Here’s the thing, the smartphone industry is, for the most part, fixated on the top tier segment, the $1000 Samsungs and iPhones of the world but most people don’t really need all the power they come with.
The high-end Snapdragon 888 packs more power than most laptops and in all honesty, there are only a few people that need that much power. For the average user, this is complete overkill and you’re better off with a device from any other segment of the market.
Now, here’s an interesting question. How much smartphone can you get for under Ksh 20,000 ($200)? MKBHD’s famous quote in cheap smartphones getting really good, does hold true in this segment. Of course the other half of this saying about good smartphones getting cheap doesn’t exactly hold true but thats a debate for another day.
Before we get into the meat of it, we have already covered some content on the Infinix Hot 10T and you can check that out in the links below.
Now that you’re all caught up, I have a few confessions to make. I have always held Transsion products in relatively low regard, owing to the build quality issues and half-baked software that’s coupled there-in. Also, I am a stock Android fanboy and I tend to appreciate custom skins that revolve around that specific look and feel.
Also, my daily driver is a Samsung Galaxy A70 running Android 11-based OneUI 3.1 with all its unapologetic ‘Samsung goodness’ so this is where I am coming from when starting to review the Infinix Hot 10T.
I got the Infinix Hot 10T on launch day and you can check out my initial impressions in the post linked up-top. Of course, a few things only become apparent once you use a product exclusively for an extended period, past that proverbial honeymoon phase.
Design
The Infinix Hot 10T is a big device, no doubt about that. the display is a whooping 6.8 inches across. The device comes with an included case which I chose to use and that only goes to add to the device’s bulkiness.
The tapered edges of the device ensure a pretty comfortable fit in the hand, a stack contrast from say, the latest iPhones’ boxy nature. All the buttons are placed in familiar locations although I honestly felt like the fingerprint sensor placed a little too far up the body of the device.
I also appreciated the bottom location of the 3.5mm headphone jack as I am still stuck in the stone age at a time when Airpods and Wireless Buds are the in thing.
While still at the bottom, can we talk about the antiquated port that Transsion insists on packing on its devices?
Hey Transsion, It is me again. Look, guys, we know you’re trying to cater to the needs of the local man but, in 2021, there’s really no valid reason to not have a USB-C on your devices, no matter how low-end they are. Thanks.
Connectivity
So in Kenya, we have this one carrier, Faiba4G. This carrier offers pretty decently priced data packages but one hermatia has been the fact that they operate on the 700Mhz 4G band that isn’t as widely supported. i know my metric is a little flawed but any device I use that does support Faiba4G gets a massive win in my book.
The Infinix Hot 10T does fully support Faiba4G on both data and voice (via VoLTE). I was also able to easily connect to Safaricom’s VoLTE network and the connection was stable everywhere I went (which, admittedly, wasn’t much owing to the current state of the world) so make of that what you may.
Battery
There’s this question I like asking my techie friends. Would you rather have an all day battery or have a fast charging device? On the Galaxy A70, I didn’t have to choose one of this as it packs a 4500mAh battery that can last me through all but the heaviest of days, plus it has a 33W fast charging. if I was to have it my way, this is what I could have chosen.
The Infinix Hot 10T comes with a massive 5000mAh battery. Couple that with the power-sipping 720p display and a fairly power-efficient Mediatek chip and you begin to see where I am heading with this.
I have a particularly battery-heavy workflow. I have my mobile data turned on all the time and for the better part of the day, I have my smartphone hotspot on. Add a few hours of YouTube, Twitter, music streaming and phone calls and you see why my device often dies out on me or needs a top-up later in the afternoons.
I honestly struggled to kill the Hot 10T in a single day. I would get upto 9 hours of screen-on time which, I now know isn’t such a big deal for some of you but I was blown away.
Android 11-based XOS 7.6
The Infinix Hot 10T runs Android 11-based XOS 7.6.0 out of the box. I received one OTA update soon after unboxing and that brought with it the march 2021 security patch. But then again, Transsion hasn’t really been big on the whole security updates thing, or updates in the first place.
In true Infinix fashion, the device came with a few too many bloadware apps but luckily, many of those are uninstallable and the ones that cannot be uninstalled, can be disabled.
I would advice anyone getting this device to take the first 10-20 minutes to uninstall everything you don’t need and leave the essential system apps. This, to free up storage for apps that you will actually use and to minimise the number of ads that these devices are known for.
XOS Launcher
The built-in XOS Launcher offers a lot of functionality and features that it can appear intimidating to someone that’s used to ‘cleaner’ setups. This launcher embraces the customizations.
Of course, there are the usual icon size, columns and rows settings but Infinix goes on to throw in many more tweaks such as the ability to hide apps from the launcher, smart arrange and many more.
Performance
The Hot 10T is powered by Mediatek Helio G70 chip. This chip has been loosely compared to the Qualcomm-made Snapdragon 665 although the Helio G70 takes the Snapdragon 665 by far, winning widely at AnTuTu and Geekbench.
The Snapdragon 665 powered some of our favorite devices including the Xiaomi Mi A3, Oppo A5 2020, and the Redmi Note 8.
Conclusion
Infinix has come a long way over the past few years and its recipe seems to be working out because otherwise, the brand wouldn’t hold the position it does in the African market. Clearly, they’re doing something right.
The Infinix Hot 10T is a good example of this recipe. The performance and feature-set are pretty modest but still enough to offer users a pretty respectable Android experience. Of course, Infinix still needs to address a few aspects like, offering a better display and moving over to USB-C. Also, we could use a little less bloatware and fewer ads on XOS.
For Ksh 17,500 for the 4+64GB variant or Ksh 19,500 for the 4+128GB option, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better deal in the market today.
We’re working on a camera review of this device so stay tuned to that and more in upcoming posts.
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 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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