Wireless Charging can be safely said to be one of the best innovation that debuted in the smartphone world. With its application on smartphones dating as far back as 2012 with the Samsung Galaxy S4, Nexus 5, Nokia Lumia 820 and Nokia Lumia 820 being early adopters, the technology is now more popular, widely used, and even more advanced than it used to be — check out Wireless Reverse Charging .
For starters, we have previously supplied in-depth analysis o how the wireless charging technology works . And for the curious cats, we have answered some questions revolving around the safety of wireless charging for your smartphone’s battery and also examined the possibility of the technology debuting on laptops .
Wireless chargers are everywhere. But as ubiquitous as they may seem, buying the right wireless charger for your smartphone could surprisingly turn out to be difficult — especially as a beginner. To help solve that, we have highlighted some tips that can help you buy the best wireless charger below. Also included are things you should look out for before you add that wireless charger to your shopping cart.
Supported Standard
There are two majorly known wireless charging standards — Qi (pronounced Chee) and Powermat Standard. Although the companies behind both standards have now come together to form an alliance where wireless chargers in the future will support both standards, there are still some wireless chargers out there that support only a single standard — either Qi or Powermat. This makes it very important to check what wireless charging standard your smartphone supports before buying a wireless charger.
If you aren’t sure what standard your device(s) support, or you want a charger that’ll be compatible with all kinds of smartphones, or you have multiple devices with varying standards, the best bet is to buy a (Dual) wireless charger that supports both standards — though they may be a bit pricier when compared to wireless chargers that support just a single standard.
That said, it is worth noting that there are also some devices that support both standards; they are known as Dual Wireless Charging devices. The Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge, for example, both support the Qi and Powermat standards.
You should, however, ensure that the wireless charger you intend to buy supports the wireless charging standard(s) of your device(s). A Qi standard wireless charger is recommended though. It is the most used standard by many top OEMs and it is more widely accepted than Powermat. But then again, check your smartphone’s charging specifications to be sure what standard it supports.
Charging Speed
Although charging speed used to be one of the major holdbacks as to why many smartphones users prefer wires or cords to wireless charging, the charging speed of wireless chargers is now relatively faster — but still not anywhere near the speed of charging via cables and cords.
Wireless chargers and phones that support wireless charging are now laced with some sort of ‘fast charging’. Some phones can charge (wirelessly) at a maximum speed of 15W while some will only charge at 10W, 9W, 7.5W, 5W etc. However, irrespective of the maximum wireless charging speed of your device, ensure that whichever wireless charger you (intend to) buy supports equal or higher wattage. That way, you know your phone is charging to the best of its abilities and not charging slowly.
…while chargers that output less will charge your phone, they won’t do so quite as fast. You’ll probably want to get a 10W charger to make sure that you’ve covered no matter what phone you buy.
Best practice is to peruse the packaging or specifications of the wireless charger for the wattage (W) speed and compare it with the wireless charging speed of your smartphone.
Connector/Cable type
Majority of wireless chargers are designed in a way that a connector/cable joins the charging pad/mat to the wall adapter. Some companies use unique proprietary cables while others use the common standard connector cables like USB-C and Micro-USB. When buying a wireless charger, it is recommended to go for brands with standard connectors as they are easy to replace in the case where they get damaged, broken, misplaced, or stolen.
Availability and Type of Wall Adapter
Be sure to look out for the availability of a wall adapter before picking up a wireless charger. Some brands come with an adapter out-of-the-box while certain brands don’t include it in the package, leaving you to spend extra $$$ buying an adapter.
If you can, make sure the wireless charger you buy comes with its own wall adapter. Because we expense aside, there’s the risk of buying/using an adapter that would not charge your phone fast enough. Doesn’t matter if it charging pad supports fast charging or not, a low wattage adapter will not charge your phone as fast as it was designed to charge.
…a 10W pad with a 5W wall jack will only charge at 5W.
Construction: Shape, Size, Style
Just like phones come in different styles, sizes, and design, the same can be said for wireless chargers — and pretty much every other gadgets and accessories. Wireless charges are majorly designed based on how you want to use them and the number of devices you intend charging. If you have just one device that supports wireless charging, a charger with a small pad a would suffice. If, on the other hand, you’d be charging as many as 2 – 4 different devices (at the same time), a ‘charging mat’ with a large surface is preferable.
You also need to take style and placement of your device into consideration before you purchase a wireless charger. If you’d want to use your phone while you charge, conveniently see the display work, or easily unlock with facial recognition, an ‘angled wireless charger’ is the best bet. If are less likely to use your phone while you charge (perhaps during bedtime), you should buy a flat wireless charger.
An angled wireless charger
Not sure whether (or not) you’d need to use your phone while you charge? There are “convertible wireless chargers” that can lay horizontally or stand vertically in an angled position.
Aesthetical preference
Be sure to look out for as many designs as possible before making a buying decision. While the charging pad of some wireless chargers are made of glass, some are covered in fabric, and others: leather, plastic etc. Choose the one that best suite your taste and rock it!
A Wireless charger embodied in leather material
Brand Reputation
When buying wireless chargers, brand reputation is an important thing to look out for. And not just wireless chargers, it applies to anything that’s worth buying. If (before or) after checking all other properties of the wireless charger and it checks all the boxes it should check, you want to make sure that it is from reputable brands in the wireless charger ecosystem like Anker, Samsung, Mophie, RavPower, Mophie etc.
If the accessory is from an unknown brand, make sure you read as many reviews from other buyers before you make payment. You can also look out for warranty duration.
Wireless charging may still have its drawbacks but it certainly is the future of charging. In fact, there are now smartphones that can only be charged via wireless chargers — yes, no USB port for charging with cables.
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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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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