Microsoft co-founder and billionaire philanthropist, Bill Gates, predicts that within the next decade, Artificial Intelligence (AI) will make humans unnecessary for most tasks, as it will provide free and accessible expertise, like medical advice and tutoring, which are currently rare and human-dependent.
Gates refers to this as the arrival of a new era of “free intelligence,” where AI-powered technologies will impact many aspects of life, including medicine, education, and virtual assistance.
Gates told comedian Jimmy Fallon during an interview on NBC’s “The Tonight Show” in February that the rapid pace of AI development is both profound and a bit scary due to its lack of upper limits.
There is an ongoing debate about AI’s effect on jobs. Some experts believe AI will improve human efficiency and create new jobs, while others, like Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman, argue that AI will be labor-replacing, leading to massive workforce disruption.
Gates is optimistic about AI’s potential to offer breakthrough treatments for diseases, tackle climate change, and provide high-quality education to all.
He said some human jobs, like playing baseball, will likely remain untouched by AI. However, tasks like manufacturing, transportation, and agriculture could be largely automated over time.
Gates acknowledged valid concerns about AI, such as errors in top AI programmes and the spread of misinformation.
Speaking to CNBC Make It in September 2024, Gates said that if he had to start a new business from scratch, he’d launch an “AI-centric” startup. He said:
<blockquote>
Today, somebody could raise billions of dollars for a new AI company [that’s just] a few sketch ideas. I’m encouraging young people at Microsoft, OpenAI, wherever I find them: ‘Hey, here’s the frontier.’ Because you’re taking a fresher look at this than I am, and that’s your fantastic opportunity.”
</blockquote>
AI is a field of computer science dedicated to developing systems and machines that can replicate human intelligence.
These systems are designed to perform tasks that typically require human abilities, such as learning, reasoning, problem-solving, understanding natural language, recognizing speech and images, and making decisions.
More: <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/03/26/bill-gates-on-ai-humans-wont-be-needed-for-most-things.html">CNBC</a>

Pindula News

Bill Gates says that within the next 10 years, AI will do many jobs that humans currently do, like doctors and teachers. This will make things like medical advice and tutoring more accessible. Some people think AI will create new jobs, while others think it will take jobs away. Gates thinks AI can help with important things like healthcare, education, and climate change. He also says that some jobs like playing baseball will still need humans, but others like manufacturing could be done by AI. Gates believes AI has great potential, but also acknowledges concerns like errors and spreading misinformation.

Bill Gates Says AI Will Replace Many Doctors And Teachers Within 10 Years

Econet Wireless Zimbabwe has firmly denied claims that it had been hacked and that customer records containing sensitive information, such as full names, addresses, Twitter handles, and mobile numbers, were stolen and subsequently sold.
The allegations were made by cybersecurity watchdog FalconFeeds.io, which reported that over 852,000 customer records had been leaked. The group posted on X:
<blockquote>
<h2>Data Breach Alert: Econet Wireless Zimbabwe</h2>
A threat actor claims to be selling the database of Econet Wireless Zimbabwe (http://econet.co.zw). The leaked data includes 852,791 customer records containing full names, emails, addresses, Twitter , mobile numbers, and more.
</blockquote>
According to <a href="https://www.techzim.co.zw/2025/02/econet-refutes-data-breach-claims-says-no-hack-detected/">TechZim</a>, the alleged threat actor, identified as Thaihub, is said to have listed the stolen database for sale with a small charge of $299.
In recent days, several Econet subscribers reported being contacted by suspicious people on WhatsApp, leading them to suspect that their contact details might have been sourced from Thaihub’s purported leak.
However, in a statement to TechZim, Econet Wireless Zimbabwe reassured customers that it had thoroughly investigated the claims and found no evidence of a breach. The statement reads:
<blockquote>
<h2>Econet statement on alleged customer data breach</h2>
Econet Wireless Zimbabwe is aware of a social media post first made on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday (February 4, 2025) claiming that a threat actor was selling part of the Econet’s subscriber list containing 852 791 customer records.
Our internal investigations, which started immediately on the day the allegations were made, have detected no breach on our systems that would lead to unauthorised access to sensitive customer data, that is not already in the public domain or accessible through third parties.
However, because we take claims of any breach of our systems very seriously, the moment the allegations were first reported, we activated our incident management processes, working alongside international cybersecurity experts, and have been monitoring our systems 24/7 to ensure heightened security of our business systems and the privacy of our customers’ sensitive data.
We have also kept our regulators and relevant authorities informed.
</blockquote>

Econet Wireless Zimbabwe says they were not hacked and customer data was not stolen. A group claimed they leaked over 852,000 customer records, but Econet denies this. They investigated and found no evidence of a breach. Some people reported getting strange messages on WhatsApp, leading to suspicions of data leakage. Econet reassures customers they take security seriously and are monitoring their systems to keep data safe. They are working with experts to ensure privacy and security for customers. Econet has also informed regulators about the situation.

Econet Refutes Hack Claims And Data Breach

Self-proclaimed inventor and entrepreneur Maxwell Chikumbutso Sangulani, who appeared before President Emmerson Mnangagwa at State House on Tuesday, has a history that includes a past stint at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison.
Chikumbutso was showcasing his claimed latest inventions, including vehicles and motorbikes he says are the world’s first to run on radio waves.
According to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200037606/suspected-robber-hobnobs-with-ed">NewsDay</a>, Chikumbutso was arrested in 2018 on six counts of armed robbery, along with five accomplices.
During his bail hearing, where he was represented by lawyer Admire Rubaya, Chikumbutso denied any involvement in the crimes.
He told Justice Roger Manyangadze Foroma that he was the owner of a successful company pioneering new technology and inventions.
He further claimed to be well-known for his good work and to possess substantial assets in Zimbabwe. However, Justice Foroma said while Chikumbutso asserted he owned significant movable and immovable property, he failed to provide any title deeds as evidence in court. Said Justice Foroma:
<blockquote>
He further argued that he is operating a successful company pioneering new technology and inventions and is famous for the good work he is involved in and that he has substantial assets in Zimbabwe, including immovable properties, yet not a single deed of transfer was produced or referred to as proof.
</blockquote>
The State opposed bail for Chikumbutso, arguing that one of the firearms recovered by the police belonged to him.
This unlicensed firearm was found in the vehicle of a co-accused, who claimed he had given Chikumbutso a lift and that Chikumbutso had allegedly forgotten the weapon.
Justice Foroma denied Chikumbutso bail saying he was not satisfied that the possession of the firearm whether by him or his co-accused was not innocent.
The trial resumed around 2021, but by then, some of Chikumbutso’s accomplices had passed away, leaving only three: Austin Ncube, Wisdom Tariro, and Godfrey Josi.
NewsDay established that his alleged accomplices were Harmony Nyati and Polite Madamombe (both deceased).
They were accused of robbing Murefu Service Station in Waterfalls, Harare.
<img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Gifj8lGW4AAoYd1?format=jpg&amp;name=large"/>
ZANU PF activist Kudzai Mutisi urged the Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Ministry and the Presidential Communications Department to remove posts on their X pages praising Chikumbutso’s “inventions.” Said Mutisi:
<blockquote>
The @InfoMinZW and @DeptCommsZW should withdraw their posts and delete them and forget about this embarrassing incident.
</blockquote>
Mutisi also called for the dismissal of all engineers within the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC). He said:
<blockquote>
If there are engineers in OPC, fire them, they are useless people adding no value.
They were supposed to prevent this embarrassing situation.
Max invented nothing, whatever he is describing has no scientific basis.
It’s so clear one does not need a microscope to see the fraudulent claims.
</blockquote>
<img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Gifj8pAXAAAVIim?format=jpg&amp;name=large"/>
Journalist Hopewell Chin’ono mocked Mnangagwa for hosting Chikumbutso while on his annual leave. He wrote on X:
<blockquote>
So Emmerson Mnangagwa came out of his leave to preside over a ceremony based on lies?
This is what happens when you surround yourself with useless minds, appointing them solely because they are relatives or friends.
It has been long proven that the claim of developing a self-powering electric vehicle that operates without fuel, recharging, or external input, purportedly powered entirely by radio waves, is false.
Why do we embarrass ourselves like this?
</blockquote>

Maxwell Chikumbutso, a man who claims to be an inventor, once spent time in jail for armed robbery. He showcased his inventions to the President of Zimbabwe, saying they run on radio waves. During his trial, he denied involvement in crimes but didn't provide proof of his assets. The court denied him bail, and some of his accomplices have since died. Critics say his inventions are false, and they called for government officials to stop praising him. A journalist criticized the President for hosting Chikumbutso, questioning the truth behind his inventions.

"Inventor" Maxwell Chikumbutso Was Once An Inmate At Chikurubi

Zimbabwe is among the first countries where <a href="https://techzim.co.zw/starlink">Starlink</a> has introduced an installment payment option for purchasing the Mini Kit.
<h2 class="whitespace-pre-wrap break-words">Payment Options:</h2>
<ol class="[&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-decimal space-y-1.5 pl-7">
<li class="whitespace-normal break-words">6-month installment plan: $25 per month</li>
<li class="whitespace-normal break-words">9-month installment plan: $16.67 per month</li>
</ol>
Both plans require:
<ul class="[&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc space-y-1.5 pl-7">
<li class="whitespace-normal break-words">$50 initial deposit</li>
<li class="whitespace-normal break-words">$23 delivery fee</li>
</ul>
Effectively, the initial payment has been reduced from $223 to $73. Starlink is not charging interest on the installments so Zimbabweans will likely all go for the 9 months option.
This reduction makes the service more accessible to many Zimbabweans. After receiving the kit, customers must pay a monthly subscription fee of at least $30 in addition to the installment payment. For example, choosing the 9-month plan would result in a total monthly payment of $46.67 ($16.67 installment + $30 subscription).
<h2 class="whitespace-pre-wrap break-words">Purchasing Starlink in Zimbabwe</h2>
While service is currently sold out in Harare, its surrounding towns, and parts of Bulawayo, Starlink remains available in other parts of Zimbabwe.
To place an order:
<ol class="[&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-decimal space-y-1.5 pl-7">
<li class="whitespace-normal break-words">Visit <a href="https://starlink.com">starlink.com</a></li>
<li class="whitespace-normal break-words">Click “Order Now”</li>
<li class="whitespace-normal break-words">Enter your delivery address</li>
<li class="whitespace-normal break-words">Complete the order form</li>
</ol>
Payment options:
<ul class="[&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc space-y-1.5 pl-7">
<li class="whitespace-normal break-words">Use a prepaid Mastercard or Visa card</li>
<li class="whitespace-normal break-words">Virtual Mastercards from EcoCash or OMari are accepted</li>
<li class="whitespace-normal break-words">Initial payment of $73 required (recommended to have $90 available to cover potential bank charges)</li>
<li class="whitespace-normal break-words">International relatives can make the purchase using their credit card</li>
</ul>
Note: The initial $90 buffer is recommended to cover any additional bank charges when using EcoCash or prepaid debit cards.

Starlink is offering a new payment plan in Zimbabwe to buy their Mini Kit. You can now pay in installments for 6 or 9 months. The total cost is $73 less now. There is a $50 initial deposit and a $23 delivery fee. There is no interest on the installments. You also need to pay a monthly subscription fee. If you choose the 9-month plan, you will pay $46.67 per month. Starlink is not available in some parts of Zimbabwe but you can order online. You can use prepaid cards or have someone from another country buy it for you. Remember to have $90 just in case of extra bank charges.

Starlink Introduces Installment Plans for Mini Kit in Zimbabwe

As part of Pindula’s partnership with Bridgevest Capital, SSB Civil Servants in Zimbabwe can now buy smartphones on credit for more than 6 months. There’s now a 9 months and 12 months option even for low priced smartphones.
Below are the latest Samsung Galaxy Phones available on credit, including the instalments.
Download the full Samsung Zero Deposit PDF Catalogue on this link: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Samsung-Zero-Deposit-Catalogue-for-Civil-Servants-Jan-2025.pdf">https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Samsung-Zero-Deposit-Catalogue-for-Civil-Servants-Jan-2025.pdf</a>
<h2>Samsung Galaxy F05 (64GB storage, 4GB RAM)</h2>
<ul>
<li>3 months: $42 per month</li>
<li>6 months: $26 per month</li>
<li>9 months: $21 per month</li>
<li>12 months: $18 per month</li>
</ul>
<img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-288512" decoding="async" height="307" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 245px) 100vw, 245px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Samsung-Galaxy-F05-techzim-e1737374825954.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Samsung-Galaxy-F05-techzim-e1737374825954.jpg 413w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Samsung-Galaxy-F05-techzim-e1737374825954-239x300.jpg 239w" width="245"/>
<h2>Samsung Galaxy A06 (64GB storage, 4GB RAM)</h2>
<ul>
<li>3 months: $44 per month</li>
<li>6 months: $28 per month</li>
<li>9 months: $22 per month</li>
<li>12 months: $20 per month</li>
</ul>
<img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-288515" decoding="async" height="261" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 198px) 100vw, 198px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Galaxy-A06.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Galaxy-A06.jpg 379w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Galaxy-A06-227x300.jpg 227w" width="198"/>
<h2>Samsung Galaxy A06 (128GB storage, 4GB RAM)</h2>
<ul>
<li>3 months: $51 per month</li>
<li>6 months: $32 per month</li>
<li>9 months: $26 per month</li>
<li>12 months: $23 per month</li>
</ul>
<h2>Samsung Galaxy A06 (128GB storage, 6GB RAM)</h2>
<ul>
<li>3 months: $55 per month</li>
<li>6 months: $35 per month</li>
<li>9 months: $28 per month</li>
<li>12 months: $24 per month</li>
</ul>
<h2>Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 (64GB storage, 4GB RAM)</h2>
<ul>
<li>3 months: $58 per month</li>
<li>6 months: $36 per month</li>
<li>9 months: $29 per month</li>
<li>12 months: $25 per month</li>
</ul>
<img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-288518" decoding="async" height="314" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 314px) 100vw, 314px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Galaxy-Tab-A9.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Galaxy-Tab-A9.jpg 1200w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Galaxy-Tab-A9-300x300.jpg 300w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Galaxy-Tab-A9-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Galaxy-Tab-A9-150x150.jpg 150w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Galaxy-Tab-A9-768x768.jpg 768w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Galaxy-Tab-A9-60x60.jpg 60w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Galaxy-Tab-A9-90x90.jpg 90w" width="314"/>
 
<h2>Samsung Galaxy M15 (128GB storage, 4GB RAM)</h2>
<ul>
<li>3 months: $71 per month</li>
<li>6 months: $45 per month</li>
<li>9 months: $36 per month</li>
<li>12 months: $31 per month</li>
</ul>
<img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-288521" decoding="async" height="275" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 218px) 100vw, 218px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Samsung-Galaxy-M15-5G-1.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Samsung-Galaxy-M15-5G-1.jpg 330w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Samsung-Galaxy-M15-5G-1-238x300.jpg 238w" width="218"/>
 
<h2>Samsung Galaxy A15 (128GB storage, 4GB RAM)</h2>
<ul>
<li>3 months: $74 per month</li>
<li>6 months: $46 per month</li>
<li>9 months: $37 per month</li>
<li>12 months: $32 per month</li>
</ul>
<img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-288522" decoding="async" height="251" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 218px) 100vw, 218px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Galaxy-A15.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Galaxy-A15.jpg 313w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Galaxy-A15-260x300.jpg 260w" width="218"/>
 
<h2>Samsung Galaxy A16 (128GB storage, 4GB RAM)</h2>
<ul>
<li>3 months: $76 per month</li>
<li>6 months: $47 per month</li>
<li>9 months: $38 per month</li>
<li>12 months: $33 per month</li>
</ul>
<img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-288524" decoding="async" height="249" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 196px) 100vw, 196px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Samsung-A16-front-and-back.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Samsung-A16-front-and-back.jpg 337w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Samsung-A16-front-and-back-236x300.jpg 236w" width="196"/>
 
<h2>Samsung Galaxy F15 5G (128GB storage, 6GB RAM)</h2>
<ul>
<li>3 months: $80 per month</li>
<li>6 months: $50 per month</li>
<li>9 months: $40 per month</li>
<li>12 months: $35 per month</li>
</ul>
<img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-288525" decoding="async" height="258" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 206px) 100vw, 206px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Samsung-F15-5G.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Samsung-F15-5G.jpg 343w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Samsung-F15-5G-240x300.jpg 240w" width="206"/>
 
Download the full catalogue of Samsung smartphones available on Zero Deposit here: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Samsung-Zero-Deposit-Catalogue-for-Civil-Servants-Jan-2025.pdf">https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Samsung-Zero-Deposit-Catalogue-for-Civil-Servants-Jan-2025.pdf</a>
<h2>How Civil Servants in Zimbabwe can apply for a smartphone on credit</h2>
A civil Servant can apply for Zero Deposit on WhatsApp by contacting the number: <a href="https://wa.me/+263715068543">+263715068543</a>
For those that prefer, they can also apply at the credit offices in Harare: Bridgevest Capital – 1st Floor Takura House, 67 Kwame Nkurumah
<h3>Application Requirements:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Picture of ID</li>
<li>Copy of Payslip</li>
<li>A photo (one can just take a photo using the phone)</li>
<li>Phone number</li>
<li>Physical Address</li>
<li>Ministry and date joined</li>
<li>Next of Kin name, relationship, address and phone number</li>
</ul>

Samsung phones are now available for civil servants in Zimbabwe to buy on credit with no deposit. They can choose from different models and pay in monthly installments for up to 12 months. To apply, they need to provide some documents and contact a number on WhatsApp or visit the credit offices in Harare. This way, civil servants can get the latest smartphones without having to pay the full amount upfront.

Samsung Phones Available On Zero Deposit To Civil Servants in Zimbabwe

Local internet service provider (ISP), ZODSAT, has received official approval from the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (POTRAZ) to distribute Starlink kits in Zimbabwe.
Previously, only TelOne and Aura were authorised to resell Starlink kits in the country.
In a letter to ZODSAT, POTRAZ formally recognized the ISP as an official Starlink reseller. The letter reads:
<blockquote>
We are pleased to inform you that your application to become a Starlink agency/reseller which has been under consideration has been successfully approved. You may now proceed with the next steps to begin offering Starlink services to your customers.
</blockquote>
Starlink was granted a license to operate in Zimbabwe last year and went live in September. However, despite many ISPs signing agreements with Starlink to become resellers, they still require approval from the regulator to do so.
When Starlink was licensed, a surge of interest followed, driven by the promise of high-speed internet, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
These regions often lack traditional internet infrastructure, leading to unreliable connectivity. In contrast, Starlink’s satellite internet technology offers a more stable and faster connection at a relatively lower cost than existing services.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZODSAT in Zimbabwe can now sell Starlink kits approved by POTRAZ. Only TelOne and Aura could sell them before. POTRAZ said ZODSAT can be a reseller in a letter. Starlink got a license in Zimbabwe last year. Many ISPs want to resell Starlink but need approval first. People in remote areas like Starlink for fast and stable internet. Starlink is better than traditional services and costs less. It started in September. More people want Starlink to improve internet in Zimbabwe.

POTRAZ Grants ZODSAT License To Resell Starlink Kits In Zimbabwe

Australia will ban children under the age of 16 from using social media, following the approval of the world’s strictest laws on the issue, reported <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c89vjj0lxx9o">BBC News</a>.
Tech companies that fail to enforce the ban could face fines of up to A$50 million ($32.5 million; £25.7 million).
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that the legislation is necessary to protect young people from the harms associated with social media, a sentiment echoed by many parent groups.
Critics have raised concerns about the practicality of the ban, questioning how it will be enforced and its potential effects on privacy and social connections for young people.
While other countries have attempted to restrict children’s social media use, Australia’s minimum age of 16 is the highest globally. This law does not include exemptions for existing users or those with parental consent.
The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 34 to 19 on Thursday night, then returned to the House of Representatives, where it passed early on Friday.
The legislation does not specify which platforms will be banned. These decisions will be made later by Australia’s Communications Minister, Michelle Rowland, who will consult the eSafety Commissioner.
Rowland has indicated that major platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X will be included in the ban.
However, gaming and messaging platforms, along with sites accessible without an account (like YouTube), will be exempt.
The government plans to implement age-verification technology to enforce the ban. Social media platforms will be responsible for integrating these measures, with testing scheduled in the coming months.
Digital researchers have raised concerns about the effectiveness of the age-verification technology, which could include biometrics or identity information, and its potential impact on privacy.
Critics warn that children could bypass the ban using tools like VPNs, which allow users to mask their location and access platforms as though they are from a different country.
Children who circumvent the ban will not face penalties.
Limited polling suggests that the majority of Australian parents and caregivers support the proposed reforms.
Many experts argue that the social media ban is too broad and could push children into less regulated areas of the internet, potentially increasing risks. 
During a brief consultation period, tech companies like Google, Snap, and Meta criticized the legislation for lacking detail, with Meta calling it “ineffective” in achieving its goal of improving child safety.
TikTok also raised concerns about the bill’s vague definition of a social media platform, suggesting it could apply to nearly all online services.
X questioned the law’s compatibility with international regulations and human rights treaties.
Youth advocates also accused the government of misunderstanding social media’s role in young people’s lives and excluding them from the discussion.
In 2023, France introduced a law blocking social media access for children under 15 without parental consent. However, research shows that nearly half of users managed to bypass the ban using a VPN.
Norway has pledged to follow Australia’s example in implementing similar restrictions.
The UK’s technology secretary said that a similar ban is “on the table,” though he clarified that it is not a current priority.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Australia will not allow children under 16 to use social media. If tech companies don't follow this rule, they could be fined large amounts of money. The Prime Minister says it's to keep kids safe. Some people worry about how this ban will work and its effects. Australia has the highest age limit for social media use in the world. Some platforms will be banned, but others will be okay, like YouTube. The government will use technology to enforce the ban, but some experts are concerned. Other countries are also thinking about similar bans for kids.

Australia Approves Social Media Ban For Children Under 16

The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/market/samsung-galaxy-a06-64gb-4gb-22-202411196269940393/">Galaxy A06</a>, the latest in Samsung’s lower entry-level phones is now available in Zimbabwe.
Released globally in August this year, in the Galaxy lineup the A06 replaces the A05 which was released around this time in 2023 (the A05 itself replaced the A04 released in August 2022).
The A0 series is Samsung’s most affordable smartphone coming with enough specs to do all the basic stuff. But don’t let that deceive into thinking these are unusable smartphones. They are solid basics 😎
<h2>The specs:</h2>
– a large 6.7-inch display (this is a big phone as most phones are either 6.5 or 6.6. inches) 
– A Helio G85 processor 
– Android 14 (2 OS upgrades promised – 4 years of security updates) 
– 4G network 
– Dual SIM – made for the Global South! 
– 5000mAh battery with 25W fast charging (this is impressive, most phones at this price come with 18W) 
– Fingerprint on the power button (good upgrade from the A05 which didn’t have a fingerprint sensor at all) 
– 50 Megapixel main camera plus a 2MP depth camera 
– 8 Megapixel selfie camera
Though not the fastest processor, there is some decent performance here from that Helio 85 SoC. At the $110 price point, this is the fastest a processor can get. It beats phones from Tecno, Infinix, and itel in the same price range. Only other phone we have seen with this processor at the price is <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/market/xiaomi-redmi-13c-22-20241004133718792956/">Redmi 13C</a>.
<h2>Pricing:</h2>
The phone comes in 3 flavours, with all specs the same except for the storage and RAM: 
– 64GB storage with 4GB RAM going for $110 
– 128GB storage with 4GB RAM going for $120 
– $128GB storage and 6GB RAM going for $140
We think the best deal here is that 128GB with 4GB RAM. An additional $20 for just 2GB RAM feels a tad expensive! Besides, you’re already not buying this phone for it’s speed so more RAM isn’t exactly going to improve peformance significantly. It’s always the processor that has the biggest impact on performance.
<h2>Recommended uses:</h2>
<ul>
<li>“I just want a good enough phone”</li>
<li>“I’d prefer a better phone, but things are tight in Zim”</li>
<li>Second phone</li>
<li>Work reception phone</li>
<li>Buying for parent</li>
</ul>
<h2>Some FAQ on the A06</h2>
Q: Does it have 5G? 
No. This phone ends at 4G
Q: Can I do gaming on this? 
Only the most basic games. This is not a gamer’s phone
Q: What colours does it come in? 
Glack, Blue and Gold
Q: What type of display does the Galaxy A06 have? 
PLS LCD. It’s not AMOLED so you’re not getting a screen as bright and as responsive as the mid range phones like Galaxy A15
Q: What is the battery capacity of the Galaxy A06? 
Yes

The latest Samsung Galaxy A06 phone is now available in Zimbabwe. It is a basic phone with good features like a big 6.7-inch display and a Helio G85 processor. It has a 5000mAh battery and a fingerprint sensor. The phone comes in different storage and RAM options. It is not the fastest phone, but it performs well for its price. It is good for people who want a decent phone but don't want to spend a lot of money. The phone is not 5G compatible and is not suitable for heavy gaming. It comes in black, blue, and gold colors.

Latest Samsung Galaxy A06 Now Available In Zimbabwe

Google Speech, in collaboration with the AI Research Center in Accra, Ghana, has launched Voice Search, talk-to-type on Gboard, and voice input on Translate for 15 additional African languages, reported <a href="https://www.iol.co.za/technology/mobile-apps/15-new-african-languages-added-on-googles-services-b568308f-725b-4296-85fe-0e8b326593a9">IOL</a>.
The newly supported languages include Chichewa, Hausa, Igbo, Kikuyu, Nigerian Pidgin, Oromo, Rundi, Shona, Somali, Tigrinya, Twi, South Ndebele, Swati, Tswana, and Yoruba.
This expansion increases the total number of African languages with voice support to 25, and the total number of languages globally to 94.
The introduction of voice input in these languages enhances digital accessibility for approximately 300 million people across Africa, allowing them to interact with the web and communicate more naturally using their voices.
In Ethiopia, the addition of Oromo and Tigrinya enables over 85 million people—nearly 70% of the population—to use voice typing, searching, and translating on Google.
Kenya’s Kikuyu language now joins Swahili in Gboard and Voice Search, expanding language options for users.
Chichewa for Malawi and Shona for Zimbabwe are now supported, benefiting around 65% of Malawi’s population and approximately 12 million Shona speakers.
Voice input for Tswana, South Ndebele, and Swati has been added, enhancing connectivity for communities in Botswana, South Africa, and Eswatini.
In West Africa, Twi, along with four major languages from Nigeria—Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, and Nigerian Pidgin—has been integrated, serving an estimated 129 million speakers in Nigeria.
This expansion reflects Google’s commitment to developing technology that increases access for Africans, supported by its Product Development Center in Nairobi and its AI Research Center in Accra.
Alex Okosi, Managing Director of Google Africa, said the new technology will benefit over 300 million people across the continent by allowing voice interaction with the web.
He said this is part of Google’s efforts to develop technology for Africans and the world.
Matt Brittin, Google’s President for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, asserted that the upcoming decade will be “Africa’s digital decade,” with more than half the population accessing the Internet for the first time. 
Brittin said Extending Voice Search, voice typing on Gboard, and voice input on Translate to 300 million Africans is a significant milestone in Google’s mission to organize and make information universally accessible and useful
African languages that were already on Voice Search and Gboard talk-to-type include Amharic, Afrikaans, Kinyarwanda, Sepedi, Sesotho, South Ndebele, Swahili, Swati, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, and Zulu.
African languages with voice input already available on Translate include Afrikaans, Amharic, Kinyarwanda, Sepedi, Sesotho, Swahili, Tsonga, Xhosa, and Zulu.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Google has added voice search and typing in 15 additional African languages, like Shona and Igbo. This helps about 300 million people in Africa use the internet more easily. The languages added include Chichewa, Hausa, Igbo, Kikuyu, Somali, and more. This means now there are 25 African languages and 94 languages globally with voice support on Google. This move shows Google's commitment to helping Africans access technology. This will benefit people in countries like Kenya, Nigeria, Malawi, and Zimbabwe. Google wants to make information accessible to everyone, especially as more Africans get online in the next few years.

Shona, 14 Other African Languages Added On Google’s Services

Starlink services in Harare are currently sold out, as confirmed by SpaceX, the parent company. This announcement comes on the heels of two weeks of reported slow speeds in the area, attributed to network congestion.
Typically, Starlink users enjoy download speeds ranging from 25 to 220 Mbps, with most experiencing speeds exceeding 100 Mbps. However, some users have faced significant slowdowns, reporting speeds as low as 1 Mbps.
To mitigate congestion, SpaceX has implemented restrictions on the number of customers allowed to access Starlink in certain areas.
This has resulted in additional locations, including Norton, Chitungwiza, Epworth, and surrounding areas, also being marked as sold out on the Starlink map. Users attempting to sign up in Harare now receive the message:
<blockquote>
Starlink Residential is not available in your area. Enter your email below to be notified about future availability and product updates, or if Starlink is active in your market, visit our Roam page to order our mobile offering.
</blockquote>
According to <a href="https://www.techzim.co.zw/2024/10/starlink-sold-out-in-areas-outside-harare/">TechZim</a>, Starlink’s new “Sold Out” designation appears to be indefinite, indicating a significant shift from previous status updates.
Previously, the service allowed users to place deposits while waiting for availability. The cessation of this practice suggests a more serious capacity constraint.
The areas now marked as “Sold Out” are: Arcturus, Chitungwiza, parts of Concession, Dema, Epworth, parts of Glendale, Goromonzi, Harare, Juru, Manhenga, Mazowe, Melfort, Norton, Nyabira, and Ruwa.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Starlink, a fast internet service, is now all sold out in Harare and nearby areas. Some people experienced slow speeds recently. To deal with this, the company is limiting the number of customers. Other places like Norton and Chitungwiza are also sold out. People trying to sign up in Harare are being told the service is not available. Before, people could place deposits to wait, but now it seems there is not enough space for new users. Many areas are now marked as sold out.

Starlink Now "Sold Out" In Harare And Surrounding Areas

The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/market/itel-a80-128gb-4gb-22-20241021182426682013/">itel A80</a>, which is a successor of the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/market/itel-a70-128gb-3gb-22-20231121123027230027/">popular A70</a> from 2023, has now launched in Zimbabwe.
Just like its predecessor, this budget smartphones main selling point is the packing of lots of storage and ram in a phone priced not more than $100.
The A80 introduces some enhancements, particularly in camera capabilities and the size of the phone, the RAM and the Android version.
<h2>itel A80 Full Specs</h2>
<ul>
<li>Storage: 128GB 3GB</li>
<li>RAM: 4GB (plus extra 4GB extended RAM)</li>
<li>Main Camera: Single 50 Megapixels</li>
<li>Selfie Camera: Single 8 MP</li>
<li>Processor: Unisoc T603</li>
<li>Operating System: Android 14</li>
<li>Battery: 5000 mAh charging at 10W</li>
<li>Display: 6.7 inches, IPS LCD, 120Hz, 500 nits brightness</li>
<li>Network: GSM, 3G, 4G</li>
<li>Card slot: Yes, dedicated microSDXC</li>
<li>3.5mm jack: Yes</li>
<li>NFC: No</li>
<li>USB: Type-C 2.0</li>
<li>Fingerprint: Yes,  side-mounted on Power button</li>
</ul>
<img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-284910" decoding="async" height="475" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 475px) 100vw, 475px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/itel-A80-black.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/itel-A80-black.jpg 600w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/itel-A80-black-300x300.jpg 300w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/itel-A80-black-150x150.jpg 150w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/itel-A80-black-60x60.jpg 60w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/itel-A80-black-90x90.jpg 90w" width="475"/>
<h2>Comparison to A70</h2>
Here are the key improvements when we compare the A80 to last year’s A70:
<ul>
<li>Camera: The A80 now has a 50MP main camera, whereas the A70 had a 13 Megapixel one</li>
<li>Phone size: The A80 is slightly bigger at 6.7 inches, compared to the A70’s 6.6 inches</li>
<li>Android Version: now 14, where the A70 had 13 Go Edition</li>
</ul>
Other things, have remained largely the same. Noteworthy is the processor, which has not been upgraded. It’s still the Unisoc T603, so if you have used the A70, don’t expect any performance improvements  with the A80.
<h2>itel A80 Price in Zimbabwe and Availability</h2>
The 128GB version of the A80 is priced more than the 128GB version of the A70. It’s now retailing for between $105 and $1115 in itel shops in Zimbabwe. This is slightly more expensive than  the A70- which weas retailing for between $95 and $105.
<h2>Pindula recommended use</h2>
This is a budget phone so it should not be bought by someone who is expecting a very fast phone. 
Our recommended use is:
<ul>
<li>An affordable second phone</li>
<li>A phone for a child to use for their primary &amp; secondary level school work</li>
<li>An emergency replacement one after losing your phone to breaking or theft</li>
<li>A phone for a parent who doesn'[t need a fancy device</li>
</ul>
 
Disclosure: Pindula is an official itel retailer in Zimbabwe. You can browse and buy itel phones online on Pindula here: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/market/">https://www.pindula.co.zw/market/</a>

itel has launched a new phone called A80 in Zimbabwe, which is the successor to the popular A70. The A80 has lots of storage and RAM for a low price of under $100. It has improved camera and phone size, more RAM, and runs on Android 14. The price is slightly higher than the A70, ranging from $105 to $115. The A80 is recommended as a budget phone for basic use, like a second phone, for children's school work, or as a simple device for parents. Keep in mind it may not be very fast.

itel A80, successor to the popular A70, launches in Zimbabwe. Pricing, Availability

<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/market/itel-s23-22-20230608161024425383/">Itel S23</a>, has stood the test of time, remaining the most popular itel smartphone in Zimbabwe more than a year after <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/06/08/itel-s23-released-in-zimbabwe-128gb-8gb-50-megapixel-camera-5000-mah-battery-price-in-zimbabwe-119/">its release</a>.
The budget smartphone broke with tradition including more features for higher value phones, such as a 50 Megapixel camera, at a time when smartphones in the $100 bracket had 13 Megapixel cameras.
A <a href="https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?date=2024-01-01%202024-10-08&amp;geo=ZW&amp;q=itel&amp;hl=en-GB">check on search interest tracking platform Google Trends</a>, shows that the S23 beats all newer itel smartphones in popularity. it has maintained uniform interest throughout the year, despite the release more newer and more capable itel smartphones such as its successor the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/market/itel-s24-128gb-22-20240426142756795795/">itel S24</a>.
<img alt="itel popularity in Zimbabwe" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-281985" decoding="async" height="867" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1182px) 100vw, 1182px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Google-Trends-itel.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Google-Trends-itel.jpg 1182w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Google-Trends-itel-300x220.jpg 300w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Google-Trends-itel-1024x751.jpg 1024w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Google-Trends-itel-768x563.jpg 768w" width="1182"/>
Outside the S series, there was also the release of the P65, the RS4 this year. All these phones are yet to make a dent in the S23’s popularity.
The higher end version of the phone, the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/market/itel-s23-128gb-8gb-22-202309191821613094/">itel S23+</a> also remains extremely albeit at a lower level than the standard version. 
<h2>What about itel A70?</h2>
Following the release of the S23, the itel A70 also broke records by being the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2024/01/23/itel-a70-with-256gb-now-available-in-zimbabwe-or-less-than-100/">first smartphone in Zimbabwe phone to have 256GB and still be less than $100</a>. That record is yet to be beaten, and that has also made the A70 relatively more popular than its successor. Still, it’s not as popular as the S23.
At the end the S23 is a more capable device on many other fronts compared to the itel A70. 
<h2>Reduction in price</h2>
As with all phones after release, the price has continued to go down as newer phones are released. From a about $120 at release, the itel S23 now ranges below $100.
This affordability contributes to its popularity. While the prices of other phones have reduced slowly, the reduction in price for the S23 has been drastic. Even though it’s a more power phone, it’s now priced less than the itel A70.

itel S23 is the most popular itel smartphone in Zimbabwe for over a year. It has a better camera than other phones in its price range. People are still interested in it even though newer models have been released. The higher end version, itel S23+, is also popular. Another phone, itel A70, was the first to have 256GB for less than $100. However, it is not as popular as the S23. The price of the S23 has gone down a lot since its release, making it even more popular.

itel S23 Remains Zimbabwe's Favourite Itel Smartphone More Than Year Later

PowerTel Communications is unfazed by the recent launch of Starlink in Zimbabwe and can compete with Starlink’s speeds and affordability.
This was said by Acting Managing Director Willard Nyagwande during a connectivity products briefing in Harare recently.
Nyagwande said that PowerTel has allocated US$10 million to improve the service and give it a much-needed competitive advantage. He said (via <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/powertel-says-not-moved-by-starlink-vows-to-match-global-giant-on-speeds-and-affordability/">ZimLive</a>):
<blockquote>
The speed for Starlink goes up to 250 Mbps; it’s not a secret, ours can go up to Gigabit per second.
We can bring Starlink and our fibre here and do the test today, ours is faster.
Why would you invest in other technologies that are not all weather friendly?
I want you to be loyal to the most dependable technologies.
We also use the satellite and LEO, LTE, 5G Wireless radio technology to transmit and also fibre which is our primary technology using ZESA pylons which are dotted all over Zimbabwe.
Our clientele is the corporate world, the retail market and our drive called urban and rural datafication.
I want Zimbabweans to understand that our strategy is to give universal access to data as well as electricity.
</blockquote>
Nyagwande also revealed that a 200km of ZESA and PowerTel line has been connected to Bikita Minerals.
About six months ago, PowerTel announced it was pursuing domestic and international partners for a new optical ground wire (OPGW) project aimed at improving internet connectivity.
A wholly-owned subsidiary of the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA), PowerTel is licenced by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) as a Class ‘A’ Internet Access Provider.
The company operates a comprehensive optic fibre backbone network, along with distribution and access networks that include both fibre and wireless technologies.
Experts suggest that fibre internet generally offers faster speeds than Starlink, with lower costs for fibre plans. However, its availability can be more limited.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

PowerTel Communications in Zimbabwe says it can provide faster internet speeds and better prices than Starlink. They have invested $10 million to improve their service. PowerTel uses various technologies like satellite, LTE, 5G, and fiber to deliver internet. They are focused on giving universal access to data and electricity. The company recently connected a 200km line to Bikita Minerals. PowerTel is licensed by POTRAZ and is a subsidiary of ZESA. Experts say fiber internet is generally faster and cheaper than Starlink, but it may not be as widely available.

PowerTel Pledges To Offer Faster Internet Speeds And Better Prices Than Starlink

State-owned telecommunications company TelOne has announced that it is now an authorised reseller for Starlink, the satellite internet service developed by SpaceX.
The news was shared on TelOne’s social media channels this Wednesday. The company stated that its appointment as a Starlink authorised reseller will enhance its ability to provide improved connectivity throughout Zimbabwe and beyond. It said:
<blockquote>
To all our valued clients and Stakeholders,
Please be advised that TelOne is now an officially authorized Starlink Reseller.
This exciting development expands our range of services that enable us to better serve you with modem and efficient connectivity solutions.
The Starlink satellite internet solution is designed to deliver high speed, low latency internet access including the most remote parts of the country.
TelOne is committed to providing connectivity across Zimbabwe and beyond. The appointment of TelOne as an authorized Starlink reseller enhances our ability to achieve this goal.
</blockquote>
This development ones after Aura Group on Monday announced that it is now an officially licensed reseller of Starlink.
The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) recently warned that selling or distributing Starlink user terminals without appropriate authorisation and clearance is a criminal offence.
TelOne offers traditional landline services to residential and business customers as well as broadband and dial-up internet services, including ADSL and fibre optic connections.
Although primarily known for fixed-line services, TelOne has ventured into mobile solutions, including mobile internet services.
It also offers various data solutions for businesses, including leased lines and data hosting.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

TelOne, a telecom company, can now sell Starlink, a space internet service, in Zimbabwe. This will help connect more people to the internet in remote areas. Aura Group also got permission to sell Starlink. To sell Starlink without permission is illegal in Zimbabwe. TelOne offers landline, broadband, and mobile internet services. They also provide data solutions for businesses. This news will help more people get connected to the internet in Zimbabwe.

TelOne Now An Authorised Reseller For Starlink

Aura Group has announced that it is now an officially licensed reseller of Starlink, the satellite internet service developed by SpaceX.
On Monday, September 16, Aura Group Chief Executive Officer Samuelle Dimairho revealed that an official launch event for the service is scheduled for September 24, 2024. Said Dimairho:
<blockquote>
Aura Group is proud to announce that we are now an officially licensed Reseller of Starlink, delivering high-speed, low-latency internet solutions to Zimbabwean businesses and institutions. Committed to enhancing connectivity and supporting technological growth, we deliver reliable internet services across various sectors.
We offer priority data, giving customers network precedence and consistently faster speeds. Additionally, customers on our priority plans will benefit from 24/7 prioritized support and a publicly routable IPv4 address.
We are excited to lead this technological shift, empowering Zimbabwean businesses to thrive in the digital economy. An official launch event for the service will take place on 24 September 2024.
</blockquote>
The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) issued two licenses to Starlink Zimbabwe (Pvt) Ltd on September 6, 2024: a telecommunications license for network services and a national Internet Services Provider license.
These licenses enable Starlink to offer Internet services across Zimbabwe using its Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network.
POTRAZ has also warned that selling or distributing Starlink user terminals without appropriate authorisation and clearance is a criminal offence.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Aura Group, a local company, is now an official reseller of Starlink, a satellite internet service. They will provide fast and reliable internet to businesses and institutions in Zimbabwe. They will offer priority data and support, as well as an official launch event on September 24, 2024. Starlink has received licenses to operate in Zimbabwe and will use its satellite network to provide internet services. It is important to have proper authorization to sell or distribute Starlink terminals. This partnership will help Zimbabwean businesses thrive in the digital economy.

Local Company Aura, Becomes Official Reseller Of Starlink

The Zimbabwean community is grieving the loss of <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Daniel_Chingoma/">Daniel Chingoma</a>, the renowned inventor behind the homemade ZIMCOPTER helicopter. Chingoma passed away on September 13, 2024, due to an undisclosed illness.
Alongside his innovative projects, Chingoma, also known for his musical talents, founded Taisek Engineering. His endeavours, notably the grounded ZIMCOPTER due to government restrictions during Robert Mugabe’s era, captured international attention.
Chingoma’s legacy extends beyond engineering; he ventured into politics, established the Zimbabwe Industrial and Technological Revolutionary Party (ZITER) in 2010 and even ran for president in 2018.
<img alt="Chingoma helicopter" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-280586" decoding="async" height="225" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Chingoma-Helicopter-300x225.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Chingoma-Helicopter-300x225.jpg 300w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Chingoma-Helicopter-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Chingoma-Helicopter-768x576.jpg 768w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Chingoma-Helicopter.jpg 1040w" width="300"/>
The passing of Daniel Chingoma has sparked varied reactions. While some feel he departed with bitterness (because his invention was not allowed to take off), others believe he had the potential to succeed as an entrepreneur abroad.
Despite legal challenges, including a fraud conviction, Chingoma’s impact on Zimbabwe’s technological landscape will stand as a testament to his inventive spirit and contributions. Rest in peace.
More <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Daniel Chingoma, an inventor from Zimbabwe, who created the ZIMCOPTER helicopter, has passed away. He also had a talent for music and founded Taisek Engineering. Chingoma faced challenges in getting his invention off the ground due to government restrictions. He was also involved in politics and ran for president in 2018. Some people believe he could have succeeded as an entrepreneur abroad. Despite legal issues, Chingoma's impact on Zimbabwe's technology scene will always be remembered.

DEVELOPING STORY: Zimbabwe Mourns Loss Of Inventor Daniel Chingoma

Starlink reportedly rejected a proposal for a 50% stake from Wicknell Chivayo’s IMC and the Mutapa Investment Fund (MIF) ahead of its launch in Zimbabwe.
Starlink officially activated its service in Zimbabwe just before midnight on September 6, 2024, shortly after launching in Botswana.
Investigative journalist Hopewell Chin’ono posted on X, citing sources that revealed DHL, a law firm representing Starlink, along with representatives from the Secret Service, the defence ministry, and ZIMRA, met in Harare this week to discuss the service.
During the meeting, it was alleged that authorities proposed Chivayo’s IMC, which President Emmerson Mnangagwa said was Starlink’s sole partner in Zimbabwe, receive a 40% stake in the company’s local operations, with MIF obtaining 10%.
However, Starlink reportedly rejected the proposal, stating that the other parties contributed little beyond political influence.
The Mutapa Investment Fund, previously known as the Sovereign Wealth Fund of Zimbabwe, is a state-owned investment fund that oversees 20 parastatal entities, including major companies like NetOne, Air Zimbabwe, and the National Railways of Zimbabwe. Wrote Chin’ono:
<blockquote>
There was a meeting this week in Harare involving DHL, a law firm representing Starlink, the Secret Service, the defence ministry, and ZIMRA regarding Starlink, according to my sources at Starlink.
Starlink was supposed to dispatch the first 1,500 test kits from America to Harare this week, but they were informed that POTRAZ needed to sign off first, which has now been done.
POTRAZ will also inspect and verify the kits upon their arrival in Harare.
Starlink resisted a proposal for a 50% stake, with Wicknell Chivayo’s IMC receiving 40% and the controversial Mutapa Fund getting 10%.
My Starlink source told me this morning that they rejected the deal because the other parties were not bringing anything to the table except political capital.
The Starlink Africa and Middle East contact informed me that they will be shipping the first 1,500 test kits this coming week via DHL, and they should arrive in Harare within the week for pre-go-live regulatory local compliance activities by POTRAZ.
My source told me that when units are imported via DHL, they are shipped under a global arrangement called Destination Duties Paid (DDP). 
SpaceX which runs Starlink pays the duty upfront to ensure a seamless customer experience, avoiding waiting times and delays for customers.
So the Starlink website price includes customs duties according to my Starlink source.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Wicknell Chivayo and Mutapa Investment Fund wanted a 50% stake in Starlink in Zimbabwe, but Starlink rejected the proposal. Starlink started its service in Zimbabwe on September 6, 2024. Authorities proposed a 40% stake for Chivayo’s IMC and 10% for Mutapa, but Starlink said no because they didn't bring enough to the table. The Mutapa Investment Fund is a state-owned fund that oversees major companies in Zimbabwe. Starlink will be shipping test kits soon, and they pay customs duties upfront for a smooth customer experience.

"Chivayo, Mutapa Wanted 50% Stake In Starlink Deal"

<a href="https://techzm.co.zw/starlink">Starlink</a> has now launched in Zimbabwe. The satellite internet company’s global availability map was updated on Friday night to show that its service is now live in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabweans can now buy the service directly from Starlink on its <a href="https://starlink.com">website</a>, or from local authorised resellers in the country.
The internet service’s availability in Zimbabwe was awaited for months owing to the expensive internet prices in the country by established providers. Zimbabwe’s launch follows hard on the heels of the Botswana launch earlier in the week.
<h2>Starlink Prices in Zimbabwe</h2>
The Starlink website shows that the standard kit can be bought for US $350. The Starlink Mini kit can be bought for $200.
The monthly subscription for the service is $50 for the basic residential unlimited data package. For the Starlink mini package, the monthly subscription is US $30 a month.
The local Authorised partner that has been announced so far in Zimbabwe is a company called Frampol.
<h2>How Starlink works</h2>
Starlink uses a satellite system to provide internet. When you buy the kit, you install it by pointing its dish to the sky the same way a DStv dish is installed. Because it uses satellites, like DStv it can be installed at any location where there is a clear view of the sky.
The monthly internet subscriptions for Starlink can be made online using a prepaid Visa or Mastercard debit card in Zimbabwe. Payment can also be made to local Starlink authorised resellers.
The service has unlimited data, which means that once the subscription of $50 has been paid, one can use as much internet as they want. This makes it ideal for families, small businesses, schools, mines, farms, and tourism destinations in remote places where network coverage has traditionally been a challenge.
<h2>Competing Services from other internet providers</h2>
Established internet providers in Zimbabwe have in recent months revised their prices and packages in anticipation of the Starlink launch.
Econet, the largest mobile internet provider in the country, now has<a href="https://www.techzim.co.zw/2024/08/econet-smartbiz-why-its-popular-package-prices-where-to-buy-and-starlink-comparison/"> an LTE unlimited data service for $45 a month</a>. Utande, Liquid, TelOne, Powertel, and Telco have also introduced promotional packages to prepare for the touch competition.
It is however ultimately difficult for established providers to compete due to Starlink’s satellite infrastructure giving it global network coverage anywhere a customer may be. 
Liquid and TelOne have announced that they are working on offering their own satellite powered internet services in the future.

Starlink, a satellite internet company, has launched in Zimbabwe. People can buy the service online or from local resellers. Prices start at $30 a month. The service uses satellites, so it can work anywhere with a view of the sky. Other internet providers in Zimbabwe are lowering prices to compete. Starlink offers unlimited data, which is good for families and businesses in remote areas. Some local internet providers are also working on their own satellite services.

Starlink Launches in Zimbabwe

It’s gaming theme season for itel. After released the game themed RS4 earlier in the year, itel has now released another phone whose design is definitely a gaming one – the <a href="https://itel.co.zw/p65/">itel P65</a>. The phone is expected to be launched in Zimbabwe this week!
This is the latest in the itel P-series range, a successor to the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/market/itel-p55-128gb-4gb-22-2024061345046654248/">P55</a>, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/market/itel-p55-128gb-8gb-22-20231227145949285959/">P55+</a> and <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/market/itel-p55-5g-128gb-12gb-22-20240105145741511085/">P55 5G</a>. It’s a refreshing departure from the iPhone design on the other models like the A70 and previous P series phones.
<h2>Performance</h2>
On the specs front there are huge improvements on the performance of the phone owing to an upgrade of the processor from the Unisoc T606 to the Unisoc T615. It’s still an entry to mid level processor but you get significantly better power efficiency which means your phone battery will last much longer.
It also promises smoother experience using the phone and better game playing too.
Both the T606 and T615 processors are octa-core, but the T615 is just a little faster.
<h2>Other Improvements</h2>
There are also improvements on the size of the phone. The P65 is a bigger phone with 6.7 inch display compared to the P55’s 6.6 inches.
The big difference though comes on the refresh speed of the display which is now 120Hz compared to the P55’s 90Hz. This should make for a smoother experience using the phone as well as on the gaming front.
The Android version on the P65 is now 14.
All these improvements make for a worth upgrade if you already have a p55 or, if you’re like me are on the P40 plus (I love that 7000mAh Battery)
<h2>Full P65 Specs</h2>
<ul>
<li>Storage: 128GB version, 256GB version</li>
<li>RAM: 4GB, 6GB, 8GB</li>
<li>Processor: Unisoc T615, Octa-core (2 x 1.8 GHz Cortex-A75, 6 x 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55)</li>
<li>Display: 6.7 inch, IPS LCD, 120Hz refresh rate</li>
<li>Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable with 18W fast charging</li>
<li>Rear Camera: 50 Megapixels</li>
<li>Selfie Camera: 8 Megapixels</li>
<li>Network: 3G, 4G</li>
<li>OS: Android 14</li>
<li>Sensors Fingerprint: (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity</li>
<li>Colours: Cyber Blaze, Cyber Black, Cyber Titanium</li>
</ul>

The company Itel is launching a new phone called P65 in Zimbabwe. This phone is great for gaming and has a better display and performance than the previous models. The processor has been upgraded for better efficiency and smoother gaming experience. The phone has a bigger screen, faster refresh rate, and runs on Android version 14. The storage options vary from 128GB to 256GB and RAM options from 4GB to 8GB. The P65 also has a 50MP rear camera and an 8MP selfie camera. Overall, the P65 is a significant upgrade from the previous models and a good choice for gamers.

Itel Zimbabwe Prepares To Launch The P65, Better Display, Gaming Phone, Improved Performance

Rahil Bhavan, an 18-year-old student at Christian Brothers’ College (CBC) in Bulawayo, has developed a drone equipped with a machine-learning algorithm to effectively map and repair potholes.
This innovative drone autonomously analyses road surfaces and accurately identifies pothole locations in real time, enabling authorities to enhance infrastructure management and improve safety for both pedestrians and motorists.
In an interview with the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/watch-bulawayo-whiz-kid-creates-pothole-repair-drone/">Chronicle</a> on Monday, Bhavan said his inspiration for the drone came from a visit to Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha, South Africa, where he observed peers his age designing and creating smart gadgets. He said:
<blockquote>
I saw the need for a practical and efficient method to address the pothole crisis in our city. Technology can play a crucial role in solving real-world issues, and I wanted to contribute in a meaningful way.
I have always been passionate about using my skills to make a positive difference in the world. With this drone and machine learning algorithm combination, I believe we can transform the way potholes are identified and repaired in Bulawayo.
</blockquote>
Bhavan, who is also a junior city councillor said the data-driven approach not only accelerates the detection process but also ensures that repairs are prioritised based on their severity. He said:
<blockquote>
The drone’s ability to generate real-time reports and analytics offers local authorities invaluable insights into the condition of road networks, enabling them to make data-informed decisions on infrastructure planning and resource allocation.
</blockquote>
The teenager said developing the technology presented numerous challenges, one of which was obtaining a licence to operate the drone. He said:
<blockquote>
Acquiring parts has also been a nightmare but I have been able to get them. I have had to make some parts on my own using a 3-D printer.
The drone has a battery that can last a flight time of about an hour and can be controlled manually using a remote. In the future, I hope to develop it so that it is controlled from a computer.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

An 18-year-old student named Rahil Bhavan in Bulawayo made a drone that can find and fix potholes. The drone uses technology to identify potholes on roads in real time, helping to make the city safer for people driving and walking. Rahil got the idea for the drone after seeing smart gadgets at a university in South Africa. The drone uses data to quickly find potholes and helps city officials decide which ones to fix first. Making the drone was not easy, but Rahil was able to get the parts and create some himself. He hopes to improve the drone in the future by controlling it with a computer.

Bulawayo Teen Innovator Develops Drone To Map and Repair Potholes In Real Time

From the Pindula Market:
We often get calls and messages of people asking us which about <a href="http://www.itel.co.zw">itel</a> phones from a very long time ago like the P37 or the S18. These phones are just not being made anymore and buying them often means you’re spending the same amount of money you could have spent on a much more powerful phone.
So here’s a list of the most recent phone in every letter series by itel, starting with the most affordable.
<h2>itel A05s</h2>
Price: $70
This is currently what we consider the least you can get on a smartphone, whether you are buying for elderly parents, mukomana wemombe kumusha, or a child that just needs a basic phone, or just a temporary replacement when your phone breaks or is stolen.
<img alt="itel A05s" class="alignnone wp-image-278211" decoding="async" height="303" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 303px) 100vw, 303px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/itel-A05s-Green-Front.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/itel-A05s-Green-Front.jpg 600w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/itel-A05s-Green-Front-300x300.jpg 300w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/itel-A05s-Green-Front-150x150.jpg 150w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/itel-A05s-Green-Front-60x60.jpg 60w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/itel-A05s-Green-Front-90x90.jpg 90w" width="303"/>
It has 32GB storage and 2GB RAM. The camera is also basic, at 8Megapixels for the back camera and 5 megapixels for the back camera.
It will do WhatsApp, internet browsing, take decent photos and other basic tasks, but don’t expect the world of it.
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/market/itel-a05s-32gb-2gb-22-2024022715543731153/">Full Specifications here</a>: 
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/market/itel-a05s-32gb-2gb-22-2024022715543731153/">https://www.pindula.co.zw/market/itel-a05s-32gb-2gb-22-2024022715543731153/</a>
 
<h2>itel A50</h2>
Price: $79
<img alt="itel A50" class="alignnone wp-image-278214" decoding="async" height="288" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 288px) 100vw, 288px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/itel-A50-black.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/itel-A50-black.jpg 600w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/itel-A50-black-300x300.jpg 300w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/itel-A50-black-150x150.jpg 150w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/itel-A50-black-60x60.jpg 60w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/itel-A50-black-90x90.jpg 90w" width="288"/>
You can consider this the successor of the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/market/itel-a70-256gb-4gb-22-2024012310464519631/">popular A70</a> which broke so many barriers last year in balancing price and power. The itel A70 is still a good buy, but it has since been succeeded by the A50 which has 64GB storage and 2GB RAM and priced even less.
Just a year ago, a 128GB storage phone at $84 was unheard of. The smartphone world is exciting because of this.
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/market/itel-a50-64gb-3gb-22-2024051512293074221/">Full Specifications here</a>: 
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/market/itel-a50-64gb-3gb-22-2024051512293074221/">https://www.pindula.co.zw/market/itel-a50-64gb-3gb-22-2024051512293074221/</a>
 
<h2>itel P55</h2>
Price: Starting at $105
<img alt="itel P55" class="alignnone wp-image-278216" decoding="async" height="271" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 271px) 100vw, 271px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/iteLp55_white.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/iteLp55_white.jpg 547w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/iteLp55_white-300x300.jpg 300w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/iteLp55_white-150x150.jpg 150w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/iteLp55_white-60x60.jpg 60w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/iteLp55_white-90x90.jpg 90w" width="271"/>
The P55 replaced the P40, the P38, P37 and so on. It comes in 3 flavours: The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/market/itel-p55-128gb-4gb-22-2024061345046654248/">Standard version starting at $105</a>, then there’s the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/market/itel-p55-128gb-8gb-22-20231227145949285959/">P55 + version starting at $129</a>, and then finally the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/market/itel-p55-5g-128gb-12gb-22-20240105145741511085/">P55 5G at $144</a>.
While the P55 doesn’t have a version with 7000mAh battery, the improved processor (a Mediatek Dimensity 6080 chip) means you get some efficiencies and therefore still able to have comparable battery life. Ofcourse, if it had a 7000mAh it would even be more powerful.
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/market/itel-p55-128gb-4gb-22-2024061345046654248/">Full Specifications</a>: 
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/market/itel-p55-128gb-4gb-22-2024061345046654248/">https://www.pindula.co.zw/market/itel-p55-128gb-4gb-22-2024061345046654248/</a>
 
<h2>itel S24</h2>
Price: starting at $119
<img alt="itel S24" class="alignnone wp-image-278217" decoding="async" height="282" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 282px) 100vw, 282px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/S24-black-new.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/S24-black-new.jpg 700w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/S24-black-new-300x300.jpg 300w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/S24-black-new-150x150.jpg 150w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/S24-black-new-60x60.jpg 60w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/S24-black-new-90x90.jpg 90w" width="282"/>
The S series is a favourite in Zimbabwe. The phones are just considered more stylish. 2023 was the year of the S23. It has now been replaced by the S24, an even more powerful and capable phone at but still priced at itel’s standard affordable rates.
Itel has a 128GB storage and a 256GB storage version. All other specs are the same. The most notable upgrades on this over its predecessor, are the 108Megapixel camera and the Helio G91 processor. The Unisoc T processors are out the door.
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/market/itel-s24-128gb-22-20240426142756795795/">Full Specifications</a>: 
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/market/itel-s24-128gb-22-20240426142756795795/">https://www.pindula.co.zw/market/itel-s24-128gb-22-20240426142756795795/</a>
 
<h2><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/market/itel-rs4-256gb-storage-8gb-22-2024053072549427918/">itel RS4</a></h2>
Price: $174
The itel RS4 is itel’s first phone to be billed as a gaming phone. It has more processing power than all other itel phones, coming with the Mediatek Helio G99. It’s a massive difference compared to the other itel phones in terms of processing speed. It also comes with an optional hardware RAM of 12GB which just makes it a more capable phone that all itel phones. The standard version has 8GB.
<img alt="itel RS4" class="alignnone wp-image-278222" decoding="async" height="259" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 259px) 100vw, 259px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/itel-RS4600_600-black.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/itel-RS4600_600-black.jpg 643w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/itel-RS4600_600-black-300x300.jpg 300w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/itel-RS4600_600-black-150x150.jpg 150w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/itel-RS4600_600-black-60x60.jpg 60w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/itel-RS4600_600-black-90x90.jpg 90w" width="259"/>
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/market/itel-rs4-256gb-storage-8gb-22-2024053072549427918/">Full Specifications</a>: 
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/market/itel-rs4-256gb-storage-8gb-22-2024053072549427918/">https://www.pindula.co.zw/market/itel-rs4-256gb-storage-8gb-22-2024053072549427918/</a>
 
<h2>Full Itel Catalogue Download</h2>
Pindula is an official itel retailer. You can download the latest <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/itel-catalogue-techzim-pindula-july-2024-cash.pdf">itel Zimbabwe Catalogue</a> on this link:
<a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/itel-catalogue-techzim-pindula-july-2024-cash.pdf">https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/itel-catalogue-techzim-pindula-july-2024-cash.pdf</a>
You can also just contact Pindula and Techzim customer support on the following WhatsApp number: <a href="https://wa.me/263715068543">+263715068543</a>
All phones are available on credit for SSB civil servants and pensioners in Zimbabwe.

The article talks about the latest Itel phones in Zimbabwe and their prices in July 2024. It mentions different models like the Itel A05s, A50, P55, S24, and RS4, along with their features and prices. The A05s is the most affordable, suitable for basic needs. The A50 offers more storage and power at a lower price. The P55 comes in different versions with improved processors. The S24 is stylish with better camera quality. The RS4 is a gaming phone with high processing power. These phones are available on credit for civil servants and pensioners in Zimbabwe.

Latest Itel Phones And Their Prices in Zimbabwe - July 2024

The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) has clarified the licensing of internet service providers (ISPs) in the country, including those partnering with Starlink.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/potraz-has-no-starlink-sole-exclusivity-licences/">The Herald</a>, POTRAZ Director-General Gift Machengete said the regulatory body has issued several ISP licenses to both prospective and existing operators, and none of these licenses carry sole or exclusive rights to partner with Starlink.
This appears to contradict a previous announcement made by President Emmerson Mnangagwa on May 25th, where he stated that IMC Communications, which is linked to businessman Wicknell Chivayo, had been approved as the “sole and exclusive local partner” for Starlink in Zimbabwe.
Machengete’s comments suggest that the President’s statement may have been inaccurate or incomplete, as POTRAZ has not granted any ISP an exclusive partnership with Starlink. Said Machengete:
<blockquote>
POTRAZ has over the years granted licences to ISPs such as DFA Zimbabwe, ZOL, Utande, Powertel, Liquid Intelligent and TelOne, among others.
Machengete asserted that none of the ISPs holds a licence with sole or exclusivity rights for any internet services because that would violate the country’s competition laws. He said:
An ISP licence is an internet service provider’s licence. Several others already have the licences.
In our licence categories, we have no licences for exclusivity. Our licences are not technology-specific, in this case, the service that we are licensing is internet service provision.
This means that anyone who has our licence, if it is an ISP, that person can go to Starlink, that person can go to Liquid, that person can use any technology.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

POTRAZ said no one has exclusive rights to partner with Starlink in Zimbabwe. The President's statement about IMC Communications being the sole partner may be wrong. POTRAZ has given licenses to many ISPs, not just IMC Communications. No ISP has the exclusive right to work with Starlink. The licenses are for providing internet services, not specific technologies. This means anyone with a license can work with Starlink or other internet providers. The licenses follow competition laws in Zimbabwe.

POTRAZ Denies Chivayo's IMC Communications Has Exclusive Rights To Partner Starlink

The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) has approved the application by IMC Communications.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/potraz-approves-imcs-internet-service-license/">The Herald</a> on Thursday, IMC Managing Director Denny Marandure said Zimbabwe was now “set to witness a mammoth digital revolution” after the company was officially granted the ISP (Internet Service Provider) operating license. Said Marandure:
<blockquote>
Competition is healthy, and IMC will no doubt increase competition and innovation in the Zimbabwe internet market, which should lead to lower prices and better quality for consumers.
This is no doubt a game changer for customers where other internet solutions are either unattainable or cost-prohibitive.
IMC is poised to tap into new technologies that will revolutionise our economy and align with the President’s goal of Vision 2030 of making reliable connectivity accessible to every person in Zimbabwe and embracing a digital future that leaves no one and no place behind.
This now allows IMC to play its part in helping realise this vision.
Our service offering will leverage cutting-edge satellite technology and prioritise customer satisfaction to bridge the digital divide, providing equal opportunities to all and making sure we leave no one behind.
</blockquote>
POTRAZ Director General Gift Machengete confirmed that the regulator had approved the application by IMC Communications for the ISP licence.
The Herald reported sources as saying IMC has paid a one-time permit fee of US$575,000 to operate in Zimbabwe.
In addition, IMC will be required to pay an annual licensing fee equivalent to 2% of its gross turnover, as well as a 1.5% universal services fund (USF) contribution based on its total revenue.
POTRAZ is said to be in the advanced stages of processing a license application for Starlink after the company paid the initial application fees.
NOTE: The original report made by the government-controlled publisher has inexplicably been removed from their website.
The article has been updated to clarify that IMC, which has been linked to ZANU PF donor and ex-convict Wicknell Chivayo, has not in fact partnered with US billionaire Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The government of Zimbabwe has given permission to a company called IMC to provide internet services in the country. IMC will work with Elon Musk's Starlink to bring better internet to Zimbabwe. This partnership will bring more competition and innovation to the internet market, leading to lower prices and better quality for customers. IMC will use new technology to help bridge the digital divide in Zimbabwe and support the country's goal of reliable connectivity for everyone by 2030. IMC has paid a fee of US$575,000 to operate in Zimbabwe and will also pay yearly fees based on its revenue. Starlink is also in the process of getting a license to operate in Zimbabwe.

POTRAZ Approves Starlink Partner, IMC's Internet Service Licence Application

<h2>A note from us here at Pindula</h2>
We have update the Pindula mobile app so that you can make your own posts and participate in discussions that are not just the news.
If you have the Pindula app already, just update from <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.zw.pindula.news">Google Play here.</a>
You can also download the APK directly from our website here: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/download/">zero.pindula.co.zw/download</a>
<h2>Why?</h2>
If you’ve spent any time in the comments of a story on Pindula, you’d have noticed that people end up posting things unrelated to the story. Things like “Pane ane ma results e game reManu U?”.
These unrelated comments, get their own replies. It’s useful for whoever is interested in that thing, but not for people that just want to discuss the news article. 
Our solution to this is to just you space to make these posts which you want to discuss but have not been covered in the news.
Just go to the “Discuss” tab and post or comment posts already made.
<h2>Give us your feedback</h2>
As usual, we love your feedback and suggestions. We may not be able to act on everything you suggest, but we certainly read it and consider it. So please, do give us your suggestions in the comments below, or by just using the feeedback button.
Happy posting!

You Can Now Make Your Own Posts In The Pindula App

Itel recently released different models of affordable smartphones with different features and specifications. In this article, we will compare and contrast the key specifications of the Itel S24, P55T, and P55 5G to assist you in making a well-informed decision.
Display: 
– Itel S24: The S24 features a 6.60-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 720 x 1612 pixels, a 20:9 aspect ratio, and a pixel density of around 267 ppi. 
– P55T: The P55T comes with a slightly smaller 6.56-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 720×1640 pixels. 
– P55 5G: The P55 5G offers a 6.60-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 720×1600 pixels.
<img alt="" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-273494" decoding="async" height="157" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/S24-compilation-300x157.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/S24-compilation-300x157.jpg 300w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/S24-compilation-1024x538.jpg 1024w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/S24-compilation-768x403.jpg 768w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/S24-compilation-1536x806.jpg 1536w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/S24-compilation-1320x693.jpg 1320w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/S24-compilation.jpg 2048w" width="300"/>
Front Camera: 
– All four phones feature an 8-megapixel front camera, allowing for decent selfies and video calls.
Rear Camera: 
– Itel S24: The S24 stands out with its impressive 108-megapixel rear camera, which should provide high-resolution photos. 
– P55T and P55 5G: Both models have a 50-megapixel rear camera, delivering good image quality.
<img alt="" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-275159" decoding="async" height="300" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 239px) 100vw, 239px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/p55t-239x300.jpeg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/p55t-239x300.jpeg 239w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/p55t.jpeg 663w" width="239"/>
RAM and Storage: 
– Itel S24 and P55T: Both phones offer 4GB/8GB of RAM and 128GB/256GB of internal storage, allowing for smooth multitasking and ample storage space. 
– P55 5G: This model boasts 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, offering a higher level of performance and storage capacity.
Battery Capacity: 
– Itel S24 and P55 5G: These models feature a 5000mAh battery, providing a decent amount of power to last throughout the day. 
– P55T: The P55T offers a larger 6000mAh battery, which should provide an even longer battery life.
Operating System: 
– Itel S24, and P55 5G: These models run on Android 13, offering a modern and up-to-date operating system. 
– P55T: The P55T runs on Android 14, and provides the latest version of the operating system.
Processor: 
– Itel S24: The specific processor make is not specified. 
– P55T: The P55T is equipped with the Unisoc T606 octa-core processor. 
– P55 5G: This model features the MediaTek Dimensity 6080 octa-core processor, which should deliver excellent performance.
<img alt="" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-275160" decoding="async" height="300" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 237px) 100vw, 237px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/P55-5G-237x300.png" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/P55-5G-237x300.png 237w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/P55-5G.png 433w" width="237"/>
https://www.pindula.co.zw/market/
Connectivity: 
– All four phones offer Wi-Fi, GPS, and Bluetooth capabilities, allowing for seamless connectivity. 
– USB Type-C is available on all models for convenient charging and data transfer. 
– The P55T and P55 5G support 4G connectivity on both SIM cards, whereas the others do not specify this feature.
Sensors: 
– All phones feature a fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. 
– The P55T includes face unlock features, providing an alternative biometric authentication method. 
– The P55T and P55 5G have a compass/magnetometer, while the P55T and P55 5G include a proximity sensor and an accelerometer. 
– The P55 5G also features an ambient light sensor.
Release Date:
<ul>
<li>P55 5G was released in October 2023.</li>
<li>S24 was released in April 2024</li>
<li>P55T was released in February 2024</li>
</ul>

Comparing Itel S24, P55T, And P55 5G

<h2>A note from our market</h2>
We now have Samsung and Redmi phones available for purchase on Pindula. Here’s some background on this:
Since we started retailing mobile phones, we shied away from selling phones not made by Transsion (itel, Tecno,Infinix). These were the reasons:
– Transsion offers 12 months warranty
– Maintenance for Transsion phones can happen easily as original parts are available locally
– Transsion phones are guaranteed to be brand new
As a result, we would only sell Samsung, Huawei, Redmi…etc phones here and there if a customer insisted and we could source.
<h2>Our approach</h2>
Ultimately, with mobile phones here’s our approach:
– We charge a fair price to make it as affordable as our business can sustain. Our prices are typically very low – so low that sometimes customers ask us if the devices are fake 🤔.  Ofcourse these are genuine,  it’s just that other retailers muHarare umu will hit people with 100% profit on a phone😨
– We want you to be happy with the phone – on the day you buy, a week later, a month, 6 months, a year later… We want our customers to feel really glad that we, as a business, exist
<h2>Given this background, here’s what we’re learning:</h2>
Fans of Itel and Tecno are really happy, yes…. but those of you who prefer the other brands (and will not be caught dead using an Itel!😁) feel left out. You tell us something along the lines of:
<blockquote>“I have been on Pindula since you guys started and I love being part of this community… but I prefer Samsung, so I have to look elsewhere for a phone!”</blockquote>
We’re also finding that people using Samsung, Huawei etc… actually understand 12-month manufacturer warranty is not on the table and they are generally ok with this. People receive phones from the diaspora, and they already know warranty haipo.
There are people that do not mind refurbished phones as long as the seller is clear with them about this and can offer a backup service for the phone. What people hate are sellers who lie about it.
So, starting last week we started to make available some Samsung and Redmi devices. Our warranty for these devices is 6 months. The warranty is backed by Pindula and not by the manufacturer. We cover the phone fully if it turns out to be faulty. Of course, we will not cover dropping or liquid damage. We’ll replace it or have it fixed for free.
The phone is also backed by what our customers already know about Pindula:
– If you’re not happy (a day in, a week in, a year) we will work hard to solve the problem. And we will solve it even at a significant cost to us.
– Always the truth. We will never lie to you even if the truth is uncomfortable. There’s just too much lying already in Zim business and politics, and we don’t want to be part of that.
<h2>by Limbikani (Managing Editor)</h2>

We now have Samsung and Redmi phones available. Here's why

itel has introduced the A50, a smartphone that offers an upgraded OS 14.0 system for enhanced efficiency and a personalised home screen. With its octa-core processor, the A50 ensures a seamless user experience by minimising glitches. It also provides lightning-fast 4G download speeds, reliable connectivity, and convenient security features like a side fingerprint reader and face unlock technology, itel said. In this article, we compare the itel A50 with its predecessor, the itel A70, to help you choose the right smartphone for your needs.
<img alt="" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-274816" decoding="async" height="121" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/A50-6.6-phone-300x121.png" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/A50-6.6-phone-300x121.png 300w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/A50-6.6-phone-1024x412.png 1024w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/A50-6.6-phone-768x309.png 768w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/A50-6.6-phone-1536x618.png 1536w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/A50-6.6-phone-1320x531.png 1320w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/A50-6.6-phone.png 1920w" width="300"/> <img alt="" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-274819" decoding="async" height="144" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/a50-banner-300x144.png" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/a50-banner-300x144.png 300w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/a50-banner-1024x491.png 1024w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/a50-banner-768x368.png 768w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/a50-banner-1536x737.png 1536w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/a50-banner-1320x633.png 1320w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/a50-banner.png 1835w" width="300"/>
<h3>Comparison between itel A50 and itel A70:</h3>
1. Network 
– itel A50: Supports GSM / HSPA / LTE networks with multiple bands. 
– itel A70: Supports GSM / HSPA / LTE networks with unspecified bands.
2. Launch 
– itel A50: Announced on April 23, 2024, and released on April 27, 2024. 
– itel A70: Released in November 2023.
3. Body 
– Both phones have a dual SIM feature. 
– itel A50: 8.6 mm (0.33 in) thickness and weight not specified. Built with a glass front and plastic body. 
– itel A70: 8.6 mm thickness, and weighs 184 grams.
4. Display 
– Both phones have a 6.6-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 720 x 1612 pixels and a 20:9 aspect ratio. 
– itel A50 has a higher pixel density (272 ppi) compared to itel A70 (267 ppi). 
– itel A70 has a peak brightness of 500 nits.
5. Platform 
– itel A50: Runs on Android 14 (Go Edition) with an unconfirmed UniSoC Tiger T603 chipset, octa-core CPUs, and an unconfirmed Mali-G52 GPU. 
– itel A70: Runs on Android 13 (Go edition) with a Unisoc T603 chipset and octa-core CPU.
6. Memory 
– itel A50: 4GB RAM + 128GB ROM, expandable up to 256GB via microSD card. 
– itel A70: Offers multiple memory options: 64GB/128GB/256GB storage with 3GB/4GB RAM.
7. Cameras 
– itel A50: Dual-lens rear camera setup (13MP main + QVGA AI depth lens) with various camera features. 8-megapixel front camera. 
– itel A70: Dual-lens rear camera setup (13MP main + 0.08MP auxiliary lens) with dual-LED flash and HDR. 8-megapixel front camera.
8. Sound 
– Both phones have a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack.
9. Connectivity 
– Both phones support WLAN, Bluetooth, GPS, and USB Type-C 2.0 and FM radio support. 
– itel A50 has Bluetooth 5.0, OTG.
10. Battery 
– Both phones have a non-removable 5000mAh battery. 
– itel A70 supports 10W wired charging.
11. Other Features 
– itel A50: Includes a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, and proximity sensor. Available in Black, &amp; Blue. 
– itel A70: Includes a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and unspecified sensors. Available in Brilliant Gold, Stylish Black, Field Green, and Azure Blue colours.
Disclosure: Pindula is an official Itel, Tecno, Redmi and Infinix retailer in Zimbabwe.

itel A50 vs. itel A70: A Comparison Of itel's Latest Smartphones

While Itel was busy unveiling its latest devices, the S24 and RS4, Tecno Mobile was secretly preparing to release its own smartphones, the Camon 30 and Camon 30 Pro. You might be familiar with their predecessors, the Camon 20, which came out in May 2023. In this article, we’ll compare the specifications of the Tecno Camon 30, Tecno Camon 30 Pro, and Tecno Camon 20 Pro to see how they stack up against each other.
1. Network: 
– Tecno Camon 30: GSM / HSPA / LTE 
– Tecno Camon 30 Pro: GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G 
– Tecno Camon 20 Pro: GSM / HSPA / LTE
2. Launch: 
– Tecno Camon 30: Announced in 2024, February 27, and released on 2024, April 02. 
– Tecno Camon 30 Pro: Announced in 2024, February 27, and released on 2024, April 02. 
– Tecno Camon 20 Pro: Announced on 2023, May 09, and released on the same day.
<img alt="" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-274611" decoding="async" height="169" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/20-pro-300x169.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/20-pro-300x169.jpg 300w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/20-pro-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/20-pro-768x432.jpg 768w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/20-pro-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/20-pro-1320x743.jpg 1320w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/20-pro.jpg 1920w" width="300"/>
3. Body: 
– Tecno Camon 30: Dimensions of 165.3 x 75.3 x 7.7 mm, weight not specified, and features a glass front and back or silicone polymer back. 
– Tecno Camon 30 Pro: Dimensions of 164 x 74.5 x 7.7 mm, weighs 188.6 g, and features a glass front and back or silicone polymer back. 
– Tecno Camon 20 Pro: Dimensions of 163.4 x 76.7 x 7.8 mm and weight not specified.
4. Display: 
– Tecno Camon 30: AMOLED display with a size of 6.78 inches and a resolution of 1080 x 2436 pixels. It has an always-on display feature. 
– Tecno Camon 30 Pro: AMOLED display with a size of 6.78 inches and a resolution of 1080 x 2436 pixels. It also has an always-on display feature. 
– Tecno Camon 20 Pro: AMOLED display with a size of 6.67 inches and a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels.
<img alt="" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-274613" decoding="async" height="169" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Tecno-Camon-30-300x169.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Tecno-Camon-30-300x169.jpg 300w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Tecno-Camon-30-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Tecno-Camon-30-768x432.jpg 768w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Tecno-Camon-30-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Tecno-Camon-30-1320x743.jpg 1320w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Tecno-Camon-30.jpg 1920w" width="300"/>
 
5. Platform: 
– Tecno Camon 30: Runs on Android 14 with HIOS 14. It is powered by the Mediatek Helio G99 Ultimate chipset and an octa-core CPU. 
– Tecno Camon 30 Pro: Runs on Android 14 with HIOS 14. It is powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 8200 Ultimate (4 nm) chipset and an octa-core CPU. 
– Tecno Camon 20 Pro: Runs on Android 13 with HIOS 13 and is powered by the Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm) chipset and an octa-core CPU.
6. Memory: 
– Tecno Camon 30: Offers 256GB of internal storage and comes in two RAM options: 8GB and 12GB. 
– Tecno Camon 30 Pro: Offers 256GB or 512GB of internal storage and 12GB of RAM. 
– Tecno Camon 20 Pro: Offers 256GB of internal storage and 8GB of RAM.
7. Camera: 
– Tecno Camon 30: Rear camera setup includes a 50 MP wide lens and a 2 MP depth sensor. The front camera is 50 MP. 
– Tecno Camon 30 Pro: Rear camera setup includes a 50 MP wide lens, a 50 MP ultrawide lens, and a 2 MP depth sensor. The front camera is 50 MP. 
– Tecno Camon 20 Pro: Rear camera setup includes a 64 MP wide lens, a 2 MP depth sensor, and a QVGA sensor. The front camera is 32 MP.
 
<img alt="" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-274614" decoding="async" height="169" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Tecno-Camon-30-Pro-300x169.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Tecno-Camon-30-Pro-300x169.jpg 300w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Tecno-Camon-30-Pro-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Tecno-Camon-30-Pro-768x432.jpg 768w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Tecno-Camon-30-Pro-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Tecno-Camon-30-Pro-1320x743.jpg 1320w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Tecno-Camon-30-Pro.jpg 1920w" width="300"/>
8. Battery: 
– Tecno Camon 30: Comes with a 5000 mAh non-removable battery and supports 70W wired charging. 
– Tecno Camon 30 Pro: Comes with a 5000 mAh non-removable battery and supports 70W wired charging. 
– Tecno Camon 20 Pro: Comes with a 5000 mAh non-removable battery and supports 33W wired charging.
Based on these specifications, the Tecno Camon 30 and Tecno Camon 30 Pro have similar features, with the Pro version offering 5G connectivity and a higher resolution front camera. The Tecno Camon 20 Pro, on the other hand, has slightly lower specifications compared to the Camon 30 and Camon 30 Pro, such as an older Android version.
<h3>Disclosure: Pindula is an official Itel, Tecno, Redmi and Infinix retailer in Zimbabwe. </h3>

Comparing Tecno Camon 30, Camon 30 Pro And Camon 20 Pro

A note from us here at Pindula:
Since the revamp of the <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.zw.pindula.news&amp;hl=en&amp;gl=US">Pindula Android app</a> several weeks ago, you have been giving us feedback on what you’d like to us to work on.
We have released a few updates these past few weeks with some fixes.
Here are the most notable:
<ul>
<li>You can now copy text inside an article. While still not working as well as we would like, now you can copy some text and paste it somewhere else. There are limitations in terms of how much you can copy. it’s a technical issue really and we hope to resolve it in the next incremental update.</li>
<li>The app is much smoother than before</li>
<li>Navigation has been fixed so that when you click back, you go to the previous screen and not to the homepage.</li>
<li>We have introduced Small Business Pages. For now we are testing with a few businesses to see how we can provide users of the app with relevant products and content from the advertisers. Working with businesses has been a struggle because when we open it up, we get lots of guys selling health concoctions and some even selling fake month and witchcraft. We have an obligation to ensure this nonsense doesn’t flood the good businesses and this is what we’re working on. You will see more improvements on this and hopefully we can open to more businesses soon.</li>
<li>There were some people having issues when they lose an internet connection. We have fixed this so you can still browse when your internet connection is not there. You still need the connection to download new content ofcourse.</li>
<li>We have improved the appearance of the comments.</li>
<li>Dark mode and light mode appearance have also been improved so that it’s seamless when you switch. </li>
</ul>
<h2>Adding Ads</h2>
A big change you will notice is that the mobile app now has Google adverts. These help us pay for the costs of the the app. It’s still a free to use app if you’re on Econet in Zimbabwe but that costs us money and the ads are a way of making it sustainable.
We know that some ads can be annoying, and we have tried to limit their appearance when you’re using the app. Please bear with us as we work to make this sustainable.
 
<h2>What to expect soon?</h2>
We’re still working to bring some things back specifically the Techzim section of the app.
We are also working on other exciting features which we hope to release in the coming weeks and months. 
<h2>How to install the new Pindula App</h2>
The easiest way to install the Pindula app is to uninstall the one you have first, and then install it from Google Play here <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.zw.pindula.news&amp;hl=en&amp;gl=US">https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.zw.pindula.news&amp;hl=en&amp;gl=US</a>
However, if you don’t have access to Google Play you can just download the APK from our zero-rated website here and install it: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/download/">https://zero.pindula.co.zw/download/</a>
Remember to uninstall the old app first.
 
Thank you for the patience as we work to get this right. 🙏🏾 We really appreciate your support. Please keep the feedback coming.
As usual, don’t forget to spread the word. The more people use the app the better everything works.

We have updated the Pindula App

In today’s smartphone market, a wide range of options are available for budget-conscious consumers looking for affordable phones with ample memory and storage capacities. While budget phones are often associated with limited memory and storage capabilities, some models offer impressive features without causing a strain on the wallet. In this article, PindulaNews will compare the memory and storage features of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11, itel P55, Tecno Camon 20, itel S24, Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+, and Tecno Camon 19 Pro. By examining these devices, we can gain insight into their respective capabilities and find the best fit for our needs.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11: A Budget Phone with Generous Memory and Storage
Price: $129
Specifications:
<ul>
<li>Released in February 2022</li>
<li>Dimensions: 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm, weighing 179g</li>
<li>Runs on Android 11, upgradable to Android 13 with MIUI 14</li>
<li>128GB storage, expandable via microSDXC</li>
<li>Comes with 4GB or 6GB of RAM</li>
<li>Features a 6.43-inch AMOLED display with 1080×2400 pixels resolution and Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection</li>
<li>Powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G chipset and Adreno 610 GPU</li>
<li>Quad camera setup: 50MP primary lens, 8MP ultrawide lens, 2MP macro lens, and 2MP depth sensor</li>
<li>13MP front camera for selfies</li>
<li>Equipped with a 5000mAh non-removable Li-Po battery and supports 33W fast charging</li>
<li>Additional features include dual SIM support, side-mounted fingerprint sensor, stereo speakers, and NFC (market/region dependent)</li>
<li>Available colours: Graphite Gray, Twilight Blue, Star Blue</li>
</ul>
Pictures:
<img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-274281" decoding="async" height="256" loading="lazy" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Redmi-Note-11-1.jpeg" width="197"/>
itel P55: A Budget Phone with Decent Memory and Storage
Price: $119
– itel P55 specifications: 
– Released in January 2024 
– Weighs 190g 
– Runs on Android 13 
– Available with 128GB or 256GB storage, expandable via microSDXC 
– Comes with 4GB or 8GB of RAM 
– Features a 6.6-inch IPS LCD display with 720×1612 pixels resolution and 90Hz refresh rate 
– Powered by the Unisoc T606 chipset and Mali-G57 MP1 GPU 
– Single 50MP main camera and 0.08MP auxiliary lens 
– 8MP front camera for selfies 
– Equipped with a 5000mAh non-removable battery and supports 18W wired charging 
– Additional features include dual SIM support, side-mounted fingerprint sensor, loudspeaker, and 3.5mm jack 
– Available colors: Aurora Blue, Brilliant Gold, Moonlit Black, Starry Purple 
– Model: A666L
Pictures: 
<img alt="" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-274283" decoding="async" height="294" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/itel-P55-Dynamic-bar-design-300x294.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/itel-P55-Dynamic-bar-design-300x294.jpg 300w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/itel-P55-Dynamic-bar-design-60x60.jpg 60w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/itel-P55-Dynamic-bar-design.jpg 500w" width="300"/> <img alt="" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-274284" decoding="async" height="183" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/itel-P55-300x183.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/itel-P55-300x183.jpg 300w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/itel-P55.jpg 720w" width="300"/> <img alt="" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-274286" decoding="async" height="169" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/P55-300x169.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/P55-300x169.jpg 300w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/P55-768x432.jpg 768w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/P55.jpg 800w" width="300"/>
Tecno Camon 20: Another Competitor in the Budget Segment
Tecno Camon 20 specifications: 
Price: $214 
– Released in May 2023 
– 7.8mm thickness 
– Runs on Android 13 with HIOS 13 
– 256GB internal storage (unspecified expandability) 
– 6.67-inch AMOLED display with 1080×2400 pixels resolution and always-on display feature 
– Powered by MediaTek MT6769Z Helio G85 chipset and Mali-G52 MC2 GPU 
– 64MP triple rear camera setup with LED flash and various features 
– 32MP front camera with dual-LED flash 
– Features IP53 rating for dust and splash resistance 
– Equipped with a 5000mAh non-removable battery and supports 33W wired charging 
– Dual SIM support 
– Includes stereo speakers and a 3.5mm headphone jack 
– Offers fingerprint sensor (under display, optical), accelerometer, proximity, and compass sensors 
– Available in Predawn Black, Glacier Glow, and Serenity Blue colours- Models: CK6, CK6n
Pictures: 
<img alt="" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-274288" decoding="async" height="255" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Camon-20-AE-300x255.jpeg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Camon-20-AE-300x255.jpeg 300w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Camon-20-AE-1024x869.jpeg 1024w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Camon-20-AE-768x652.jpeg 768w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Camon-20-AE.jpeg 1200w" width="300"/> <img alt="" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-274289" decoding="async" height="300" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Camon20-300x300.jpeg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Camon20-300x300.jpeg 300w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Camon20-1024x1024.jpeg 1024w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Camon20-150x150.jpeg 150w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Camon20-768x768.jpeg 768w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Camon20-60x60.jpeg 60w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Camon20-90x90.jpeg 90w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Camon20.jpeg 1200w" width="300"/>
itel S24: Ample Memory and Storage at an Affordable Price
Price: $124 OR $159
Specifications: 
– Storage: 128GB / 256GB, RAM: 4GB/ 8GB 
– Network: GSM / HSPA / LTE 
– Display: 6.6-inch IPS LCD with 720 x 1612 pixels resolution, 90Hz refresh rate 
– Operating System: Android 13 
– Processor: Mediatek Helio G91 Ultra octa-core CPU 
– Main Camera: 108 MP wide lens 
– Selfie Camera: 8 MP 
– Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable, 18W wired charging
Pictures: 
<img alt="" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-273497" decoding="async" height="300" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 241px) 100vw, 241px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/S24-Coataline-Blue-241x300.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/S24-Coataline-Blue-241x300.jpg 241w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/S24-Coataline-Blue.jpg 720w" width="241"/> <img alt="" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-273496" decoding="async" height="300" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 241px) 100vw, 241px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/S24-Coastaline-White-241x300.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/S24-Coastaline-White-241x300.jpg 241w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/S24-Coastaline-White.jpg 720w" width="241"/><img alt="" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-273495" decoding="async" height="300" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 241px) 100vw, 241px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/S24-Starry-Black-241x300.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/S24-Starry-Black-241x300.jpg 241w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/S24-Starry-Black.jpg 720w" width="241"/>
itel P40:
– Price: $99 
– Storage: 128GB, RAM: 4GB 
– Network: GSM / HSPA / LTE 
– Display: 6.6-inch IPS LCD with 720 x 1612 pixels resolution 
– Operating System: Android 13 (Go edition) 
– Processor: Unisoc SC9863A octa-core CPU 
– Main Camera: 13 MP 
– Selfie Camera: 5 MP 
– Battery: 6000 mAh, non-removable, 18W wired charging
<img alt="" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-274299" decoding="async" height="198" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Itel-P40-300x198.png" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Itel-P40-300x198.png 300w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Itel-P40.png 630w" width="300"/>
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G: High Storage and Performance
Price: $349
Specifications: 
– Released in November 2022 
– Weighs 208.4g and has a thickness of 8.9mm 
– Runs on Android 12 with MIUI 13 
– 256GB internal storage with no expandable card slot 
– 6.67-inch OLED display with 1080×2400 pixels resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and HDR support 
– Powered by MediaTek Dimensity 1080 chipset and Mali-G68 MC4 GPU 
– Available with 8GB or 12GB of RAM 
– Triple rear camera setup with a 200MP main camera, an 8MP ultra-wide camera, and a 2MP macro camera 
– 16MP front camera for selfies 
– Features IP53 rating for dust and splash resistance 
– Equipped with a 5000mAh non-removable battery and supports 120W wired charging 
– Dual SIM support 
– Includes stereo speakers and a 3.5mm headphone jack 
– Offers side-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, proximity, gyro, and compass sensors 
– Available in Arctic White, Iceberg Blue, Obsidian Black, and Trend edition colours- Models: 22101316UCP, 22101316UG 
Picture:
<img alt="" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-274300" decoding="async" height="300" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Xiaomi-Redmi-Note-12-Pro-300x300.jpeg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Xiaomi-Redmi-Note-12-Pro-300x300.jpeg 300w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Xiaomi-Redmi-Note-12-Pro-150x150.jpeg 150w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Xiaomi-Redmi-Note-12-Pro-60x60.jpeg 60w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Xiaomi-Redmi-Note-12-Pro-90x90.jpeg 90w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Xiaomi-Redmi-Note-12-Pro.jpeg 450w" width="300"/>
Tecno Camon 19 Pro: A Storage Powerhouse
Price: $298 

Specifications: 
– Released in July 2022 
– Weighs 204g and has a thickness of 8.6mm 
– Runs on Android 12 with HIOS 8.6 
– Available in 128GB or 256GB internal storage options with no expandable card slot 
– 6.8-inch IPS LCD display with 1080×2460 pixels resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate 
– Powered by MediaTek MT6781 Helio G96 chipset and Mali-G57 MC2 GPU 
– Comes with 8GB of RAM 
– Triple rear camera setup with a 64MP main camera, a 50MP telephoto camera, and a 2MP depth sensor 
– 32MP front camera for selfies 
– Features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, and proximity sensors 
– Equipped with a 5000mAh non-removable battery and supports 33W wired charging 
– Dual SIM support 
– Offers a 3.5mm headphone jack and FM radio 
– Available in Polar Blue, Eco Black, and Mondrian colours- Models: CI8, CI8n
Picture:
<img alt="" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-274295" decoding="async" height="205" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Tecno-Camon-19-Pro-300x205.png" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Tecno-Camon-19-Pro-300x205.png 300w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Tecno-Camon-19-Pro-1024x701.png 1024w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Tecno-Camon-19-Pro-768x526.png 768w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Tecno-Camon-19-Pro.png 1060w" width="300"/>
<h3>Which Budget Phone with Big Memory/Storage Should You Choose?</h3>
Based on the comparison of the mentioned devices, the choice of the best budget phone with ample memory and storage depends on individual needs and priorities.
a). For users seeking affordability, the itel S24 is a suitable option. It offers 128GB or 256GB of storage, along with 4GB or 8GB of RAM. With its decent specifications and affordable price, it provides a good balance between price and performance.
b). For those who prioritize storage and powerful performance, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ stands out. It offers a generous 256GB of internal storage, though it lacks expandable storage options. With its high-end specifications, including a 200MP main camera and 120W wired charging support, it provides a premium experience at a reasonable price.
c). However, if storage capacity and a larger display are the main considerations, the Tecno Camon 19 Pro is a compelling choice. It offers the flexibility of either 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, along with a large 6.8-inch display. With its storage options and impressive camera capabilities, it caters to users who prioritize storage capacity and a bigger screen.
d). Another budget-friendly option is the itel P40 which offers adequate storage with 128GB internal storage, along with 4GB of RAM. A unique feature that sets it apart is its substantial 6000mAh battery.
Ultimately, it is important to evaluate your specific needs and budget to make the best choice among these devices.
<h3>Disclosure: Pindula is an official Itel, Tecno, Redmi and Infinix retailer in Zimbabwe. </h3>

Technology Latest News

Latest Jobs