Apple, of course, needs no introduction. It is arguably the largest smartphone manufacturer we have right now. So far, they have succeeded in pioneering quite a number of trendsetting features that other brands (and the whole smartphone industry at large) have adopted.
And this is so because Apple (being a billion-dollar company) is a company that spends big on Research & Development (R&D). Almost every year, the company releases new smartphones with new features that other OEMs blatantly adopt and copy.
In this post, we’d share five(5) trendsetting smartphone features pioneered by Apple that have been widely adopted as a standard in the smartphone industry.
DisplayNotch
It’s looking like the notch is going to be here for a while, even though we’re beginning to see newer devices come with under-display camera s. The display notch had a huge impact so much that almost every other smartphone company incorporated this design on at least one of their flagships.
The Apple iPhone X popularized the notch design as a creative way of creating more room for display on their devices and has since been adopted by other smartphone brands. Samsung, for instance, has adopted the notch in some of its devices .
Related Article : Why the iPhone 11 series still have a notch despite the full-screen trend
Killing 3.5mm Headphone Jack
Back in 2016, Apple killed the 3.5mm headphone jack by releasing the flagship iPhone7 without a headphone jack . This new feature later became a trend that other tech companies widely adopted.
The 3.5mm headphone which has successfully remained relevant for over 50 years has been short-lived with Apple’s new trend. This new trend gave room for its wireless earphones (Airpods) which Apple designed so well to be better than the old wired earphones.
Following Apple’s footsteps, many other Android smartphone manufacturers also ditched the 3.5mm headphone jack on their devices. Google, for instance, in its Pixel 2 ditched the 3.5mm jack and designed its own wireless earphones (Pixel buds) with built-in translation .
Face ID
The launch of the iPhone X in 2017 also came with the introduction of a new (at that time) feature, the Face ID; a powerful technology that isn’t fading anytime soon. This feature integrates our facial features into the display to enable a new initiative experience for users to simply unlock their iPhone using their face. Swipe up from the button, scan your face and you’re in. This feature is very interesting because even in the dark, your phone recognizes images.
A host of devices have copied this feature from the iPhone; Google copied it for its Pixel 4 . Samsung, as well, tried this feature on the Galaxy S8 .
Related Article: 2019 iPhones: Face ID will scan “Vein Patterns & Blood Vessels” to tell Identical Twin apart
Animoji
Apple introduced Animoji on iPhones a few years back, and a lot of iPhone users have gotten very fond of it. It is certainly one of the coolest trends Apple has introduced so far. For starters, Animoji allows you to show your facial reaction and even your voice note using cartoon characters and images. This trend has made social media interaction so fun and intimate.
After the introduction of Animoji and not too long after, Samsung came up with its own AR emoji feature on the Galaxy S9 flagship phone – even though Samsung’s mobile chief claims its not a copy of the Apple Animoji .
Virtual Assistant
Apple has used its advancements in the iPhone to really change how we go about our day to day activities. No wonder their products always come with a high price tag.
Apple originated the virtual assistant technology popularly known as “Siri”. This virtual assistant uses voice queries and a natural-language user interface to answer questions and make recommendations to iPhone users.
Ever since the feature was introduced on the iPhone 4S in 2011, its impact has been felt greatly. A handful of other OEMs also followed suit by developing their native virtual assistants. It’s safe to say Apple (with Siri) laid the foundation for other relatively popular smartphone assistants thata exists today: Google Assistant, Alexa, Bixby, etc.
Related Article: How to Talk to Google Assistant in Siri on iPhone
Conclusion
We’ve always had smartphone brands trying to go the way of Apple, trying to be creative with new unique smartphone features. This is great, as it’ll help with the rapid advancement in smartphone technology. We’ll see if this habit of ‘borrowing’ ideas from Apple’s innovation would continue in the future or if other OEMs would also get creative enough to pioneer innovations worth ‘copying’.
Emmanuel Moses Temidayo is a consumer tech writer based in Nigeria, with a keen focus on fintech, mobile apps, and web technologies across Africa. He covers the latest tech news, provides practical how-to articles, and delves into the dynamic fintech landscape, offering readers a deeper understanding of the innovations shaping the continent’s digital future.
Type your email…
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]
Type your email…
The smartphone world has greeted us with many innovations. Some of these innovations later turn out to become trends. We’ve seen trends such as the dual rear cameras, dual selfie cameras, bezel-less designs, in-display fingerprint sensor and notch displays. An innovation in the form of dual screens and dual fingerprint sensors is what the ZTE Nubia X presents.
If this is an innovation that’ll become a trend, only time will tell. But it isn’t the first time a smartphone will come with two screens or two fingerprint sensors. For you to know, the Samsung W2019 flip phone recently surfaced with two displays. However, it is the first time a smartphone is coming with both features at the same time.
The dual screens
At the front of the smartphone, you have the 6.26 inches LTPS IPS screen with Full HD+ resolution of 1080 x 2280 pixels. It tags along with a 19:9 aspect ratio to deliver an intense viewing gusto.
Around the back, the OEM placed an OLED screen on the back panel to serve as the second display. This 5.21-inch panel makes good use of a resolution of 720 x 1520 pixels & 19:9 aspect ratio just like the front display.
Well, here’s an illustration of how the second screen works:
The Nubia X’s back color and screen color blend together, which is a laudable technology, and its visual effect is amazing. pic.twitter.com/1I08xvBDUW Advertisement - Continue reading below — ICE UNIVERSE (@UniverseIce) November 25, 2018
Additionally, both screens enjoy the protection of Corning Gorilla Glass 3.
No selfie camera
Like most smartphones of 2018, ZTE Nubia X is a bezel-less beauty. And we know that most OEMs try to push their bezel-less designs to the extreme to accommodate more screen. ZTE’s approach in the Nubia X is the elimination of the selfie camera. This enabled the phone’s primary display to attain a 93.6% screen-to-body ratio.
Although there’s no front-facing camera, it doesn’t strike out the capturing of selfies. Here’s where the second screen comes into play. The main 16MP + 24MP shooters on top of the back display are what discharge this role.
So, you can check out how good you look in a ‘selfie’ from the second screen. In other words, the primary camera is also the “selfie camera”; it’s all about perception. A dual-tone dual-LED flash is also there to illuminate the images.
CHECK THIS OUT : The Phantom, Camon, F and Spark series: A Guide to Tecno Smartphones
Competent powerhouse
Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 SoC sits at the phone’s core to handle efficient functionalities. The chip employs the 10nm process technology to run its actions. It also comprises four Kryo 385 Gold and four Kryo 385 Silver CPUs that reach a maximum speed of 2.65GHz.
Its operations are incomplete without the backing up of its 6GB LPDDR4X RAM. Another smartphone variant of 8GB RAM is also available for better performance. Either way, the two options are superb for heavy duties.
Speaking about heavy duties, the phone can deliver such activities for almost a day due to its 3,800mAh battery. The phone also charges rapidly because of the Qualcomm Quick Charge 4+ on board. Nubia UI 6.0 and the Android 8.1 Oreo OS work hand in hand at the software arena.
Heightened security
Two heads are better than one, an adage says. In the case of ZTE Nubia X, two fingerprint sensors are better than one. These fingerprint sensors are placed on the left and right sides of the smartphone for touch ID security. That said, the phone can also be unlocked with facial recognition.
Pricing & Availability
The ZTE Nubia X is available in the following colours: Blue gold, Sea blue, Black gold, Deep grey. It was launched in November 2018 with a starting price of $500.
ZTE Nubia X Key Specifications
- Display — Main : 6.26-inch LTPS IPS LCD FHD+ (1080 x 2280 pixels); 403PPI; 19:9 aspect ratio, Corning Gorilla Glass 3;
- Secondary display (on the back) : OLED, 5.1 inches, 720 x 1520 pixels, Corning Gorilla Glass 3
- Processor — 2.65GHz Octa-core Snapdragon 845 SoC
- GPU — Adreno 630
- Rear camera — 16MP + 24MP camera, dual tone LED flash
- Fingerprint sensor — Yes, dual (left & right side-mounted)
- RAM — 6GB / 8GB
- OS — Android 8.1 Oreo OS (Nubia UI 6.0)
- Storage — 64GB / 128GB / 256GB
- Battery — 3,800mAh (Qualcomm Quick Charge 4+)
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] .
Type your email…
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]
Type your email…
