Tag: Samsung

Menxtt NG: A Tech Startup Revolutionizing Nigeria’s Digital Landscape with Premium Devices and Comprehensive IT Solutions

Menxtt Technology NG, a fast-growing tech startup based in Ikeja, is making waves in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem by offering a wide range of high-quality devices, including laptops, smartphones, and tablets. Specializing in reputable brands such as Dell, HP, MacBook, iPhones, Nokia, and Samsung, the company is setting a new standard for delivering premium tech products to Nigerian consumers and businesses.

With a focus on both affordability and quality, Menxtt NG operates as an online-based firm, allowing customers to browse and purchase devices seamlessly from the comfort of their homes or offices. The company sources its gadgets from Europe and the United States, ensuring they meet top-tier international standards. All products come with warranties, offering customers peace of mind and confidence in their purchases.

But Menxtt NG is more than just a tech retailer. The startup is on a mission to be a complete digital partner for businesses, offering a suite of IT solutions designed to support organizations from their inception through every stage of their digital journey. The company provides services ranging from website development, with prices as low as N150,000, to the building of mobile apps and sophisticated software solutions like Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) tools. In addition, Menxtt NG offers comprehensive social media management services, ensuring that businesses can maximize their online presence.

Speaking on the company’s mission, Anthony Nwosu, Partner at Menxtt NG, stated, “Our goal at Menxtt NG is to make IT support, delivery, and services more accessible and efficient for Nigerian businesses and individuals. We understand the importance of digital transformation, and we are committed to providing not only the best devices but also the essential tools and support that organizations need to thrive in the digital age.”

Nwosu further highlighted that Menxtt NG’s approach goes beyond selling devices. “We aim to be a one-stop shop for businesses that need everything from IT infrastructure to online visibility. Whether it’s building a professional website, developing a custom mobile app, or managing a company’s social media presence, we are here to ensure that businesses in Nigeria and beyond have all the tools they need to succeed,” he added.

The startup’s emphasis on customer satisfaction is also evident in its fast and reliable delivery services, which extend to all parts of Nigeria. Menxtt NG ensures that its clients receive their purchases promptly, backed by a dedicated support team ready to assist with any technical or service-related needs.

As Nigeria continues to embrace digitalization, Menxtt NG is positioning itself as a key player in helping businesses and individuals stay ahead in a rapidly evolving tech-driven world. With its diverse product offerings and comprehensive IT services, the company is well on its way to becoming a leader in the Nigerian tech industry.

September 26, 2024
Airtel Nigeria Partners Top Device Manufacturers to Drive 5G Adoption

Airtel Nigeria has announced its partnership with renowned manufacturers of 5G-enabled devices. The partnership is in line with Airtel’s commitment to enhance innovation, improve customer experience, and drive the adoption of 5G technology to transform various aspects of customers’ daily activities.

According to the Chief Commercial Officer of Airtel Nigeria, Femi Oshinlaja, the strategic partnership is not only to increase access to the latest technological advancements but also to encourage consumers to take advantage of the vast potential of 5G connectivity.

“Our partnership with leading 5G device manufacturers like Samsung, Tecno, and Infinix is a testament to Airtel’s commitment to providing our customers with access to the latest technological advancements. We believe that through this partnership, consumers will not only gain awareness about the potential of 5G but also access devices that enable them to fully embrace the benefits of this transformative technology,” he said.

A notable highlight of this partnership is the exclusive data package provided for users of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5. For just 2000 naira, customers can enjoy a generous 10GB of data, allowing them to explore the vast potential of 5G connectivity.

Airtel’s partnership with smartphone manufacturers has also enabled the introduction of the lowest-priced 5G device in Nigeria such as the Samsung A14 5G, Samsung’s flagship fold and flip 5, Infinix Hot 30 5G, Tecno Camon 201 and Tecno Spark 101.

September 6, 2023
Feature: Nigeria should take lessons from India

Nigeria needs to learn from India who has just overtaken China as the world’s most populous nation

Ayo Akinfe

[1] India’s population has just overtaken that of China. They now have 1.428bn people to China’s 1.425bn. However, India have not been caught napping

[2] India prepared for this moment by building industrial cities, wooing blue chip companies on their hundreds and getting 10% annual gross domestic product (GDP) growth rates

[3] By 2050, Nigeria is going to become the world’s fourth most populous nation behind India, China and the US. Are we prepared for it?

[4] First of all we lack the landmass to deal with this population growth. It is estimated that we will have a population of 400m by 2050. Our current landmass of 923,770 square kilometres is wholly inadequate for this. Whether we like it or not we simply have to merge with some of our neighbours

[5] More worryingly, we lack the economic clout to deal with this population growth. Our current GDP is about $400bm. We need of at least $2trn

[6] Our population is growing at a rate of about 3% per annum. We are not even getting that level of economic growth

[7] At the moment, it is only Lagos that is really attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) into Nigeria

[8] At the moment, Lagos State accounts for a quarter of Nigeria’s GDP and about one third of non-oil GDP. We have no choice but to replicate this across the 35 other states

[9] Does Bola Tinubu know what he has actually let himself in for? He needs to get something like 10% GDP growth and attract like $10bn a year in FDI

[10] By May 29, I look forward to seeing Tinubu’s plans to attract the 10 following companies into Nigeria:

[1] John Deere – Our plans to commercialise and industrialise agriculture will get nowhere unless we can produce crops competitively. To do this, our farming has to become mechanised, so John Deere, this agricultural equipment manufacturer simply has to be present in the Nigerian economy, churning out tractors, crushing machines, harvesting equipment, seed planting machines, irrigation sprinklers, etc by the thousand every day.

[2] Mars – As we step up our agricultural expansion plan, we need a major food processor in the country to turn our raw products into finished goods. For instance, Mars should build the world’s largest chocolate manufacturing plant in Nigeria that converts all West African cocoa into finished chocolate bars ready for export to the rest of the world

[3] Embraer – This Brazilian aircraft manufacturer has not been a good brother to its fellow developing nation Nigeria. Outside Africa, Brazil has the largest number of negroid people in the world. I want to see Embraer set up a manufacturing facility in Nigeria that supplies all of Africa’s airlines with their aircrafts

[4] Toyota – This company has taken Nigeria for granted for too long. We loyally buy their vehicles in large numbers, yet they have no industrial presence in the country. I want to see at least two Toyota manufacturing plants in Nigeria where they make say engine blocks, body carcasses and even venture into other sectors like producing railway equipment

[5] Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering – Nigeria has 853 km of Atlantic coastline but yet, has zero presence in the maritime industry. This for me is totally unacceptable. We need a company like Vickers to open shipyards in somewhere like Bonny or Badagry where it manufactures ships, speed boats, submarines, aircraft carriers, etc

[6] Daihen Corporation – This Japanese company is a colossus in the transformer manufacturing industry. They make both transmission and distribution transformers, so if we are serious about addressing our power issues, we need to attract them to open a plant in the country

[7] Tata Steel – No country gets anywhere if it does not produce steel. This Indian conglomerate not only produces steel products but also works on the technology of the future. We need a local subsidiary that not only runs Ajaokuta and Aladja but also manufacturers machine tools and other equipment like railway carriages

[8] – Everywhere else on planet earth, humanity is thinking green. As part of this drive, Nigeria needs to pedestrianise some of her city centres, only allowing bicycles through. Every Nigerian villager too can ride a bicycle, so why are we not home to the world’s largest bicycle plant?

[9] Samsung – This is the world’s largest mobile phone manufacturer. It is ludicrous to expect 200m people to keep importing handsets. We need them manufactured locally

[10] Nike – This company is the kit sponsor of the Super Eagles. In 2018, they sold 3m of our jerseys worldwide. If they opened a plant in Nigeria to produce these tops locally at a cheaper price, who says they cannot sell 50m pieces

April 20, 2023
Jumia Nigeria Unveils 2023 Tech Week

…Consumers in Nigeria to leverage the campaign to upgrade their tech devices

Jumia, the leading pan-African e-commerce platform, has announced the launch of its annual “Tech Week” campaign, an initiative aimed at providing consumers access to authentic tech devices such as mobile phones and accessories, TVs, computers, cameras, video games and much more.

Scheduled to run from March 20^th to April 2^nd, the Tech Week campaign offers all consumers nationwide the opportunity to upgrade their tech devices for less from renowned brands like Xiaomi, Oraimo, Samsung, Tecno, Infinix, Edifier, Weyon, Nexus, Haier Thermocool, Scanfrost, and Binatone, amongst others.

“We believe that everyone should have access to quality products at competitive prices, and we are committed to making this a reality. By partnering with leading brands to provide our consumers with access to the latest tech devices, we hope to help bridge the digital divide and empower more people to achieve their full potential. Consumers can be sure to have their tech needs met during this campaign. At Jumia, we remain committed to providing the best shopping experience to our consumers across the country,” said Massimiliano Spalazzi, CEO, Jumia Nigeria.

“Oraimo is delighted to partner with Jumia for this year’s Tech Week. We believe that this partnership is of great significance as it enables us to showcase our innovative and cutting-edge mobile accessories and lifestyle offerings to a wider audience in Nigeria. As a leading e-commerce platform committed to delivering quality products and excellent customer service, Jumia is the perfect partner for oraimo. Through this collaboration, we are determined to bring amazing offers and deals to our customers and ensure that they have access to our high-quality products. We are excited to work alongside Jumia to provide our customers with a seamless shopping experience and build a lasting relationship with them. Together, we are committed to delivering the best products and services to our customers, and we look forward to a successful partnership with Jumia,” said Alex Liu, E-Commerce Operation Manager, Oraimo Technology Limited.

As technology continues to play a vital role in shaping the way we live and work, it’s no surprise that more Nigerians are leveraging its power to improve themselves. According to a recent digital report by Meltwater, there were 122.5 million internet users in Nigeria at the start of 2023, and internet penetration stood at 55.4 percent. These figures are a testament to the growing importance of technology in Nigeria and the increasing role it plays in driving the country’s economy. Jumia remains committed to empowering more Nigerians to take advantage of the benefits of technology through initiatives like Tech Week.

March 20, 2023
Advertising Week and Hartbeat Partner for AWAfrica, Hosting Thought Leadership Programming Track

Advertising Week, the world’s largest annual gathering of marketing, media and technology leaders, and Hartbeat, the global media company creating entertainment at the intersection of comedy and culture, announces the companies have partnered for a programming track at AWAfrica curated by Hartbeat. As part of Hartbeat’s new “Branding with Hart” thought leadership series that will make its debut during AWAfrica, global entertainer, entrepreneur and Hartbeat founder Kevin Hart will keynote a session sharing his core principles for working with advertisers and how companies can build purpose-driven brands that breakthrough with storytelling harnessing humour and heart.

AWAfrica will make its long-anticipated debut in Africa on February 14-19, 2023, after the planned launch was delayed by the global pandemic.

“We’re excited to expand our relationship with Advertising Week and bring our new ‘Branding with Hart’ program to the first ever AWAfrica,” says Hartbeat CEO Thai Randolph. “Africa is such a vital hub of creativity, commerce and innovation. Through this initiative, we’re looking to ignite a bidirectional exchange of ideas, talent and content between Hartbeat and some of the most exciting brands, executives, and creators across the continent.”

“The opportunity to partner with HartBeat to shine a spotlight on the rich tapestry of Africa is an incredible privilege. There are amazing stories to be told out of Africa and our move here is a commitment to amplify these stories worldwide and to establish a pipeline of young talent to work in our industry,” said Advertising Week Chairman, Matt Scheckner.

“Branding with Hart” will feature a series of conversations with key industry icons, influential marketers and tastemakers on the state of entertainment, diversity and storytelling across the African diaspora, and why brands need to lean in with greater urgency to be relevant, available, and inspiring.

As part of the programming, Hartbeat CEO Thai Randolph will host a live taping of her “The Color of Commerce” podcast, launched in partnership with Advertising Week and featuring a special guest with ties to the region to discuss how consumers across the African diaspora impact culture and commerce. Each week on the podcast, Thai invites industry experts – from marketers, economists, storytellers, entrepreneurs, creatives, technologists, innovators and business leaders – to the show for in-depth conversations filled with insights, anecdotes, that help executives embrace this new economic evolution that is connected, creative and…in Color.

Hartbeat’s Chief Content Officer, Bryan Smiley, Chief Distribution Officer, Jeff Clanagan, and leaders from its branded content division PULSE – which serves as a creative and cultural consultancy to brands such as Sam’s Club, Lyft, P&G, Chase Sapphire, Samsung, and more – will also host thought leadership sessions and facilitate conversations between creators, brands, and marketers. Sessions will cover topics including how brands can find their sense of humor, paths to content distribution across mediums, how to successfully activate brand experiences on a local and global level, and more.

“AWA2023 offers the opportunity to connect the global business and creative community to Africa and contextualize Africa’s influence for a global market. We are unlocking opportunities for Africa’s talent across, above, and below. We are looking forward to hosting AW’s global community, learning and collaborating with the view to scale and amplify Africa’s influence globally” Trevor Ndhlovu, President (Africa), Advertising Week.

The Hartbeat and Advertising Week collaboration in Johannesburg marks an expanded partnership between the two organizations that will continue to grow globally with entertainment, compelling content, and thought leadership experiences. Most recently, Hartbeat teamed with Advertising Week New York for AWAccelerate, where Hartbeat helped curate conversations to provide education and acceleration to female-founded, and Black-owned businesses.

December 8, 2022
MTN Nigeria and INTELLIGRA launch smartphone device financing scheme
Nigeria has the highest number of internet users in Africa, while data shows that the country still has one of the highest average costs of smartphones. Citizens spend over 30% of their monthly income to purchase one, and this endangers Nigeria’s 2025 broadband penetration target. With the option to Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) identified as one of the initiatives to grow smartphone penetration to 60% by 2025, MTN and Intelligra’s partnership is a unique variant of BNPL that hopes to address this problem.

Speaking on the partnership with Intelligra, Adia Sowho, Chief Marketing Officer, MTN Nigeria said “With this partnership, customers will have the opportunity to;
- Subscribe to any of the MTN bundle plans for as low as N7,000/month and walk away with a smartphone of your choice.
- Pay over 6 – 12 months with as little as N0 initial deposit.
- Plans are bundled with up to 100GB of data and 250 voice minutes monthly.
- Redeem a one-time free screen replacement when broken and receive a one-time free phone replacement when stolen, provided the customer has an active and up-to-date subscription.”
“The partnership with Intelligra will drive financial inclusion, the digital goals of financing devices and making them accessible to the average man. It would also grant customers access to the internet, entertainment, and education and allow users to communicate easily,” she added.

The offer is a pocket-friendly route to owning a smartphone and by walking into any select MTN, SLOT and other retail stores across the country, MTN customers can acquire quality smartphones without breaking the bank. The offer comes with added benefits of monthly data allowance and voice call minutes, tenor periods (up to 12 months), increased financed amount (up to N500,000), and device protection against theft and screen damage.

According to Tayo Ogundipe, CEO/Founder, Intelligra Solutions Ltd, “This partnership with MTN, the foremost telecom provider in Africa and collaborations with financing institutions including StanbicIBTC, VFD Mfb, Personal Trust Mfb, Credit Direct Ltd. and others, has helped find a solution to smartphone penetration for Africans through increased digital and financial inclusion. The ecosystem also includes leading smartphone retail chain in Nigeria, SLOT, and other major retail players across the country. These collaborations offer MTN users across the country, a unique, convenient, simple, and flexible variant of BNPL with their choice of premium, quality brands including Samsung, Nokia, Tecno, Infinix and iTel models.”

To enjoy this amazing offer, interested customers can check their qualification status at participating stores or from the comfort of their homes online through MTN and Intelligra’s websites. Other partners will offer these online qualification checks on their websites in the coming days. Once qualified, a customer can subscribe to any of the customized MTN device financing plans and leave the store with a dream phone.
October 13, 2022
Dangote emerges Most Valuable Brand for the fifth consecutive year

Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), has emerged as the Most Valuable Brand in Nigeria for a record 5^th year in a row at the outcome of the 2022 corporate brand evaluation, conducted by the leading brand and marketing research firm, TOP 50 BRANDS NIGERIA.

Dangote emerged top with an aggregate score of 83.7 Brand Strength Measurement (BSM) Index score. This is followed by MTN, Globacom and Access Bank in fourth place.

Others among the top 10 are Airtel Nigeria, Coca-Cola, Zenith Bank, GTCO, First Bank and UBA at fifth to tenth positions respectively.

The annual top brands’ evaluation report which is now like a report card, with which top corporate brands have an independent opinion about their brand performance, from the consumers’ points of view has also become a sort of ‘bragging’ right and a source of pride for the brands that made the top 50 league table, particularly, those that took the lead.

In a press statement released after the public presentation, the rating firm said “The annual top brand evaluation is a qualitative, non-financial estimation of value of top corporate brands in the country. A measure of consumers’ perceptions and how positive or otherwise towards a brand, and how this affects its overall strength, using the Brand Strength Measurement (BSM)index, a model that tests a brand’s ability to deliver on its promise to the consumers from the consumers’ points of view.

Chief Corporate Communications and Branding officer of Dangote Group, Anthony Chiejina said: “Dangote’s emergence, for the fifth year consecutively, did not come as a surprise to industry watchers. The brand has steadily increased its influence in many African nations through the establishment of cement factories. It operates in about 13 African nations making it one of the most visible, recognized and admired brands in Africa”

In his address to the owners and promoters of the top brands, TOP 50 BRANDS NIGERIA CEO, Taiwo Oluboyede said, “Brand has become a critical differentiator that helps consumer’s choice and also separates the top corporate organisations from the others and even much more. It is also consumers’ buying choice justification” He likened the task of building formidable and continuously strong brand to a flower, he said “When you plant a flower, you keep watering and pruning it to grow and until it blossoms, and this you do for its lifetime” If you omit or forget to prune or water, regardless of how beautiful it is at the beginning, it dies. The same is applicable to brands. That is why we have seen brands that dropped from the 50-league table in recent times, while new ones emerge.”

He said further “So, the responsibility lies with the owners and promoters to consistently maintain compelling propositions and live up to their promises. As we all know, it’s not just about making proposition, but living up to its demands and consistently so. This is what makes a top brand.”

For the 2022 evaluation, Nigerian-owned brands again dominated the top 10, with 7 brands. Dangote leading the pack, followed by Globacom, Access Bank, Zenith Bank, GTCO, First Bank and UBA

Five brands among top ten are banks while 3 are telecoms. Nine of the top ten were among the top 10 last year, with Access Bank making a dramatic leap to fourth place, effectively topping the Banking and Financial Services Categories.

Four brands, maintained their previous year’s position among the top 10, while six of the top 10 had maintained top 10 positions for 7 years consecutively. Overall, 28 or 56 per cent of the 50 Brands are multinational brands, while 22 or 44 percent are Nigerian. PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc emerged as the highest gainer this year by moving up 10 places, from 38 last year to 28^th position. Rite Foods, another Nigerian brand emerged as a first entrant into the annual brand ranking this year.

Fifteen (15) brands maintained their 2021 position- these are (Dangote, MTN Nigeria, Globacom, First Bank, Nestle Nigeria Plc, Guinness Nig Plc, Nigerian Breweries, Seven-up Bottling Company, Julius Berger, FMN Plc, Chi Limited, Oando Plc, Energies, P&G, Axa-Mansard and TGI.

Furthermore, the Banking & Financial Services category had the highest entries with – 11 brands, that is, 22%. Access Bank topped the category, and consumer goods followed with – 8 brands. That is 16%. Dufil Prima Foods topped the list.

Conglomerates had 7 brands. that is 14% with Dangote Group on top, beverages came fourth place with 6 brands. That is 12%. Coca-Cola topped the category, Oil & Gas and the Insurance categories had 3 brands each, amounting the 6% each. Oando Plc and AIICO Insurance topped them respectively and electronics, mass media and Building & Construction Services returned with 2 brands each that is 4% for each. Samsung, Multichoice and Julius Berger topped their respective categories.

Meanwhile, agriculture and automobile have 1 brand each, an equivalent of 2% of the total top brands. Olam International and Toyota Nigeria topped their individual group.

In his contribution to the annual top brands’ evaluation, Mr. Olufemi Awoyemi, Chairman, Proshare Nigeria said “First, it is commendable to see that in the evaluation process used in ranking the brands, professionals such as Chief Marketing Officers and Head of Corporate Communications and Reputation Managers. Eight (8) companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) made the list of top 10 brands in Nigeria. With the thorough evaluation process and degree of attention to detail evident in the report, the list indeed provides a true and fair representation of top brands by strength, popularity and potential in Nigeria.

September 20, 2022
Brand Africa to announce Top 100 most admired brands on the continent on Africa Day

Brand Africa is to unveil the 2022 Brand Africa 100: Africa’s Best Brands rankings on Africa Day, 25 May 2022 in Lagos, Nigeria. The rankings will encompass the Top 100 brands in Africa, and the leading brands in West Africa and Nigeria – and the brands Africans regard as symbolising African pride.

Despite optimism about the continent over the past 10 years, on average only 20% of the leading brands admired by Africans are made in Africa. However, against the backdrop of rebuilding economies devastated by the Covid-19 pandemic, the urgency to respond to the impact of climate change and broader sustainability issues, and the acceleration of AfCFTA’s goal of driving greater intra-African trade there is anticipation that over the medium term, African brands will begin an upward competitive trajectory.

In Nigeria, Coke, Dangote, DSTV and GTBank have dominated the rankings over the years. Samsung is the #1 regional brand in West Africa. Which brands will lead in 2022? Will the rankings reflect a shift in the share of the Top 100 for African brands? Which brands do Africans regard as embracing African pride?

In recognition of the outstanding individuals whose leadership has been a catalyst for sustained brand-led growth for their Made in Africa brands and businesses and their contribution to the industry over the years, this year Brand Africa will recognize a corporate leader and a practitioner from the marketing, branding, communications, research and media industry with an Africa Brand Leadership Excellence award.

The event will be live-streamed from Lagos, Nigeria. Register here https://register.brand.africa/Home/Register and join a global and African audience of leading thought leaders, media and decision-makers focused on building, and invested in Africa’s success.

The results will once again be published as the cover feature of African Business which will be on sale globally from the beginning of June 2022.

The 2022 Brand Africa 100: Africa’s Best Brands will be presented by Tecno, organised by Brand Africa partners in Nigeria, AT3 Resources and Open Squares Africa, and supported by Africa Media Agency and BCW in communication globally.

For Information on the Brand Africa agenda, initiatives, and partners and specifically the Brand Africa 100: Africa’s Best Brands Rankings visit www.brand.africa and follow the results on #BrandAfrica100 and #AfricasBestBrands2022.

May 16, 2022
Xiaomi beats Apple to become world’s third biggest smartphone firm
- According to global research firms, Samsung retook the biggest smartphone OEM title from Huawei in Q3 2020.
- Xiaomi, with a record quarter, overtook Apple as the world’s third-biggest smartphone maker.
- Global smartphone shipments also returned to near-2019 levels, as the industry recovery continues.
On the back of the good news from India, it seems the global smartphone market is showing signs of recovery too. According to research from IDC, global smartphone shipments topped 353 million in Q3 2020, just shy of the levels recorded a year prior. But some OEMs recovered more than others.

It was a positive quarter for Samsung. Although it grew by just 2.9% year-over-year, this was enough to retake the smartphone market lead from Huawei. The Korean firm shipped 80.4 million units for a 22.7% market share. This time, its position isn’t disputed either. Both Canalys and Counterpoint recorded Samsung as the top smartphone maker in Q3 2020 as Huawei’s decline continues.

The Chinese firm’s struggles in the west are compounded by dropped shipments in its home country. Once a stronghold for Huawei, the firm saw a decline in Chinese shipments of 15%, according to IDC. Canalys data also suggests that Huawei’s shipments fell by 25% year-over-year in Europe.

Credit:IDC

Xiaomi’s meteoric rise continues

While Huawei still claims second place worldwide, Xiaomi is threatening to topple it. Again.

Xiaomi saw year-over-year growth of 42% per IDC data, eclipsing Apple’s shipments for the first time, and claiming a 13.1% global market share. That record growth is especially notable considering it shipped around two million more units than fifth-placed Vivo before the pandemic. This growth was buoyed by production capacity recovery in India, mirroring the firm’s performance in that country, too.

The late iPhone 12 series launch didn’t help Apple in Q3 2020. Per IDC, the now fourth-placed firm shipped five million fewer units year-over-year, an annual drop of nearly 11%. Both Counterpoint and IDC expect the firm to recover once its new flagship sales roll in.
November 9, 2020
Samsung Galaxy S11 set for release in 2020

Samsung Galaxy S11 tipped to escalate the phone cam arms race with 108MP sensor

Samsung is expected to next year release its newest flagship, the Galaxy S11. And, as is the case with any high-profile phone release, details are steadily leaking from the chaebol’s notoriously porous supply chain.

The latest scuttlebutt comes from Bloomberg, which reports that the Galaxy S11 – and its clamshell Galaxy Fold stablemate – will pack a gargantuan 108MP sensor for the main camera.

If the industry talk is to be believed, this will come with three additional sensors, including an ultrawide-angle lens, a 5x optical zoom and a time-of-flight (TOF) sensor.

This would seem to fit with the leaked renders we’ve seen of the device, courtesy of OnLeaks, which show a fairly pronounced camera bump on the phone’s derriere. As we previously mentioned in our coverage of the Xiaomi Mi CC9 Pro, Samsung’s 108MP ISOCELL Bright HMX sensor is physically quite big, measuring 1/1.33-inches.

Although Samsung’s flagships have traditionally been well-received both critically and commercially, the past few iterations have felt fairly safe, with few standout features distinguishing it from their predecessors. This is particularly true with respect to the camera, which has used the same 12MP primary sensor since 2016’s Galaxy S7.

This renewed emphasis on photography is indicative of Samsung’s desire to remain competitive with its nearest competitor, Apple. On DxOMark, the top-tier iPhone 11 Pro Max is neck-and-neck with the Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ 5G.

As an added bonus, a better camera will help it address the threat posed by insurgent Chinese firms like Xiaomi and OPPO. It’s especially noteworthy that DxOMark has ranked the camera on the Xiaomi Mi CC9 Pro as the second best on the market, above both Apple and Samsung flagships.

The OPPO Reno 10X Zoom is also ranked quite highly on DxOMark, just above the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G.

Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy S11 and second-generation Galaxy Fold (which is slated to be a Motorola Razr-style clamshell) in February. This will either take place at a dedicated Samsung launch event, or less likely, amid the madness of the annual MWC trade show.

December 6, 2019
Samsung Galaxy Fold Sells Out in Nigeria

…The world’s first Dynamic AMOLED Infinity Flex Display sells out instantly

The highly anticipated Galaxy Fold, a new foldable device creating a new mobile category, is clearly a hit with Nigerians. The first batch released has already sold out with pre-order sales. Samsung Nigeria is currently working on increasing stock levels to keep up with demand. Even after a delayed-release, there is clearly an appetite for this pioneering device. The next batch will be available from 29th November 2019.

Galaxy Fold features the world’s first 7.3-inch Infinity Flex Display, which folds into a compact device with a cover display. Galaxy Fold offers a powerful new way to multitask, watch videos, play games, and more – bringing to life new experiences and possibilities years in the making.

“Samsung is proud to introducea premium foldable device, that goes beyond the limitations of a traditional smartphone,” said David Suh, Managing Director at Samsung Electronics West Africa. “The pre-order sales are indicative of the public’s affinity for technology that transcends the norm.”

A Smartphone. A Tablet. Folded into One.

Galaxy Fold is in a category of its own. It delivers a new kind of mobile experience allowing users to do things they couldn’t do with an ordinary smartphone. “Users now have the best of both worlds; a compact device that unfolds to reveal Samsung’s largest-ever smartphone display,” says Adetunji Taiwo, Head, Information Technology and Mobile (IM) at Samsung Electronics West Africa. Galaxy Fold brings together material, engineering and display innovations, developed over eight years following the debut of Samsung’s first flexible display prototype in 2011.

November 17, 2019
Samsung Sponsors Free Eye Surgeries in Nigeria

A total of 115 cataract patients benefitted from the 2019 free eye surgeries sponsored by Samsung Heavy Industries Nigeria Limited (SHIN) in collaboration with the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), and Vision Care, an arm of the World Health Organisation (WHO) dedicated to restore and improve people vision.

Speaking to journalists at a joint press conference organised to flag off the programme at LASUTH on 30th September 2019, the Chief Executive Officer of SHI-MCI and the representative of Samsung Heavy Industries Nigeria (SHIN), Mr. Dongseong Suh, revealed that his company has been working hand-in-hand with Vision Care since 2015. Mr Suh further disclosed that the free eye surgery was part of SHIN’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects in Nigeria, stressing that as one of the leading multinational corporations, the Korean shipbuilding giant recognises its corporate philosophy of giving back to the society on a global scale, including in Africa.

He identified other CSR projects executed by SHIN in Nigeria to include, the donation of electrical items and clothing to Rhizha community in Jos, Plateau State; establishment of a Welding Qualification Centre in Lagos; and the training of over 600 welders at no cost.

Mr Suh added that these welders have constituted the core of internationally certified workforce in onshore/offshore fabrication construction which will enable Africa to retain international projects.

He said that the cataract surgery intervention was targeted at the most vulnerable people who could not afford the cost of the surgery.

Citing a data from WHO, the CEO of SHI-MCI, and the representative of Samsung disclosed that cataracts account for 51 per cent of world’s blindness, adding that this frightening statistics had made the free cataract operation a worthwhile venture.

Also speaking at the press conference, the Volunteer Team Leader, Vision Care, Milyung Oh, said that the organisation was passionate about collaborating on missions that would restore immediate vision to citizens.

Two-year-old Victor was among the 115 patients who benefitted from this year’s free cataract eye surgery.

“Daddy I can see balloon” was the first statement that came out of Master Victor’s mouth after the doctors removed the bandage from his eyes.

Overwhelmed with joy, Victor’s father, Mr. Sunday Oshomore said that since his son was diagnosed with cataract a year ago, it was difficult for them to raise the huge amount needed for the surgery.

“He was a year old when we noticed that he can’t see. When I heard about this free surgery I decided to give it a trial and thank God today, my son can now see. By now he is supposed to have started school but because of the cataract he can’t go, but I am happy he can start school now.”

Mrs. Iweroma Grace, 70, who came all the way from Delta State recalled how she was made to change glasses frequently without result.

“I am based in Delta State, and back home I have visited several hospital where they told me that the solution to my short-sightedness is to change glasses. Only God knows how many glasses I have bought yet no changes until I came here and was told that it’s cataract that requires surgery,” she said.

Mr. Dehinsilu Miniru, 63, who was also among the beneficiaries, recalled how he has suffered due to lack of vision. “Before the surgery, I don’t use to see clearly, on regular occasion, if motorbike is coming I won’t know until it gets close to me. Sometimes, if something drops from my hand I won’t see it. I use to beg people to help me load recharge card on my phone,” he said.

“I heard about this free eyes surgery by Samsung last year but it was late. One of my relatives that work here said its annual event, so due to financial challenges I have to wait for a year to benefit from this free eyes surgery,” he added.

Appreciating the gesture, the Chief Medical Director of LASUTH, Professor Adetokunbo Fabanwo urged other public-spirited individuals and organisations to emulate SHIN by assisting the less-privileged members of the society, saying “the state government is trying but we cannot do it alone. That is why we welcome and appreciate partnership like this,” he added.

October 15, 2019