Smartphones have really come of age. When the iPhone launched about a decade ago, only a handful of people could afford it in select countries around the world. But the iPhone showed us a glimpse of what a phone should truly be in the 21 century. That’s why Google very soon after with its Open Android platform launched about a year later ushering in a whole new world of mobile computing.
The Infinix Note 3 is an android-based smartphone or phablet if you like. Its magnificent 6.1 Inch screen positions it as in-between a smartphone and tablet. When I first held a smartphone back in 2010 thanks to the legendary Google Ideos by Huawei, a 3.5″ screen seemed like really a phone with a big screen. 256MB of RAM was a breeze of fresh air and the fact that it would multi-task was just unbelievable more so at only a price of Ugx 350,000.
However, our needs have changed. Now users demand more with their smartphones than they initially did. So a phone with screen size of 4.0 inches, RAM of less than 1GB and storage of less than 4GB might not standup to today’s smartphone users’ needs. Even your younger sibling still in high school might toss it against the wall. So in the last 5 years, smartphone vendors have been ramping up their phone specs while keeping the price as low as possible. This is one thing that Infinix Mobility, the makers of Infinix phone brands have really excelled at.
Now if you are in Uganda like most readers of this website, you might not know them yet. That’s because they have been majorly in Kenya and Nigerian markets concentrating majorly on high-end devices. They just launched in Uganda late last year with two devices on Killimall — the Infinix Hot 4 and the Note 3 which I happen to have. Even though they hadn’t been in Uganda, I have been a fan of the Infinix brand. You might have read my review of the old Infinix Hot X507 smartphone about two years ago. This was one of their first devices.
Related post: Infinix Note 3 (X601-A1) Review: A big-sized budget phone with a Fingerprint scanner
The Infinix Hot X507 sported a 5.0 Inch screen size with 480 x 854 resolution (240 dpi), packs a 1.3Ghz mediatek quad core processor, 1GB of RAM and 16GB of ROM extensible with an SD card running Android Kitkat (4.4.2). For price of about Ugx 275,000 you can see Infinix’s tradition of releasing high-end spec smartphones at budget prices. This phone was really good and I used it for almost two years except for some notable bummers such as cheap plastic cover and mediocre camera.
But now the Infinix Note 3 is a major leap forward not alone with Infinix smartphones but compared to smartphones generally in the market. You might have already read the review , but if you haven’t, just read on. We like to write about devices we have already reviewed months later to sort of confirm our earlier impressions.
Related Post: First impressions with the Infinix Note 3: 6inch FHD display, fingerprint sensor, XOS, a 4000mAh battery all at a good price
The Infinix Note 3 which was released late last year packs a 6.0″ FHD IPS Touchscreen, Octa-core 1.3GHz, 64bit, ARM Mali-T720, 16GB ROM, 2GB RAM, 13 MP, autofocus, LED flash, 5MP front Camera with Flash and a Non -Removable Li-Ion 4000 mAh battery. You can read the full specs here . Now just because a smartphone has top-notch specs like this doesn’t mean it will equally perform well. It’s a combination of hardware and software working beautifully together. With over 4 months experience with the Note 3, I can confidently say, this device has delivered the ultimate smartphone users’ expectations.
The Battery
Alright, so what exactly do I love about the Infinix Note 3? Lets start with what everyone is very concerned about — the battery. When you have to charge your phone every three hours or less, your phone becomes another piece of work. You don’t want that. With a 4000mAh battery, I can go whole day with my Note 3. I could go for one and half more extra days with some apps and connectivity turned off. This is amazing. Even better is that the Note 3 charges really fast. However, you have to use its phone charger to experience maximum performance. In less than 20 minutes, I usually have full charge.
A Finger print scanner
When you want top security and convenience at the same time, you might have to spend an arm and a leg. But when you have the Note 3 which comes with a speedy fingerprint scanner at the back, the price isn’t steep. I used to unlock my phone with either pattern lock or PIN. I have to remember these things all the time. With a finger print scanner, all you need is your finger and nothing else. So I use it to unlock my phone and keep my data secure. What’s great of course is that it’s really fast thanks to the octa core processors. Some applications such as bank apps are now beginning to support finger print scanners, so you might benefit from these innovations with your Infinix Note 3.
An amazing camera
One thing I cherish is to keep memories. Whether it’s a birth day party for a family member or a friend or life changing event such as marriage ceremony, I like to capture the moments and keep them with me. Luckily for me, I had my wedding and consequently honeymoon with this device. With 13MP rear and 5MP front cameras moreover with LED flash light, I had all the pixels and lighting I needed to capture one of my most important events. The Note 3 hasn’t disappointed since. I use it to take shots of shopping receipts, scan old photos, and take random street pictures which it automatically uploads to my Google photos accounts so I never have to loose my pics ever again. That’s really awesome.
Price
Ultimately price range is the best thing I love about the Infinix Note 3. For price of Ugx 520,000 in Uganda for a device with these top-notch specs, you simply can’t walk away. Similar devices of such specs like as the Huawei Mate 7 for instance are retailing for a hefty price of Ugx 1,500,000 at Airtel Uganda for instance. Again, Infinix has mastered the art and engineering of producing high-end devices at budget prices.
That’s really it for me. Infinix together with partner company Tecno (actually Transsion holdings) have to a great extent contributed to smartphone penetration across the entire African continent. We have bee n looking for vendors who will deliver affordable yet great smartphones for the African continent, but none has come closer than these two. That’s despite attempts from players like Huawei, Google, Mozilla and ZTE. So that’s one final reason am very happy about my Infinix Note 3.
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 Infinix Note 3 is a mid-range smartphone catering to those with high-end tastes. In size and looks, not to forget that rich champagne gold exterior (it has other flavours), the Note 3 bears a familial resemblance to the Tecno Phantom 6 and come to think of it, as do other brands in what is fast becoming the smartphone industry standard. In another bold move, Infinix has clearly visible, the once-disreputable Made in China label at the back. We suppose the world is coming to grips with the fact that China has for years held the mantle as the undisputed electronics manufacturing nation the world over.
The Ush. 519,000 price tag on Kilimall is fair, no? For that price you get an astounding 1.3 GHz Octa-core 64-bit processor, with 16GB ROM and 2GB RAM powered by an impressive 4500mAh battery. Did we also say the Note 3 sports an IPS Touchscreen full HD display and a fingerprint sensor at the back? Well, yeah, it does along with the usual bells and whistles you would expect in the current crop of smartphones. For the full specs, read our earlier post, First impressions with the Infinix Note 3 .
Infinix Note 3 Design and build
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If the size of smartphones these days is any indicator of the direction evolution is taking, please expect your descendants to grow abnormally long fingers so they can comfortably cradle their huge devices. The Infinix Note 3 stretches the concept of a smartphone to its limit, and should more accurately be called a phablet. I have fairly long fingers (or is it large palms, I can’t quite decide) but I will tell you this; pulling off a firm one-handed grip defeated me. Try as I may, my grip remained loose in one hand and the best I could do was to use one hand to hold it while the other fondled this pocket-friendly, not-so-actually-pocket-friendly phone.
The camera, dual flash and finger print sensor is well centered at the back. The same eye for detail and balance hit miss on the side. 3 buttons and an SD card slot congest the right edge even as the left houses just the SIM slot. A thin metallic strip gives the 6 inch device a sparkly finish while protecting the expansive glass screen.
Performance & User Experience
XOS Chameleone
The Infinix Note 3 runs XOS Chameleon, an iteration of Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Much as a chameleon, you can easily switch between themes, wallpaper and fonts courtesy of XTheme. On that point, there’s a one-tap Shuffle icon to aid you in changing Wallpapers. Other than XTheme, other apps in the XOS family comprise XAccount, XClub, XHide, XPower, XShare, XManager and XWeather. From joining a forum that connect people with the same brand, you also get to backup your stuff online, hide apps you don’t want seen, manage power consumption, e.t.c. Not bad at all for the Infinix ecosystem.
Gaming Experience
The Note 3 uses a fraction of its full horsepower to give you a fluid, snappy experience. Everything loads in a fraction of a second. Not that we didn’t expect that. After all the Note 3 packs a 1.3 GHz Octa-core 64-bit ARM Mali-T720 processor.
We also tested how it handles games, to play online slots games , a free game in the Google Play Store. The Note 3 warms up a bit at the strain but otherwise the experience was awesome. The Infinix Mobile website explains the magic behind this as Aerospace Cooling Technology which carries fluid throughout the device using copper pipes to prevent overheating. And then there’s the pixel density; the IPS full HD display renders the graphics beautifully. You will have to see this for yourself.
What we liked
Fingerprint sensor: We set up our fingerprints (you can do up to 5) allowing us to unlock the device hustle-free from any angle. Admittedly, this trumps having to enter a pin code or pattern every time we need to use the phone. But alas, an issue might arise and your Note 3 is unlocked using your fingerprint under duress.
Camera: I am not a professional photographer by any standard. I usually don’t bother to adjust this and that to get that superb shot, and I am not alone in saying this. The camera settings are there and we would recommend you test out the features, but we decided to take a few shots without any adjustments to gauge how good the camera fares out of the box. The results with the back camera were good, we’d like to think. The front camera even has a flash, an added bonus.
Recorder : We loved that Infinix Note 3 comes with an inbuilt recorder app. This comes in handy when you with to record video clips of your phone i.e instructional videos, trouble shooting…
Quickcharge : The Infinix Note 3 took an hour to charge to completion, something smartphone users will appreciate. Even though the devices ships with a 4500mAh battery, normal to heavy phone usage will drain your battery by day’s end. In that regard, it’s a good thing that the charging process takes a relatively short time
Fonts : Of all the smartphones I have ever had, one thing I never got the chance to experience was having the choice to change my font to whichever I felt like. It’s nice to knwo XTheme lets you change fonts as well on a system-wide level
What we didn’t like
Buttons : For some unfathomable reason, the volume and power buttons are all crammed onto the right side along with the SD card slot. The left side has nothing but the SIM card slot. We wonder why Infinix chose this design concept but it doesn’t work out so well.
Non-removable battery: Some people actually prefer to have non-removable batteries and we understand that decision works toward a more beautiful finish. But here’s the thing, most people like the option to remove their battery, and maybe replace it or just knowing they could.
Size : Unless you have hands as long as your feet, a 6 inch smartphone will prove difficult to handle one-handed. We noted how easy it would be for the phone to fall or be snatched from one’s grip. More on this under user experience.
Sound : The sound was a letdown. Playing a song, we went with Kanye West’s Welcome to Heartbreak; the bass didn’t carry well; the song came out screechy and flat when Kanye is known for the richness of his instruments and beats. There’s nothing much in way of sound settings to write home about.
Final thoughts
The Infinix Note 3 plays a good imitation game as a high-end premium device, pulling all the stops to prove this as fact. The wow effect is a foregone conclusion. It’s a beautiful device, there’s no qualms about that. Performance/Interface game is strong. Apart from the XOS family apps, bloatware is minimal. Camera is decent enough. We love the default Touchpal keyboard. It was remarkably accurate at predicting our words. And then the Recorder app. The battery is a beast; it’s as good it gets while retaining those smooth rounded curves. The audio quality? That sucks. Would I buy it? Sure. For that price I get a taste of features you’d normally find in devices twice at the asking price.
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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