Wireless Charging Explained

Wireless Charging (also know as Cordless charging or Inductive Charging) is a technology that has been known for a couple of years now but only started gaining momentum about 5 years back. The term has been used sparingly to describe the charging of devices (particularly gadgets and electronics) over a very short distance without the use of wires or charging cables.

Now, wireless charging has applications across many low-power electronic devices like smartphones, handheld devices, some type of computers, and other high-power electrical products like wireless cars.

How does Wireless Charging work?

Wireless Charging is based on the Inductive Charging technology. For wireless charging to occur, two components must be present:

1. A Transmitter — this is also known as a transmitting pad or charging mat

2. A Receiver — could be a case attached or built within the device to be charged

The process of charging is achieved through the transfer of energy/power produced by passing electrical current through two coils to create an electromagnetic field.

The created electromagnetic field comes in contact with the magnetic plate on the receiver generates an electrical current which is then converted to direct current (DC) and in turn charges the receiving device’s battery through inductive coupling.

Many flagship smartphones being released over the years by top original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have the wireless technology built-in but older devices might require a special case or adapter to be attached to them to charge wirelessly through inductive charging.

For example, the latest iPhones (starting from the iPhone 8 to the latest 2018 iPhone models ) have the wireless charging technology built-in but older iPhones (iPhone 7, iPhone 6 etc.) do not support the technology out-of-the-box but have special cases that allow them to be charged wirelessly.

Wireless Charging adapter for iPhone 6

Advantages of Wireless Charging

There are many advantages that come with wireless charging technology.

1. Convenience

One of the most important (if not the biggest) upside to the wireless charging is convenience, particularly when charging more than one device. Wireless Charging saves users the stress and hassle of having to plug and unplug a cable each time you have to charge your device. Also, the availability of broad-faced charging pads allows multiple devices to be charged simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple charging cables.

2. Durability

Unlike wired charging where the cables and sockets undergo wear and tear over time, wireless charging pads lasts relatively longer as there is no need for plugging and unplugging. Wireless Charging (pads) also reduces the risks of short circuits and other forms of electrical faults.

3. Security

For devices that charge up by cords, users no better than to plug their phones into an unknown cable as they could contain hidden malware. The case is, however, the opposite for devices with wireless charging technology built-in — safe with zero malware worries. In addition, you can use any charging pad —irrespective of the manufacturer— without having to worry about damaging your devices’ battery .

Wireless Charging Downsides

1. Low Efficiency

For powering low-power devices like smartphones and other electronics, charging efficiency is relatively low compared to wired charging. In fact, efficiency and speed is relative to the charging pad design and device placement on the pad. Although the technology is being worked on and developed round the clock, it isn’t yet up to the level of wired charging in terms of speed and efficiency.

However, for electric cars and other high-power devices, efficiency of charging wirelessly is top-notch.

2. Inability to use phone during charge

Take smartphones for example, dropping your Samsung Galaxy Note9 means the activities you can effectively carry out on your device while charging include playing music and maybe, reply a text message. You can pick a call too (but with loudspeaker on) and read your emails. But how inconvenient that would be — compared to charging with a wired charger that gives you more control over your device.

Wireless Charging Standards

Wireless Charging Standards basically refers to the available technology that allows electronic devices like smartphones, wearables, tablets and other computing products be charged wirelessly. There are two major wireless charging standards: Qi and PowerMat

Qi

Qi was developed by Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) and is supported by over 200 million devices. It is the leading and most used wireless charging standard.

PowerMat

PowerMat is another popular standard developed by Power Matter’s Alliance (PMA).

Rezence

Rezence is another interface wireless charging standard developed by Alliance for Wireless Power (A4WP).

In 2015, A4WP and PMA merged into the AirFuel Alliance in 2015.

Each standard above charge devices wirelessly in almost the same manner. The differentiating features are transmission frequencies and connection protocols. That being said, devices are usually compatible with one standard only but there are devices compatible with multiple standards.

In the smartphone and wearable ecosystem, wireless charging is fast becoming a standard for identifying devices with the best features, particularly when looking to purchase one. Likewise, charging pads are becoming common in public places like coffee shops, restaurants, airports etc.

However, while many smartphone users are very satisfied with their wired chargers, wireless charging definitely holds bright prospect. In fact, with the rate at which many OEMs are including wireless charging support to their flagship devices out-of-the-box, it’s only a matter of years before the technology is fully embraced by all.

Sodiq Olamide is a tech writer based in Nigeria, covering the latest reviews, how-tos, and news on consumer tech trends with a unique African perspective. Whether analyzing emerging technologies or offering practical guides, Sodiq brings a deep understanding of how technology shapes lives across the continent.

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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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There’s nothing as refreshing as reviewing jaw-dropping pocket-friendly devices for everyday people like the itel P32. In this department, itel is king.

According to statistics by Canalys, itel which sold 2 million units in the first quarter of 2018 took the #3 spot in smartphone market share in Africa. If that’s any indicator, itel has cracked the secret formula for doing what it takes to snag the lion’s share in emerging markets.

The itel P32 is a lot of phone in exchange for a little bit of pocket change. At a modest UGX 330,000~UGX 350,000 ($88~$93), this unassuming device clearly blurs the line between budget and midrange.

But don’t get us wrong. The P32 is still a budget phone through and through and that price tag is no gimmick as far as we can tell. The trade-off comes when you look at the line-up of cool features you’d normally expect from midrange smartphones.

Before we put in our elbow grease, we might as well get this out of the way. The itel P32 comes with 8GB ROM alongside 1GB RAM. It runs Android Oreo 8.1 Go Edition tweaked to run on minimal system resources (1GB RAM or less). The RAM though is a fixed done deal, but the silver lining here is that the ROM (internal storage) can be increased by up to 32GB via microSD card.

It also goes without saying that this device is a dual SIM because that’s how we roll. As we break down the nitty-gritty of this little beauty, let’s start with a few bullet points.

Argument for the itel P32

• 5MP Dual rear camera
• Fullscreen display sporting 18:9 aspect ratio
• Matte finish for firm grip
• 4,000mAh 3-day battery
• Fingerprint sensor
• No bloatware
• Android Go
• Gesture keys
• Complimentary plastic full-body case
• Mobile anti-theft feature

itel P32: Design and Build

The 5-inch frame takes us on a trip down memory lane, back when 5 inches was as bold as most smartphone makers dared to go. But unlike old school handsets, the P32 features a full-screen display (18:9 aspect ratio). The bezels are chiselled away to make room for what turns out to be a decent 5.5 -inch screen.

itel chose wisely with the gorgeous matte polycarbonate finish which gives it a premium look and feel. That and a slender 5-inch frame contrasted with 8.8mm thickness and coupled with rounded edges completely does away with accidental slippage.

Not that you have much to worry about. itel includes a plastic full body jacket for total protection. Expect pseudo horizontal antenna stripes top and bottom reminiscent of iPhones. But unlike the latter, these lines are for aesthetics only. I personally found them a cute addition.

Related: itel P32 Unboxing & First Impressions: A budget smartphone with more than a massive battery

The dual rear camera on a budget handset is a first in this neck of the woods. The dual camera is complimented by a dual LED flash for that perfect shot in low light conditions.

But itel doesn’t stop there. A well-placed fingerprint sensor allows for quick unlocking of your P32 along with provision for extra fingerprint shortcut features.

To complete the circuit, a speaker resides at the bottom of your P32. Further down is the oldschool MicroUSB slot. A tiny wedge a little to your bottom right lets you pop open the back cover to access the device innards. But not so fast. The battery is screwed tight, so the best you can do is swap out SIM cards and microSD cards with this arrangement.

itel P32 Review: Software & Performance

Antutu Benchmark: 20521

Coming from a point of ignorance, you might dismiss the itel P32 as a sub-par smartphone. Sure, it’s a budget device, but that’s not to say that it doesn’t have its moments.

The P32 is powered by a MediaTek MT6580 Quad-core 1.3GHz, ARM Cortex-A7 CPU and a Mali-400 MP GPU running on 1GB RAM and 8GB ROM. This combo is more than enough horsepower for everyday use and a decent gaming experience. Playing the usual games i.e. Candy Crush and Temple Run was a smooth enjoyable experience.

Still on the point of performance, we have sung the Android Go song for a while now. In a nutshell, this is Google reaching out to provide the latest Android OS to under-powered entry-level devices with 1GB of RAM or less.

The entire operating system is remixed to run in tip-top shape even as it uses fewer system resources. The same applies to Android Go apps which are lighter than the original apps but no less productive. What’s more, these apps consume less internet data and consume less battery.

After a bit of tinkering, we discovered a few features which we immediately feel in love with. One of these is Applock which lets you secure any app with a passlock. WhatsApp, hello! With Applock, you can lock your Gallery, File Explorer, WhatsApp and whatever else from prying eyes.

Another one is the Mobile anti-theft feature. With this feature, an emergency contact is informed whenever your SIM card is changed. You can remotely lock your device or completely wipe your device all through SMS text messages sent to your device.

Camera

Unless we are mistaken, a dual camera setup on a budget smartphone is unprecedented. The 5 MP cameras work in concert to output images at a resolution of 2560 x 1920 pixels and a 4:3 aspect ratio. The same applies to the selfie camera upfront. As for video, the best you can get is 1980 x 1088 pixel resolution.

There’s not much in the way of camera tweaks. You get low-light pano[rama] and HDR. For photo-centric users, there’s a bunch of filters and masks you can apply. The end result is a rather impressive photoshoot for such an entry-level device. You have to see this to believe it, though. Here are some shots we took in our downtime…

Battery

Entry-level and Midrange smartphones continue to raise the bar where battery technology is concerned. That the itel P32 can manage to tuck in so much battery in such a small frame is a testimony for the high-end devices which are miserly in this department.

Being an Android Go device and a 3G phone at that, the P32 is already optimised to run on as little juice as it can. This argument validates the claim that the 4,00mAh battery goes 3 days without the need for charging.

itel P32 Specs:

Announced: 2018, June Available: 2018, June Model: itel P32 (F8011) Colours: Champagne Gold, Ice Blue, City Blue SIM: Dual Micro-SIM OS: Android™ 8.1.0 (32 bit Go Edition) Network: GSM, WCDMA, GPRS, EDGE Display: 5.5-inch 480 x 960px IPS, multi-touch touchscreen, 16M colors CPU: MediaTek MT6580 Quad-core 1.3GHz, ARM Cortex-A7 Mali-400 MP Processor Memory: 8GB ROM, 1GB RAM, microSD, up to 32 GB (dedicated slot) Camera: 5 MP (2560 x 1920) + 5MP (2560 x 1920) dual rear cameras, autofocus, dual-LED flash, 5MP (2560 x 1920) front Camera with LED flash Sensors: Accelerometer, Ambient Light, Proximity, Fingerprint Battery: Non -Removable Li-Ion 4000 mAh battery

Final verdict

Long before the advent of smartphones, the selling point of feature phones was always the long battery life. That the itel P32 can last that long but has enough modern features to stay relevant is an attractive prospect. The P32 has a few things going for it which comprise: good battery, good camera, fingerprint scanner, stylish look, and a full-screen display.

That it’s not a 4G phone or that it’s not an HD phone and has less RAM and storage space is small potatoes. Many of these are actually overrated. What say you?

Sydney Mugerwa is a seasoned consumer tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with a passion for reviewing the latest gadgets and smart devices. From smartphones and wearables to smart home products and cameras, Sydney breaks down the complexities of consumer tech, making it easy to understand through detailed reviews and how-to guides. His mission is to simplify tech jargon and help readers make informed decisions in the ever-evolving world of technology.

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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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