The iDroid Royal V7 is the first flagship smartphone from iDroid USA, a U.S-based company that manufacturers smartphones and tablets.
Idroid USA is operational in the U.S, Europe, Asia and Africa. They launched in Uganda in March with two smartphones; the iDroid Tango A5 and the iDroid Royal V7.
The iDroid Royal V7 specs
The Royal V7 is a phablet that spots a 5.5 Inch IPS touchscreen with a resolution of 540×960 pixels (240dpi). Now we think 240dpi isn’t sufficient pixels for a 5.5” screen, but hey, this is their first smartphone.
The Royal V7 runs on a MediaTek MT6582 1.3Ghz Quad-core processor and Mali-400MP GPU. Having 4 cores on a smartphone these days is kind of the norm now even though 2 of those cores will lie idle until you summon them while playing a game or editing a video. Those 4 cores will hold up while you multi-task your smarphone with Whatsapp, Twitter, Facebook, Email all open at the same time. But you’ll be limited by the RAM.
The phone runs on 1GB of RAM. Now we would expect iDroid USA to at least put 2GB of RAM on its flagship 5.5” device. Unfortunately a device running 1GB of RAM on Android Kitkat can’t sit on the table of “High-end Smartphones”. That’s not to worry though. With 1GB of RAM, your phone will function well only if you don’t over-task it with many applications opened at the same time.
But the real achilles heel of the iDroid Royal V7 we think is the internal memory. 8GB of ROM is a little cartoon for a big smartphone with big camera specs. The operating system and some in-built apps take up about 2GB of memory leaving you to play with only 6GB which is bummer.
For the camera and selfie enthusiasts, the iDroid Royal V7 is for you. The phone comes with 13/5MP back and front cameras. It shoots full HD images and videos.
Design
If there’s anything iDroid USA nailed with the iDroid Royal V7, it’s design. Right from the packaging to the physical design of the smartphone, iDroid USA spent some considerable time thinking about aesthetics of the device.
The phone comes in a well-designed, solid box that just feels and looks premium. Inside the box is a detectable USB charger, a pair of earphones, and 3 swappable covers in blue, yellow, white covers you can use to customize your phone.
The phone itself is thin and slim with metal edges. The iDroid Royal V7 doesn’t have rounded corners you see with the Samsung Galaxy phones or iPhones. Instead they’ve gone for edgy rectangular corners akin to those found on Microsoft Lumia phones.
The 13MP LED Flash camera sits on the back on the phone. Unlike most phones we’ve seen that have protruding cameras that feel like foreign objects to the phone, the Royal V7 camera and Flash just feel part of the phone.
User Interface and features
When it comes to phone features and User Interface (UI), this is where we really think iDroid USA really falls short in comparison with other vendors.
Now iDroid wants us to believe that its got a “3D” phone. Well, if everyone installed the Yandex launcher on their Android-phones, well, then they also have “3D” smartphones.
While it boils down to personal preference, I found 3D effects from the Yandex launcher annoying. So I immediately searched the Google play store for more cleaner, less fancier launchers such as the Nova or Apex launchers both of which are clean and great.
The other features on the camera such as voice commands that activate the camera or take a picture aren’t also unique to iDroid phones. These are features that can be found on any other smartphone with the right app or settings.
Anyway marketing hype aside, iDroid Royal V7 comes with one unique feature we found interesting. They call it the “iDroid hub”. The iDroid Hub is your support center where you can get instant help on anything concerning your smartphone. Idroid has a team based in the USA ready on standby to respond to your queries instead of spending countless hours Googling. While this might be a nifty feature of the Smartphone-savy customers, it might be less attractive to the average Ugandan smartphone user who might prefer walking to a store and speaking with a local. We know it’s not just iDroid that would fall short on this one. A number of vendors don’t take customer care and support quiet seriously in Uganda with the exception of Tecno and its excellent CarlCare support centers across the country.
That aside, the iDroid Royal V7 comes with some pre-installed apps such as Skype, Twitter, Facebook, Whatsapp that could save you lots of data installing from the Google Play store. For FM Radio enthusiasts, the Royal V7 comes with one too.
One more notable thing is that the iDroid Royal V7 has software updates. So you can expect OTA(Over-The-Air) updates for your phone which is a big plus for iDroid USA. We are not sure if the device will be updatable to Android Lollipop though.
General Performance and Connectivity
The iDroid Royal V7 comes with all connectivity options you would expect; Bluetooth, Wi-fi, GPS, and the usual accelerometer, light and proximity sensors. iDroid says their phone is a 4G LTE phone, but given the time we had with the device, we were unable to verify this. It’s also dual-SIM.
The phone also comes with HotKnot, the NFC-like Technology developed by Mediatek that enables sharing of contacts, photos, videos, Apps between two Hotknot-supported smartphones.
With its Quad-core processors, we were able to play fast-racing games on the device without glitches. Multi-tasking Apps was fluid and fast. But as we have said, you can only go so far with 1GB of RAM.
Battery and power management
The iDroid Royal V7 comes with a 2050mAh battery. Well for a 5.5 Inch screen with 4 cores with 3G connectivity, you know what to expect; 4-5 hours max of 3G browsing. If you turn your phone to 2G or EDGE, you might hit all-day battery with cautious usage.
Price and Availability
You’ll be spoiled for choices when it comes to where to buy the iDroid Royal V7 in Uganda. You can find it with down-town Kampala phone shops and mobile networks. You can get it Airtel, Africell and MTN Uganda with data packages to go with. Or You can also conveniently shop for it online from Jumia Uganda at price of Ugx 569,000 down from Ugx 949,000 when it first launched.
Dignited Rating
We really think iDroid USA nailed the design of the iDroid Royal V7 – right from the packaging to the physical ecstatics of the phone. They made a very thin, light, customizable device with updates and a good camera. But that’s on the outside. Things got a little wacky with actual specs and features that we hope iDroid will rectify in the subsequent versions. Hence, from averaging rating from our editors, the iDroid Royal V7 gets a 3.8/5 rating.
Rating: 3.8 out of 5.
iDroid Royal V7 Gallery
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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 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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