One of the coolest feats of wizardry in the smash global blockbuster Black Panther was the scene where Shuri, King T’Challa’s sister and resident tech guru in Wakanda remotely controls a vehicle Black Panther is riding atop of in Seoul, South Korea.
A quick calculation places mythical Wakanda some 10,000 kilometres from Seoul, which is quite the distance. So then, just how possible is that with our current internet speeds? While we don’t know what kind of tech Wakandans use on the daily, the rest of the world considers 4G LTE to be as fast as it gets as we wait for 5G to blow our minds. As of now, 5G is something of a long-term goal, but as we wait for that, there’s Gigabit LTE to console ourselves with.
So what is Gigabit LTE?
Gigabit LTE is simply a more advanced form of 4G LTE (Long-term evolution) technology by developed by Qualcomm. As the name suggests, Gigabit LTE technology promises theoretical uber-fast LTE download speeds in the region of 1 Gigabit per second.
Naturally, real-world download speeds could be anywhere between 100Mbps to 600Mbps. For comparison, we recently carried out a basic internet speed test among mobile networks in Uganda and the fastest we got was a modest 50 Mbps. And that’s sporadic at best. Celebrate if you can count on a stable 2-5 Mbps, as that’s more than most internet users get.
Gigabit LTE heralds a new age of mobile connectivity. Next-gen technology such as cloud computing, an immersive VR experience, streaming YouTube, Netflix, especially in 4K, and more will demand faster internet at the speeds of Gigabit LTE and later 5G once it gains mass adoption. Such speeds are what you get with a fibre connection, but nothing beats mobility.
Who can get Gigabit LTE signals?
Gigabit LTE operators
As mentioned earlier, Qualcomm is at the centre of this push for Gigabit LTE adoption. As Africa is somewhat behind the times, 4G itself is still a new technology in many parts. The likes of Safaricom, MTN, Airtel, Vodafone/Vodacom and other mobile network operators made serious infrastructural investment laying the framework for 4G connectivity.
So then let’s not get our hopes up just yet for another overhaul to support Gigabit LTE. More to that, as of writing this post, Africa had no single representative of the 38 mobile network operators in 23 countries that support Gigabit LTE.
Gigabit LTE speed test
But infrastructural support is just one side of the coin. Let’s backtrack a bit here. To get connected to the much-touted 4G network, one needs a smartphone that can pick 4G signals otherwise 3G is all you’ll get. We have written about how to know if your device is 4G LTE enabled, so click on that if in doubt. Now the same applies to Gigabit LTE. Once the mobile network operator box has been ticked, we need to check up on the smartphone devices.
Gigabit LTE devices
A list of Gigabit LTE devices
Only a handful of smartphones can tap Gigabit LTE at the moment, starting with Samsung S8 and S8 Active. Others include Samsung Galaxy Note 8, Moto Z2 Force, HTC U11, Sony Xperia XZ Premium & Z21, Essential PH-1, LG V30 and a few more.
All these phones have something in common, in that they sport Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 835 processor. Good news for device manufacturers who don’t use Snapdragon processors is that Qualcomm also separately sells the X16 Gigabit LTE chip which ought to give them the same superpower to even the playing field.
The real shocker here is that Apple’s flagship’s iPhone 8 and iPhone X lack the capability to harness Gigabit LTE internet. Better luck next time, Apple fans.
The Tech behind Gigabit LTE
As you are starting to realise, Gigabit LTE literally requires the stars to align, or you could say, various technologies to work in concert. We will use a number of technical terms here i.e QAM, MIMO and CA. Not to worry, as we won’t bore overmuch with the gory details. As mentioned earlier, you need Gigabit LTE smartphones and also a mobile network operator with the right infrastructure. Let’s dive a bit deeper here.
Certain technologies are cranked up a notch or two to achieve these uber-fast speeds we are going on about. One of them is Carrier Aggregation (CA). By this we mean simultaneously using multiple 20 MHz LTE signals from different bands i.e. 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz, as one big network to increase overall speeds and minimise congestion.
Related post: 4G LTE Vs 5G: Improved speed and battery will define the next get mobile network
A Gigabit LTE-capable smartphone also comes with four physical antennas built into the device to support up to 4 x 4 MIMO. MIMO stands for Multiple-Input and Multiple-Output. 4 x 4 MIMO simultaneously transmits and receives data from four antennas baked into a device. The four antennas can help boost the signal even in areas with poor reception, while drastically increasing the transfer speeds and maintaining reliability.
Last on the list in QAM or Quadrature Amplitude Modulation. That’s not as complex as it might seem. Think of the FM in FM radio which stands for Frequency Modulation. QAM is an advanced form of encoding or digital modulation that crams more bits into a transmission, the higher the figure. For instance, 256-QAM is implemented in Gigabit LTE for speeds of 100 Mbps per network stream. Ten of those streams achieves a throughput of 1 Gbps.
In Summary
Gigabit LTE makes use of 256-QAN digital modulation to cram more bits per transmission. The 4 x 4 MIMO technology receives data on a maximum of four antennas simultaneously, and it also supports up to 4 x 20 MHz networks using Carrier Aggregation.
Is there anything we have left out?
So then, in a nutshell, that’s what makes Gigabit LTE tick. A few flagships by major brands already have Gigabit LTE but the Snapdragon X16 Gigabit LTE modem can be bought separately from the Snapdragon 835 processor. So other device manufacturers will jump on board with their next releases. With all those stars aligned, you might be able to commandeer your own car from half-way across the world.
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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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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