 5 from the Mi Band 5 is SpO2 blood oxygen monitoring which is included in the former and not the latter. SpO2 has been a big deal in fitness trackers and smart watches in 2020. Even the Apple Watch series 6 comes with SpO2 monitor. SpO2 is an indication of how much oxygen is in your blood. This is critically important during these Covid-19 pandemic times where an abnormality might be symptomatic of the virus. A normal SpO2 range is between 95-100% according to health experts.
Amazfit Band 5 SpO2 measurement
I did take my SpO2 measurement with the tracker. I was able to get inconsistent results. One measurement first gave me 85% and the subsequent values where 96%. Obviously I don’t and you shouldn’t expect the Amazfit Band 5 to give you hospital medical-grade results. The measurements should be taken with a pitch of salt and only hospital results should be considered.
Alexa built-in support
Charging and Battery life
The Amazfit Band 5 is powered by 125mAh li-ion polymer battery which according to the company should take you about 15 days on average use. The device is charged by a 2-pin magnetic charger similar to that of the Mi Band 5. When I took it for a spin, I was able to hit about 10 days without charge which is still impressive. The battery life is going to be determined by the features you turn on. For instance continuous heart rate monitoring and PAI will drain the battery a lot faster.
The other Amazfit Band features include stress monitoring, breathing exercises, PAI vitality index, women period cycle tracking among other. We have already talked about them in detail here .
- Blood oxygen monitoring
- Alexa support
- 11 sports modes
- Stress and breathing monitoring
- Sleep tracking
- PAI score
- Women health tracking
- 15 days of battery
Checkout our video review of the Amazfit Band 5 below.
Price and where to buy
If you are looking for a fitness tracker with SpO2 blood oxygen monitor on the cheap, then the Amazfit Band 5 is a good recommendation. The other trackers with SpO2 will take you back at least $179 such as the Amazfit GTS 2 , Fitbit versa 2 at $179 or Apple watch series 6 at $329. Alexa support is a welcome addition but it’s not globally supported, so that isn’t a strong reason to easily recommend this band. Otherwise, for me, the Mi Band 5 at just $30-38 is still the best Fitness tracker in this price range.
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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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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