Cloud storage can be thought of as a hard drive on the internet that you can access from anywhere via the internet. It is a relatively convenient way of storing and sharing files, especially files that you do not want to lose. The basic idea with cloud storage services is that you pay a subscription to use the storage. Currently, there exist many companies offering cloud storage services, many that you may never have heard of. So, how do you know which one is the best for you? You have probably heard of big names like Google Drive, Microsoft One Drive, or Apple iCloud.
Since “the best” can vary from user to user, in this post we intend to break down the best six such cloud storage services. That way you can be able to tell which is best for you before giving your credit card information for a monthly or annual subscription. It all boils down to more than just how much you pay per Gigabyte. But also how you access and interact with the cloud storage plus other features such as security also plays a big role. So let us get started.
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1. Google Drive
As soon as you set up a Google account, you are eligible for 15GB of free storage that you can use to store or backup files. You can store literally any type of file that can be stored in a hard drive; from photos to videos and documents. The main benefit of google drive is that it readily integrates with Google’s free suite of office apps that you can access via a browser or an app on your phone. The user interface is quite straightforward and functions pretty much just like any other file explorer.
It shouldn’t take you a whole lot of time to get used to. Some notable features of Google Drive are the ability to share links to files and folders and also to set the level of access that the recipient will get. Google Drive has apps for a wide variety of platforms; Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Another feature of Google Drive is that you can access and open a file that is already open on another device. Below are the current pricing plans for Google Drive.
Once you exhaust the 15GB free storage you can move to their Google One plans. And in my opinion, the best part is that you can share the storage with up to 5 other people. And if you choose to pay annually instead of monthly you get between 13% and 17% discounts. Even though it is arguably the best cloud storage overall, a downside to Google Drive is that it does not have end-to-end encryption.
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2. Microsoft OneDrive
If you are an avid user of Microsoft services like Office and windows, this should be your go-to cloud storage service. This is because Microsoft One Drive is properly integrated into windows and office products. The initial free offering is a meager 5GB that is bound to fill up in no time. Key features of OneDrive include web access, advanced search, automatic photo backups, and mobile access.
There is also a File On-Demand setting that keeps files online only saving space on your local storage. Once you step up to the paid subscriptions after exhausting your 5GB free offer you get several perks. Below are the pricing plans for Microsoft OneDrive.
The first and perhaps the most lucrative feature is the ability to restore the entire storage to any point within the past 30 days. Other features include password protection on shared files, the expiry of shared links, and offline folders on mobile. With a paid subscription you also get to share ten times the amount of quantity allowed per day. If you need big quantities like 1TB, Microsoft 365 is your best value for money since it comes with office apps.
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3. Apple iCloud
This is a cloud storage service that is primarily intended for people who use Apple products. It is an integral part of both iOS and macOS. It only makes sense if you are using it on the Apple ecosystem. This doesn’t mean you cannot access it via other platforms like a windows PC. All files such as videos, photos, and music from your Apple device are stored in iCloud. The pricing plans for iCloud are; 0.99$ for the 50GB plan, $2.99 for the 200GB plan, and $9.99 for the 2TB plan
It also includes backup for other items such as calendars, contacts, and messages. Similar to Microsoft’s OneDrive, the free storage limit is 5GB after which you need to start paying. The best part about iCloud on Apple devices is that it is almost 100% automated. You don’t need to do anything to initiate backups after you set it up. Also if you migrate from an Apple device to another Apple device you will be able to transfer all your data in a matter of minutes courtesy of iCloud.
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4. Mega Cloud Storage
This is a cloud service based in New Zealand that offers 15GB of free storage for starters. They previously used to offer 50GB but have since been downgraded to 15GB. You get additional capacity as a reward for something they call “achievements”. These are things like inviting friends, installing sister apps, and validating your mega accounts. Below are the pricing plans for Mega.
Mega comes with browser extensions, an Email add-on to share large files easily plus a secure chat platform for other mega users. The biggest selling point for Mega is its end-to-end encryption. This is why they warn you that if you lose your password not even Mega can help you recover your encrypted files. Objectively, Mega is a good value for money, fast and easy-to-use online storage service.
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5. Dropbox Cloud Storage
Dropbox is among the most notable names in the online storage business. The biggest selling point for Dropbox is support for compatibility across various platforms. Dropbox can be integrated into Windows and macOS and has native support for a lot of third-party apps like Google Docs. This is a cloud storage service that you can count on if hop from platform to platform. Or even if you use a lot of third-party apps. Below are the pricing plans for Dropbox.
on the downside, you get just 2GB of free storage limited to three devices and lack a key feature of setting restrictions on recipients of a shared file. All in all, Dropbox is good value for small teams and businesses with very flexible needs.
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6. pCloud
pCloud is a Swiss-based cloud storage company that majors on keeping your files safe, secure, and available on all your devices. With pCloud, the initial free offering is a decent 10GB but you need to unlock 3GB by completing a few tasks. The tasks include downloading the mobile app and sharing the service with others. A downside of pCloud is that unlike Google and Microsoft they do not offer any office suits and other extras. Their focus is on security and accessibility.
Their security is so strong that they keep five copies of each file scattered across different servers worldwide. They also use 256-bit AES encryption on all their servers. pCloud also offers extra encryption on the client side before data leaves your phone for a monthly fee of $4.99 or a lifetime fee of $125. Some other strengths of pCloud are that it doesn’t have a limit to the size of a single file you can upload. And you can also restore your storage as far back as 30 days.
You are also able to preview some common file types when using a browser and also play music directly from pCloud. Their pricing is what stands out from the ordinary with either annual or lifetime subscriptions for 500GB, 2TB, and 10TB. This one-time lifetime subscription option is what makes it of great value as it pays itself after a couple of years and you essentially continue using the storage for “free”.
George Kimathi a tech writer based in Kenya, passionate about exploring how technology shapes everyday life across Africa. From mobile innovations to digital trends, he covers the tools and ideas driving the continent’s digital transformation. When not writing, George enjoys testing gadgets, exploring local tech communities, and staying curious about what’s next.
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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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