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 

 

Bucket Tech: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra - Review

Samsung's Galaxy S range has always been a favourite with most tech fundies and widely admired in the smart phone space. They normally set the standard of what should be norm in a phone and all their competitors keep a keen eye on their unboxing events when the latest S series is being debuted. The range topping Galaxy S Ultra devices are aimed more at the business folk who require a phone that can cope with the demands of phone calls, emails, messaging and view documents while on the go,  but having the battery life to last more than a full working day. The latest version of this device which was launched earlier this year had Samsung fanboys drooling at what it had to offer, from the Galaxy pen which is integrated to the device to the telephoto zoom camera, it seems like the complete package, I got to experience the device first hand for a few weeks to see if it lived up to the hype.

WHATS IN THE BOX?

Like many other manufacturers, the boxes are getting smaller and smaller with less and less things inside, for the Galaxy S25 Ultra, its no different. It comes with a USB C charging cable, a pin to remove the SIM card slot and a booklet for the device and that's it. The Galaxy Pen is built-in to the device so its already inside. The box is pretty cool, but most of the people will just chuck it away. 

DESIGN

The design of the Galaxy S25 Ultra remains that sleek uni-body design of old with slightly more detail and less of a bezel than before. While it is quite big in size, measuring in at 162.8mm x 77.6mm x 8.2mm, the device doesn't feel to cumbersome in hand like the previous Ultra's, weighing in at 218g its also not that heavy. The Display measures in at 6.9-inch and has a 92.5% screen to body ratio which ensures ultimate viewing. The material of the screen is the trusted Corning Gorilla Amror 2 Glass and it also features a glass back made from Gorilla Glass Victus 2, all of this is put together with a titanium grade 5 frame. It has a IP68 rating that is dust tight and water resistant, the device is immersible up to 1.5m for 30 minutes. 

PERFORMANCE

Performance on the Galaxy S25 is driven by next-gen Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processing unit that maximises on efficiency. The device has 12GB RAM with options ranging from 256GB to 1TB UFS 4.0 storage, this particular model was the 256GB which seems like a lot of space but once you start downloading applications, taking videos and pictures, it does tend to fill up pretty fast. What was great though, is that I had installed a lot of RAM intensive applications, like photo editors and video editors, the device coped just fine with these and didn't flinch at all when processing large documents. Thermal Management is controlled with an improved vapor chamber cooling to maintain sustained performance during gaming and multitasking. Real-world performance will be snappy and fluid, handling everything from high-end mobile gaming to 4K video editing with ease. AI-assisted performance optimization via Samsung Gauss will also become more prominent in managing resources and enhancing app performance over time. While I only had three weeks with the device, I can't fault the performance on it at all during my time with it and even though it can handle some high quality games, I only downloaded 8 Ball Pool and let me tell you, playing it on that huge screen was pretty awesome. 

USER INTERFACE

Samsung's One UI 7.1, based on Android 15, is expected to be one of the S25’s key strengths. Samsung continues to lead with a feature-rich but refined interface. Customization: One UI now offers deeper lock screen and home screen customization, including dynamic theming and AI-generated wallpapers. AI Features: AI-driven suggestions for messaging, summarizing documents, live translation in calls, and camera scene optimization will be deeply integrated. Continuity: Samsung continues to integrate better Galaxy ecosystem continuity — seamless device switching, auto hotspot, and Samsung DeX improvements. Updates: Samsung will provide 7 years of software support, setting a new industry standard alongside Google. One UI remains one of the most polished Android skins, and with the S25’s AI and hardware backing, it’s expected to be even more responsive and intuitive.

CAMERA

Camera performance is often where Samsung shines, and the S25 Ultra sure does live up to the expertations with it having a triple main camera system consisting of a main lens that is a  200MP f/1.7 with a new custom ISOCELL GN6 sensor, offering better light sensitivity and sharper detail in low-light scenarios. Second lens being an Ultra-Wide 10MP sensor with enhanced distortion correction. And the third being a periscope telephoto 5x optical zoom via 50MP lens, with better stabilization, I tested this while driving and it was unreal how stable the footage was when zoomed in. The front facing camera is a 12MP punch-hole with improved AI-assisted portrait mode. This also helps in terms of light control and adjusts the glare if there is too much to give you the perfect selfie all the time. Some key features on the camera are AI Zoom Refinement, Samsung's AI will improve sharpness during digital zoom beyond 3x.Nightography 2.0 enables better low-light and astrophotography features. The video is what blew me away, it has 8K video at 30fps and 4K at 120fps, with Auto Frame and Voice Zoom enhancements. I took a few videos and one of the video review on the new E-Class which is up on the Blog Instagram page, which was completely shot on the S25 Ultra. Compared to the S24, the S25’s camera system focuses less on sensor count and more on software smarts, AI post-processing, and scene recognition to deliver DSLR-level results from a phone.

BATTERY

With it being a phone aimed at high earners whom are most likely professionals who are always on the go, the battery needs to be able to last more than your usual 8 hour working day, and the folks at Samsung had this in mind when they fitted the S25 Ultra with a 5000mAh in the base mode Charging features a 45W wired, 25W wireless, and reverse wireless charging supported. Smart battery optimization learns your usage patterns to extend life and slow down battery aging. Real-world usage: Expect 6.5–7 hours of screen-on time, which is solid for a compact flagship, I manged to get up-to 20 hours of usage on the device, my day usually starts at 5am and by 6am I'm at the gym watching Youtube as I train, then into the car, I'm connected to the car via Andriod Auto, during the day making multiple calls, using social media, taking the odd picture of my coffee, then back into the car for the commute home, more social media scrolling and messaging at night before its time to hit the bed by 11pm, by then most of the time there was still 30% of battery left. This is all thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4’s energy efficiency, paired with Samsung’s adaptive refresh rate and AI optimization that enhances the battery performance.

VERDICT

The Samsung Galaxy S25 is a refined and intelligent flagship that continues Samsung's trend of blending cutting-edge hardware with smart software. While not revolutionary in design, it introduces meaningful upgrades in performance, AI integration, camera software, and battery efficiency. It has a lot going for it and as an iPhone Pro Max owner, when I posted I was reviewing this device on my social streams, I had a lot of iPhone owners asking me how is this device because they were bored of what Apple is offering at exorbitant pricing. I know exactly how they feel because I'm going through the same thing. The Pro's of the S25 Ultra are endless, such as  excellent build and design refinement, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 ensures top-tier performance, its strong, long-lasting software support, the great camera system with enhanced AI and of course, the smooth, polished One UI 7.1 experience. Some things that I didn't like was the charging speed, compared to the Chinese products offering up to 120W charging, this seems to be lagging behind. Not much has changed in terms of the design and its hard to differentiate from the previous model and the pricing, while might be a bit more competitive to Apple, is till pretty pricey. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Dimensions/ Weight	162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm / 218 g
Display	6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED 120Hz
Chipset	Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite
OS	Android 15, One UI7
Storage	256GB
Price	R21,999.00

 Some pictures taken with the Galaxy S25 Ultra

 

Bucket Tech: Samsung Galaxy A06

Samsung is thrilled to announce the launch of the Galaxy A06, the latest addition to the A Series range, designed for those who seek reliability and performance without breaking the bank. With a blend of cutting-edge features and budget-friendly pricing, the Galaxy A06 is set to enhance the mobile experience for users across South Africa.

Join the next generation of awesome with the Galaxy A06. With its awesome display from the expansive 6.7” screen, this new device provides an immersive experience with optimal wide viewing and rich, vibrant sound. Experience a smartphone that combines innovation, reliability, and affordability, making it the perfect choice for anyone in search of a dependable mobile companion.

Available with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage—the Galaxy A06 provides ample space for all your apps, photos, and videos. Need more? Expand your storage effortlessly with a microSD card of up to 1TB. Imagine never having to worry about deleting precious memories to make space for new ones. With the Galaxy A06, your digital life is limitless.

Stay connected longer with the powerful 5,000 mAh battery that supports 25W Fast Charging. Whether you're binge-watching your favourite series, video-calling friends, or navigating your way through a busy day, the Galaxy A06 ensures you have the power you need. So when you’re on a night out with your friends or at a festival, capturing every moment on your camera with the Galaxy A06 means you won’t have to scramble for a charger before the night ends.

Equipped with a dual camera setup, the Galaxy A06 features a stunning 50MP high-resolution main camera, complemented by a 2MP depth camera. Your selfies are taken care of by the 8MP front camera. Users can effortlessly capture and share their favourite moments, whether it’s a breathtaking sunset or a group selfie with friends. The enhanced photo quality and detail bring life to every shot, making each memory even more special.

Your personal information deserves the best protection. The Galaxy A06 comes with Samsung Knox Vault, safeguarding your data with advanced security features. Users can feel confident knowing that their sensitive information is well-guarded against threats, allowing them to enjoy their device without worry.

The Samsung Galaxy A06 is available now, both online and in stores, in stylish light blue and classic black colours. With a recommended retail price of just R2499, it offers incredible value without compromising on quality.

Bucket Tech: Samsung Galaxy A for Awesome!

Awesome is for Everyone with Samsung’s latest Galaxy A 55 5G and Galaxy A35 5G featuring the brand’s next generation of awesome, multi-faceted, talented Amapiano artist and dance sensation, Kamo Mphela. At an exclusive media event held in Johannesburg, the unveiling of the new campaign marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing evolution of the Galaxy A Series portfolio as South Africa's rap titan, Cassper Nyovest passed on the baton to Mphela. Additionally, the campaign introduces Youngsta CPT, Cape Town's hip-hop artist, lyricist and songwriter to add his own flair to the mix. A true testament to the power of innovation and entertainment coming together in perfect harmony.

“This campaign encapsulates a moment we’ve already passed while also looking into the future. Cassper Nyovest has been a great partner not only to Samsung, but to the Galaxy A Series as he hands the baton to the next generation of awesome,” says Kgomotso Mosiane, Marketing Lead for Mobile eXperience at Samsung Electronics South Africa.

She went on to add: “This new generation of awesome is about switching gears, changing things up with the campaign boldly merging the spirit of Amapiano with the lead campaign brand ambassador, Kamo Mphela and Hip Hop with Youngsta CPT to bring the exciting message of the awesome for everyone”.

Building on the success and cultural impact of past campaigns with Cassper Nyovest, Awesome Is for Everyone campaign is all about celebrating the spirit of awesome innovation and invites everyone to engage on their own awesome terms: with irony and irreverent fun.

Continues Mosiane: “As a brand, we believe Kamo Mphela brings with her a unique blend of talent, energy, authenticity, and influence, perfectly aligning with the aspirations and preferences of today's youth. By leveraging her platform, voice and reach, we aim to deepen connections with Gen Z creators, tapping into their passions and desires to co-create experiences that resonate on a personal level.”

Samsung constantly strives to be at the leading edge of technology and anticipation for new product launches. The 360-campaign will come to life across every consumer touch point, including multiple creative TV, digital and OOH spots that unveil the timeless world, where Awesome Never Stops with the latest Samsung Galaxy A55 5G and A35 5G as the newest superheroes of the much-loved series.

This latest commercial, directed by South-African award winning Director Keitumetse Qhali (aka Director Kit in the industry), doesn’t just showcase the Galaxy A Series' awesome features, but demonstrate how Samsung creates an emotional connection with South Africans. The TVC narrates the journey of individuals who embrace the power of technology to chase their dreams and express their true selves. A true celebration of creativity and innovation, mirrored in every aspect of the Galaxy A Series. By showcasing real-life stories, the brand aims to inspire the audience to believe in the extraordinary potential of their own journeys, all powered by Samsung's commitment to AWESOMENESS.

Central to the campaign, next to feature of all three stars, are the key features of the Galaxy A55 5G and A35 5G that are highlighted in the TVC including an edge-to-edge infinity screen with the triple-camera system, a super-steady mode for smooth video capture and, of course, a long-lasting battery life. Night Portrait mode ensures that capturing memories with friends and family is never dependent on the background of perfect lighting.

“The Galaxy A Series 2024 represents a massive leap in Samsung's pursuit for AWESOMENESS. With its ground-breaking features, it's more than just a series of smartphones; it's a gateway to a world of endless possibilities. From enhanced camera capabilities to seamless connectivity and immersive entertainment, every aspect of the Galaxy A55 5G and A35 5G is meticulously crafted to exceed expectations and elevate the user experience to new height,” says Mosiane.

The Samsung Galaxy A55 5G and A35 5G boast an array of awesome features tailored to meet the needs of today's dynamic users and content creators. Say goodbye to blurry, low-quality photos with the Galaxy A Series' 50MP camera, ensuring every shot is crisp, clear, and Instagram-ready. Experience cinematic scenes with stunning, true to life colours on the Super AMOLED Display and seamless filming, free from concerns about motion or instability with the UHD VDIS Adaptive VDIS 4K Stabilization. Not even a little rain could dampen your experience as the water resistance feature[1]. Embrace the night and unlock your creativity with Nightography mode. From exploring the city streets under the night sky to simply enjoying a night out with your friends, this feature allows you to capture stunning low-light photos with vibrant colours and great clarity.

To top it off, the Galaxy A Series' impressive two-day battery[2] life will ensure you can stay connected and entertained for longer without constantly charging it. Whether you're binge-watching your favourite shows, streaming music, or scrolling through your social media, the Galaxy A Series keeps up with your busy lifestyle.

Bucket Tech: HUAWEI nova 12 Series

The HUAWEI nova series, beloved by young smartphone users for its big battery, big storage, and big display, is back with a reimagined line-up boasting selfie innovations and a slim and stylish lightweight design, designed for the fashion-forward and tech-savvy user. The new stars in the HUAWEI nova 12 series, include the HUAWEI nova 12i, HUAWEI nova 12 SE, and the soon-to-be-released HUAWEI nova 12s. Inspired by the concept of "nova" - a new star – these phones embody the South African KeStar spirit (#nova12iKeStar).

The latest HUAWEI nova 12i retains the lightweight build of the series and boasts upgraded camera capabilities, adding an exceptional 108MP High-Res Camera. The HUAWEI nova 12i draws from the ethos to inspire confidence and self-expression in users in its design with a spinoff of the iconic galaxy-inspired nova design by adding a dazzling Super Star Orbit Ring as a highlight around its central camera module.

Make Every Moment Picturesque: 108MP High-Res Photography

The HUAWEI nova 12i offers a truly advanced photography experience with its ultra-high definition 108MP camera. This system features a large F1.9 aperture, a 1/1.67-inch sensor, and nine-in-one-pixel fusion technology, ensuring versatile shots with incredible light sensitivity.

Most significantly, the HUAWEI nova 12i’s 108MP High-Res Camera is powered by RAW Domain Algorithm. Using this patented technology, the HUAWEI nova 12i optimises brightness, clarity, and dynamic range, delivering vivid colours and a balanced exposure in both bright and dark areas. The result is a natural, true-to-life image, allowing you to shine as the brightest KeStar. Even in challenging scenarios like backlit HDR or low light, the nine-in-one pixel fusion delivers exceptional brightness without sacrificing detail.

Better yet, night shots will see improved highlight suppression and greater clarity. This is most visibly seen in commonly affected images such as night photography with decorative streetlights and car lights, where light is sometimes disproportionately presented and fails to be captured effectively. Thanks to the HUAWEI nova 12’s powerful 108MP camera, a picture-perfect photograph is just a click away.

 40W HUAWEI SuperCharge Turbo: A Full Day of Battery in Just 30 minutes

The frustration of a low or dying battery is very real, especially when travelling or when you are away from a charger. The HUAWEI nova 12i solves this problem with its powerful 40W HUAWEI SuperCharge Turbo. This feature lets you recharge the battery to 62% of its capacity in just 30 minutes. That’s a full day’s worth of usage. Even in high-power consumption usage scenarios, this feature can now be used to eliminate low battery anxiety.

Live Larger with Large Battery and Large Storage

Today's smartphones are, no doubt, powerhouses. But their features mean nothing without the battery and storage to back them up. Young users, especially those who rely on their smartphones for everything from school to work and entertainment, often find their devices struggling to keep up.

The HUAWEI nova 12i solves all of these problems. With up to a massive 256GB of storage, you'll have ample space for all your important documents, favourite music, cherished photos, and more. Plus, the 5000mAh battery gives you all-day power to work, play, and create without constantly searching for a charger.

Taking this one step further, the HUAWEI nova 12i’s battery comes with intelligent AI Power Saving Technology. This means your battery adapts to your usage patterns, closing inactive apps to ensure you get the most out of every charge – giving you even more out of its big (bigger) battery.

EMUI 14: Elevating Security and Personalization

Another exciting feature native in the HUAWEI nova 12i is the debut of EMUI 14. This new operating system enhances the user experience by delivering advanced security management and customisable lock screen themes, complete with Always-On Display (AOD) support, ensuring a secure and tailored user experience. EMUI 14 also introduces the Live View and Notification Centre. These features allow users to manage multitasking needs efficiently by optimising alerts and simplifying the user interface, keeping them informed and focused on their tasks.

Dynamic Visuals: 6.7” Eye Smoothing Screen AOD Screen

The HUAWEI nova 12i seamlessly blends a lightweight design with an expansive 6.7-inch eye-smoothing screen. The razor-thin bezels give you a wider, more immersive view – perfect for gaming, streaming, or browsing. On top of that, it adds Smooth Dimming Control. This adaptive feature dynamically adjusts screen brightness based on varying ambient light levels, reducing eye strain and providing optimal visual comfort.

The HUAWEI nova 12 Series stands as a testament to your unique essence. Amidst the endless expanse of the mundane, you shine with unmatched brilliance. Discover the power of the Super Selfie, the elegance of Super Slim with the HUAWEI nova 12i, where you transcend beyond being a mere star – you are #nova12iKeStar.

Get the HUAWEI nova 12i from the HUAWEI online store for R6999 and operator channels across South Africa for R329 a month over 36 months or R399 a month over 24 months. You can also purchase the HUAWEI nova 12 SE from the HUAWEI online store for R8499 or from HUAWEI partners and operators for R439 per month over 36 months or R549 monthly over 24 months. Or search for more information.

Bucket Tech: Samsung Galaxy A55 5G & Galaxy A35 5G

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has unveiled the Galaxy A55 5G and Galaxy A35 5G, two smartphones that demonstrate Samsung’s ongoing commitment to making the best of mobile innovations available to everyone. Both devices come with extensive security features such as Knox Vault, as well as new photography capabilities inspired by Galaxy’s flagship camera innovations and a stunning display that adjusts to users’ surroundings with Vision Booster.

“With the Galaxy A series, we are expanding our latest technologies to a wider audience so that more people can benefit from them,” said TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “We are excited to open up even more possibilities on the Galaxy A series this year, including offering Samsung Knox Vault for the first time on this line-up. We’re proud to enable Galaxy A series users to safely and reliably enjoy outstanding mobile experiences.”

An Entertainment and Creativity Hub with Versatile Photography and Stunning Display

With enhanced Nightography, Galaxy A55 5G takes clearer and more vibrant photos even in poor lighting conditions. That means every night-time photo can reach epic new levels. Galaxy A55 5G’s advanced AI Image Signal Processing (ISP) produces stunning low-light images never seen before on Galaxy A series. 

It’s not just scenery that looks amazing. Night Portrait mode and 12-bit HDR video ensure the people in every image look great, so that capturing memories with friends and family is never dependent on the perfect lighting. Both Galaxy A55 5G and Galaxy A35 5G offer the incredible photography capabilities that Samsung Galaxy is renowned for. The Galaxy A55 5G has a triple-camera system that features a 50MP main camera, 5MP macro camera and a 12MP ultra-wide camera, all supplemented by a 32MP selfie camera. The Galaxy A35 5G’s triple camera includes a 50MP main camera, 8MP ultra-wide camera and a 5MP macro lens, with a 13MP front camera. Both camera systems feature optical image stabilisation (OIS) and video digital image stabilisation (VDIS) that keep photos and videos crisp even when filming on the go.

The new devices also continue the Galaxy A series’ tradition of making fun and immersive mobile experiences accessible to all. Users can enjoy watching the latest shows or browsing social media with Super AMOLED displays with 120Hz refresh rate, showing astonishing clarity in Full High Definition. They can also count on the 6.6-inch  screen on both the Galaxy A55 5G and Galaxy A35 5G looking clear and bright in a range of light conditions,  thanks to Vision Booster2.

In terms of build quality and durability, these latest additions to the much-loved A series simply hold their own. The Galaxy A55 5G and Galaxy A35 5G are built with Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus®+, making them tougher and more damage-resistant. They both boast an IP67 rating, which means they are dust/water resistant and can withstand up to 1 metre of fresh water for up to 30 minutes. They also have dust and sand resistance, which reinforces their strength and ability to perform under tough conditions. 

The Galaxy A55 5G further makes its case with its massive storage capacity of 8GB RAM and 256GB Internal Storage to help you save all your photos and videos with space to spare for all your apps and other important data and files.

Democratising Samsung’s Most Powerful Security Innovations to Intelligently Protect More Customers for Longer

This year, Samsung is bringing one of its most innovative flagship security features, Samsung Knox Vault, to Galaxy A series users for the very first time, including on the new Galaxy A55 5G and Galaxy A35 5G. A hardware-based and tamper-resistant security solution, Samsung Knox Vault offers comprehensive protection against both hardware and software attacks by constructing a secure execution environment that is physically isolated from the system’s main processor and memory. 

It can help protect the most critical data on a device, including lock screen credentials, such as PIN codes, passwords and patterns. Samsung Knox Vault also protects device encryption keys, encrypting users’ private data stored in the device. Only a user who has the correct lock screen credentials can access their data, even if the device is lost or stolen.

The Galaxy A55 5G and Galaxy A35 5G are also secured by Samsung Knox, Galaxy’s multi-layer security platform. Samsung Knox is a reliable security platform that is designed to safeguard critical information and protect against vulnerabilities with end-to-end secure hardware, real-time threat detection and collaborative protection, taking a holistic approach across the entire Galaxy ecosystem.

For even more ways to stay protected, the Galaxy A series offers Auto Blocker, an opt-in package of additional security measures. When switched on, Auto Blocker can block app installations from unauthorised sources, provide app security checks  to scan for potential malware and block potentially malicious commands and software installations to your device while connected by USB cable. 

New Galaxy A series users will also have access to Galaxy’s Security and Privacy Dashboard, making it easier than ever to see and control what is happening to their data and withdraw any permissions whenever they choose. They can also enjoy Private Sharing (part of Quick Share), which enables the secure and encrypted sharing of private files containing important personal or financial information. To ensure confidentiality, users can control the recipient’s access permissions and the file’s expiration date, while also choosing to limit screenshots or downloads.

The new Galaxy A series smartphones demonstrate Samsung’s commitment to ensure Galaxy devices remain secure and up-to-date for longer. With the Galaxy A55 5G and Galaxy A35 5G, users will continue to benefit from up to four generations of Android OS and One UI upgrades and five years of security updates - optimising the lifecycle of the devices by keeping them equipped with all the latest Galaxy and Android features.

Seamless Connection with the Ever-Expanding Samsung Galaxy Ecosystem

The Galaxy A55 5G and Galaxy A35 5G are fully compatible with the Galaxy ecosystem giving users a smooth and integrated experience across a range of Galaxy devices. Users can keep up with their fitness goals by connecting Galaxy Fit3 or Galaxy Watch6 to their Galaxy A series smartphone. And, thanks to Auto Switch, incoming calls will be automatically switched to connected Galaxy Buds FE for enhanced convenience. 

“These innovative new additions to the much-loved A series mean more options for our customers, both old and new. The Galaxy A55 5G and A35 5G offer great features and the latest in our mobile technologies. We are particularly thrilled that they have something for both loyal fans of the series and those looking to join the exciting Galaxy world,” said Justin Hume, Vice President of Mobile eXperience at Samsung South Africa.”

The Galaxy A55 5G and Galaxy A35 5G will be available online and at retailers from 1 April 2024. To find out more about the Samsung Galaxy A55 5G, Galaxy A35 5G and other Galaxy smartphones, please visit: Samsung Newsroom, Samsung Mobile Press and Samsung.com.