At the rate we are going, future devices will literally be slim enough to shave with. Look no further than the current crop of Ultrabooks for reference. As OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) steadily shave off the inches, a conundrum arises.
Computer components can only lose so much weight on a diet. OEMs are then forced to completely reinvent the wheel. Hence our tentative introduction to M.2 SATA vs PCIe SSD. Clearly, this is the future of storage for the look of things. More on this later.
The introduction of flash memory-based Solid State Drives (SSDs), and later M.2 SSD form factor was just that push we needed. Stripped to its bare minimums, an SSD is actually no different in size from a RAM chip. The possibilities the superfast, super slim SSD brings to the table are limitless.
What is an SSD? A quick recap
Let’s take a moment now and not get ahead of ourselves. Much as we have covered SSDs here and there, it doesn’t hurt to do a quick recap. An SSD is a NAND-based flash memory-based storage drive that does away with moving parts you’d normally find in a mechanical drive (HDD) SSDs augment stability and efficiency alongside performance improvements even as they lower power consumption.
A typical SATA 3.0 SSD supports roughly up to 550MB/s read and write speeds, although many high-end SSDs can double and triple these burst speeds. SSDs currently still suffer from an unfavorable price-per-gigabyte ratio compared to HDDs (Hard disk drives). But not for long.
Related content: SSD vs HDD: The storage battle of cost against performance
Alright, that’s about it! Now that you are all caught up, let’s move on to the fun stuff!
M.2: Next Generation Form Factor
An empty M.2 SSD slot alongside RAM chips and a regular 2.5 inch HDD on the left
In the exhibit above, the red rectangle shows a SATA M.2 slot in a 7th Gen core i5 Acer Aspire E15 laptop. Not all laptops have this slot, obviously. Those that do automatically have an extra slot to upgrade system storage and on top of other functionalities.
M.2 as we know it used to go by another, less flattering name – Next Generation Form Factor ( NGFF ). Quite the mouthful. Thank goodness the old name didn’t stick. M.2 cards are a multi-purpose small-form-factor connector designed to replace a similar mSATA form factor which uses mini-PCIe slots.
Samsung 850 EVO mSATA SSD
Contrary to what you might think, M.2 can and does support not only Serial ATA (SATA), PCI Express (PCIe), NVM Express (NVMe) and even USB . mSATA, on the other hand, was designed specifically for SATA. Also, mSATA was unable to be scaled up to 1TB storage capacities and over at a reasonable cost. And like mSATA, M.2 requires no additional power and data cables to function.
Impressed much? You don’t know the half of it. Other than storage functions, M.2 is quite capable of supporting Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, WiGig , and so much more. You can call it the Swiss knife of connectivity. For now, though, we will give these other functions only a cursory mention. Our main focus in this post will squarely be on storage and in particular, M.2 SATA vs PCIe SSDs.
M.2 form factor dimensions
Samsung 850 EVO M.2 2280 SATA SSD
It’s important to note that the M.2 slots on the motherboard are all 22mm in width. In that regard, even the cards which exceed this width are designed to fit within the 22mm limit. M.2 card sizes vary in length from as short as 30mm to as long as 110mm.
When buying an M.2 card, be it an SSD, WiFi module, name it, you will encounter a bunch of digits i.e. M.2 2230, 2260, 2280, 22110 e.t.c. The first digits indicate a width of 22mm to a length of 80mm.
M.2 SATA vs PCIe SSD
M.2 SATA SSD:
Perhaps the driving force behind the development of M.2 form factor was its storage benefits. In particular, Solid State Drives. Before we can talk about M.2 SATA SSD, we need to first explain SATA. SATA is without a doubt, the indisputable industry storage interface standard when it comes to connecting Hard drives and Solid State Drives to laptops and desktops alike.
Launched in the year 2000, SATA makes use of AHCI (Advanced Host Controller Interface) to unlock advanced features such as hot swapping even though it can still operate in IDE (Integrated Development Environment) mode.
Related content: Solid State Hybrid Drive (SSHD) is a sweet spot between SSD and HDD drives
SSDs with M.2 SATA III form factor face a challenge, in that their transfer rates start at 150 MB/s, and peak at about 600 MB/s. This in itself is quite adequate for average consumers looking to make a leap from mechanical drives.
As a side note, HDDs only average about 50 MB/s to 160MB/s and this is us being generous. Why is that, you ask? Well, AHCI was not built for flash memory, but rather for mechanical drives, which were all the rage back in the day.
You’ll have to admit that currently, that’s small potatoes. An M.2 SATA SSD will still knock your socks off, especially if you’re weaning off yesteryear’s HDDs.
M.2 PCIe SSD:
Samsung 960 EVO Series – 250GB PCIe NVMe – M.2 Internal SSD
If you don’t swing that way, may I introduce you to Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCI Express or PCIe)? M.2 PCIe SSDs are to M.2 SATA SSDs what M.2 SATA SSDs are to regular HDDs.
Still with me? As we stated above, SATA SSDs have a burst speed capped at about 600MB/s. What PCIe does is it completely sidesteps this limitation to bring you tremendously fast transfer speeds in the region of 2GB/s.
Some quick math here will tell you that this is about 4 times the theoretical speeds SATA can muster on a good day and more. PCIe Gen 2 x2 lanes does 1 GB/s and Gen 2 x4 lanes is capable of up to 2GB/s. There’s more. PCIe Gen 3 technology is capable of an envious 4GB/s.
In our opinion, PCIe SSDs, which is relatively a new technology is ballistic in performance. Not so quite when it comes to price. For goodness sake, we are just coming to terms with regular SSD. PCIe SSDs are to be frank with you, overkill. Unless you need the extra mileage for gaming, graphics and the like.
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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