The iPhone 14 is officially here! Apple has confirmed that they won’t be including physical SIM trays with their newest phones in the US. Instead, customers will have to use new eSIM technology with the iPhone 14 supporting two eSIMs simultaneously. Apple has supported eSIMs on iPhones since the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR models. On the iPhone 13 line, Apple even allowed multiple eSIMs to be enabled at once.
eSIMs are the next evolution in cellular technology, and many carriers already use them. They allow you to activate a cellular plan from your carrier without using a physical SIM card. The eSIM has been around for a while, but manufacturers have recently started using it in their phones. The first phone with an eSIM was the Google Pixel 2, launched in 2017.
eSIMs have some advantages over physical SIM cards:
- They don’t take up space inside your device as traditional SIM cards do
- eSIMs don’t require an adapter card like some other types of SIM cards do
- They don’t need any manual installation or configuration like some other types of SIM cards do.
Screenshot by Sarah Lord
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The iPhone 14 models can hold between six to eight eSIMs, depending on the model, but only two can be active simultaneously. The challenge is that not all international carriers have adopted this technology; it may explain why activation has been limited to US customers.
Apple launched the iPhone 14, along with the Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch Ultra, Apple Watch SE, and AirPods Pro 2nd generation, at the “Far Out” event on Wednesday, September 7, 2022. All these devices will be available for preorder by September 16. The event also introduced Crash Detection, the Always On display, and Dynamic Island to iOS 16 .
Feature Photo by Allison Johnson
Victor Immanuel Oloo is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in web 2.0 technologies, social media, and digital marketing. He covers the latest in mobile apps, smartphone reviews, and tech news, offering insightful analysis on the ever-evolving tech landscape. Victor’s deep understanding of both local and global trends provides readers with relevant, informed perspectives on how technology is shaping our world.
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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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There’s nothing as refreshing as reviewing jaw-dropping pocket-friendly devices for everyday people like the itel P32. In this department, itel is king.
According to statistics by Canalys, itel which sold 2 million units in the first quarter of 2018 took the #3 spot in smartphone market share in Africa. If that’s any indicator, itel has cracked the secret formula for doing what it takes to snag the lion’s share in emerging markets.
The itel P32 is a lot of phone in exchange for a little bit of pocket change. At a modest UGX 330,000~UGX 350,000 ($88~$93), this unassuming device clearly blurs the line between budget and midrange.
But don’t get us wrong. The P32 is still a budget phone through and through and that price tag is no gimmick as far as we can tell. The trade-off comes when you look at the line-up of cool features you’d normally expect from midrange smartphones.
Before we put in our elbow grease, we might as well get this out of the way. The itel P32 comes with 8GB ROM alongside 1GB RAM. It runs Android Oreo 8.1 Go Edition tweaked to run on minimal system resources (1GB RAM or less). The RAM though is a fixed done deal, but the silver lining here is that the ROM (internal storage) can be increased by up to 32GB via microSD card.
It also goes without saying that this device is a dual SIM because that’s how we roll. As we break down the nitty-gritty of this little beauty, let’s start with a few bullet points.
Argument for the itel P32
- 5MP Dual rear camera
- Fullscreen display sporting 18:9 aspect ratio
- Matte finish for firm grip
- 4,000mAh 3-day battery
- Fingerprint sensor
- No bloatware
- Android Go
- Gesture keys
- Complimentary plastic full-body case
- Mobile anti-theft feature
itel P32: Design and Build
The 5-inch frame takes us on a trip down memory lane, back when 5 inches was as bold as most smartphone makers dared to go. But unlike old school handsets, the P32 features a full-screen display (18:9 aspect ratio). The bezels are chiselled away to make room for what turns out to be a decent 5.5 -inch screen.
itel chose wisely with the gorgeous matte polycarbonate finish which gives it a premium look and feel. That and a slender 5-inch frame contrasted with 8.8mm thickness and coupled with rounded edges completely does away with accidental slippage.
Not that you have much to worry about. itel includes a plastic full body jacket for total protection. Expect pseudo horizontal antenna stripes top and bottom reminiscent of iPhones. But unlike the latter, these lines are for aesthetics only. I personally found them a cute addition.
Related: itel P32 Unboxing & First Impressions: A budget smartphone with more than a massive battery
The dual rear camera on a budget handset is a first in this neck of the woods. The dual camera is complimented by a dual LED flash for that perfect shot in low light conditions.
But itel doesn’t stop there. A well-placed fingerprint sensor allows for quick unlocking of your P32 along with provision for extra fingerprint shortcut features.
To complete the circuit, a speaker resides at the bottom of your P32. Further down is the oldschool MicroUSB slot. A tiny wedge a little to your bottom right lets you pop open the back cover to access the device innards. But not so fast. The battery is screwed tight, so the best you can do is swap out SIM cards and microSD cards with this arrangement.
itel P32 Review: Software & Performance
Antutu Benchmark: 20521
Coming from a point of ignorance, you might dismiss the itel P32 as a sub-par smartphone. Sure, it’s a budget device, but that’s not to say that it doesn’t have its moments.
The P32 is powered by a MediaTek MT6580 Quad-core 1.3GHz, ARM Cortex-A7 CPU and a Mali-400 MP GPU running on 1GB RAM and 8GB ROM. This combo is more than enough horsepower for everyday use and a decent gaming experience. Playing the usual games i.e. Candy Crush and Temple Run was a smooth enjoyable experience.
Still on the point of performance, we have sung the Android Go song for a while now. In a nutshell, this is Google reaching out to provide the latest Android OS to under-powered entry-level devices with 1GB of RAM or less.
The entire operating system is remixed to run in tip-top shape even as it uses fewer system resources. The same applies to Android Go apps which are lighter than the original apps but no less productive. What’s more, these apps consume less internet data and consume less battery.
After a bit of tinkering, we discovered a few features which we immediately feel in love with. One of these is Applock which lets you secure any app with a passlock. WhatsApp, hello! With Applock, you can lock your Gallery, File Explorer, WhatsApp and whatever else from prying eyes.
Another one is the Mobile anti-theft feature. With this feature, an emergency contact is informed whenever your SIM card is changed. You can remotely lock your device or completely wipe your device all through SMS text messages sent to your device.
Camera
Unless we are mistaken, a dual camera setup on a budget smartphone is unprecedented. The 5 MP cameras work in concert to output images at a resolution of 2560 x 1920 pixels and a 4:3 aspect ratio. The same applies to the selfie camera upfront. As for video, the best you can get is 1980 x 1088 pixel resolution.
There’s not much in the way of camera tweaks. You get low-light pano[rama] and HDR. For photo-centric users, there’s a bunch of filters and masks you can apply. The end result is a rather impressive photoshoot for such an entry-level device. You have to see this to believe it, though. Here are some shots we took in our downtime…
Battery
Entry-level and Midrange smartphones continue to raise the bar where battery technology is concerned. That the itel P32 can manage to tuck in so much battery in such a small frame is a testimony for the high-end devices which are miserly in this department.
Being an Android Go device and a 3G phone at that, the P32 is already optimised to run on as little juice as it can. This argument validates the claim that the 4,00mAh battery goes 3 days without the need for charging.
itel P32 Specs:
Announced: 2018, June Available: 2018, June Model: itel P32 (F8011) Colours: Champagne Gold, Ice Blue, City Blue SIM: Dual Micro-SIM OS: Android™ 8.1.0 (32 bit Go Edition) Network: GSM, WCDMA, GPRS, EDGE Display: 5.5-inch 480 x 960px IPS, multi-touch touchscreen, 16M colors CPU: MediaTek MT6580 Quad-core 1.3GHz, ARM Cortex-A7 Mali-400 MP Processor Memory: 8GB ROM, 1GB RAM, microSD, up to 32 GB (dedicated slot) Camera: 5 MP (2560 x 1920) + 5MP (2560 x 1920) dual rear cameras, autofocus, dual-LED flash, 5MP (2560 x 1920) front Camera with LED flash Sensors: Accelerometer, Ambient Light, Proximity, Fingerprint Battery: Non -Removable Li-Ion 4000 mAh battery
Final verdict
Long before the advent of smartphones, the selling point of feature phones was always the long battery life. That the itel P32 can last that long but has enough modern features to stay relevant is an attractive prospect. The P32 has a few things going for it which comprise: good battery, good camera, fingerprint scanner, stylish look, and a full-screen display.
That it’s not a 4G phone or that it’s not an HD phone and has less RAM and storage space is small potatoes. Many of these are actually overrated. What say you?
Sydney Mugerwa is a seasoned consumer tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with a passion for reviewing the latest gadgets and smart devices. From smartphones and wearables to smart home products and cameras, Sydney breaks down the complexities of consumer tech, making it easy to understand through detailed reviews and how-to guides. His mission is to simplify tech jargon and help readers make informed decisions in the ever-evolving world of technology.
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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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