Pros
- The price!!
- No additional equipment is needed.
- Low power consumption (9W)
Cons
- Issues with Google Home integration (if it is available at all)
- B22 To E27 adapter is required for many users.
- App connectivity and reliability issues.
The advent of smart home technology has brought about a revolution in the way we interact with and control our living spaces. Among the myriad of smart devices available in the market, smart bulbs have gained significant popularity due to their affordability and ease of use.
In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Oraimo Smart Bulb, an entry-level smart lighting solution that promises to be a solid choice for those looking to kickstart their smart home conversion.
Like many Smart Bulbs, this is product allows you to control your lights from your smartphone, change their color and brightness, and set schedules for different times of the day.
Related:
- Best Smart Light Bulbs to Help Save Your Power Bill
- How Different are Smart Light Bulbs From Ordinary Ones
Unboxing and Setup
The Oraimo Smartbulb comes in pairs and I got mine from the official Oraimo Kenya store. The unboxing is a little underwhelming I’d say. In the box, you get:
- 2 Oraimo Smart Bulbs
- User guide
The Oraimo Smart Bulb is a 9W LED bulb that fits into any standard E27 socket. It comes in a pack of two, which is a nice bonus. You can adjust the color and brightness of the bulbs using the Oraimo Home app, which is available for both Android and iOS devices.
So set up the Oraimo Smartbulbs, simply plug it into the E27 socket in your home. You might need to get an adapter if your home is fitted with the B22. B22 To E27 Screw Base Bulb Adapter or Converter Sockets are available in local electrical shops or online for relatively cheap.
- Jumia Kenya – B22 To E27 Screw Base LED Light CFL Lamp Bulb Adapter Converter Socket
Once plugged in and the switch turned on, the Oraimo Smart Bulb should start flashing. Simply open the Oraimo Home app and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup.
And that’s it! Just your phone, an app and you’re ready to roll. No Routers, no Hubs or any extra equipment. And that is the genius of these bulbs.
Oraimo Home
The Oraimo Home app is the main interface for controlling the Oraimo Smart Bulb. When completing the setup process, you can name each bulb and assign it to a room for easy identification.
The app has several features that let you customize your lighting experience. You can choose from different preset scenes, such as Relax, Party, Reading, etc., or create your scenes with your preferred colors and brightness levels.
Choose the Color of Light and Brightness of the Bulb
You can also set timers and schedules for the bulbs to turn on or off automatically at certain times or days. You can also use the app to turn the bulbs on or off remotely, as long as your phone is connected to the internet.
Choose a mood and the bulb will cycle through colors
As mentioned, one of the advantages of the Oraimo Smart Bulb is that it does not require any additional equipment, such as a hub or a router, to work . You only need your phone and the oraimo Home app to control the bulbs. This makes it easy to install and use. However, this also means that the bulbs rely on your phone’s Bluetooth connection, which can have some drawbacks.
Also from within the Oraimo Home App, you can group multiple bulbs and control them as one.
What’s Not to Like?
No product is perfect and the Oraimo Smart Bulb isn’t either. In my testing period, a few things really stood out.
Lack of Google Home or Alexa Support
See, one of the perks of a smart home is having the various products talk to each other. Google Home is one such platforms that these smart devices plug into, offering you a one-stop-shop for all your home controls.
Well, you cannot control the smart bulbs with voice commands. Google Home is not supported, or at least I couldn’t find it at all in the app. I even tried to add the bulb manually from the Google Home app but Oraimo seems to be missing from that long list of OEMs with devices that can plug into the Google Home ecosystem.
App Reliability Issues
Another drawback is that the app can be buggy and unreliable at times. Sometimes, the app would lose connection with the bulbs or fail to sync with them. Sometimes, the app would not reflect the actual status of the bulbs or show incorrect information. These issues made it frustrating to use the app sometimes.
In a smart home setup, consistency in connectivity is vital, and this is an area where the product could see significant improvement.
Issues with Multiple Device control
One of the worst scenarios that I encountered was when I switched devices and had to reinstall the oraimo Home app on the new device. I expected that I could just log in to my account and restore my settings and preferences.
However, I found out that there was no way to do that as the app said the bulbs were paired to a different device. I had to pair the bulbs again from scratch and set up everything again. This was very inconvenient and time-consuming.
I also realized that there was no straightforward way to reset the bulbs. I wish there was a reset button on the bulbs or a reset option in the app.
Related:
- Top 7 Philips Hue Products You Should Consider Getting
- How to Setup the Sengled Smart Bulb on the Alexa App
- How to add Yeelight to Google Home and control it with the Google Assistant
The Competition
Compared to other smart lighting options, such as Philips Hue or Ring Smart Lighting , the Oraimo Smart Bulb is cheaper and simpler. However, it also lacks some features and functionalities that those options offer.
For example, Philips Hue and Ring Smart Lighting have more compatible devices and integrations, such as motion sensors, cameras, doorbells, etc., that can enhance your smart home experience. They also have more reliable apps and better customer support.
Is the Oraimo Smart Bulb Worth It?
In the realm of budget-friendly smart bulbs, the Oraimo Smart Bulb has its merits. Its low cost of entry, lack of a required hub, and included pair of bulbs make it an attractive option for those looking to start their smart home journey. However, it’s essential to consider its limitations, including app reliability issues, compatibility concerns with Google Home , and the challenge of regaining control if you lose access to the app like I did.
When compared to industry giants like Philips Hue and Ring , the Oraimo Smart Bulb holds its ground in terms of affordability. Still, it may not match their level of integration, customization, and reliability. Your choice should depend on your budget and your specific smart home needs.
If you’re willing to invest more for a comprehensive and reliable smart lighting experience, Philips Hue might be the better choice. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a simple and cost-effective solution, the Oraimo Smart Bulb could be a solid starting point for your smart home conversion.
- Buy the Oraimo Smart Bulb – Ksh 900/ USD 6/ UGX 23,000
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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