Bucket Tech: HUAWEI nova 15 Max

South Africans have become experts at doing mental maths. Every trip to the petrol station comes with a moment of disbelief. The grocery bill somehow climbs higher despite the trolley looking suspiciously similar to last month's. Electricity, insurance, school fees, data, subscriptions. It often feels as though the cost of simply getting through the month keeps finding new ways to increase.

As South Africans become more selective about their technology purchases, devices such as the HUAWEI nova 15 Max are helping to redefine what value in a smartphone really means. Starting at R7 999, the smartphone combines an 8500mAh battery, durable construction, advanced photography features and a HUAWEI Added Value Pack worth up to R7 596, challenging the assumption that consumers need to spend more to get more from their devices.

As a result, consumers are becoming increasingly selective about where they spend their money. They're asking tougher questions, comparing options more carefully and looking beyond flashy marketing promises to understand what they're really getting for their hard-earned rand. Smartphones are no exception.

The era of paying more for less

Over the past few years, smartphone prices have steadily climbed. Rising component costs, larger memory configurations and increasingly sophisticated technology have all contributed to pushing prices upwards.Yet for many consumers, the experience hasn't always improved at the same pace. Nobody buys a smartphone because it has a particular chip or memory specification. They buy it because they want a device that lasts all day, takes great photos, survives everyday life and helps them stay connected.The challenge for manufacturers is finding ways to deliver those experiences without forcing consumers into premium price brackets.

The features people actually care about

Ask most smartphone users what frustrates them and the answers are surprisingly consistent. Battery life runs out too quickly. Phones are expensive to repair after a drop. Cameras perform brilliantly in perfect lighting but struggle when life happens after sunset. Screens can be difficult to see outdoors. These aren't glamorous problems, but they are the problems people experience every day. That's why practical innovation is becoming increasingly important. Rather than chasing specifications for their own sake, many consumers are prioritising features that make a noticeable difference to their daily lives.

Why battery life has become a value feature

As smartphones have become our cameras, GPS devices, entertainment hubs and communication centres, battery performance has become more important than ever. A larger battery doesn't just mean longer usage. It means fewer charging stops, less reliance on power banks, and more confidence when travelling, working remotely, or spending long days away from home.

The HUAWEI nova 15 Max is a good example of this. Equipped with an 8500mAh HUAWEI Super Battery, it is designed to keep pace with modern lifestyles. Real-world testing shows it can support up to 23 hours of continuous video playback, while reverse charging allows the device to share power with compatible Huawei products when needed.

Getting more without spending more

The conversation around smartphone value is increasingly moving beyond price alone. Consumers still want excellent cameras, durable construction and immersive entertainment experiences. They simply want those features delivered in a way that feels accessible.

The HUAWEI nova 15 Max reflects that changing mindset. Its 50MP Ultra Vision Camera uses Huawei's advanced RYYB colour filter array to improve light intake by 40%, helping users capture brighter and more detailed images even in challenging lighting conditions. AI Best Expression helps refine group photos, while the Extra-durable Body combines SGS Premium Performance Mark 5-Star Drop Resistance certification with IP65 dust and water resistance.

The device also features a 6.84-inch OLED Eye Comfort Display with up to 4000 nits of dynamic peak brightness, making it easier to enjoy content indoors and outdoors alike.

These are the kinds of features that directly influence everyday ownership rather than simply looking impressive on a specification sheet.

Value isn't just about the price tag

South Africans have become skilled at spotting the difference between something that is expensive and something that is valuable. Those are not always the same thing. The HUAWEI nova 15 Max arrives at a time when many consumers are actively reconsidering what value means.

Starting at R7 999, the HUAWEI nova 15 Max combines one of the largest batteries in its category, advanced photography capabilities, durable construction and immersive entertainment features in a package designed around real-world use.

Customers also receive a HUAWEI Added Value Pack worth up to R7 596, including Unlimited Screen Damage Protection and HUAWEI FreeBuds SE valued at R1 499 at selected retailers.

Bucket Seat: Volvo ES90

There are some cars that leave an impression the moment you lay eyes on them, and then there are those that continue to impress long after you've handed back the keys. The new Volvo ES90 certainly falls into the latter category. I recently spent a few days with Volvo's latest all-electric luxury sedan in Cape Town, where it became my companion for a mixture of business appointments and leisurely drives through the city and surrounding roads. Those few days gave me the perfect opportunity to experience exactly what the ES90 is designed to do deliver effortless luxury, exceptional refinement and the kind of relaxed driving experience that only a premium electric vehicle can offer. While the ES90 represents Volvo's latest technological leap, it hasn't forgotten the Swedish values that have made the brand one of the most respected luxury manufacturers in the world.

DESIGN

Colvo has always mastered the art of understated elegance, and the ES90 is perhaps one of the finest examples of that philosophy. There's an unmistakable Swedish influence throughout the entire vehicle, where simplicity isn't a lack of design but rather a celebration of it. Every line has purpose, every surface feels deliberate and there isn't a single unnecessary styling element to distract from its overall presence. What immediately caught my attention was the Sportback-inspired rear design. For a sedan of this size, it is a masterstroke. Instead of the traditional three-box silhouette, the sweeping roofline flows effortlessly into the rear, creating a seamless profile that looks both sophisticated and surprisingly athletic. It gives the ES90 a dynamic character that many large executive sedans struggle to achieve while also improving practicality with a much larger rear loading area. The front remains unmistakably Volvo, with its familiar Thor's Hammer LED lighting signature and clean, minimalist fascia, while the rear lighting design complements the modern aesthetic beautifully. It's a vehicle that turns heads not because it shouts for attention, but because its confidence comes from restraint. The same philosophy continues inside. The cabin is wonderfully uncluttered, with premium materials, clean surfaces and an interface that never overwhelms the driver. It feels calm, luxurious and incredibly inviting. Volvo has created an interior where everything simply feels like it's in the right place, making every journey a genuinely relaxing experience.

PERFORMANCE

The ES90 Single Motor may be the entry point into the range, but there is nothing entry-level about the way it performs. Electric vehicles have become synonymous with instant acceleration, and the Volvo delivers exactly that with smooth, effortless power whenever you ask for it. Whether pulling away from traffic lights, overtaking on the open road or merging onto the highway, the responsiveness of the single motor drivetrain is immediate and confidence inspiring. What impressed me most was how naturally the different driving modes adapted to varying driving styles. Whether I was navigating Cape Town's busy urban traffic during work commitments or enjoying a more spirited drive along the coast, the ES90 adjusted its character accordingly. The steering weight, throttle response and overall driving feel changed subtly enough to enhance the experience without ever feeling artificial. Battery range is often one of the first questions prospective EV buyers ask, and the ES90 answers that concern convincingly. The generous battery capacity provides more than enough range for everyday commuting while comfortably accommodating semi-long-distance trips between major cities or weekend getaways. More importantly, it gives the driver genuine peace of mind. Rather than constantly monitoring the remaining battery percentage, you simply drive the car as you would any premium luxury sedan, which is perhaps the biggest compliment one can pay a modern electric vehicle. Volvo has done an excellent job of reducing the range anxiety that still prevents many motorists from making the transition to electric mobility.

COMFORT

If there is one area where the ES90 truly excels, it is comfort. From the moment you settle into the beautifully sculpted seats, it becomes immediately apparent that Volvo's reputation for producing some of the most comfortable seats in the automotive industry remains well deserved. Long hours behind the wheel never became tiring, with excellent support and an ergonomically designed driving position making every journey feel effortless. Luxury extends to every passenger as well. The inclusion of four-zone climate control means each occupant can personalise their own temperature settings, while both the front and rear seats benefit from heating and ventilation. It's a level of attention to passenger comfort that transforms every journey into a first-class travel experience, regardless of where you're seated. One of the standout features is undoubtedly the exceptional Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system. Whether listening to classical music, jazz, rock, electronic dance music or podcasts, the system adapts beautifully to every genre. The clarity, depth and balance are simply outstanding, creating a concert-like atmosphere inside the cabin without ever becoming overpowering. Adding to the feeling of spaciousness is the impressive photoelectric panoramic sunroof. With the touch of a button, occupants can choose exactly how much daylight they want to let into the cabin, creating either a bright, airy environment or a more private atmosphere depending on the conditions outside. It's a clever piece of technology that perfectly complements the minimalist interior. Ride quality is equally impressive. Volvo has clearly prioritised refinement, and the result is a suspension setup that glides over imperfections with remarkable composure. Whether driving on smooth highways or less-than-perfect city streets, the ES90 isolates occupants from the outside world exceptionally well. The suspension remains wonderfully soft without feeling floaty, maintaining excellent body control while delivering the kind of comfort expected from a luxury flagship.

VERDICT

The Volvo ES90 represents everything a modern premium electric sedan should be. It combines elegant Scandinavian design, impressive technology, outstanding comfort and effortless electric performance into a package that feels genuinely sophisticated rather than unnecessarily complicated. It doesn't rely on gimmicks or flashy styling to stand out. Instead, it focuses on delivering a refined ownership experience that will appeal to buyers who appreciate quality, craftsmanship and understated luxury. With South African pricing expected to start at around R1.65 million for the Single Motor variant, the ES90 firmly positions itself in the premium luxury EV segment. While it undoubtedly commands a significant investment, buyers are rewarded with a vehicle that offers cutting-edge safety technology, exceptional comfort, generous equipment levels and a driving experience that feels uniquely relaxing. For executives, business professionals and premium customers looking to embrace electric mobility without sacrificing luxury, the Volvo ES90 makes a compelling case for itself. It's not simply another electric sedan it is a beautifully executed Scandinavian luxury car that just happens to be powered by electricity.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	Single Electric motor 800V
Gear Box	Single gear system with driving modes
Power	245kW
Torque	480Nm
Range	755km
Price	R1,590,000*

*base model

 

 

Bucket Tech: HUAWEI nova 15 Max

Smartphones have become significantly more capable over the past decade, but they have also become significantly more expensive. Consumers see the price tags. What many don't see is what is happening behind the scenes. Rising memory costs, increasingly sophisticated chipsets, advanced display technologies, larger batteries, AI-powered features and ongoing supply chain pressures have all contributed to pushing smartphone prices higher across the industry.

As a result, consumers often find themselves facing a difficult question: does upgrading to a better smartphone always mean paying substantially more?

The arrival of the HUAWEI nova 15 Max in South Africa suggests the answer may not be as straightforward as many assume. The new device combines one of the largest batteries in its category, advanced photography capabilities, AI-powered features and durable construction while maintaining a price point designed to remain accessible to a wider range of consumers.

The technology inside smartphones is getting more expensive

Modern smartphones contain vastly more technology than they did even a few years ago. Displays have become brighter, sharper, and more energy-efficient. Camera systems have evolved into sophisticated imaging platforms capable of computational photography and AI-assisted image processing.

Batteries have become larger, while users simultaneously expect thinner and lighter devices. At the same time, AI is becoming an increasingly important part of the smartphone experience, requiring additional processing power and hardware optimisation.

Memory and storage costs have also remained a significant factor in device pricing. As consumers demand larger storage capacities and greater multitasking performance, manufacturers face increasing pressure to deliver more powerful hardware while managing rising component costs.

The result is an industry where many new devices arrive with increasingly premium price tags.

More of the features that matter

The HUAWEI nova 15 Max approaches this by focusing on the aspects of smartphone ownership that have the greatest impact on everyday life.

At the heart of the device is an impressive 8500mAh HUAWEI Super Battery, one of the largest batteries available in its category. Designed to support modern lifestyles, it can deliver up to 23 hours of continuous video playback, helping users spend less time searching for chargers and more time using their devices.

The smartphone also supports reverse charging, allowing compatible Huawei devices to draw power directly from the phone when needed.

Photography is another area where the HUAWEI nova 15 Max delivers technology often associated with more expensive devices. Its 50MP Ultra Vision Camera features Huawei's advanced RYYB colour filter array, increasing light intake by 40% compared to traditional solutions. Combined with a large 1/1.56-inch sensor and F1.9 aperture, the system is designed to capture brighter, more detailed images in challenging lighting conditions.

AI-powered features such as AI Best Expression further enhance the experience by helping users select and refine the best moments from a sequence of photos.

Built to handle everyday life

Consumers increasingly expect their smartphones to survive real-world use rather than simply look good on launch day. The HUAWEI nova 15 Max features an Extra-durable Body that has achieved the SGS Premium Performance Mark 5-Star Drop Resistance certification. Precision sealing technology helps protect against dust and debris, while the IP65 rating provides resistance against dust and water exposure encountered during daily use.

The device also incorporates intelligent touch optimisation powered by on-device AI models, helping maintain smooth and responsive touchscreen performance even when fingers or the display are wet.

Premium experiences without the premium price

The HUAWEI nova 15 Max demonstrates that meaningful smartphone innovation does not always have to be accompanied by aggressive price increases.

Its 6.84-inch OLED Eye Comfort Display delivers vivid visuals with up to 4000 nits of dynamic peak brightness, while symmetrical stereo dual speakers create an immersive entertainment experience for streaming, gaming and everyday content consumption.

Combined with AI-Powered Navigation, advanced photography capabilities, exceptional battery life and durable construction, the device offers a feature set that would traditionally be associated with significantly higher price brackets.

The value conversation is changing

However, as component costs rise and consumers become increasingly price-conscious, manufacturers face a growing challenge: delivering meaningful innovation without losing sight of value. The HUAWEI nova 15 Max demonstrates that the two do not have to be mutually exclusive.

Available in Black, Cyan and Gold, the HUAWEI nova 15 Max starts at R7 999 through the HUAWEI Online Store, HUAWEI Experience Stores (HES) and selected retailers. Customers will also receive a HUAWEI Added Value Pack worth up to R7 596, including Unlimited Screen Damage Protection and HUAWEI FreeBuds SE valued at R1 499 at selected retailers.

 

Bucket Tech: HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro

HUAWEI has unveiled the HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro. This latest addition to its iconic Mate Series brings together advanced imaging, refined design, and powerful performance in a single flagship device. Inspired by the richness of the natural world, the HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro is available in two distinctive colour finishes: Gold and Black. Starting from R21,999 or R839 per month over 36 months, the HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro will be available from 07 April 2026 via HUAWEI’s official online store and selected retailers.

Customers will benefit from a range of value-added offers, including premium accessories, service support, and 200GB of HUAWEI Mobile Cloud storage free for the first month, exclusive to the HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro. Ts and Cs apply.

A Leap Forward in Colour Accuracy

The True-to-Colour Camera System of the HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro addresses some of mobile photography’s biggest challenges, including accurate colour reproduction across varied lighting conditions, delivering consistent, true-to-life colours in any environment. Its larger pixel size significantly boosts light intake, ensuring precise colours and fine detail even in low-light scenarios. Colour consistency is maintained seamlessly when switching between the main, ultra-wide and telephoto lenses.

The new DCG HDR technology enhances dynamic range by up to 300%. In high-contrast scenes, such as backlit portraits or sunset landscapes, it preserves highlight detail and shadow colour without distortion. The 5cm telephoto macro capability adds versatility, enabling both detailed close-up shots and long-range photography, turning everyday moments into captivating images.

New Super Durable Architecture

Equipped with 2nd Generation Kunlun Glass, the HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro display features high-strength nanocrystals for enhanced durability. It offers up to 20x greater drop resistance than conventional glass, significantly reducing the risk of screen damage. The back panel is crafted from ultra-durable vegan fibre, offering a silky-smooth texture that feels refined and elegant in hand. Its impact resistance is enhanced by up to 5x, allowing the device to withstand daily bumps and scrapes while maintaining its pristine appearance. With IP68 water resistance and IP69 resistance to high-temperature, high-pressure water jets, along with a multi-layer sealing design, the device delivers comprehensive protection against water and dust intrusion.

Exceptional Performance

The HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro is powered by a massive 5750mAh battery, easily supporting all-day usage. It supports 100W wired SuperCharge and 80W wireless SuperCharge for fast and convenient charging. Featuring the SuperCool Dual Phase Change Heat Dissipation System, the device remains cooler during extended, demanding use. This ensures consistently smooth performance for tasks such as gaming, live streaming and creative work. With a 21% boost in overall system performance, the HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro handles demanding tasks with ease, delivering smoother workflows and a consistently responsive experience without compromising power efficiency.

The HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro also features the X-True™ 2.5D Sleek Flat-Edged Display. With a 1–120 Hz LTPO adaptive refresh rate, it intelligently adjusts frame rates based on usage, delivering both fluid visuals and improved energy efficiency. The display reaches an ultra-high peak brightness of 3000 nits.

Availability and Offers

The HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro will be available from 07 April 2026, with pricing starting from R21,999 or R839 per month over 36 months via HUAWEI’s official online store and selected retailers. At launch, customers can look forward to a range of value-added benefits, including the HUAWEI Band 10 and HUAWEI FreeBuds SE 2, a one-year HUAWEI Care+ plan, a screen protection service, and a charger and protective cover.

In addition, HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro users will be able to enjoy an exclusive 200GB HUAWEI Mobile Cloud storage subscription free for the first month, making it easy to securely back up photos, apps, and important files from day one.

Bucket Seat: Leapmotor C10 REEV

I'll be honest, I cannot keep up with the various Chinese brands that are entering our market and I'm in the motoring space, so I can only imagine how the general consumer feels. It's like over the last year, there's just been a sudden influx of brands that we have never heard of popping up. Some are affiliated or are sub-brands of well known Chinese manufacturers that have a really good footprint and some are just totally new. For my first test car of 2026, I had one of the latest brands give me a car to spend some time with, and it was from "Leapmotor". Founded in 2015 in Hangzhou China, they are now the third largest new energy vehicle startup in China, having sold over 400,000 EV's in China as of July 2024. So over year has passed since that last stat, so that number has grown exponentially since then. The Financial Times calls them a "no-frills" EV maker", with offerings cheaper than their Chinese counterparts BYD which helped them gain market share in China, catching the likes of Tesla and soon BYD. Now while the SA market is still getting accustomed to the Chinese offerings, let alone EV's, Leapmotor which is partly owned by leading global automobile group Stellantis, they've taken the decision to introduce the C10 REEV, which is a petrol hybrid model medium SUV to the market. Offering locals a test of their EV technology but the safety net of a range extender petrol engine. After spending a week with the car, here are my thoughts on this latest addition to our market. 

DESIGN

When the C10 cruised into my driveway, I was surprised at the size of it, as I was expecting something a bit smaller, sort of the Corolla Cross size but this was substantially bigger, about the size of the Audi Q5, if not a bit bigger. The clean design reminded me of the Geely which I saw late last year of which the lines are similar but with their own added flair. There aren't many ridges or edges but rather smooth flowing panels with subtle and soft curves that make the car look futuristic and elegant. It is a handsome looking car, I cannot deny that, the front LED headlights sit recessed into the front facia almost making it look like it was carved into the the body work. The slim grille that connects the two headlamps provides a subtle break in the body work with a straight edge difusser to make the front face more pronounced. There is a curvature to the bumper that folds into the body which just adds more character. The profile of the car is sleek with recessed door handles that continue the minimalist look with a black badge protruding from the front just above the wheel arch with the Leapmotor branding on it. The 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels are standard on the "Design" version of the C10 are really eye-catching. The rear is more of what you expect, clean, smooth and a solid light bar that runs across the back with a design very similar to that of the Porsche Cayenne. In fact, at a quick glance of the rear, some might mistake it for the German sports SUV. 

PERFORMANCE

While Leapmotor are known for their EV's in China, the C10 REEV is a PHEV, meaning it has an electric plug in motor as well as an internal combustion engine but while most PHEV's use the electric motor as a slave with the master being the ICE, with the C10 its the opposite. If you have enough charge, it will use the electric motor for most part of your drive. Hence giving you a total range with a full tank of fuel and fully battery of 970km! The switch over from petrol to electric is seamless and only can be felt on the highway when extra power is required where the all too familiar groan of the CVT kicks in. The dual power plants are broken into a 158kW electric motor that punches our which is rear wheel driven that has a 28.4kwh battery and gives you a pure electric range of 145km on a full charge. The ICE part of the car sits up front with a 1.5L naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine that has 63kW and 125Nm of torque, this is the sort of engine you'd find in a small C-Segment car. It has a 50L petrol tank so quite big but don't ask me how to open the fuel car for it as I'll explain that further in the next paragraph. The vehicle feels solid and steady on the road, with minimal body roll and extremely smooth on most surfaces. The steering wheel is light and rear active making easy work of controlling this big car on the road. I didn't take it on any gravel road but I feel with its raised suspension and big profile tyres, it would make light work of it. 

COMFORT

The C10 is big, its spacious, its futuristic and most importantly, its comfortable. Like most of the Chinese cars, the brief for the interior seems to be standard "Big infotainment screen in excess of 10-inches, small instrument screen behind the steering wheel, little to no buttons, and floating center console with hard to reach USB ports". I get the whole futuristic thing but there's certain things about the C10 that annoyed me, a lot. For starters, the key, its an NFC card that only unlocked and locks the car from the driver side mirror. It had no proximity sensor which also means that there isn't comfort access for opening the tailgate when you are carrying a lot of things in your hands. With the cover on the car, it also made it tricky to get the card to read on the mirror. Once in the car, the second thing that annoyed me, was adjusting the side mirrors, no physical buttons meant going into the menu on the massive display screen, when you eventually find the sub-menu to adjust the mirrors, you have to use the little dials on the steering wheel to move the mirrors on either side. Extremely frustrating especially when you are trying to do this while driving. Then comes the climate control, works like a charm, dispelling even Durban's harsh humid conditions but when you want to change the direction of the airflow, you met with another conundrum, there isn't any physical lourves to adjust, how do you do it? Yes, you guessed it, its on that magic big screen, granted this one was much easier to access and it was pretty cool to just move your finger to show which direction you want the the air to go but all of that doesn't compare to the biggest gripe I have with the car, THERE IS NO MOBILE APPLICATIONS! Yes, no Apple Car Play, no Android Auto! in 2026?! Really?!!!! Well enough of the complaining, lets talk about the nice things, the seats were ultra comfy and have heating and ventilation, the ambient lighting is subtle and has a nice "rhythm" feature which changes colour to the beat of the music you are listening too. The electric seats are quite nice to use and easy to save for driver memory. The panoramic roof is large and the tint lets in the light without the heat. The driving safety sensors are not as pedantic as the other Chinese cars. The infotainment screen is easy to use and the vehicle menu gives you quite a comprehensive breakdown on the driving stats but I wish it had a graphic to show you when you are using the electric motor and when you are using the petrol engine. 

VERDICT

For it's first model to hit the roads in South Africa, the C10 REEV is a decent offering, the thing that will appeal to most is the range of the car. 970km is quite impressive and the overall package is nice apart from those few grips I shared about, but I realised I forgot two more, to start the car, you need to place the NFC card on the wireless charging mat while pushing on the break, while it worked most of the time, some times I found myself fighting with the car to start. The car has a premium feel to it which I loved, the design is different to what we are used to and looks more on the sophisticated side instead of being brash and in your face. The drive is great and I'm sure on long distances it will perform extremely well. While some in the industry said they feel this car was rushed, I think it was just short-sightedness from the brand to not see what the local market liked and adapted that to their offering but they rather chose to just give us what they think we wanted, or hoped we would ignore those short-comings with some fancy things. The price tag for this model is quite high, with it being just shy of 800K, so it's hard to ignore those factors when you are paying European money for something coming out of China. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	1.5L N/A 4 cylinder  +28.4kWh electric motor
Gear Box	Automatic CVT
Power	158kW + 63kW
Torque	320Nm + 125Nm
Average Fuel Consumption	6.1L per 100km (as tested)
Price	R799,900

 

Bucket Tech: OPPO Reno 15 Series

Last week OPPO announced the South African launch of the Reno15 Series, bringing the Reno15 Pro and Reno15 F to customers nationwide from 7 February.

Building on one of OPPO’s most established and recognised device ranges in South Africa, the Reno Series enters its next chapter with the Reno15. The latest generation brings refined design, improved display and camera performance, and a premium mid-tier experience that delivers real value, while keeping pricing steady at a time when smartphone prices are rising across the market.

“South Africa is an important market for OPPO, and the Reno Series has built a loyal following here because it delivers the experiences people care about most,” says Jace Chen, CEO of OPPO. “With Reno15, we’re pushing design, imaging and performance forward, while remaining disciplined on pricing in a challenging global market.”

Premium mid-tier experience, done properly

Designed for both work and life, the two Reno15 models available locally are slim and comfortable to hold, with large AMOLED displays and smooth 120Hz refresh rates that make everything feel fast and fluid. 

The Reno15 Pro features a 6.32-inch AMOLED display with an impressive screen-to-body ratio and rich, vibrant colours, making streaming, gaming and scrolling a pleasure. The Reno15 F offers a larger 6.57-inch AMOLED display with the same smooth performance and vivid visuals, delivering a premium viewing experience across the range.

Imaging remains at the heart of the Reno experience

The Reno15 Pro introduces OPPO’s most advanced camera system in the Reno lineup, led by a 200MP main camera, supported by a 50MP telephoto lens with 3.5x optical portrait zoom and a 50MP ultra-wide lens. A 50MP ultra-wide front camera ensures detailed selfies and group shots, while a wide range of shooting modes, including 4K video, Dual-View Video and Underwater Photography, support both creativity and everyday capture.

The Reno15 F delivers a versatile camera setup designed for confident everyday photography, featuring a 50MP main camera, ultra-wide and macro lenses, and a 50MP ultra-wide front camera. Across both models, OPPO’s AI-powered imaging features, including AI Portrait Glow, AI Motion Photo, AI Eraser 2.0 and built-in video editing tools, make it easier to capture, refine and share content quickly and naturally.

Performance & battery that keep pace

The Reno15 Pro is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8450 chipset, delivering smooth performance for multitasking, gaming and content creation. With up to 12GB of RAM expandable to 24GB, up to 512GB of storage and OPPO’s AI HyperBoost 2.0 technology, the device stays responsive under sustained use. A 6,200mAh battery paired with 80W SUPERVOOC fast charging ensures reliable all-day power. 

The Reno15 F is equipped with the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 Mobile Platform and a larger 7,000mAh battery, also supported by 80W SUPERVOOC charging, delivering dependable performance and long-lasting battery life. 

Both devices feature IP69-rated durability and support underwater photography.

The path to local value

The Reno15 Series launches into a global smartphone market shaped by ongoing supply-chain disruption and component shortages. While many brands have increased prices, OPPO has taken a different approach, deliberately keeping Reno15 pricing steady to ensure local users can access a complete premium mid-tier smartphone experience without paying more. 

Price & Availability

The OPPO Reno15 Series will be available in-store from 7 February across Vodacom, MTN, Telkom and Cell C, with both models offered on contract and supported by competitive promotional bundles.

Reno15 Pro launch deals include:

● Vodacom (Red3): R899 on a 36-month deal (deal periods: 7 Feb–6 Mar), with Watch S + Pad SE

● MTN (Prime): R899 on a 36-month deal with Yellow Cart options: Watch + Buds or Pad SE (from 7 Feb)

● Telkom (Flexon4): R899 on a 36-month deal (7 Feb–15 Mar)

● Cell C (Elevate2+): R979 on a 36-month deal (7 Feb–15 Mar)

Reno15 F launch deals include:

● Vodacom (Red1): R589 or R599 on a 36-month deal, with Watch S + Pad SE

● MTN (Plus): R599 on a 36-month deal, with Yellow Cart options: Watch + Buds or Pad SE

● Telkom (Flexon2) : R639 on a 36-month deal

● Cell C (Elevate2+): R749 on a 36-month deal

Bucket Tech: Huawei Pura 80 - Review

The ever growing mobile phone market gives the consumer a broad choice to choose from but it makes choosing which device is right for you a bit more difficult. So how does one go about doing this? You can study the devices on their website, looking at the specifications, you can compare these specs with phones that you are interested in and also take price into consideration. But what about the user interface and operational use of it? That can only be seen when the phone is in hand, one of the brands I get asked about a lot is Huawei. Ever since they were axed from the Trump administration from using US resources, their own development kicked in, this enabled them to create apps and software to substitute the use of Android and Google services. I've tested many Huawei devices post this sanction and one thing I can confirm, they have been getting better and better over time. I recently got to spend a few weeks with the Pura 80 device, here are my thoughts on it. 

DESIGN

The Huawei Pura 80 follows a refined and understated design philosophy that leans heavily into premium aesthetics. Its clean lines, symmetrical layout and elegant camera module give it a distinctly high-end appearance without feeling overly flashy. The frosted glass back not only looks sophisticated but also does a good job of resisting fingerprints, making the device feel clean and polished in daily use. While the phone is on the heavier side, the weight contributes to a solid, well-balanced feel in the hand rather than feeling cumbersome. For users who appreciate a modern, premium design that prioritises elegance over gimmicks, the Pura 80 delivers confidently.

BUILD QUALITY

Huawei’s reputation for excellent build quality is clearly evident in the Pura 80. The aluminium frame provides rigidity, while the front is protected by second-generation Kunlun Glass, offering enhanced resistance against drops and scratches. The device also boasts IP68 and IP69 dust and water resistance, which is particularly relevant for South African conditions where dust, heat and occasional exposure to water are part of everyday life. Overall, the Pura 80 feels exceptionally well-constructed and durable, giving buyers peace of mind that the phone can withstand daily wear and tear over the long term.

SCREEN QUALITY

The Pura 80 features a high-quality OLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, and it is one of the phone’s standout features. The screen delivers vibrant colours, deep blacks and excellent contrast, making everything from social media scrolling to video streaming a visually pleasing experience. The high refresh rate adds a noticeable smoothness to animations and interactions, enhancing both everyday usability and gaming. Brightness levels are strong enough for outdoor use, even under South Africa’s often harsh sunlight, and the display remains sharp and easy to read in most lighting conditions.

PERFORMANCE

In terms of performance, the Huawei Pura 80 offers a smooth and reliable experience for most users. Powered by Huawei’s Kirin chipset and paired with ample RAM, the device handles daily tasks such as multitasking, browsing and media consumption with ease. App launches are quick, and the interface remains responsive even during extended use. While it may not match the raw processing power of the very latest Snapdragon-based flagships, real-world performance remains strong and consistent. For the average user, performance never feels like a limitation, making the Pura 80 well-suited for both productivity and entertainment.

GAMING & GPU PERFORMANCE

Gaming on the Pura 80 is a solid experience thanks to its capable GPU and high refresh rate display. Popular mobile titles run smoothly at high settings, with stable frame rates and minimal stuttering. Extended gaming sessions do result in some warmth, but thermal management is well controlled, preventing uncomfortable overheating. While hardcore gamers chasing maximum benchmark scores may find more powerful alternatives elsewhere, the Pura 80 easily satisfies casual and intermediate mobile gamers.

CAMERA

Camera performance is one of the Huawei Pura 80’s strongest selling points. The main camera produces sharp, detailed images with excellent dynamic range and natural colour reproduction. Daylight photos are crisp and vibrant, while low-light shots benefit from Huawei’s advanced image processing, delivering impressive clarity with controlled noise. The inclusion of a telephoto and ultra-wide lens adds versatility, allowing users to capture a wide range of scenes. Portrait shots are particularly pleasing, with accurate subject separation and attractive background blur. Video recording is equally competent, offering stable and detailed footage suitable for social media and everyday content creation.

BATTERY LIFE

Battery life on the Pura 80 is excellent, thanks to its large capacity battery and Huawei’s efficient power optimisation. The phone comfortably lasts a full day of moderate to heavy use, and lighter users may even stretch it into a second day. Fast charging support ensures that downtime is minimal, allowing users to quickly top up the battery when needed. This makes the Pura 80 a reliable companion for long workdays, travel and users who are frequently away from charging points.

FINAL VERDICT

The Huawei Pura 80 is a polished and well-rounded smartphone that delivers a premium experience in almost every area that matters. It excels in design, build quality, display performance, camera capability and battery life, making it a strong contender in its segment. While the lack of Google Mobile Services may still be a consideration for some South African consumers, those willing to adapt will be rewarded with a durable, capable and refined device. Overall, the Pura 80 is a worthy purchase for buyers who value quality, reliability and excellent photography without needing the absolute highest-end performance.

PRICING

R18,999

SAMPLE PICS