Bucket Tech: Apple Duo

Apple has finally done it. After years of watching Samsung, Huawei, Google and other manufacturers develop and refine foldable smartphones, Apple has officially entered the market with the iPhone Duo, its very first folding iPhone. And in typical Apple fashion, the company hasn't simply rushed out a foldable device just to say it has one. Instead, the iPhone Duo appears to be Apple's attempt at taking everything that has worked — and everything that hasn't  with existing foldable phones and creating something that feels properly integrated into the iPhone ecosystem.

The big question, though, is whether Apple waited too long.

DESIGN AND DISPLAY

The iPhone Duo features a 5.4-inch outer display when closed and opens up to reveal a much larger 7.6-inch inner display. This gives users the convenience of a compact smartphone while still having access to something closer to a small tablet when they need more screen space.

What Apple has done differently is ensure that both displays share the same aspect ratio. This means content scales proportionally between the outer and inner displays, making the transition feel more seamless rather than feeling like you are switching between two completely different devices.

The inner display also brings ProMotion, Always On functionality and up to 3000 nits of peak outdoor brightness. Apple has also introduced a nano-texture finish designed to reduce reflections and glare while making the crease less visible.

This is an area where Apple clearly seems to have learned from its competitors. Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold range has been one of the biggest names in the foldable market for years, but durability, display creases and the overall feel of the folding screen have always been some of the biggest concerns around foldable technology.

Apple's solution includes a custom multilayer display design, a stronger polymer cover layer and custom adhesives that allow the layers to move against one another during folding, almost like the pages of a book. The idea is to reduce stress on the display over time and keep the screen flatter for longer.

The hinge itself contains more than 100 components and is designed to support the centre of the display when opened. Combined with a magnetic closure system and a titanium construction, the iPhone Duo certainly sounds like one of the more ambitious approaches to foldable durability we have seen.

TECHNOLOGY

Under the hood, the iPhone Duo is powered by Apple's new A20 Pro chip  the same processor found in the iPhone 18 Pro models. Apple says the device delivers up to 35% better sustained performance than the iPhone 17 Pro, thanks in part to a custom-designed vapour chamber cooling system. This is particularly important on a foldable device because running two displays, gaming, multitasking and AI features can generate considerably more heat. The A20 Pro brings a faster CPU, a more powerful GPU and a Dual 16-core Neural Engine designed specifically for Apple's growing AI ambitions.

The iPhone Duo also introduces a dual-battery architecture, with a battery on each side of the device. Apple uses software and energy-balancing algorithms to make the two batteries operate as one. Battery life looks impressive on paper, with Apple claiming up to 24 hours of usage when both displays are used equally. The phone also features Apple's N1 wireless chip with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread, while the new C2 cellular modem brings AI-powered improvements to connectivity and reliability.

THE SOFTWARE EXPERIENCE IS WHERE APPLE COULD MAKE THE DIFFERENCE

Hardware is important, but the real success of the iPhone Duo could come down to software. Samsung and other manufacturers have had years to develop their foldable interfaces, but Apple has the advantage of controlling both the hardware and software experience. iOS 27 has been redesigned specifically for the Duo. Apps and content can react as the phone folds, rotates and changes orientation. Apple has also introduced proper Split View multitasking, allowing two apps to run side by side for the first time on an iPhone. Users can even open two windows of the same application, which could be particularly useful for Safari, productivity and comparison shopping. The larger display also makes Apple's new Siri AI experience more interesting. You could potentially have Siri working on one side of the screen while viewing content or working inside another application on the other. This is where the folding format starts making more sense than simply having a larger screen. The iPhone Duo isn't just designed to turn into a mini tablet  Apple is trying to make that extra display space more useful.

CAMERA TECHNOLOGY GETS A FOLDABLE ADVANTAGE

The folding design also opens up some interesting camera features. The iPhone Duo comes with a 48MP Fusion Main camera and a 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide camera, along with Apple's computational photography technology. But the real advantage is how the two displays work together. Users can take selfies using the higher-quality rear cameras while using the outer display as a preview screen. The person being photographed can also see themselves on the outer display through a feature called Duo Preview. There are also some interesting features designed specifically around the folding design, including Dual Capture in FaceTime and the ability to prop the phone up without needing a tripod. For content creators, the ability to capture 4K video at 120fps in Dolby Vision, combined with the flexibility of the folding design, could make the Duo a very capable device for shooting video on the go.

SO HOW DOES IT DIFFER FROM SAMSUNG AND THE OTHER FOLDABLES?

Apple is definitely not the first company to create a foldable smartphone. In fact, it is arriving very late to the party. Samsung has been refining the Galaxy Z Fold for several generations, while Huawei, Honor, Google and others have also developed increasingly impressive folding devices. Where Apple seems to be taking a different approach is integration. Rather than focusing purely on making the thinnest device or packing in the biggest display possible, Apple appears to have concentrated heavily on how the hardware, software, hinge, displays, cooling and AI all work together. The shared aspect ratio between the two screens is a good example of this. The custom display layers and adhesives are another. Then there is the way iOS 27 adapts as the phone opens and closes. Apple's strength has always been taking an existing technology and refining the experience around it. We saw it with smartphones, tablets, smartwatches and even wireless earbuds. Apple was rarely first, but it often waited until it believed the technology was mature enough to deliver the experience it wanted.

WAS THE WAIT WORTH IT?

Based purely on the technology Apple has introduced, I would say the wait may actually have been worth it. Foldable phones have always been exciting, but they have also come with compromises. Durability concerns, visible creases, battery limitations and software that sometimes doesn't fully take advantage of the larger display have been common issues. The iPhone Duo looks like Apple has spent those years watching the market develop before introducing its own solution. That doesn't necessarily mean Apple has created the perfect foldable phone  and real-world testing will ultimately answer that question — but the technology behind the hinge, display construction, cooling system and software integration suggests that Apple didn't want to simply release an iPhone that folds. 

THE BIG QUESTION: PRICE

Apple's foldable enters a market where premium foldables are already among the most expensive smartphones available. Devices such as Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold models have traditionally commanded flagship-level pricing, while some of the latest foldables from Huawei and other competitors can push even further into luxury territory. The article provided does not include the official pricing for the iPhone Duo, so a direct price comparison cannot yet be made from the information available. However, considering the titanium construction, dual displays, complex hinge system, A20 Pro processor and Apple's usual premium positioning, this is unlikely to be a cheap iPhone.

And that could be the biggest challenge for Apple.

The iPhone Duo may have the technology to compete with  and potentially improve on  what Samsung and other manufacturers have been doing for years. But consumers will ultimately decide whether Apple's refined approach to the foldable phone is worth paying a premium for. For now, though, one thing is clear: Apple may have arrived late to the foldable party, but it certainly hasn't arrived quietly.

The iPhone Duo looks like one of the most significant changes to the iPhone in years, combining Apple's familiar ecosystem with a completely new form factor. Whether it becomes the foldable phone that finally takes the category mainstream remains to be seen, but after waiting this long, Apple has certainly made sure its first attempt is packed with technology.

Bucket Tech: Samsung S26 FE

Samsung has officially introduced the new Galaxy S26 FE, bringing many of the features found in its flagship Galaxy S range to a more accessible device. It also becomes the first phone in the Galaxy S26 family to launch with Samsung’s new One UI 9 software and Android 17.

At the heart of the S26 FE is Samsung’s Exynos 2500 processor, paired with a large 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. The screen features a 120Hz refresh rate and can reach an impressive 1,900 nits of brightness, making it easy to view even in direct sunlight. The phone itself remains relatively slim at just 7.4mm and weighs 193g.

The camera setup has also received plenty of attention. Around the back is a 50MP main camera, 12MP ultra-wide and an 8MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, while the front gets an upgraded 12MP selfie camera. Samsung has also brought across features such as Nightography, Super Steady video and My FanCam, which can automatically keep a selected subject in the centre of the frame while recording.

Of course, AI is a big part of the S26 FE experience. Samsung’s latest Galaxy AI features can help with everything from editing photographs using simple prompts to creating videos from your photos and clips. Features such as Now Brief and Now Nudge are designed to make the phone more useful throughout the day, while Gemini can handle more complicated tasks through simple voice or text requests. Circle to Search has also been improved to allow multiple objects in an image to be searched at once.

Powering everything is a 4,900mAh battery with support for 45W fast wired charging and 15W wireless charging. The S26 FE also gets Wi-Fi 6E, adding faster and more reliable connectivity to the package.

One of the more impressive aspects is Samsung's long-term software support. The S26 FE will receive seven generations of Android/OS upgrades and seven years of security updates, which should keep the phone feeling current for a very long time.

For South African buyers, the Galaxy S26 FE launches on 4 September 2026 in Blueberry, Graphite and Pistachio. Pricing starts at R15,499 for the 128GB model, while the 256GB version will cost R17,999. Samsung is also including a six-month trial of Google AI Pro, which normally costs R429.99 per month and includes additional AI features and 5TB of cloud storage.

Overall, the Galaxy S26 FE looks like Samsung’s attempt to bring the best parts of its flagship S-series experience to a more affordable package. You get a big 120Hz AMOLED display, capable cameras, plenty of AI features, fast charging and, importantly, years of software support. It may not have all the bells and whistles of the flagship S26 models, but for someone looking for a premium Samsung experience without stepping into flagship pricing, the S26 FE could be a very interesting option.

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 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 Tech: Samsung Galaxy Unpacked Preview

With the Samsung Galaxy Unpacked Event just around the corner, Samsung have decided to whet our appetite with what we can expect from their latest range of devices and technological advancements. 

Turning a photo from day to night in seconds. Restoring missing parts of objects in images – like a bite taken out of a cake. Seamlessly merging multiple photos into a single, cohesive result. These are the kinds of creative capabilities that once required professional skills or hours of editing. Now they’re about to become possible in minutes, directly from a phone, by simply asking in your own words.

That’s the next evolution of the Galaxy camera: an end-to-end experience with the brightest Galaxy camera system ever as the foundation.

 Mobile cameras are moving beyond capture alone and the latest Galaxy AI experiences bring advanced creative capabilities together in one intuitive place, unifying capture, editing, and sharing into a seamless experience. The result is a more fluid creative process – eliminating the need to switch between apps or navigate complex tools, so creativity feels faster, simpler, and more natural.

At the core of this evolution is the belief that creativity should not be limited by technical skill or experience. From shooting to editing, the phone camera has quietly redefined what’s possible. Now anyone can create cinematic movies, track stars across the night sky, or capture richly detailed photos – even in low light. And with natural, multimodal input, editing becomes as easy as using a few words to express what you have in mind.

Stay tuned for the easiest and most user-friendly Galaxy camera experience yet, unveiling next week at Galaxy Unpacked February 2026.

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

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Bucket Tech: Samsung Galaxy Flip 7 FE

Samsung having been leading the way in foldable devices since the introduction of their Flip and Fold range which is already 6 years old already! While competitors have mimicked some of their creations, there isn't a doubt form the market who is the preferred brand to opt for when looking for a folding smart phone. There range which includes the flip which is a handy pocket size device that can fit into your shirt pocket and opens up onto your average size smart phone and the Galaxy Fold which is the size of your average size smart phone but opens up into a mini tablet. Depending on your use, but the Flip and Fold are great devices but they do come with a hefty price tag, with this in mind Samsung decided to launch their Galaxy Flip 7 device in a Fan Edition spec which offers the consumer the versatility of the folding feature but at a more attractive price range. I spent some time with it to see what its all about. 

PROCESSING

The Flip7 FE uses Samsung’s Exynos 2400 chipset paired with 8 GB of RAM (FE positioning: “fan edition” / value tier). In normal phone tasks — social apps, scrolling, streaming, light gaming — the phone feels smooth and responsive thanks to the 120 Hz panel and Samsung’s software optimizations. However, the Exynos 2400 is a step down from the newer Exynos 2500 / flagship Snapdragon silicon in the non-FE Flip 7; under sustained heavy loads (long gaming sessions, big multi-tasking) you’ll see higher thermals and occasional frame drops compared with the flagship Flip 7. If raw GPU/NPU power for the most demanding mobile games or intense on-device AI tasks matters to you, the FE is competent but not class-leading.

 

SCREEN

Samsung carried over the Flip series’ core display hardware: a 6.7″ main AMOLED with 120 Hz refresh and a larger cover screen than older flip-style phones (the FE’s cover screen is smaller than the top Flip 7’s but still very usable for notifications, quick replies and camera previews). Build quality follows Samsung’s usual standard — a refined hinge mechanism and durable materials — but the FE intentionally trims some premium bits (simpler color options and fewer RAM/SoC upgrades) to hit a lower price. Expect the usual foldable tradeoffs: an ever-present crease, a careful approach to dust/water ingress compared to non-foldables, and the same sort of careful handling you’d give any recent foldable. What that means day-to-day: the panel is bright, smooth at 120 Hz, and the cover screen makes selfies + quick tasks genuinely faster than always opening the phone. If you’re new to foldables, this is one of the more approachable options. 

CAMERA

Hardware: a 50 MP main sensor, a 12 MP ultrawide, and a 10 MP selfie — the FE reuses much of the Flip 6/series camera recipe rather than radically upgrading sensors. The phone benefits from Samsung’s image processing and some of the newer ProVisual / AI processing tricks Samsung introduced across the 2025 lineup, but the FE’s less powerful NPU means some advanced AI features are less snappy or slightly less capable than on the flagship Flip 7. 

Features you’ll actually use: single-take style shots, decent night modes, and strong daylight HDR. The outer cover screen is very useful for high-quality selfie framing with the main camera (saving you from the lower-quality internal selfie when you want the best results). 

CAMERA QUALITY

Daylight / good light: Images are sharp, with solid detail from the 50 MP main sensor and pleasant colors that follow Samsung’s slightly punchy but generally pleasing tuning. Ultrawide is usable and well matched for perspective shots. Overall, very capable for social sharing and everyday photography. 

Low light / night shots: The camera holds up reasonably well thanks to computational stacking and night modes, but you’ll notice more noise and occasional softness compared to top flagship foldables with the newest imaging engines. The FE’s chipset and thermal envelope limit how aggressively Samsung can push multi-frame processing. 

Video: Stable, sharp in good light; slightly less headroom in extreme low light or long recording sessions versus the Flip 7. AF and stabilization are solid for everyday clips. 

The camera hardware is very good for the price tier. If absolute best camera in class is your priority, flagship Flip 7 / Fold 7 or other flagships still edge it — but for most users the Flip7 FE’s camera will be more than satisfying. 

BATTERY

The Flip7 FE packs a 4,000 mAh battery. In real-world testing and in Samsung’s own claims the phone typically delivers a full day of mixed usage (web, social, streaming, spot gaming), but it won’t match the endurance of larger-battery foldables (some competitors and the regular Flip 7 with its 4,300 mAh cell will last longer under heavy use). Charging is capped at ~25 W wired (15 W wireless, reverse wireless supported) — fine for overnight top-ups and medium-speed top-ups during the day but not “super-fast” compared to some non-foldable flagships. 

If you’re a very heavy user (lots of gaming, long camera/video shoots or extended screen-on streaming), plan on topping up during the day. For light–moderate users, the FE will comfortably make it to bedtime. 

Stylish Acessory

VERDICT

The Galaxy Z Flip7 FE is a smart, value-focused foldable: it brings the fun and convenience of Samsung’s Flip form factor and very good cameras into a lower price bracket, while accepting a few sensible compromises (mid-tier Exynos 2400, slightly smaller battery, more limited finishes). For most users who want a stylish, pocketable foldable for daily life and social photography, it’s an excellent pick — but power users and photo/video obsessives should compare it against the non-FE Flip 7 (and competing foldables) before deciding

Pricing is at R24,359 from Samsung Store but third party retailers have it priced cheaper. 

Bucket Tech: Apple Event 2025

This years Apple Event saw a host of products being launched, none more anticipated than the new iPhone 17. The model line up for their new device range has expanded which now includes a super slim iPhone 17 Air. The event drew much fan fair to see what new exciting developments have happened at Apple Park since last year, and while the new products are getting much attention since their release, many tech experts weren't that impressed with what was showcased. The iPhone 17 features Apples new A19 processor which is built on a 3nm process, it's faster and more efficient than the A18 with improved CPU/GPU performance for tasks like AI and gaming. The Pro models will feature the A19 Pro variant that is custom made for complex tasks that users might be using those devices for. Screen sizes start from 6,3-inches and features Pro-Motion, the unibodies are made from aluminium which assists in keeping the device cool. 

iPhone 17

The iPhone 17 screen has been enlarged to 6.3-inch 120Hz ProMotion display which gives you better clarity and refresh rate. This will greatly improve gaming and watching high resolution videos on the device. The brightness has also been enhance with the screen now giving 3000 nits in peak brightness. Battery life has been improved with the device giving you an additional 8 hours vs the iPhone 16 for video playback, with the fast charge, you can charge your device from 0% to 50% in just 20 minutes. The Dual Fusion camera eco-system features a 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide camera, thats 13mm focal length with hybrid focus pixels, it also has a 12MP 1 x Macro lens with 26mm focal length. 

iPhone 17 Air

The first of its kind ,Apple’s thinnest iPhone ever at 5.6mm and 165 grams, featuring a 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display with 120Hz ProMotion and Ceramic Shield 2 for durability. Powered by the A19 Pro chip, it offers pro-level performance and all-day battery life. It has a single 48MP Fusion Main camera with 2x Telephoto, an 18MP Center Stage front camera, and supports Apple Intelligence tools like Clean Up. Available in four colors—space black, cloud white, light gold, and sky blue—it uses a titanium frame, eSIM-only connectivity, and a C1 modem. 

iPhone 17 Pro

The 17 Pro where the business sector would be focused on, it features a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display with 120Hz ProMotion and Ceramic Shield 2. Powered by the A19 Pro chip, it delivers top-tier performance and efficiency. It includes a triple-camera system: 48MP Fusion Main, 48MP Ultra Wide, and 5x Telephoto, with advanced Apple Intelligence features like Clean Up. Constructed with a titanium frame, it supports eSIM-only connectivity and the C1 modem. Available in four colors—space black, cloud white, light gold, and sky blue—it offers all-day battery life.

iPhone 17 Pro Max

The range topping iPhone 17 Pro Max features a 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR display with 120Hz ProMotion and Ceramic Shield 2 for enhanced durability. Powered by the A19 Pro chip, it offers exceptional performance and efficiency. The triple-camera system includes a 48MP Fusion Main, 48MP Ultra Wide, and 5x Telephoto, enhanced by Apple Intelligence features like Clean Up. Built with a titanium frame, it supports eSIM-only connectivity and the C1 modem. Available in space black, cloud white, light gold, and sky blue, it provides all-day battery life.