Summary
Intex is an Indian electronics manufacturer that has a device division majorly in India and the United Arab Emirates. In Uganda, Intex has a couple of devices on the market sold by Uganda Telecom, Jumia and a couple of vendors down town. Though little known in Uganda, Intex is a huge brand in India.
We loved a couple of things about the Aqua Curve Mini like the vivid display, the gesture controls, the curvy design and the OTA updates. What we didn’t like were the occasional freezes, Camera without Auto Focus and the quite steep price it was going for.
We had a week with the device and now bring you a complete Intex Aqua Curve Mini review of the device.
Unboxing
The Aqua Curve Mini comes in an all-black box that is sealed on both sides. We broke two seals to open the box. The box has specifications of the device on three sides. I believe this is an attempt to give you a quick snapshot of what the phone is capable of.
When we open the box, we find the Aqua Curve Mini in the first compartment. When you pick it up, you find the 2 nd compartment that has 2 back covers (Black and Red), a white phone jacket, the battery, a travel charger plus a USB cable and earphones. We also found a User manual, an Apps manual and a warranty card.
From the time you pick it up, its curvy design fascinates you and when you power it up, you notice its vivid screen color and smooth touch.
Specifications
Weighing only 172g and is only 9.2mm thin, the Intex Aqua Curve Mini is a dual SIM Android 4.4 KitKat device with a 4.5 inch IPS FWGA display, a 1.3 GHz quad core processor and a Mali 400 chip. It also packs in 1GB RAM and 8GB ROM expandable to 32GB. The Aqua Curve Mini has an 8.0MP rear and a 2.0MP front camera with a 1500 mAh Li-Poly battery powering it.
Design
When it comes to the design, the Aqua Curve Mini nails it. Just like its name, the curve has curvy smooth corners and an ideal phone size fitting right into your palm. This allows you to navigate your phone with ease and with only one hand. The poly-carbonate back covers make the phone fit firmly in your hand reducing chances of it sliding off. The glass used for the display feels good to touch making the use of your phone enjoyable. The top has no Intex branding with only the ear piece and front camera. The “Home”, “Back” and “Menu” buttons aren’t printed on the phone so appear/illuminate only when you need them
To the left are both the volume and power buttons which even though reachable by the fingers isn’t the most convenient place to put them. The micro USB charging port is placed on the top alongside the 3.5mm earphone jack. On the back is the camera and LED flash centered with the Intex branding right below. Bottom center is the speaker.
OS + features: Android 4.4 KitKat + some fancy gesture controls
The Aqua Curve Mini runs on Android KitKat 4.4. We weren’t able to confirm whether or not it will receive an Android 5.0 Lollipop update but we saw a couple of updates being pushed for bug fixes among other issues.
The Aqua Curve Mini had a couple of interesting gesture controls like the double tap to lock or unlock screen instead of pressing the power button. The curve mini also allows for use of two or three finger gestures allowing you to access different elements messaging, increasing or decreasing volume or even taking a screen shot.
It also enabled quick access to certain functions from the lock screen using letter gestures e.g. drawing the letter “C” would instantly open the camera from the lock screen.
Apps: Many pre-installed but not very useful apps in Uganda
The Aqua Curve Mini comes with a myriad of apps some of which will not be very useful in Uganda. Thankfully, many of them can be uninstalled. With only 8GB of ROM it would be a bummer if it weren’t possible to uninstall them. The apps we found useful include Kingsoft office, Memory cleaner, Battery Saver, Mobile control, OLX, Opera mini and Xender. We uninstalled the rest to create space.
Pre-installed apps are no longer a big deal since by the time you get the phone, most of them need an update. Unless they are apps that you can’t get on the Playstore.
Performance: All you need for an entry level smartphone
Camera
The Aqua Curve Mini Camera is average even with the 8MP which is standard for an entry level smartphone, we were very disappointed that the rear camera didn’t have autofocus which is another standard feature any smartphone camera should have in 2015 or especially at the Aqua Curve Mini’s price point.
That said, we could still capture images/selfies and shoot videos. What is funny is that many people wouldn’t even notice that the device doesn’t have autofocus because the image quality and behavior was like any other entry level device. They all suffer with low light photography. They are better outdoors and can do all the basic photography you may need as a first time smartphone owner.
Battery
The Intex Aqua Curve Mini has a 1500 mAh replaceable battery. We carried out the usual tests and it took us about two and half hours to get a full charge. The Aqua Curve Mini battery took us about 4-6 hours on 3G and 8-12 hours on 2G. This is with regular use like making calls, occasionally checking email and social media. The battery could have been better but for an entry level smartphone it’s what we would expect.
Display
This is where the Aqua Curve Mini shines. It has 854×480 pixels display with a 240 DPI. For its size once again, this makes the screen look very sharp and vivid. We couldn’t confirm whether the display has Corning Gorilla glass protection. Intex however included a screen protector in the box for you to install. We would have preferred that the screen protector comes pre-installed as many wouldn’t know how best to install a screen protector.
Entertainment
When it comes to entertainment on a smartphone, we look at a couple of things. A good display for games, images and videos, a radio, and an expandable memory to store all your entertainment. Lastly we would also look at sound quality. The Intex Aqua Curve Mini has most of these except for superb sound.
What we liked
- The lovely and curvy design
- OTA Updates
- Vivid display
What we didn’t like
- Camera with no Auto Focus
- A high price for an entry level smartphone
Intex Aqua Curve Mini Price and where to buy in Uganda
The Intex Aqua Curve Mini is available in Uganda at UTL outlets and also on Jumia where you can order it online and have it delivered to your door step. The Intex Aqua Curve Mini goes for the price of Ugx 475,000 from Jumia Uganda
Wrapping it up
If you are looking for a first smartphone that is trendy, well designed, with regular OS updates then the Intex Aqua Curve Mini would be your device. If you are looking for an upgrade from your current smartphone, you probably want to keep looking.
About Onyait Odeke
Type your email…
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]
Type your email…
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]
Type your email…
