Summary
The Tecno boom J7 is an affordable mid-range smartphone with a polished design, super sound and a good user experience. Our first encounter with the device was very pleasant. We are yet to spend a couple of weeks with it to have an actual feel and experience of the device in order to bring you a feature by feature breakdown. For the last 2 days, we have tinkered with it to bring you our first impressions with the device.
If you want to buy your first smartphone, upgrade or change your entry level/mid-range device, buy a gift for someone or if you are a fan of really good sound, then the Tecno Boom J7 is for you. Below we take you through what to expect when you buy it. We shall be bringing you the full review of the device soon.
Unboxing
I have loved most of the Tecno packaging since the Phantom A and the Boom didn’t disappoint either. It’s beautifully wrapped in a black and white hardboard box with the words “It’s Boom Time”
In the box, is the beautifully crafted Tecno Boom J7 on top. After the 1 st layer of packaging is a 2 piece set of colorful protective cases (The ones in this box were blue and grey). In the last layer, are two little white boxes with one containing the Boom J7 manual, a 13 month warranty card, a palm chat flyer and the much hyped all metal earphones. The other had travel charger with a detached USB cable that you can plug into the charger.
Look and feel + what’s new?
Design
The Boom J7 looks and feels lovely in the hand. The 5’ display with thin bezels gives one enough screen real estate. Tecno has however changed the on screen buttons we knew and replaced them with a red round home button and two red dots for the menu and back button.
The device is thin (we could not verify how thin at this point) with a curved design at the top and bottom. The charging port has been placed at the bottom left (with the microphone right next to it) while the earphone jack is at the top right. The volume button is on the top right while the power button is on the left.
The speaker has been placed at the back of the device. Also at the back is a slightly protruding camera at the top center with a flash below it. Below the flash is the brand name Tecno (there is no brand name on the front of the device).
Music
Yeah! I am guessing that is what everybody wants to know. What is special about the Boom J7’s music? Is there anything special? The answer is YES!
As I was testing the music elements of the boom J7, I was blown away with crisp sound that I could customize to suit my sound needs. Both the earphones and the speaker deliver a really good sound that is unmatched by the average smartphone. Tecno further re-engineered the boom music player enabling you stream music in different genres and even download some of the songs to your library. The player also had an actually functional audio enhancer, sound effects and a shake to switch songs feature which I found really awesome. The Boom J7 reminded me of my first iPod in 2008.
New Features
Boom Player: A new app probably exclusive to the Boom series that allows you stream music online and even download some of it.
OS: Tecno has never come out to say that they have their own user interface yet it’s clear it isn’t stock Android. Something about the Boom J7 OS is fresh and clean with less clutter. The icons take on rounded corners with a flat design. They have improved the notification panel making the icons transparent like in the Tecno Phantom Z and Z mini.
You can actually slide your finger across the device from the top or press the home button to access the notification panel. When you press the home button, the notification panel appears from the bottom rather than from the top like we were used to.
The Boom J7 also has inadvertently mode that protects against accidental phone operation while in your pocket. It also has Mirror cast feature that allows you to broadcast the Boom display onto a bigger display such as your Smart TV wirelessly.
As always the OS comes with a couple of pre-installed apps like Facebook, BBM, WhatsApp, Opera mini, UC mini browser, Du speed browser and multiple games. Of course the Google Apps like Gmail, Maps, Google Now, Google Plus and YouTube were there too.
Tecno has generally improved navigation and given the OS a clean look and feel. Look out for the feature by feature breakdown in the full review.
Less free stuff but we are still happy
The J7 doesn’t come with a free memory card, flip cover and battery bank like some Tecno phones did but that is fine since everything else seems really good and for that price point again, it’s hard to complain. You can just go ahead and buy the accessories you need yourself. They didn’t take off everything though; Tecno included two colorful protective cases in the box.
Tecno Boom J7 Specifications
The Tecno Boom J7 has the basic specs so if you are a specs junkie, you will probably not be impressed at first sight but the experience with it is what wins you over.
The Boom J7 has a 5 inch HD display with a 720×1080 display and a 320 dpi. The device features a 1.3 GHz quad core processor with 1GB RAM and 16GB ROM. Of the 16GB only about 11 is available the good thing though is that the memory is expandable up to 32 GB
The Boom J7 comes with an 8MP rear camera with a flash and a 2MP front facing camera. The Boom J7 is dual SIM with one normal SIM slot and the other a Micro SIM slot.
The Boom J7 is a 3G device and comes with Android 4.4 Kitkat but with a little flavor added. The version of Kitkat on the Boom J7 has a few extra tricks and functionality that is not on other Tecno phones.
Camera
The Boom J7 camera is an 8MP camera with a flash and a 2MP camera on the front. I am soon taking the camera for a full review of its own as a professional photographer but for today, I touch down on the basics and so far, they have them covered. Images are sharper and the camera has less shutter lag compared to say the Phantom A+ or the even the Tecno H6 which reduces the chances of capturing blurred images. I took a few selfies and did some street photography and then macro photography and so far the J7 passes them all. Even the 2MP camera delivered good photos. (Unfortunately I couldn’t include some sample photography in this post) One thing I can say for sure is that the J7 has an above average camera better than that in the Tecno H6. Although not conclusive yet, I can compare it to the Tecno H7 camera which I really loved. I will be looking out for its performance with low light and fast moving objects like in sports photography.
Battery
The Boom J7 comes with a 2020 mAh battery and unlike other Tecno phones, it doesn’t come with a free battery bank. 2020 mAh seems a little bit small for a 5 inch display device but we shall confirm that when we actually do the battery tests during the review. For the time we used it, the battery fully charged took longer than we thought since we were tinkering with it for over 8 hours while in writing this post.
Tecno Boom J7 Price and Availability
The Boom J7 is available in Uganda and is going for the price Ugx 470,000 450,000 at Banana Phone World which has 3 stores in Kampala. The first is on Kampala road next to BiPlous. The 2nd branch is also on Kampala road opposite Crown house near Nandos restaurant. The 3rd store is at Lugogo Mall next to the UTL and GAME Store.
About Onyait Odeke
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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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