One: You have to agree with me here. Regular cable TV just doesn’t butter the bread both sides anymore. Lots of TV shows are quite frankly, re-runs or so old and dated, that you can’t help but feel short-changed. Come to think of it, I often end up watching Free to Air channels on a subscription. Talk about throwing money away.
Two: If I had a penny for every time somebody got hoodwinked into buying a barely smart TV only to find out it’s just a screen with an abandoned half-baked OS, I’d be Elon Musk. Or perhaps you were an early adopter who jumped onto the bandwagon and bought an HDTV back in the day. Unfortunately, time hasn’t been fair to people like us, and our awesome HDTVs are languishing in tech cemeteries just because the OS upgrades stopped coming through years ago.
It’s on this premise that I bring you the Xiaomi Mi Box S. This unassuming little device that can comfortably fit in the palm of your hand is a full-fledged 4K Ultra HD Streaming Android TV which can instantly turn any TV with an HDMI port into a smart TV.
In the box
- Mi Box S
- Remote control
- User Manual
- Batteries
- Power Adapter
- HDMI Cable
Design and Build
The Mi Box S is a flat light-weight matte black box. A single LED dash at the front indicates when the device is powered on. Not that you need to know for the most part. You can just as easily tuck the device away and forget about it. After all, the Mi Box S uses Bluetooth to interface with the remote, so you don’t actually need a line of vision to operate it. A secondary red light beams out of the audio port for some reason.
When it comes to ports, the Mi Box S sports a power port, the ubiquitous USB port-A, an Audio-out port and lastly an HDMI 2.0a port. The HDMI cable that comes with measures only a meter long as does the power adapter. I would have appreciated longer, but it’s small potatoes if you ask me. Oh, and one more thing: there are no buttons anywhere on the Mi Box, so we are at the mercy of the remote control.
Xiaomi continues its matte black theme with the remote control. The tall and slim remote is sparse in the button department. You get yourself a power button, Google Assistant button, direction buttons, menu button, back button and home button. Xiaomi also throws in a dedicated Netflix and Prime Video buttons (on our remote at least).
Some errant reviewers have voiced displeasure at the lack of a mute button. I honestly don’t get it. You could always turn down the volume, you know. Xiaomi includes original Panasonic Neo AAA batteries which ought to take you for a year or so. Rather a nice gesture.
The Setup & Interface
Setting up the Xiaomi Mi Box S is so easy, it’s ridiculous. In two minutes flat, I was watching Old Guard on Netflix and that’s not an exaggeration. It goes without saying that you need a power source. Once I plugged in the Mi Box using the power adapter and also connected the HDMI cable to the TV, I was all set.
On bootup, the first thing the Mi Box tries to do is to connect to WiFi. Being an exclusively internet device, mobile data just won’t cut it. And as it doesn’t support Ethernet either, your only option is WiFi.
The Mi Box S boasts of over 3000 apps to spoil you rotten. The Android TV interface is child’s play. Large linear tiles serve you your poison on a platter. Some pre-installed apps of note include Netflix, Prime Video, HBO Now and YouTube. Those in Africa can also access DStv Now and Showmax which are a big deal in this neck of the woods.
I will have to say that I am quite wowed by the ease with which the Mi Box S converted my current non-smart TV into an Android TV. If you have used Android on phone, you already possess the required skill-set to operate the Mi Box without ever needing a manual. Just like your phone, the Mi Box comes with default Google apps such as the Play Store, Movies & TV, Music, YouTube, Games, e.t.c.
Bluetooth Voice Remote
The addition of the Google Assistant was a stroke of genius. I increasingly found myself voicing commands via the voice remote control to the Mi Box S to open particular series and movies on Netflix. If not that, then it was opening YouTube videos without the cumbersome clickity-clack of the remote.
Secondly, the Bluetooth remote is just too awesome for words. Unlike the regular Infrared remote which requires a line of sight, the Mi Box remote works anywhere within Bluetooth range. This could be two bedrooms away (I tried it) or with the Mi Box out of the way. Naturally, you will often catch yourself pointing at the TV with the remote. We are conditioned to do that way after all. But it’s good to know you don’t need to.
Unfortunately, the remote volume is rather underwhelming. Pumping it all the way up does nothing. I found myself depending on TV volume to get some good sound.
Related:
- All You Need To Know About The Xiaomi Mi Box S
- What to expect from Xiaomi’s Mi TV Stick
- Roku Express vs Fire TV vs Chromecast vs Apple TV vs Mi Box S: What Streaming Device Is Right for You?
Features & Performance
The Xiaomi Mi Box S is a snappy device which works out of the box as advertised. The Android TV ecosystem brings a wealth of cool features and apps (3000+) to choose from. But unlike the Roku TV, Android TV isn’t really customizable. And I don’t mean adding tiles, but more in line with the interface.
The built-in Chromecast works wonders for connectivity. Google Photos, in particular, worked excellently with Chromecast, cute animations and whatnot. In addition, you can cast your entire smartphone screen, although it doesn’t look as nice. On the downside, without an active internet connection, everything falls apart.
Hooking up the Mi Box S to an external drive is the only saving grace, in the absence of an active internet connection. I downloaded VLC to play music and movies off my external and I will have to admit, the interface is way cooler than that on my TV.
Perhaps I don’t know any better, but from what I saw, it’s comfortable with 2K as it is with 4K media. Not that I had a lot of 4K content to watch. To be honest with you, at this point in time, 2K works just fine for me. Netflix takes a little while to clear up but when it does, the image is crisp and vibrant. I hooked up to a Premium bouquet on DStv Now, but you wouldn’t know I was streaming Live TV.
Price and where to buy
In Uganda, your best bet to get you a Xiaomi Mi Box S 4K Ultra HD Android Box is on the Odukar Store.
Xiaomi Mi Box S Specs
Model: Mi Box S Colors: Matte black OS Version: Android 9 (Android TV) Dimensions: 3.75 in x 3.75 in x 0.66 in Weight: 147.13 g Display: 4K (3840 x 2160) CPU: Cortex-A53 Quad-core 64bit, Mali-450 GPU Memory: 2GB DDR3 RAM, 8GB eMMC ROM Connectivity: Wi-Fi: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac 2.4GHz/5GHz, Bluetooth: 4.1 Decoder : Video decoder: 4K@60fps, VP9, H.264, MPEG1/2/4, VC-1, Real8/9/10. Video Format: RM, MOV, VOB, AVI, MKV, TS, Mp4, 3D. Audio decoder: DOLBY, DTS. Audio Format: MP3，APE, Flac. Image decoder: JPG，BMP, GIF, PNG, TIF Ports : HDMI2.0a, USB2.0, Audio Out, Power
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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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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