Forget breaking the bank to own a smartwatch! The Kenyan market is surprisingly packed with feature-rich, seriously stylish smartwatches that won’t leave your wallet crying. Forget those flimsy knock-offs or questionable brands– we’re diving into the top 5 smartwatches in Kenya that you can score for under 10k (that’s about USD 80).
Get ready to track your fitness, rock those notifications, and maybe even replace your old watch – all without sacrificing your rent money.
Related:
- Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 vs Huawei Band 8 vs Xiaomi Smart Band 8: Which Should You Buy in 2024
- Redmi Watch 2 Lite Long-Term Review: Should You Buy This Smartwatch in 2023?
Oraimo Watch ER
The Oraimo Watch ER is out to show that a round smartwatch doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Its vibrant AMOLED display is in a league of its own at this price point, making it a standout choice for those who love a bold look.
It packs features like Bluetooth calling, built-in music storage, and 100+ sports modes – talk about serious bang for your buck! Of course, with this price tag there will be a few compromises, but if you crave a smartwatch with a big personality, the Oraimo Watch ER is sure to turn some heads.
- Oraimo Watch ER – KES 7500
Redmi Watch 3 Active
The Redmi Watch 3 Active throws down the gauntlet with its value proposition. This little powerhouse boasts a large, crisp AMOLED display, giving more expensive smartwatches a run for their money. It offers comprehensive health tracking, including heart rate and blood oxygen monitoring, alongside a boatload of fitness features.
Plus, its lengthy battery life means less fussing with chargers. You might not find all the high-end bells and whistles here, but if you’re after the smartwatch essentials done right, the Redmi Watch 3 Active is a rock-solid contender.
- Xiaomi Redmi Watch 3 Active – KSh8,499
Redmi Watch 2 Lite
While the Redmi Watch 2 Lite might’ve been a solid pick a couple of years back, it’s starting to feel its age in 2024. Sure, it delivers the smartwatch basics like notifications and simple fitness tracking at a bargain price.
But it’s missing some of the newer features that are becoming standard – things like built-in GPS, blood oxygen monitoring, and a brighter, more vibrant display. If budget is your main concern, it’s still a decent option, but be aware you’re sacrificing some of the latest and greatest tech that newer smartwatches offer.
- Xiaomi Redmi Watch 2 Lite – KSh7,999
Related:
- Redmi Watch 2 Lite Long-Term Review: Should You Buy This Smartwatch in 2023?
- Redmi Watch 2 Lite: Here are some FAQs answered
Oraimo Watch 2R
The Oraimo Watch 2R hits that sweet spot for the adventurous at heart. This rugged smartwatch boasts IP68 water and dust resistance, making it a great companion for workouts, rainy days, or even a dip in the pool. It packs in a ton of sports modes and health monitoring, and the long battery life means less time tethered to the charger.
Plus, with Bluetooth calling and the ability to control your music, the Oraimo Watch 2R offers a surprising amount of functionality at a very accessible price point. If you’re looking for a tough and capable smartwatch that won’t break the bank, this could be the one for you.
- Oraimo Watch 2R – KES 6500
Oraimo Watch 4 Plus
The Oraimo Watch 4 Plus aims for the big screen experience on a budget. It sports a huge, vibrant display, making everything from notifications to workouts a breeze to see. Plus, features like Bluetooth calling and quick reply for messages add a surprising layer of convenience for the price point.
If you want that oversized smartwatch look without the hefty price tag, the Oraimo Watch 4 Plus is worth a serious look. Just be ready for a few trade-offs in terms of battery life and the smoothness of the user interface compared to pricier options.
- Oraimo Watch 4 Plus – KES 5100
Oraimo Watch 2 Pro
The Oraimo Watch 2 Pro is a stylish and functional contender in the budget smartwatch arena. Its large, vibrant display makes checking notifications a breeze, and it boasts a comprehensive set of fitness tracking features for your workouts or outdoor adventures.
The standout feature is definitely the built-in Bluetooth calling, letting you stay connected on the go without always needing your phone. While it doesn’t have the most advanced features found in higher-end models, the Oraimo Watch 2 Pro packs a serious punch for the price, making it a great choice for those looking for a smartwatch that offers style, functionality, and value.
- Oraimo Watch 2 Pro – Ksh 8400
Amazfit GTS 4 Mini
The Amazfit GTS 4 Mini is all about style and substance on a budget. Its sleek, minimalist design mimics the look of pricier smartwatches, with a bright and vibrant AMOLED display that’s a joy to use. It’s loaded with health and fitness tracking, covering everything from heart rate and blood oxygen to sleep monitoring.
Plus, features like 5 ATM water resistance and lengthy battery life make it practical for daily wear. The Amazfit GTS 4 Mini does miss out on a few advanced features found in more expensive models, but if you’re looking for a chic smartwatch that delivers everyday essentials, this is a strong contender.
- Amazfit GTS 4 Mini – Ksh 10,000
Conclusion
Clearly, it’s a great time to be a smartwatch shopper in Kenya working with a tight budget! Oraimo is definitely flooding the market with a ton of options, showing their dedication to this price segment and steadily improving their products with each generation. However, other major players are also bringing the heat, so it’s worth checking out brands like Redmi and Amazfit if their features better suit your needs.
And finally, an honorable mention must go to fitness trackers from titans like Huawei, Xiaomi, and Samsung (especially the Fit series) . If you’re prioritizing super long battery life and core workout tracking, these streamlined devices can be a fantastic and even more affordable alternative.
I’m a tech enthusiast and digital explorer based in Kenya passionate about Android, Linux, and the world of custom ROMs. I love tinkering with devices to craft personalized, optimized experiences. When I’m not deep in code or tweaking gadgets, you’ll find me immersed in science fiction, philosophy, or writing about the ever-evolving tech landscape from an African perspective.
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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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