Battery wearing out

This is a common song sung about all models of smartphones, truth is with more features and processing power, you need more power. The battery is becoming more and more less sufficient to meet the ever increasing needs of these phones. According to fixya a study was done on some of the most common smartphones and battery life cut across all the phone models as the most popular problem. This report was done with 25 million users, 650000 experts and 15 million product problems and solutions. It includes some of the common problems popular smartphone models have and how they can be fixed.

Solution

If your phone battery starts to need charge every 2-3 hours with regular usage, its time to buy another battery. If your battery works fine and you just need it to push through a typical work day or you want it to last you till you upgrade your phone,then here are some simple solutions you already know:

  • Turn down screen brightness
  • Closing all the apps you are not using
  • Turning off the extra things like wifi and bluetooth when not in use Advertisement - Continue reading below
  • If you need to listen to music whole day everyday, get an mp3 player
  • Not using your phone beyond certain battery percentage (15-20%)

Even with knowledge of these simple solutions we are still reluctant to follow through. Blame it on laziness or just the thought that if the app is closed you are missing out on something. This is something we need to consciously put into practice to maximize our time with these gadgets – a personal discipline.

Phone not charging

Now this is one problem i experienced with my galaxy nexus. You plugin as always, only this time both the charger and phone get really hot and the battery is not charging. A lot of people have had this problem with phones that charge with micro usb cables. If this happens to you and your phone is still on warranty, take it for repair but if you are interested in attempting to fix things like me( i must add daring too) troubleshooting is the way to go. Find out if its your battery, cable/plug in charger or if its the phone itself.

  • Try charging a different battery with your phone
  • Try a different charger with your phone
  • Try a different power outlet or use your computer

If this doesn’t work, you need to seek some technical help because its a phone problem. Either a software problem or internal hardware problem especially if the thunder bolt is showing on the battery icon but the battery settings say it is not charging. I took it a notch higher with my phone since all the troubleshooting above didn’t seem to work. One last attempt after reading some phone forums was to lift the female micro usb tongue(gently) such that it makes good contact with the male plug. This idea seemed to work for people with the same problem so i gave it a shot and it worked for a while. Lets just say that wasn’t the problem with my phone, at this point it was time for me to make use of my warranty, thank God for warranty.

Freezing or hanging

The first time you use your smartphone, the speed switching between apps and tabs is amazing. After a couple of days or weeks when you have installed all the apps, some of which you barely use. Then the freezing starts, even a few micro seconds feel like forever. This calls for what i would name “app control”:

  • Before you install an app read its system requirements it may task your processor more than you expect
  • Delete any app you haven’t used in 2 weeks because honestly, you don’t need it
  • If an app is causing your phone to hung, update it or reinstall it
  • Expand your internal memory if your phone allows it
  • Those pictures you have had since you got the phone, once you have them backed up (which can be made automatic with dropbox, picasa, instagram etc) save your phone some memory and delete them. Basically free up as much space as you can.

Camera not working

This is really annoying just when you want to save that memory of a lifetime. Quick check for this is to make sure you still have enough memory for more pictures. Also make sure your operating system is updated. This simple solution works if you haven’t had any hardware damage to your camera. Else take it for repair.

These are just a few of the recurring problems with smartphones. We all love smartphones especially for their features and capabilities irrespective of these problems. The best thing to do is make the most of it and get over what you can’t fix.

Share with us some of the problems with your smartphone you wish you could fix?

Daniel Mwesigwa is a curious mind at the intersection of technology, media, and politics. Passionate about emerging trends and critical thinking, he’s known for cutting through noise—calling out conspiracy theories when they don’t hold up. When he’s not writing or analyzing the digital world, Daniel enjoys listening to music and playing soccer.

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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 evolution of smartphones has brought a lot with it. From the race to the slimmest phone on market, to the device with the least bezels; from the make with the sharpest camera, to the security trends in the fingerprint scanners and Face ID; name it all. With such trends coming in over time, different issues arise that cause a need for yet another milestone.

For instance, a number of users find it complex when looking for the fingerprint sensor at the back. This is due to lack of its direct visibility on large screen devices, and a number of manufacturers have adopted suiting the sensor into the home screen. But larger screens also demand that the home screen should disappear, the in-display fingerprint sensor comes in sight.

At the Consumers Electronics Show (CES) 2018 in Las Vegas, the Vivo smartphone brand introduces an under-display fingerprint sensor feature on its latest smartphone, the Vivo X21. With other OEMs adopting the feature, this could be the next ultimate big thing.

How Does the in-display Fingerprint Reader Work?

When a user’s finger touches the screen of the phone, the display emits light to illuminate the finger. The optical fingerprint sensor below the display captures the light reflected by the fingerprint, and the sensor processes the optical signals to deliver crisp and sharp fingerprint images for matching, based on the reflected light from the unique ridges on the fingerprint,

When fingerprint recognition is needed, such as when the screen is off and for unlocking apps or when you hold up the phone, the fingerprint sensor indicator will light up and icon will appear on the screen for users to press for immediate authentication. It is otherwise invisible to ensure a seamless mobile experience.

Reasons you may want it

Nature : Those that have held smartphones from their inception will tell you that the very first fingerprint sensors were at the front. Samsung, OnePlus, and Apple had this in mind before the fight for the larger screens pushed them to shift the sensors to the back. So, it would be very natural to have that sensor in the display.

Convenience : A front-mounted sensor is also more convenient to use when your phone is resting on your table. No need to raise it up, the way you would do for one at the back. You can also relate to a situation when you are holding stuff in your hands, and only a single finger is free. Even in a car, you can easily unlock the phone when its in its holder.

Broader Scanner : You don’t have to squeeze a large thumb into a small scanner area. The in-display fingerprint scanner will make it easier to place a finger anywhere on the screen to unlock it seamlessly.

No specific finger : When holding your phone with your left hand, it could be most sure that a left finger will do the unlock – say the scanner is at the back. With the in-screen fingerprint reader, you do not have to hustle on looking for the finger to use, whatever is available is what you use. No worries about being left or right handed.

Accuracy : Some rear scanners are really stubborn and require you to place the finger a certain way to work. This is primarily because you cant see where you are placing the finger, and can’t confirm that it is indeed the right position. With a front display scanner, why would you fail on accuracy when you can see where to place it?

The Downside

Being optical-type sensors, they are slower than the capacitive ones that most people are used to by now. This is a reason for the delay in OEMs adopting them for smartphones.

This account is managed by the in-house team at Dignited, a collective of passionate tech writers, editors, and enthusiasts dedicated to bringing you the latest insights, reviews, and news on consumer technology. For inquiries or feedback, feel free to reach out to us at [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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