Samsung held one of its more anticipated product launch events in recent times, – Galaxy Unpacked – yesterday August 5. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the event was held virtually and Samsung unveiled a number of new products. key among them, new devices from the Galaxy Note series

True to the company’s precedence set with the Note 10 last year, this year we get not one, but two new Samsung Galaxy Note devices – a base model Galaxy Note 20 and a beefy, and somewhat overkill, Galaxy Note 20 Ultra.

So what do these two devices bring to the market? Well, in this post we shall quickly run through the key specifications and highlighting features of these two devices. Since the Note 20 looks like a watered-down version of the Note 20 Ultra, let’s begin with the beefy one.

Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra

The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra packs the latest bells and whistles that Samsung has to offer. It sports a massive 6.9-inch 1440p OLED display with curved edges and minimal bezels. The display maxes out at a battery-smooth 120Hz and has a small hole punch that houses the selfie shooter.

On the camera front, it packs a 108MP main sensor, a 12MP Ultra-wide sensor, and a 12MP periscope telephoto lens with a dedicated Laser Autofocus sensor. Here are more specs.

SpecificationSamsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
Dimensions & Weight164.8 x 77.2 x 8.1 mm
213g
Display6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X
3088 x 1440
Curved display
120Hz refresh rate
Adaptive refresh rate support
HDR10+ support
Gorilla Glass 7/Victus
Infinity-O Display
SoCQualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus, or
Exynos 990
RAM & Storage12GB LPDDR5 + 128GB UFS 3.1
12GB + 512GB
Dedicated microSD card slot for expansion up to 1TB
Battery & Charging4,500mAh
25W wired fast charging support
15W wireless charging support
Reverse wireless charging support
Rear CameraPrimary: 108MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Laser AF, OIS, 1/33″ sensor
Secondary: 12MP, f/2.2, ultra-wide-angle, 120° FoV
Tertiary: 12MP, f/3.0, telephoto camera, 5x Optical zoom
Front Camera10MP, f/2.2, 1.22µm
Connectivity5G: NSA, SA, Sub6/mmWave
LTE: Enhanced 4×4 MIMO, Up to 7CA, LTE Cat.20 – Up to 2Gbps Download / Up to 200Mbps Upload
Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax 2.4GHz + 5GHz, HE80, MIMO, 1024-QAM
Bluetooth 5.0
USB Type-C
NFC
MST
GNSS: GPS, Galileo, Glonass, Beidou
Other FeaturesS Pen:
5.8 x 4.35 x 105.08 mm
3.04g
Bluetooth enabled
Up to 24 hrs of battery standby
4096 pressure levels
0.7mm pen tip diameter
IP68
IP68 dust and water resistance
In-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor
Wireless DeX support
Ultra Wide Band (UWB) chip for device-to-device connections and fast file transfers
Android VersionOneUI 2.5 based on Android 10
ColorsMystic Bronze (matte)
Mystic Black (glossy)
Mystic White (glossy)

This device and Note 20 both run on Samsung’s new One UI 2.5 skin on top of Android 10.

The S-Pen stylus has also been improved to take advantage of the 120Hz display. The latency of the pen has also been drastically reduced from 56ms on the previous generation Note, down to 9ms for a more realistic writing experience.

Samsung Galaxy Note 20

So the Note 20 is, for the most part, a slightly simmered down version of the Note 20 Ultra.

The Note 20 bumps down the resolution on the display to 1080p and the refresh-rate down to a more traditional 60Hz. The hole-punch for the selfie shooter is also a little bit bigger than the one on the Note 20 Ultra.

The display also gets rid of the curved sides in favor of the traditional flat display. The bezels around the display are also a little more pronounced compared to the Ultra.

Samsung Galaxy Note 20 - 1

Samsung Galaxy Note 20 | Color Variants

Around back, the device keeps the general camera layout from the Note 20 Ultra but loses the periscope lens. Here are the device’s specs.

SpecificationSamsung Galaxy Note 20
Dimensions & Weight161.6 x 75.2 x 8.3 mm
194g
Display6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED
2400 x 1080
Flat display
60Hz refresh rate
HDR10+ support
Gorilla Glass 5
Infinity-O Display
SoCQualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus, or
Exynos 990
RAM & Storage8GB LPDDR5 + 128GB UFS 3.0
No microSD card expansion slot
Battery & Charging4,300mAh
25W wired fast charging support
15W wireless charging support
Reverse wireless charging support
Rear CameraPrimary: 12MP, f/1.8, Dual Pixel AF, OIS, 1/1.76″ sensor
Secondary: 12MP, f/2.2, ultra-wide-angle, 120° FoV
Tertiary: 64MP, f/2.0, telephoto, 3x Hybrid Optic Zoom
Front Camera10MP, f/2.2, 1.22µm
Connectivity5G: NSA, SA, Sub6/mmWave
LTE: Enhanced 4×4 MIMO, Up to 7CA, LTE Cat.20 – Up to 2Gbps Download / Up to 200Mbps Upload
Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax 2.4GHz + 5GHz, HE80, MIMO, 1024-QAM
Bluetooth 5.0
USB Type-C
NFC
MST
GNSS: GPS, Galileo, Glonass, Beidou
Other FeaturesS Pen:
5.8 x 4.35 x 105.08 mm
3.04g
Bluetooth enabled
Up to 24 hrs of battery standby
4096 pressure levels
0.7mm pen tip diameter
IP68
IP68 dust and water resistance
In-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor
Wireless DeX support
Android VersionOne UI 2.5 based on Android 10
ColorsMystic Green
Mystic Bronze
Mystic Gray

The Galaxy Note 20 also gets the new and improved S-Pen for a more enjoyable and realistic writing experience. All in all, Samsung has managed to push out devices that stay true to the roots of the Galaxy Note lineup, overkill specs on a device that is made for the power users.

Price and Availability

At launch, Samsung says that the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra will start from an eye-watering $1,300 while the Note 20 will start from $1,000.

Pre-orders in various markets, including Kenya should be announced pretty soon with prices ranging from KES 105,000 for the Note 20 and around KES 140,000 for the Note 20 Ultra. We shall continue to keep an eye on this and provide updates as and when we get more info. Stay tuned.

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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