Quick Questions
- Looking for an entry-level phone or your first smartphone?
- Need a short term replacement or a secondary smartphone?
- Looking for a big battery smartphone?
- Want a smartphone on a budget?
If the above is what you are looking for, then the itel A56 is your best bet but if you are looking for more, you may want to try other options.
For many years now, itel has been making entry-level devices driving device penetration in Africa with affordable and quality feature and smartphones . The A56 is one of their latest devices and we spent over 1 week with it. We now share with you a review of the device.
itel A56 Unboxing + Set-Up
The excitement and anxiety that comes with unboxing a new shiny toy for a techie are quite real. There was no exception when it came to unboxing the itel A56. Before you move on thinking, why should I pay attention to the entry-level A56 with all the latest global flagships and better offerings ? After all, we have seen it all. You may have seen it all until you realize that the majority of the continent still cannot afford the iPhone 5s or the Samsung S6, all released many years ago.
We dug a little deeper to unearth what makes the A56 special, but before we show you why it’s worth your attention. Let’s start from the beginning.
What Is in the Box?
- The itel A56 with a screen protector pre-installed,
- A travel charger,
- USB cable,
- Red earphones
- A phone jacket.
There is nothing much to write about the set up as it requires one to have an internet connection to properly get it done. It’s worth noting that the device can also be set up without an internet connection. I also loved the fact that they had a data migration tool that allowed one to move contacts, images, etc. from your old phone to the new one.
itel A56 Full Specs
Of course, the techies want to know the specs down to the detail. So we broke it down here before we proceed with the itel A56 review.
Announced: 2020, January Available: 2020, February Model: itel A56 (W6004) Colours: Gradation Blue & Black SIM: Dual Micro SIM OS: Android 9 Pie GO edition Network: GSM, WCDMA, GPRS, EDGE Display: 6.0-inch 480 x 960px IPS(196 DPI) CPU: 1.3 GHz ARM Cortex – A7 quad – core processor Memory: 16GB ROM, 1GB RAM, microSD, up to 32GB (dedicated slot) Camera: 8MP (3264 x 2448) with flash + 5MP (2592 x 1944) selfie camera with front flash Sensors: Accelerometer & Proximity. Battery: Non-removable Li-Ion 4000 mAh battery Others: Bluetooth, Radio, Sound recorder,
itel A56 Review: Device Highlights
Here are some of the key highlights of the itel A56 smartphone.
- 4000 mAh battery
- 6-inch display
- Fingerprint Scanner + Face Unlock
- Boom Music App
- Phone optimizers
itel A56 Performance
To properly review the itel A56 performance, we looked at key elements, specifically the battery, camera, entertainment, key apps, and phone optimization tools.
Battery
This is one of the biggest highlights of the A56. A gigantic 4000 mAh battery that really holds its own. Our initial tests saw the A56 having a 40% battery after 7 days of very light usage and idle time.
We then switched it up and turned into a hotspot that shared an internet connection with multiple devices after a full charge. We were able to get 8 hours which is super impressive.
We then ran a test of everyday usage which included a couple of calls, listening to music, watching TV and movies and playing some games. This gave us an average is about 8 hours for moderate to heavy usage.
The icing is the battery saver feature and battery manager which helps one manage battery juice consumption. The ultra power mode turns all phone features off except for calls, messaging and calendar extending your battery life by far.
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Camera
The 8MP A56 camera is decent enough to capture what you need in both photo and video.
With features like panorama, portrait mode (that blurs backgrounds) , HDR and Pro mode that lets you take control and manage all camera settings yourself, the A56 camera can shoot images of up to 3264×2448 in quality and full HD videos.
It also comes with some beauty filters to give your images that desired look and feel. The selfie camera has 5MP with a front flash, a beautification feature and shoots HD videos as well.
Entertainment
In this day and age, people have so much choice that you cannot dictate what they should or shouldn’t enjoy. Back in the day, the ability to extend memory was a big deal because then, one would pack the SD card with all their favorite entertainment. Today, people download apps and pay a subscription to stream .
Music: Most notable in this category is the Transsion-owned Boom Play music app that ships on every Transsion device. Boomplay is now available for all other devices via the play store. This app brings tonnes of music (both free and paid) to you. Games: We played the subway princess with little to no glitches. This is proof that you can enjoy your favorite games on the A56 especially for those who are enthusiasts and not really avid gamers.
Notable Apps
On the itel A56 are apps like the Boomplay app which gives you access to loads of music.
Palm Store: For those to whom the Android Play Store isn’t enough, the A56 comes with the Palm store where you can install some other cool apps. AHA games: This will give so many games you can play that you wouldn’t finish them all. It is unfortunate that you cannot really have so many apps or the best gaming experience with the A56 specs. Boomplay: gives you loads of music both free and paid as long as you have your streaming data Vskit Lite: This is similar to TikTok for making interesting short videos
Android Go
We have written about Android Go that you can read about. The Go apps are Lite apps designed for entry-level phones that enable you to enjoy a good experience without having to download heavy apps.
I particularly loved the YouTube Go app that enabled us to watch videos with the ability to choose the resolution upfront. You could watch a 1-hour video for 60MB which to me was a winner especially in this data economy where MBs are the currency.
Phone Optimisation
There is that time when your phone gets slowed down due to multiple apps or usage over time. To keep your phone fast and fluid, the A56 has 4 apps to help you i.e. Power Master, App Freeze, Phone Manager, and Accelerate. All these work together to keep your phone performing.
Compared to the itel A55
Other than a bigger battery, the A55 is similar to the A56 in many respects. So if you have the A55 and are considering an upgrade, you are not missing much — other the big battery.
What Africa Needs
We have had numerous debates in the past about who will make that $50 smartphone that will take the continent by storm and increase device penetration putting a device in the hands of many Africans.
itel has done this for a while now and the A56 fits the description of quality, durable and affordable device.
Price and Where to buy in Uganda
The itel A56 can be purchased at multiple offline stores across the city and country. Some of the major offline stores including the Banana Phone World Shops (Lugogo Mall, Nandos, and Kampala Boulevard), Itel VIP shop at Ambassador House, Itel VIP shop at Kooki Towers all selling it for Ugx 240,000
itel A56 Review: What We Liked
- 12 Month Carlcare warranty
- Affordable
- 4000 mAh battery
- Decent camera
- Boom Music
What We Didn’t Like
- Pro model not on the Ugandan market
- Too many bloatware
About Onyait Odeke
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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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