Alright, audio enthusiasts (and budget-conscious music lovers!), let’s delve into the world of the Oraimo FreePods Lite. I’ve been using these earbuds for a while now, and they cater perfectly to a specific audience.
If you crave long battery life and a bass-heavy sound signature without breaking the bank, the FreePods Lite are strong contenders. Let’s explore their strengths and weaknesses to see if they fit your listening style.
But before that, where in Oraimo’s product-line does this fall? For the price, these can be though to be in direct competition with the Oraimo Riff from a few years ago, but learns from the years of experience and user feedback to deliver a more superior product for the same price, sometimes less.
Look and Feel
The Freepods Lite adopt a playful, translucent look that we haven’t seen before in Oraimo’s product line but one that is slowly becoming a fad in mainstream tech with the Nothing Phones and more.
The case is made of translucent plastic allowing you to have a glimpse of the internals of the case. The buds too adopt a similar look allowing you to see the circuitry and battery of the buds. This is cool if you’re into that kind of vibe.
Sound Quality: A Bass Odyssey (with Caveats)
First up, the sound. As a self-proclaimed bass enthusiast, I was immediately drawn to the Oraimo’s signature sound. It leans heavily on the low-end, making genres like hip-hop and electronic music come alive. Basslines thumped with satisfying power, perfect for getting pumped during workouts or grooving to your favorite beats.
Oraimo’s HavyBass is something I have experienced in other buds like the Freepods 4 but this hits different on these buds. The bass is richer and deeper with little distortion.
However, there’s a flip side to this bass emphasis. If you prefer a more neutral or balanced sound profile, you might find the mids and highs a little subdued. Instruments like guitars or vocals can sound slightly muffled compared to the prominent bass. This isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker for everyone, but audiophiles seeking pristine clarity might want to look elsewhere.
The Oraimo Sound App allows you to select from a few preinstalled EQs which can suit your needs. You might also want to create your own EQ that suits your particular taste and this is a feature that I absolutely love about these budget buds.
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Environmental Noise Cancellation
Another factor to consider is the lack of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC ). This means ambient noise can easily creep into your listening experience. While the earbuds themselves provide some passive noise isolation, it’s not enough to completely block out external sounds. Sitting in a noisy cafe or commuting on a busy matatu might require cranking up the volume to drown out the background noise, which can affect battery life and your ears.
The Oraimo FreePods Lite utilize 10mm dynamic drivers, a decent size for earbuds in this price range. They don’t offer the detailed soundstage of higher-end models, but they deliver a punchy and enjoyable listening experience, especially for bass lovers.
Fit and Comfort: Finding the Sweet Spot
The FreePods Lite come with a selection of ear tips in various sizes, allowing you to customize the fit for your ears. This is crucial because a good fit is essential for comfort and sound quality. Unfortunately, achieving that perfect fit might take some trial and error. During extended listening sessions, I did experience a bit of pressure building up in my ears, suggesting the design might not be ideal for everyone.
Battery Life: A Marathon, Not a Sprint
Now let’s talk about the star of the show: battery life. This is where the Oraimo FreePods Lite truly shine. They boast a claimed 8 hours of playback on a single charge, which is already quite impressive. But the real magic lies in the charging case. It packs an additional 32 hours of juice, bringing the total playtime to a whopping 40 hours.
That’s right, you can listen to music for almost two full days without needing to recharge! This makes them perfect for long trips, vacations, or even music marathons. And if you’re ever caught with a low battery, the quick charge function delivers 120 minutes of playback time with just a 10-minute charge. This is a lifesaver for those moments when you need a quick boost before heading out the door.
Call Quality: Making Your Voice Heard (Mostly)
The Oraimo FreePods Lite come equipped with two microphones and Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) technology . This is a welcome feature for making calls, as it aims to filter out background noise and improve call clarity. In my experience, the ENC did a decent job of reducing some ambient noise, but it wasn’t perfect. Call quality was generally acceptable, with my voice coming through clearly on the other end. However, during calls in particularly noisy environments, some background noise might still be noticeable.
Connectivity: A Stable Connection (Without the Bells and Whistles)
The Oraimo FreePods Lite utilize Bluetooth 5.0 for connectivity. This offers a stable connection with a decent range, ensuring minimal dropouts or audio lag during music playback or calls. Pairing them to my phone was a breeze, following the standard Bluetooth pairing process.
However, unlike some higher-end models, the FreePods Lite don’t support high-quality audio codecs like aptX or LDAC. These codecs offer improved audio quality compared to the standard SBC codec, but their absence shouldn’t be a deal-breaker for most casual listeners.
Color Options
Additional Features: Packing a Punch
The Oraimo FreePods Lite offer some additional features that enhance the overall user experience. The touch controls on the earbuds allow you to perform basic functions like playback control, volume adjustment, and activating your voice assistant. This is a convenient way to control your music or access your phone’s functionalities without having to take out your phone.
The IPX4 water resistance rating makes them suitable for workouts or running in light rain. This means they can withstand sweat and splashes, giving you peace of mind during exercise sessions.
The Oraimo Sound App adds a touch of customization to your listening experience. While the app’s functionalities might be more limited compared to some competitors, it allows you to adjust the EQ settings to slightly tweak the sound signature. You can boost the treble a bit if you find the bass a little overwhelming, or create custom presets for different music genres.
Alternatives
Here’s a quick comparison to some similar earbuds in the same price range:
- JLab Go Air Pop: These offer a more balanced sound signature and a comfortable fit, but their battery life isn’t as impressive as the Oraimo FreePods Lite.
- Skullcandy Jib True: Another budget-friendly option with a fun, bass-boosted sound. However, the call quality might not be as good as the Oraimo FreePods Lite.
- Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2: These boast superior sound quality with ANC capabilities, but they come at a slightly higher price point.
Pricing and Availability
With just how desirable Oraimo products have become, it is easy for sellers to put impractical and unrealistic markups on these prices. You shouldn’t pay anything more that KES 2000 for the Oraimo Freepods Lite.
There are official stores on Jumia and even Oraimo’s own eShop that will give you the RRP or at least close to it so start there while stocks last.
I’m a tech enthusiast and digital explorer based in Kenya passionate about Android, Linux, and the world of custom ROMs. I love tinkering with devices to craft personalized, optimized experiences. When I’m not deep in code or tweaking gadgets, you’ll find me immersed in science fiction, philosophy, or writing about the ever-evolving tech landscape from an African perspective.
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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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