Infinix Mobility released the Note 7 into the wild just this month. But in case you missed it, I would implore you to take another look. The plethora of eye-catching features makes a strong case for upgrading to the Infinix Note 7 at this time of year. Yeah, yeah, we all know that the upgrades over the years have been a mixed bag. Nevertheless, we are positive about this one. Infinix might finally have struck gold with this piece.
Hear me out. The Infinix Note 7 does have a lot going for it. You get a 6.95″ HD+ Infinity-O display, a 48MP Quad AI camera 1080P low-light video camera, a powerful Helio G70 budget-centric gaming chipset alongside a 5000mAh battery to boot.
The Note 7 is a device you buy to keep up with the times and yet not break the bank while you’re at it. The Infinix Note 7 retails for roughly UGX 725,000 ($195/ NGN76,000/ KES 21,000) for 64GB variant, and UGX 825,000 ($221/ NGN 85,600/ KES 23,800) for the 128GB.
Design & Screen
The Note 7 is a chameleon. My first go at it failed to capture the iridescent colors of the device. But this time around, it’s a eureka moment. In the right light, the device shimmers in a kaleidoscope of colors, the main color being green. Infinix retains a similar look to its predecessors, only that it’s much beefier.
The controls this time round were placed on the right with the left side bare. The power button doubles as a side-mounted fingerprint scanner. The setup is either ingenious or annoying depending on who you’re talking to. I personally loved it. It’s rather convenient for me.
What struck me first on handling the Note 7 was how huge it is. The 6.95″ HD Infinity-O display is humongous on its on. Add in a 91.5% screen to body ratio and all you see is screen and nothing else.
Related: Infinix Note 7 Unboxing and First Impressions
A major disappointment for me was the screen resolution. That an Infinix Note flagship in the year 2020 that packs a measly 720 x 1640 pixels (~258 ppi density) is just a shame. It’s not that the screen resolution is horrible, mark you. It’s still HD (720P) after all. But come on!
The last time an Infinix device wasn’t Full HD (at least 1080 x 1920) was the Infinix Note 2 at 720 x 1280 pixels (245ppi). The Note 2 was released 5 years ago (2015) and ran Android 5.1 Lollipop. Let that sink in.
Performance & Features
When it comes to device performance, everything boils down to one thing; raw processing power. Luckily, the MediaTek Helio G70 processor is more than up to the task.
The MediaTek Helio G70 processor is a 12nm octa-core chipset with 2 high-performance Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0GHz and 6 Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.7GHz. The processor also packs an ARM Mali-G52 GPU clocked at 820MHz which power MediaTek’s HyperEngine Game technology and AI capabilities. More on the game part later on.
Boot up time is 17 seconds flat. The Note 7 does not lag, does not freeze, or has not for the month I have taken it for a test drive. I am not surprised though, given that the lower end Note 7 packs 4GB RAM.
Some welcome additions include Game Mode, Screen Recording, Bike Mode, and the ability to create a Hotspot to share WiFi. Additionally, you get a smart panel to offset the sheer size of the device. A bunch of apps can be added to a side panel for easy one-handed access.
Infinix Note 7 Camera
The Note 7 went with a carousel back camera setup comprising a 48 MP f/1.8(wide), 2 MP f/2.4 (macro), 2 MP f/2.4, (depth) and a 2 MP, f/1.8, (super low light video camera). The front camera for its part is a 16MP punch hole shooter.
The cameras are in their element in a brightly lit environment. The shots are vivid with just the right shades, instead of bleeding colors. Photos taken from outdoors can stand up to the zoom test. Even zoomed in, they are still crisp.
Slow-motion is another feature I loved from the get-go. I have never owned a device which could do that off the bat, so I have been envious. The slow-motion video looks a tad grainy, but all was forgiven when I saw the excitement on my nieces’ faces after they watched themselves dancing in slo-mo.
Other than slow-motion, the Note 7 added Short Video (14 seconds), Super night shots, Documents and Macro shots to their camera repertoire. Macro shots allows you to take pictures at a distance of 4cm or less. At that distance, the regular AI cam cannot zoom out far enough to take an in-focus photo.
If you’d be so kind as to look at the images we took with the Note 7 below, we added regular AI cam photos at 4cm which are blurry. But once we switched to Macro, the minute details are astounding.
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Gaming Mode
Those who love playing mobile games on their downtime will love the Infinix Note 7. Earlier, we talked about the MediaTek Helio G70 processor. The 12nm octa-core chipset with 2 high-performance Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0GHz and 6 Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.7GHz also packs an ARM Mali-G52 GPU clocked at 820MHz.
This horsepower powers MediaTek’s HyperEngine Game technology and AI capabilities. You get an incredibly smooth performance with everyday tasks and also while gaming. That you get all this on a $200 device is astounding.
Now let me blow your mind; the Infinix Note 7 did not heat up when put it to the test. While I am in no way a hardcore gamer, once the addiction kicks in, I can game for hours on end. To test the Inifnix Note 7, I played Shadow Fight 3, Asphalt 8 and Asphalt Nitro for the better part of the month.
If you have ever tried to play a mobile game on a regular phone, you know how fast your battery drains. But I played Shadow Fight 3 for more than 4 hours a day and still had some juice to spare. And amazingly, the Note 7 was cool as a cucumber.
You can tinker with Game Mode settings to improve the gaming experience. This comprises freeing up space, a game boost, network acceleration and more. Overall, my experience with Game Mode was excellent.
Battery
If there’s one thing Infinix excels at, it’s the battery capacity of its devices. The Note 7 packs tremendous power in a 5000mAh battery. The device can take you through a marathon on moderate usage.
I was blown away by the mere fact that I could play a RAM-heavy game like Shadow Fighter 3 for 4 hours straight. After the deed, there was still some juice left to top up on my entertainment with Asphalt Nitro and Asphalt 8 for a few more hours.
Despite the big battery, Infinix ensures you spend less time plugged in with 18W Super charge 3.0.
Bloatware
Excusing the phenomenal Infinix Note 5 (Android One), Infinix users have long suffered from annoying bloatware. The Note 7 is no exception. Infinix dishes out AHA Games, Danger Dash, Magic Line, Phoenix browser, Puzzle Pets, Scooper News, Simo, Vskit, X-Boy, YoParty and more.
On the bright side, most of these apps can be uninstalled quite easily. Unfortunately, once you open them, they keep pumping notifications when you connect the internet. I felt these apps cheapened the entire experience of using such a beastly device.
MicroUSB
Micro USB is that pesky fly that just won’t die however much you swat at it. Ever since USB C started gaining traction, I am sworn off Micro USB. The technology has done its time and just need to be let go. So you can imagine the let down of a device such as the Note 7 shipping with Micro USB.
Verdict
My takeaway from the Note 7 is this: it’s quite frankly a superbly built device. The MediaTek G70 processor under the hood powers all the awesomeness.
On the plus side, you a device built for gamers. The unit doesn’t heat up, has more than enough horsepower to ensure a smooth experience and a humongous battery to keep you mobile.
The camera is incredible too. You can take slo-mo videos, short videos, good night shots, scan documents out of the box and shoot macro photos. The images are vibrant.
My only gripe with the Infinix Note 7 is that after 5 years of excellence, they brought back a non 1080P smartphone. The Micro USB too didn’t do them any favors either. USB C is the way to go, guys!
Infinix Note 7 Spec Sheet
Announced: 2020, April Available: 2020, July Model: Infinix X690 Colors: Forest Green, Aether Black, Bolivia Blue SIM: Dual SIM (Nano-SIM) OS: Android 10, XOS 6.0 Network: GSM, WCDMA, GPRS, EDGE, HSPA, 4G LTE Dimensions: 173.4 x 79 x 8.8 mm Weight: 206 g Display: 720 x 1640 pixels (~258 ppi density) 6.95″ IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) Corning Gorilla Glass CPU: Mediatek Helio G70 (12 nm) Octa-core (2×2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6×1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) Mali-G52 2EEMC2 Memory: 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM Camera: Front (16MP)/Rear (48M/AF+2M+2M+ Super low light video camera with Quad-flash light) Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, hotspot, Bluetooth 5.0, A2DP, LE, OTG, WiFi Direct. Sensors: Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Orientation, Ambient Light, Proximity, Compass, Fingerprint (side-mounted) Battery: Fast charging 18W Non-removable Li-Po 5000 mAh battery
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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