Okay, maybe not small money after all. But really good value. Here’s the thing, our homes are getting increasingly smarter and more connected, just like many more areas of our lives. See, home internet is now more available than ever. Fiber to the home is a booming business in many suburbs, hence the push to take advantage of this.
Smart bulbs, smart appliances and so on are nice and all but perhaps the most notable smart ‘thing’ in the house is the TV, the center of entertainment in the home.
The TCL P725 is a pretty solid smart TV that punches well above it’s weight and in this post, I will be taking you through the review of this product after using it for the better part of the past 2 weeks.
The P725 comes in two variants, a 55-inch model and a 43-inch 4K model though there is also a cheaper 43-inch 1080p model in various markets. ( PS: Get the 4K model, thank me later ).
Specifications
- Audio: 2-units, 24 watts, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Audio, DTS HD
- Processor: 64-bit MediaTek Quad-core, dual-core GPU
- RAM: 2GB
- Storage: 16GB
- OS: Android 11 TV
- Wireless : · 2.4G + 5G Dual-band WiFi,HDMI 2.1, Bluetooth 5.0, Infrared
- AiPQ Engine
- MEMC
- Hands-Free Voice Control 2.0 and Google Assistant Built-in
The TCL P725 is available in various sizes including a 65-inch, a 55- inch, 50-inch, and a 43-inch variant.
Look and feel
The P725 is a rather good-looking TV. It comes with slim bezels all around with a small fabric-lined chin that houses the LED indicators along with the remote receiver.
The expansive 43-inch 4K panel no doubt catches attention, no matter how busy-looking your home setup is. The TV stands on two V-shaped stands that are screwed to the bottom with the provided fasteners, offering a rather stable stance.
The panel is slim enough for any modern TV but that shouldn’t be such an issue as these appliances tend to remain static against walls for most of their lives.
I/O
This TV is fairly modern and as such, comes with enough ports for almost all your connectivity needs. Perhaps the one that threw me off was the lack of the old school RCA cables for connecting decoders to the TV. They’re still there, only they’ve been compressed into a 3.5mm jack and there’s an adapter in the box.
The other I/O is fairly standard and includes:
- 2 USB type B ports
- 1 Ethernet port for your hardwired internet connections
- 2 HDMI Ports, one of which supports ARC
- Digital TV Antennae port
- Optical Audio
- AV port condensed into a 3.5 mm port
- a 3.5mm audio jack
There is also a switch for the microphone located next to the power button. This physical switch ensures the TV isn’t actively listening to you or listening out for the Google Assistant trigger phrase. This is a nifty little addition for the privacy-conscious user in this surveillance and data collection era.
Remote Control
The remote control is an overlooked piece of tech despite it being the primary mode of interaction between you and your TV. In fact, the remote sees a lot of use and often ages way before your TV.
The TCL’s remote is slender and taller than most but still feels good in the hand. It offers all the important functions you would need including a prominent navigation set, a numberpad and two dedicated buttoms for YouTube and Netflix.
The TCL P725 Remote control
Of course, u can get the Button Remapper app and that allows you to assign even more functions to these keys with long presses and double presses, and so on.
Connectivity
Connectivity-wise, the TCL P725 does support both 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi. Since the TV and the router were in the same room, I found it easier to connect it to the 5GHz band and letting all other devices compete for the 2.4GHz band. The connection was solid and rarely dropped out unless I was having internet outages at ISP level.
The TV also supports Bluetooth 5.0 and this allows one to connect peripherals like supported home theatres, Bluetooth speakers, or even earbuds for those quiet late-night binges so you don’t disturb others in the house.
4K in all it’s glory
Now I have to admit, other than electronic stores and company demo events, I haven’t had a 4K display in my space and this was an awesome experience to have. The 43-inch TV at 4K resolution with HDR and Dolby Vision means that you get crisp images on supported platforms and content.
Watching HDR10 content on Netflix in a dimly lit room at full resolution was blissful with clear details that weren’t blinding. Of course, if you pixel-peep, you can still make out individual pixels but at normal viewing distances, this display is delightful.
My colleagues tell me that quantum dot displays from LG and Samsung offer an even richer experience but those TV cost double the price of this unit so I have absolutely no complaints.
Speakers
I wasn’t really expecting thumping bass from this TV especially seeing the slim thickness of the product. Of course, you shouldn’t expect earth-shaking sound for TV speakers, that’s why Soundbars are a hot product category today.
The P725 comes with 2-units channels rated at 24 watts. It also supports Dolby Atmos, Dolby Audio and DTS HD. That’s all good but how does it actually sound? Well, underwhelming to be honest. For the occasional Spotify session and watching TV, it does the job and does that well.
If you’re expecting an immersive experience while watching a movie, these will fall short of your expectations. At low volumes, the speakers aren’t very audible. Mid volumes are okay but that quickly falls apart at high volume with a lot of distortion.
Android TV 11
Android TV is arguably the best Smart TV experience out here today. This unit comes with the latest version, Android TV 11. The home screen is pretty similar to other Android TV products from Xiaomi like the Mi Box S . This means it is pretty easy to use and the learning curve is pretty smooth.
It comes with a few TCL apps preinstalled but these can be uninstalled from Settings or hidden from the launcher. Speaking of launchers, I enjoyed using the Google TV launcher on this TV although it did lag from time to time while I had a bunch of apps running in the background.
- How To Install Google TV on Any Android TV
- How To Set Google TV UI as Default Android TV Launcher
- How Google TV is replacing Android TV
Ok Google!
Google Assistant learns new tricks every day and is pretty useful today. The TCL P725 supports Google Assistant’s Hotword ‘Ok Google!’ and ‘Hey Google!’ and the pick-up is crazy good. Even from across the room and with audio playing at a relatively high volume, the P725 was able to pick my voice and pause whatever was playing to listen to my commands.
Of course, the Assistant might miss your commands once or twice but in my experience, it wasn’t too far from the missed command I got when using Assistant on my phone or earbuds.
Google Duo
I am not sure why you would want to use Google Duo on your TV but I can think of a few instances where this might be useful. Plug in an external webcam via any of the available USB ports and your TV is able to make video calls with ease.
Google Duo is Google’s version of Skype and comes preinstalled on many modern Android phones while also being available on the Play Store and Apple App Store. Install this app on your TCL P725 from the Play Store and it links to your associated Google Account.
I was able to make calls easily and the audio reception on the other end of the call was surprisingly good. Clearly, TCL did some good work with this TVs microphones.
Pricing and Availability
The TCL P725 is available in Kenya across various online and offline stores starting from Ksh 37,500 ($323.83) for the 43-inch 1080p variant. The 4K version of the 43″ will run you around Ksh 43,000 ($371.33) while the 50″ will have you part with around Ksh 58,000. ($500.86)
Should this not be available in your region, TCL has a bunch of similarly spec’d TVs at roughly the same price range and we dug up a few such offers.
- TCL 43″ Class 3-Series FHD LED Smart Android TV – $259.99
- TCL 43-inch 1080p Smart LED – 43S325, 2019 Model – $302.59
- TCL 43-inch Class 4-Series 4K UHD HDR Smart TV – 43S434, 2021 Model – $325.99
These are pretty fair prices when looking at the specifications you’re getting for your money compared to other offers from brands like Samsung, Sony, and LG. You might also want to check out the TCL C8 that we reviewed not too long ago.
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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