Generally, when it comes to choosing a camera setup for security you get to choose between two routes. The first and most conventional path is the CCTV route which is also a more traditional solution . With CCTV a set of strategically positioned and installed cameras capture video footage which is then sent to a central storage device . This footage is also ready to be viewed on a monitor or TV in real-time .
The other path is the smart home security camera solution which stores its footage on the cloud, in a micro SD, or in the built-in memory. This footage can be accessed and viewed remotely via a smartphone app or a web interface.
In the recent past, there has been some considerable extent of overlap between the functionality of these two distinct security solutions. For instance, it is not very hard to get a CCTV system with some smart features like you would find with smart home cameras.
The objective of this post is to help you choose the best security surveillance system for you between CCTV and smart home security cameras . Are you looking for a solution that requires minimal maintenance and interference from you? Or are you looking for a cheap easy-to-install solution that you can control from anywhere?
- How Smart Home Security cameras work and what you should know before buying one
- Best Affordable Smart Home Cameras to Choose From
The Case For CCTV Systems
For anyone who might not know, CCTV is an acronym for Closed-Circuit Television. With CCTV, the footage is recorded by cameras connected by cables to a centrally positioned storage device. There usually is a monitor or television that you can use to view the stored videos.
The reason this system is referred to as a closed circuit is that it has no external connection to the internet . I should however highlight that CCTV manufacturers are adding new features like support for smartphone app integration.
CCTV Systems are More Reliable
Other CCTV manufacturers have introduced motion detection and push notifications for the same. With CCTV, these features are usually included in the initial buying costs. And not as a recurring subscription as is typical with smart home security cameras. The main selling points for CCTV solutions are their reliability and simplicity . This is due to the fact that the wired connections between the recorder and cameras are free from the risks of wireless failure or interference.
Image Credit: advancedoverwatch.com
Generally, CCTV systems are designed for use outdoors hence they are weather-resistant . Another key point for CCTV solutions is that they record everything . This is to mean the length of recorded footage will be limited by the storage capacity of your recorder . With CCTV, a full timeline of footage can be accessed not just snippets triggered by detected motion as is with smart home security cameras.
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CCTVs are Better at Nightvision and Your Data is Safer
Another upside for CCTV solutions is their night vision powered by infrared. Granted, some smart home cameras have support for night vision but they cannot compare with CCTV in terms of range. Again because CCTVs use a local kind of storage instead of uploading to a cloud storage system, CCTVs tend to be much safer . This is because internet-based data storage systems are prone to cyberattacks, connection outages, and downtimes. The storage service provider might also go out of business and leave you stranded.
A downside to locally stored footage is that if the original gets damaged or lost , the lack of an online backup can be detrimental. Another downside to CCTV is that the local hard drive limits the length of stored footage while most smart home cameras have unlimited cloud storage. Additionally, installing CCTVs requires some level of skill and effort because of running cables and wires. Another con for CCTV against smart home cameras is that their high mounting positions mean they get a good view of the surroundings.
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The Case for Smart Home Security Cameras against CCTV
Smart home security cameras do not operate on closed circuits like CCTVs. These use cloud storage services from their manufacturers where they upload the captured footage. This uploaded footage can then be downloaded or streamed to your phone or PC. This is a key distinguishing factor as it eliminates the need for you to manage the recording and storage of footage. The cloud storage also adds to simplicity and accessibility because you can view the live footage anytime from anywhere. Provided you have an internet connection.
Image Credit: safewise.com
Smart Home Cameras Have AI and are Easy to Install
Smart home cameras can either be wired or wireless. With wireless smart home cameras, they come with built-in rechargeable batteries. Thus they are very easy to install because no power cables need to be run to power outlets. But it also means the user has to keep a keen eye on the battery levels. Else it might go off in time of need. There are also other types of smart home cameras that come with micro SD and USB slots that you can record footage to. That is if you want to avoid paid cloud storage subscriptions.
Currently, there are many smart home security cameras that come with Artificial Intelligence (AI) which helps them identify objects. With AI, the camera can distinguish between a dog, a cat, a car, a person, etc. Hence providing a filter for notifications you receive about detected motion. Other Advanced AI smart cameras can identify familiar people like your friends and family, like Apple’s HomeKit and Google’s Nest.
- Wyze Cam v3 R eview: An affordable wired Smart Home Security Camera with Color Night Vision
- Wyze Cam v3 vs Wyze Cam Pan v2: Which smart security camera should you buy?
Smart Home Cameras Have Two Way Audio
An important feature that sets home security cameras above CCTVs solutions is the ability for two-way audio . This means that the smart camera has a microphone and a speaker to facilitate communication with someone in the camera’s field of view. Most people use this to scare intruders by letting them know that they are being recorded. Or telling the person at your door to bear with you as you go open the door for them.
Image: komando.com
Unlike CCTVs, smart home cameras are designed to work and fit inside your household conspicuously. There are some manufacturers who make indoor use-only cameras that come without weather protection features. These tend to be smaller and more affordable than outdoor use smart cameras. Smart home cameras can be used as baby monitors, security cameras, video doorbells, and pet monitoring. The applications here are limitless. This flexibility of use puts smart home cameras above traditional fixed CCTV systems.
- Cloud Storage vs Local Card: Which is the Best For Your Smart Home Camera
- These (5) Smart Home WiFi Cameras work with local storage
Conclusion: Which Is Best For You?
Both these security surveillance systems can keep video footage of the happenings at your business premises. Or your home that can be reviewed at a later date. For those shopping for a simple solution that records full-time with local storage and autonomy from the internet, CCTV is your best bet.
George Kimathi a tech writer based in Kenya, passionate about exploring how technology shapes everyday life across Africa. From mobile innovations to digital trends, he covers the tools and ideas driving the continent’s digital transformation. When not writing, George enjoys testing gadgets, exploring local tech communities, and staying curious about what’s next.
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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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