Qualcomm is a famed chipset maker with their chipset powering quite a number of smartphones most especially Android. The new flagship chip offers a significant boost from the former Qualcomm Snapdragon 845. This is the top of the line processor for Qualcomm this year. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 (SD855) is already featured on the foldable Royole Flexpai and Lenovo Z5 Pro GT with more to come. The likes of Samsung Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10 Plus , OnePlus 7/7T will both be featuring the latest flagship Qualcomm chip.
Performance boost
Joining the other competition having a 7nm FinFET process , is sure to deliver a better performance compared to the 10nm process of the predecessor. The chipset measures up to others like Apple’s A12 Bion ic chipset and Huawei’s Kirin 980 processor both having the 7nm process. There is the new Kyro 485 chip that has a Prime core with a clock speed of 2.85GHz and three other performance cores clocking at 2.42GHz with an A76 cortex framework. The other four power saving cores run at 1.8GHz also on the ARM framework. The lower cores handle the less demanding tasks, in that way, it cuts down on power consumption.
The new Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 offers a 45% faster single core performance and 35% multi-core performance.
The new chipset ups its game by 45% more than the performance on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845. According to Qualcomm, the new chip as the highest performance gain ever compared to its predecessors which in this case is the SD845. The new chip sports an Adreno 640 GPU which is 20% better than the Adreno 630 present on the predecessor. This way, Qualcomm is bridging the gap with other flagship SoCs performance-wise.
5G modem is built into the SD855
Faster Internet Speed (5G)
There is also the significant jump in browsing speed significantly due to the 5G connectivity option. Although there is still the X24 LTE modem which gives you Cat 20 internet speed with a 2Gbps download speed and 316Gbps upload speed. You could also make use of the X50 5G modem to tap into top of the line internet speed. With the new chip, you can access sub 6GHz and millimeter-wave (mmWave) frequency bands delivering up to 6Gbps speed. You also get to enjoy 60GHz WiFi using the 802.11ay standard, the first ever by a smartphone thanks to the new SD855 chip. You’ve also got dual-band WiFi 6 which uses the 5GHz and 2.4GHz band.
Improved Gaming
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chips also improve on its gaming prowess offering you better gaming experience. Thanks to the upgrade in data speed, you can now stream games without any lags giving you a real-time response on controls. There is the Snapdragon Elite Gaming centered around improved gaming, with support for Vulkan 1.1 . It delivers HDR gaming and better graphics rendering. You can also rely on the upgraded GPU in play to make sure you can play your favourite games without any hitch.
Better Image and Video Quality
Let’s talk camera prowess, the SD855 offers dedicated computer vision image signal processor (CV-ISP) tasked with handling pictures as well as videos. The Qualcomm Spectra 38 has it is called is dedicated to making sure you have better quality pictures and capture better footage. The new ISP delivers 11 times faster object identification . Since your camera now has its own dedicated processor expect a much more reduced shutter lag. There is support for dual camera up to 20MP and a single camera up to 30MP.
The chip improves on its cinemagraph feature which is a feature where one subject in the GIF clip is still while the other parts is moving. Portrait mode is not only better, but it is also now available in videos too and in real time. You can decide to remove the background of a video all together if that is what you want. In addition to this, there is multi frame noise reduction (MFNR) for better-looking images and pictures. There is support for 10-bit colour depth , 2020 colour gamut alongside the ability to play and record 4K HDR10+ content. Also, the new chipset will be adopting the High Efficiency Image Format (HEIF) over JPEG which offers better quality at reduced size. It allows you to keep different versions of a picture all in one size and has the ‘.heif’ extension.
Also See: Snapdragon 850: Qualcomm’s first processor for Windows PCs
XR boost and 3D Sonic Fingerprint Scanner
Qualcomm is not putting aside XR either which is the name for VR and AR combined. The chip offers better VR experience with support for 8K resolution content up to 120fps. To make sure you have a close to reality experience, Qualcomm partnered with Nalbi a firm focused on vision solution to achieve this. In addition, you will get to enjoy Qualcomm’s in-display fingerprint scanner using 3D Sonic tech. Although you’ve got in-display fingerprint scanner on a smartphone already, the tech from Synaptic relies on optics. The solution from Qualcomm is said to offer a more efficient alternative that can read your fingerprint even when your hands are dirty or greased.
Upgraded AI
To wrap things up, Qualcomm also adds to the AI capability of the new chip. Integrating a new Hexagon 690 digital signal processing (DSP) unit to boost performance. With more power comes a Vector Accelerator and Tensor Accelerator for a better AI. You’ve got echo cancellation and noise suppression in the package too so you can communicate with the AI better.
There is the Neural Processing Unit (NPU) working hand in hand with the CPU and GPU. The trio processes about 7 trillion operations per second making it two times faster than its predecessor and 3x faster than another 7nm chipset.
All of this marks a significant upgrade from what the last flagship chipset (Qualcomm Snapdragon 845) brings to the table. Tagged the biggest upgrade made by the tech giant on a new chipset, let’s wait to see how well it performs smartphones will we be seeing this year.
Odunayo Ezekiel is a consumer tech writer based in Nigeria with deep experience in the country’s fast-evolving tech ecosystem. From smartphones and apps to fintech and local startups, he brings sharp insight and a user-first perspective to every story. At Dignited.com, Odunayo covers the trends, tools, and innovations shaping how Nigerians—and Africans at large—experience 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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