When Apple decided to eliminate the 3.5mm headphone jack from the iPhone 7 back in 2016, they called it “courage”. Out went the wired earphones and in came the $150 wireless AirPods . These new true wireless “earphones” have proved to be a lucky bet for Apple, bringing in at least $8 billion in revenue since launch. Other smartphone vendors took note and now there are hundreds of fake clones and genuine alternatives to Apple’s Airpods .
Xiaomi is no stranger to producing quality products for cheap. The Chinese company has not one but at least four alternatives to Apple’s Airpods. And they’re not just another wannabe’s go-to option. Xiaomi’s Mi True Wireless Earbuds – Basic also called Redmi Airdots are great option for those who who wish to experience true wireless audio.
I have been using my Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earbuds – Basic for over a month now. And honestly, I am quite impressed with what Xiaomi has done — although there are some quirks about them I will talk about later.
Summarily Here’s what;
What we liked – Good price point for the value – Bluetooth 5.0 with True wireless stereo – Reasonably good battery
What we didn’t like – Not so fitting ear tips. Easily falls off especially when walking. – Bluetooth pairing issues with various devices. – Can only pair with one device at a time. – Not-so-great microphone.
Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earbuds – Basic Specs
Color : Black Model : TWSEJ04LS Wireless Rang e: 10m (in an obstacle-free environment) Battery capacity : 43 mAh (per Earbud) Charging Time : Approx. 1.5h Talk Time : Approx. 4hrs Standby time : Approx. 150hrs Input : 5V/500mA Battery type : Lithium Polymer Bluetooth version : 5.0 Bluetooth profiles : HFP/A2DP/HSP/AVRCP
Charging case Input : 5V/500mA
Output: 5V/150mA
Charging time: Approx. 2hr Battery capacity: 300 mAh
Battery type: Lithium Polymer
In the box Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic, Charging case, user manual, warranty notice, ear tips * 3 pars(S/M/L, M installed)
Charging Storage Case
The Mi True Wireless Earbuds – Basic come in a round corned black multi-functional storage and charging case. The case houses the two wireless earbuds, right and left. When you put the earbuds inside the case, they automatically power off. When you remove them from their case, the earbuds will automatically power on and connect to the last device they were connected to.
The case has 300mAh Lithium Polymer battery which charges the wireless earbuds through the charging pins. The case itself is charged via Micro USB port. It takes about 1.5 hours to fully charge the case.
When the charging case is not fully charged, you’ll see the indicator light blink red and when it’s fully charged, it’ll be off. The indicator light will show red while charging and white for about 1 minute when fully charged.
The Earbuds
The Earbuds themselves comes in a pair of clearly-labelled Left(L) and Right(R) versions. Each of them has a multi-function big button for picking and ending calls, playing and pausing music, and starting Google Assistant.
The Earbuds also have a built-in microphone , contact points for charging, ear tips that come in Small, Medium and Large sizes. Putting them in your ear is fairly easy, but you have to put the correct earbud in the correct ear. For instance the right earbud should be put in the right ear, otherwise it won’t fit.
In order for the earbuds not to sway or fall down from your ear, you have to place them gently in the ear canal. To have clear calls, you have to point the earbud’s microphone directly towards to mouth otherwise the other person will have hard time listening to you.
Each Earbud has 43mAh battery . Combined, I was about to squeeze out about 3-4 hours of calls and intermittent music playback. You can view the battery level of the earbuds from the Bluetooth icon on your smartphone. The earbuds will also give battery level voice warnings when you put them on.
Bluetooth Pairing
Perhaps the most annoying thing about wireless Bluetooth-anything is the pairing process. Even with Bluetooth 5.0 it’s not always smooth process. The Xiaomi Mi wireless Earbuds are no exception.
In most cases while troubleshooting Bluetooth pairing issues, you’ll need to know how to turn on/off the earbuds.
When you remove the earbuds from their charging case, they’ll automatically turn on. If the earbuds are out of the case and are off, to turn them on, simply press and hold the multi-function button for 1 second until the indicator light turns white.
To turn them off, simply place them back to their charging case. Alternatively, you can simply press and hold the multi-function button for about 5 seconds until the indicator light turns red.
Now to pair the Mi Wireless Earbuds with your phone, remove both earbuds from the charging case at once and wait for about 3 seconds for them to turn on. You’ll notice the indicator light of the right earbud blink white. On your phone, tablet or PC, go to Settings » Bluetooth » Available devices. You should see either “ Mi True Wireless EB Basic_R ” for the right one or “ Mi True Wireless EB Basic_L ” for the left one. Tap on either one of them and the other will automatically connect once pairing process is done.
In my experience with my copy of the Mi Earbuds, this process sometimes doesn’t go smoothly. If the pairing isn’t successful, try putting the earbuds back into their charging case and remove them again. Then search for available Bluetooth devices and try the above process. You’ll have better luck this way than manually powering them on and off in my experience.
Once the pairing process is successful with your phone, the next time you try to pair with them, it’ll be relatively faster and automatic.
Sound Quality
The Mi True Wireless Earbuds excel at stereo sound . A little more bass would be welcome for those that love to listen to music. Otherwise, they have a good balance of stereo and bass making them mostly suited for taking calls, listening to news, podcasts and audio books. Those who expect a bit more bass might want to look at other options. But if you’re not-so big on bass, then you’ll find the sound quality from the Mi True wireless earbuds great.
Mi Wireless Earbuds Tips and Tricks
- To Answer/End calls – Gently press the multi-function button to answer or end an ongoing call.
- Reject a call – Press and hold the button for 1 second to reject an incoming call.
- Play/Pause music – Gently press the multi-function button to play/pause music. A music player such as Apple music, VLC, Spotify, etc., must be running in the background.
- Turn on Google voice assistant – While on standby, press the multi-function button twice.
- Mute calls – During calls, gently press the multi-function button twice.
- Switch between earbud and device – During call, press and hold the multi-function button for 1 second.
- Earbuds don’t fit firmly in your ear – This is a common one. Try out other sizes of the ear (small, medium and large) until you find one that fits into your ear well.
Price and Where to Buy
If you live in Uganda though, you can get the same product at Ugx 140,000 from Odukar store . They deliver same-day or next-day around Kampala.
Whatever your choice, the Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earbuds are worth your money for those willing to untangle themselves from wired earphones and headphones.
David Okwii is the Editor-in-Chief of Dignited.com and a seasoned tech enthusiast whose journey began in the early 2000s. He started blogging while at university, diving deep into mobile apps, smartphone reviews, and operating systems—from testing Linux distros to tweaking Windows machines. David also explores Chromebooks, experiments with Raspberry Pi projects, and brings hands-on curiosity to every review. With vast experience in Uganda’s tech ecosystem and deep knowledge of Africa’s startup landscape, he offers informed, grounded perspectives on consumer technology. When he’s not writing or tinkering, David enjoys connecting with nature and exploring the outdoors.
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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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