iTel released the P36 and P36 Pro smartphones a few weeks back with a lot of online buzz . The device, as marketed by iTel, comes with a lot of upgrades in very important parts. Camera, security, battery are just some of the device specs that have a major upgrade.
We got our hands on the iTel P36 device to know what it actually looks and feels like. The device sold for N35,000 Nigerian Naira at some offline smartphone retail stores. It is quite cheaper when you buy online , though.
Here are our first impressions.
(We will also be giving some ‘quick tips’ we discover while using the device.)
What’s in the Box?
The device came in a red rectangular box with the device name boldly printed. Asides the large photo of an iTel ambassador on the box, there’s also the device’s unique selling proposition printed – 5000 mAh + 6.5″ HD+ screen. The box was quite light.
On the rear, the key specifications of the smartphone were listed out.
iTel P36 Key Specifications
- DISPLAY : 6.5 HD+ Waterdrop Fullscreen.
- OS : Android Pie (Go Edition).
- ROM : 16GB
- RAM : 1GB
- REAR CAMERA : 8MP Dual
- FRONT CAMERA : 8MP
- 4G LTE : NO
- FINGERPRINT SENSOR : YES
- FACE UNLOCK : YES
- BATTERY : 5,000 mAh
Opening the device box exposes how well protected all the constituents are. These device and other components were all carefully placed in soft and semi-transparent Chlorinated Polyethene (CPE) 07 plastic bags. This prevents scratches and damages during the transportation of devices.
There are a couple of accessories in the P36 box. They include:
- 1 x dark blue iTel P36 smartphone
- 1 x USB-C cable
- 1 x charging adapter
- 1 x earphone
- 1 x phone case
- 1 x sim card ejector
iTel P36 accesories
The device doesn’t come with a physical manual though. It comes with an e-manual, but it should also be pretty easy to set up.
Quick tip 1 : You can do a screenshot by placing 3 fingers on the screen of the device and dragging down.
iTel P36 Design and Display
All the talks about the device having a slim body design weren’t just marketing messages. They are valid. The iTel P36 device is an 8.33mm slim smartphone. For context, the iTel A56 device is 8.9 mm slim. Hence, the manufacturers were intentional about making this device more portable.
iTel P36 is a sleek device. The back of the phone is smooth and the fingerprint sensor strategically placed at the upper body. This allows for easy access to it with the index finger. Just above it is the dual-camera setup and a flash arranged in a square-shaped section.
There’s an earphone jack, speaker, and USB-C port at the bottom of the device. The power/lock and sound adjustment buttons on the right side make it very easy for the thumb to control. You’d find the SIM card slot on the left side of the device.
The display on iTel P36 is a 6.5″ HD+ waterdrop fullscreen display. It has a screen ratio of 20:9 and with reasonably slim bezels. The display resolution is set at 720 x 1600 pixels — similar to the Tecno Spark 5 ‘s screen resolution. The curved edges of this device make it a beauty to behold.
Quick tip 2 : Tap and hold the torch icon at the bottom left corner of the lockscreen to turn the torch on/off.
Setting Up and Performance
This device took approximately 30 seconds to boot. Setting up on the device was pretty easy following the prompt after powering up. The iTel P36 comes pre-installed with Android v9.0 Pie (Go edition).
The fact that it comes with the “ Go edition ” means it is designed to run faster. Hence, it comes pre-installed with lightweight versions of various apps. Like YouTube Go, Maps Go, Facebook Lite, Google Go, Assistant Go, Gmail Go, Gallery Go e.t.c
There’s a slight second delay that comes with multitasking with this device. That is while switching from one app/screen to another, you experience a very slight, not-too-noticeable delay. This isn’t very surprising as the device runs on a 1 GB RAM. We imagine that the “Pro” version of this device (which comes with a 2 GB RAM) would do much better.
As a function of the RAM and Processor, playing CPU heavy games on the iTel P36 might not offer the best experience.
Quick tip 3 : When your device is lagging, you can use the “Freezer” app on the homepage to freeze some apps, and unfreeze them when needed.
iTel P36 Camera
The iTel P36 comes with an 8MP dual rear camera and an 8MP selfie camera. The device camera’s boast of Portrait mode which helps it focus on things right in front of it. You can toggle the photo ratio of the camera to be either 4:3, 16:9, or full screen.
iTel P36 Battery
A unique selling point of this device is its battery. It comes packed with a 5000 mAh battery capacity. According to iTel, this can provide 375 hours standby with SIM card, 30 hours of calls, 10 hours video playing, and also 10 hours using social apps. And more than 48 hours of normal usage.
Charging the device is quite slow, however. It took about 2 hours to charge the device from 57% battery power to 100%. This might take half the time with the “Pro” device. iTel announced that it came with a 10W fast charge that reduces charging time by 50%.
Pricing and Availability
The iTel P36 device is now available in retail stores across African countries. Largely depending on local factors, the device costs between $88 – $105. This unit was purchased for NGN 35,000.
Overall Verdict
We think that the iTel P36 device is a great phone. It has a great design, camera, and display. The large 5000 mAh battery makes up for other low-end specs like the 1 GB RAM. With other security features like the fingerprint sensor and face unlock, it looks attractive.
For that price tag, the iTel P36 smartphone is great!
Important note : More specific reviews of the P36 smartphone would be published subsequently. This will dive into particular features or tasks on the device and how it performs. So, stay tuned.
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Daniel Moses Oluwadanie is a tech writer based in Nigeria with extensive experience in mobile apps, social media, and fintech. At Dignited.com, he specializes in writing practical how-tos, smartphone reviews, and consumer tech news—helping readers make sense of the digital tools they use every day. With a finger on the pulse of Nigeria’s tech scene, Daniel delivers insights that are both timely and relatable.
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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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