I daily drive a Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus , you know, the correct Galaxy S-device to get. The base model is a little too simple and small. The S21 Ultra, while checking all the bells and whistles, was a little too pricy, and gimmicky for me. So yeah, the S21 Plus has been the perfect device for me, a new Sammy boy but there’s a tickle at the back of my neck nudging me to upgrade to the ultra.
Samsung just took the wraps off of the S24 devices and while I am sure the Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus are brilliant devices and the ones you should absolutely buy, the headlines are hard to ignore at the top tier Ultra is the one that we’ll all be talking about, the one that we all want to get.
Related:
- Samsung Galaxy S21+ in 2024: Is it Still Worth it?
- Samsung Galaxy S22 vs S22+ vs S22 Ultra: Here Are the Key Differences
See, it is the annual tech dance around upgrade season. It’s a waltz of desire and restraint, a tango between cutting-edge tech and our bank accounts. And this year, the steps are particularly tricky, with the Galaxy S24 Ultra shimmering like a disco ball in the spotlight, beckoning us with its futuristic promises. But before we lose ourselves in the strobe lights, let’s take a deep breath and assess the situation, Kenyan edition.
Now, I’m not immune to the S24 Ultra’s charms. Seven years of updates ? That’s like having a phone that ages in reverse, like Benjamin Button, only with better cameras and probably less existential angst. I mean, my nephew who’s soon joining High School can have the S24 when he comes of age, and he’ll complete College with the device still getting updates.
And those AI features ? They sound like something out of a Black Mirror episode, the good kind where your phone predicts your thoughts before you even have them (except maybe that embarrassing karaoke song stuck in your head…hopefully it can erase that).
Related:
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Series: Here’s Specs, Pricing, and Availability in Kenya
- Is your phone getting Circle (or highlight or scribble) to Search?
But then reality, with its KSh 274,999 price tag, throws a bucket of ice water on our tech parade. Suddenly, the S24 Ultra feels less like a phone and more like a small luxury apartment in Diani – beautiful, desirable, but not exactly within most budgets. It’s like the price tag is Mount Kilimanjaro itself, a challenge reserved for the truly dedicated (or financially fearless). Do we succumb to the FOMO, constantly haunted by the ghost of future features? Or do we embrace the WOFP, clinging to our trusty S21 Plus like a Maasai warrior with his spear?
So, what’s a tech-savvy Kenyan bro to do? Do we succumb to the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO ), constantly haunted by the ghost of future features? Or do we embrace the Wisdom of Financial Prudence (WOFP) , clinging to our trusty Galaxy S21 Plus like a Maasai warrior with his spear?
Well, there’s a sweet spot in the middle, a Serengeti of options if you will. The S23 Ultra , last year’s beast, could become this year’s bargain. It’s still a powerhouse , practically indistinguishable from its younger sibling (except maybe it doesn’t talk back…yet).
And, for the budget-conscious adventurer, there’s even the allure of the “ almost-Ultra” – the S24 Plus . Sure, it lacks some bells and whistles, but hey, maybe those are just waiting to be tinkered with anyway. And even the base model Samsung Galaxy S24 offers so much smartphone and class even, for much less.
Or Maybe I build my own S24 Ultra, complete with Galaxy AI
Speaking of tinkering, that’s where my inner Kenyan MacGyver gets excited. Samsung devices are popular the world over and developers across the board have found ways to port features from newer devices onto older ones.
For some of us, this is the only way to get features exclusive to the West, because let’s face it, us Africans have a special talent for making the most of what we have. We mend clothes with safety pins, turn old tires into swings, and who knows, maybe we can even port these Galaxy AI features on the S23 Ultra with a little bit of tech magic and a whole lot of YouTube tutorials when these get to the wild.
But Which is the Sensible Upgrade?
Ultimately, the upgrade dance is a personal one. There’s no right or wrong step, just the rhythm of your budget and your tech desires. So, listen to that internal beat, sway to the tune of practicality and possibility, and remember, sometimes the best tech upgrade is the one that doesn’t break the bank but fuels your creativity and sparks a DIY adventure.
Because whether you choose the shiny new Ultra, the reliable beast, or even embark on a tinkering odyssey, the real prize is the joy of using technology, Kenyan style. So, let’s ditch the FOMO and embrace the WOFP (with a dash of ingenuity), and make this upgrade season our own tech safari, full of discovery, possibilities, and maybe even a few unlocked AI secrets along the way.
Related:
- Smartphone Buying Guide: New vs Renewed
Maybe the Galaxy S22 Ultra is it for me
So, after much soul-searching (and bank account scrutinizing), I’ve decided to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro lite – by snagging a pre-owned S22 Ultra!
No S24 Ultra for me this year, but who says the tech journey has to be paved with diamonds? I’m off to conquer the second-hand market with my DIY spirit and a healthy dose of WOFP.
Tell me, what’s your next tech adventure? Join the conversation, share your tips, and let’s make this upgrade season one for the Kenyan tech books!”
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 evolution of smartphones has brought a lot with it. From the race to the slimmest phone on market, to the device with the least bezels; from the make with the sharpest camera, to the security trends in the fingerprint scanners and Face ID; name it all. With such trends coming in over time, different issues arise that cause a need for yet another milestone.
For instance, a number of users find it complex when looking for the fingerprint sensor at the back. This is due to lack of its direct visibility on large screen devices, and a number of manufacturers have adopted suiting the sensor into the home screen. But larger screens also demand that the home screen should disappear, the in-display fingerprint sensor comes in sight.
At the Consumers Electronics Show (CES) 2018 in Las Vegas, the Vivo smartphone brand introduces an under-display fingerprint sensor feature on its latest smartphone, the Vivo X21. With other OEMs adopting the feature, this could be the next ultimate big thing.
How Does the in-display Fingerprint Reader Work?
When a user’s finger touches the screen of the phone, the display emits light to illuminate the finger. The optical fingerprint sensor below the display captures the light reflected by the fingerprint, and the sensor processes the optical signals to deliver crisp and sharp fingerprint images for matching, based on the reflected light from the unique ridges on the fingerprint,
When fingerprint recognition is needed, such as when the screen is off and for unlocking apps or when you hold up the phone, the fingerprint sensor indicator will light up and icon will appear on the screen for users to press for immediate authentication. It is otherwise invisible to ensure a seamless mobile experience.
Reasons you may want it
Nature : Those that have held smartphones from their inception will tell you that the very first fingerprint sensors were at the front. Samsung, OnePlus, and Apple had this in mind before the fight for the larger screens pushed them to shift the sensors to the back. So, it would be very natural to have that sensor in the display.
Convenience : A front-mounted sensor is also more convenient to use when your phone is resting on your table. No need to raise it up, the way you would do for one at the back. You can also relate to a situation when you are holding stuff in your hands, and only a single finger is free. Even in a car, you can easily unlock the phone when its in its holder.
Broader Scanner : You don’t have to squeeze a large thumb into a small scanner area. The in-display fingerprint scanner will make it easier to place a finger anywhere on the screen to unlock it seamlessly.
No specific finger : When holding your phone with your left hand, it could be most sure that a left finger will do the unlock – say the scanner is at the back. With the in-screen fingerprint reader, you do not have to hustle on looking for the finger to use, whatever is available is what you use. No worries about being left or right handed.
Accuracy : Some rear scanners are really stubborn and require you to place the finger a certain way to work. This is primarily because you cant see where you are placing the finger, and can’t confirm that it is indeed the right position. With a front display scanner, why would you fail on accuracy when you can see where to place it?
The Downside
Being optical-type sensors, they are slower than the capacitive ones that most people are used to by now. This is a reason for the delay in OEMs adopting them for smartphones.
This account is managed by the in-house team at Dignited, a collective of passionate tech writers, editors, and enthusiasts dedicated to bringing you the latest insights, reviews, and news on consumer technology. For inquiries or feedback, feel free to reach out to us at [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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Apple’s ‘Wonderlust’ event unveiled the much-anticipated iPhone 15 series, bringing with it a game-changing new chip, the A17 Pro. While the tech giant continues to push the boundaries of mobile technology, it’s worth noting that the A17 Pro, hailed as the “fastest chip ever on any smartphone,” is exclusively available in the top-end models, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.
If you’re eyeing the regular iPhone 15 or 15 Plus, don’t worry; they still come with a powerful chip, the A16 Bionic, which is pretty impressive.
A17 Pro Chip: A 3-Nanometer Marvel
The A17 Pro chip is a tiny but super important part of your iPhone. It’s just 3 nanometers wide (imagine something super tiny) but this small size is good because it helps the chip work faster and use less power. It comes packed with an astonishing 19 billion transistors, and this ushers in significant enhancements in performance, efficiency, and features.
Performance Enhancements
- Top 7 Types of Mobile Processors (SoCs) You Should Know
- iPhone 14 vs iPhone 14 Pro: Here are the major differences
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- Apple iPhone 15: Launch Date, Specs, and More
Neural Engine: A Powerhouse for Machine Learning
The A17 Pro’s Neural Engine is a true powerhouse, offering a twofold increase in speed for processing machine-learning models. This enables the chip to handle a staggering 35 trillion operations per second, a feat that’s sure to drive cutting-edge AI capabilities. Importantly, it also ensures that machine learning tasks are processed on the device itself, safeguarding user privacy by keeping personal data out of the cloud. This improved engine powers features like AutoCorrect accuracy, subject isolation in photos, and even personalized voices for individuals with speech impairments.
The A17 pro chip comes with dedicated engines for pro features (Source: Apple)
Dedicated Engines for Pro Features
Apple has equipped the A17 Pro with dedicated engines tailored specifically to enhance the iPhone 15 Pro’s features. The inclusion of the ProRes codec for video ensures top-notch video quality, while a dedicated display engine drives the ProMotion and always-on display functions. Additionally, the chip boasts a dedicated AV1 decoder, enabling streaming services to deliver more efficient and high-quality video experiences.
Revolutionary GPU Redesign
Perhaps one of the most exciting aspects of the A17 Pro is its groundbreaking GPU redesign, described by Apple as the “biggest redesign in the history of Apple GPUs.” Featuring a six-core design, this GPU offers a remarkable 20% boost in performance while simultaneously improving energy efficiency for sustained gaming performance. Gamers can rejoice as this GPU now supports ray tracing, promising immersive and visually stunning gaming experiences.
So, what’s the bottom line? The iPhone 15 Pro has a super powerful chip called the A17 Pro that makes it really fast, smart, and great for gaming. But even if you don’t have the Pro model, don’t worry; the regular iPhone 15 is still going to be pretty amazing with its A16 Bionic chip. Apple keeps making cool stuff, and these new iPhones are no exception.
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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