Its been one year now since I bought a Tecno phone. At the time, I owned a Samsung Galaxy S which I had paid an arm and a leg for. It was an awesome phone and I enjoyed it very much. But within a short time, my needs had changed. I needed a bigger screen, a faster processor, more memory, a better camera and battery too. The Samsung Galaxy Note was out and trust me it was the answer to all my problems except for price – I clearly couldn’t afford it.

I started looking for alternatives. I went to Google and started searching for brands that I could afford and were available in Uganda but I didn’t find much. The only option I had then was to buy a second hand phone from a top brand. Unfortunately, this is an option I had tried before without much success. One time, I saw a billboard in town advertising the Tecno Phantom A smartphone showing the specs which I must say were quite impressive. I decided to hunt down the Tecno stores and get more information about the device.

To cut the long story short, I bought my first Tecno and it was the Tecno Phantom A+ . When I bought the Phantom, Tecno had a very poor perception. Many people didn’t believe that it was a phone that could last long enough. They believed that at it’s price, it was going to get spoiled and you would have to go back to the big brands who cost you an arm and a leg but would give you a phone that lasts.

I now write about my one year with the Tecno Phantom A+ that is still in good shape and working just fine. For those who didn’t read the full review, you can read it here .

I have used the Phantom for a year and here is what I liked about it plus what I didn’t like and what I want in my next Phantom.

What I liked about the Tecno Phantom A+

#Durability My Phantom dropped a couple of times including on tarmac but all I got away with is a few scratches. The polycarbonate back that is anti-scratch and dust resistant really helped keep the device looking good. In this one year, I haven’t heard (Online or Offline) of any phantom user with a broken or cracked screen and that is a plus.

#Good Camera This is probably one of the things I appreciate the most on the Phantom. The 8.0MP camera takes crisp pictures and video. It had a few issues like lack of image stabilization or an anti-shake feature embedded but this was fixed in later iterations of the phone. That notwithstanding, I found ways of making the best of the camera and it delivered beautiful images and video.

#Great Design It’s not only artists who love beautiful phones; everyone does. Nobody wants an ugly phone. The Phantom is 9.1mm thin with thin bezels and rectangular form-factor with a 5” screen. It fitted well in the hand and was just big enough for both work and play. The only thing that I complained about in the review (and rightfully so) was the protruding camera and the misplaced dedicated camera button. Even though I adapted to the Camera button, the glass protecting my camera cracked after a while. It however didn’t affect the taking of photos.

#Dual SIM We have made so much noise about this. High end customers hated this feature while many others welcomed it. My EIC wrote an article explaining why dual SIM is relevant in emerging markets and indeed he was right. I have always found this feature helpful that instead of carrying two phones, I only carry one. I also benefited from multiple promotions of two different service providers. For instance I used one SIM slot for 3G internet and another for Voice because the 2 Networks I used had different offerings. It’s no surprise that big names like Samsung, HTC and Nokia now have dual SIM phones.

#Fast and fluid performance even after a year Even after one year, the Phantom has remained very fast and fluid. When you buy a smartphone, it’s initially fast and everything is okay until it starts becoming slow and freezing or crashing all the time. The Phantom even after a year of very heavy usage still works like it’s just been procured. This is great because I can’t stand slow things.

#Great Customer Care and Warranty While using the Phantom, I had a couple of issues with the device. However, to my and many other people’s surprise, all the issues that I got were all fixed for free under my 13 month functional warranty from the Tecno Carlcare centre in Kampala. This is one of the things I also like about Tecno. When I spend my hard earned money buying a phone, I don’t want to spend anything more on it that year except for data and the Phantom did just that.

What I didn’t Like

#Loose Charging Port Not everything was merry with the Phantom A+. I had some issues that were a real inconvenience. I noticed generally that most Phantom A+ smartphones had issues with the charging port becoming loose making charging very difficult. When this happened, I took the Phantom for repair two times but the issue wasn’t completely fixed. The port was still a little loose. This was a huge disappointment since charging the phone is a daily activity.

#Memory Full 1GB RAM seemed enough when I was buying the phone but it didn’t take a lot to fill it up with all kinds of apps that I actually used. By around the 6th month the phone kept on telling me that there was not enough memory to perform certain tasks. I had to delete certain apps that I wasn’t using often or transfer those that could be transferred to the SD card. At this point I knew I needed more RAM and ROM.

#No Operating System(OS) Updates As beautiful as the Phantom was, it was very discouraging that I couldn’t update to the latest Android OS. That was very discouraging because, If I wanted the latest OS, I had to buy another device. Fortunately this is fixed in the later devices such as Tecno R7 and Tecno Phantom Z.

#Battery The 2100 mAh battery really worked like a horse and it actually lasted a year before I had to replace it. Unfortunately on a full battery, the Phantom could take me for between 5-8 hours depending on whether I had 3G on or not. When the battery went low, I would immediately plug in the battery bank that could take me another hour or two.

What I want in my next Phantom

I already wrote about the 7 things I would like to have in my next Phantom but I will just quickly bullet them here

  • Bigger RAM and ROM
  • A faster Camera with image stabilization
  • A faster processor
  • A better battery
  • IPS display
  • Better Sound quality
  • Regular Updates

Tecno has proved that it can make quality phones that can actually last at a price that is affordable to many. They are working harder to keep on top of their game by releasing amazing phones like the recent Tecno F5, H7, R7 and the Phantom Z which have received some good reviews. Of late, they opened a modern shop at the Lugogo mall in Kampala to improve brand perceptions among the uptown clients. Tecno has convinced users that they are here to stay – Would you buy a Tecno phone? let us know why or why not.

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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