Several mobile vendors like Samsung have earned a notorious reputation for the mass production of smartphones that leaves users confuse. But the big question is what do you do to your old smartphone when manufacturers start enticing you with their latest flagships? Do you save your old phone, trade it in or sell it?

Phones have been around for decades, but it wasn’t too long before they became mainstream in Nigeria. Thanks to Chinese OEM’s targeting Nigeria as their primary mobile market, the availability of smartphones has increased tremendously.

There are platforms like OLX where you can easily dispose off your old smartphones. This has been fairly effective; however, a system where users can trade in their smartphones in Nigeria is very unpopular.

For me, a system where we can donate our old smartphones to charity would have been fantastic. There are several times I wanted to give out one of my old smartphones to someone I really don’t know and certain that she needs it. But it’s always a burden as nothing of such exists in Nigeria to the best of my knowledge.

What about you? What do you do with your old smartphones?
http://www.techrez.com/what-do-you-do-with-your-old-smartphones/

cc: lalasticlala

Infinix Big 6 which was easily decoded by Nigerians to be the Note 2 will launch on November 27, same day Jumia will have its Black Friday. Naturally, if you are the first to snag up one of the Infinix Note 2 device, you can be sure you won’t be paying the full price.

Under the hood, the device would be specced with top-of-the-line technology. The smartphone also open a new series for Infinix Mobility. The Note 2 will actually be the first smartphone in a new line of devices called the Note series.

Although we missed the official name when we talked about the device in a recent article, every other thing, including the specs and features of the upcoming Note 2 seem to align with these exclusive Infinix Note 2 images.
http://www.techrez.com/infinix-note-2-images/

The Nigeria Communications Commission set today, November 16, as the deadline for MTN Nigeria to pay up a fine of N1.04 trillion.

MTN Group CEO Sifiso Dabengwa resigned amidst talks between the company and Nigeria authorities. MTN shares equally plummeted, with investors pessimistic about the outcome of the hefty fine.

However, authoritative sources independently told TechRez that MTN is yet to meet the fine terms, but continues to plead with the commission for a reduction of 80 per cent.

An anonymous source also said that MTN, on Friday, asked the commission to allow it pay the fine within two years. The source claims the meeting ended in a deadlock as neither the Federal Government nor NCC approved the proposal.

At this time, effort to get response from the Nigeria Communications commission yielded no result. The commission is yet to release a statement following MTN’s inability to meet the terms and conditions of the fine.
http://www.techrez.com/deadline-mtn-fails-to-meet-n1-04-trillion-fine/

Politicians

jideprof:


It's very obvious you have no idea of whom you're throwing shades at... You really need to sit tight and get your facts right.

You just came here to throw insults... If you've got any stats or facts to counter what he's trying to pass around, just lay it down and we'll learn.

Thanks pal, I obviously tried not to dignify his ignorance with a reply.

wildcatter23:


There is a niche yet unsatisfied in the tab scene. Maybe gionee should capitalize on that

Sales of Tablet are dropping astronomically, that would be a terrible business decision, if you ask me.

tempem:
I wonder oh. All I see is a tecno fan.

You may need to borrow an eye-glass..

xxxtedyxxx:
oga. All u posted is trash, u can't even ansa such a simple question. See ur mouth like online and offline analysis. U typed trash and called it ananlysis. All these yeye bloggers that won't do their homework well. U said infinix hot 2 has sold tense of thousands...can u prove that? U just sit down with plate of beans dey compose rubbish.

The sales of Infinix Hot 2 was independently confirmed by Infinix Mobility. At the time we got the report, over 170k units of the device had left the company.

However, we will not continue to join words with you. Next time, before you insult bloggers, do your homework and run through the profile of the blogs.

Please take a seat!

asuustrike2009:
To me, Gionee's sale is not high in Nigeria because of the following
1. The market penetration is poor.
2. The phone market is saturated coupled with the fact that they are not innovative enough. Their selling point is battery but it goes beyond battery life. Infinix is a hot cake in Nigeria because of their battery life, affordable price(not too low not high), good camera quality-( most persons opt in for it because it was clear and sharp) and after sales repair in nearly the 36 states of the federation. But what woo them was the sharp and clear pictures coupled with big screen, long lasting battery that charges fast.( Although I learnt the new Gionee now charges fast from the advert I watched)
3. It was just of recent that they introduced low range phones with good battery life e.g gionee mini range.
Possible solutions(my opinion)
1. The marketing department should carry out a survey or research on what Nigerians really need because that is the basis for determing what to produce before production.
2. They should study the strength of their competitor to know their selling point.
3. They should capitalise on every opportunity available at their disposal to out way their competitor. This entails doing it more better than their competitor. For example infinix selling point is quality camera, strong battery, affordable price( medium range) case study infinix hot note pro and carl centre. Gionee may decide to add some spices to their product, e.g water resistance, durable( nokia 3310 a good example), long lasting battery, carl centre in the 36 states of federation for after. Imagine buying a phone with good camera pix, long lasting battery and strong phone for N10,000 that is if they would do so. Having a good trained customer care representative similar to GTB bank. Not someone that is aggressive but patient with their customers. Be able to resolve their problem on time. Their spare parts shouldn't be expensive that is buying one part shouldn't lead me to buy another phone. E.g if the cost of my phone is N20,000 and changing the screen is about N7,000, it wouldn't be reasonable to change it instead I would save some cash to add to it to buy another
4. Price is one of the greatest weapon to woo customers to their brand especially customers comparing the benefits and cost from product. It is a major determinant of demand( ask Tecno why their so called Camon 8 or C8 hasn't being a huge success since it was lauched.
That is Nigeria market for you

Wow, these are outstanding points you raised.

Marketing is everything. The last time I checked, Samsung can sell plastics as gold and people will fall, because they have the best mobile marketing department in the world.

For me this is so sad, because Sony and Gionee are in the same page. They make decent phones with mediocre marketing.

Panshow:
Where are your facts?, any statistics to back up your point?.

Most of these Chinese OEM do not release their quarterly report to the public.

However, we carried out a very intense study on the situation, online and offline analysis to come to our logical conclusion.

We write purely on facts and not on assumptions or emotions.

ollah1:


The Tecno paid trolls would soon hit back at you

Funny..

gadgetsngs:
Gionee has all it takes to make it in the African market only if they will go back to the drawing board, involve top bloggers and all that.

I totally agree with you..

Gionee’s mobile division in Nigeria is falling apart. The Chinese mobile manufacturer founded in 2002 grew to become a formidable brand in China, expanding its market to India, Vietnam, Taiwan, Phillppines and Nigeria.

In 2013, the mobile brand grew in popularity in Nigeria, posing a huge threat to Tecno. Gionee’s constant push for innovative smartphones backed by aggressive marketing made the brand a household name.

The company also earned a global recognition for manufacturing the slimmest phone in 2014, the Elife S5.5, although it has been overtaken by Micromax’s Canvas Sliver 5.

During that same year, Gionee got in the media for some shoddy practices. It was accused of delivering smartphones pre-installed with Malwares.

Gionee E6
Gionee E6
Fast-foward to 2015, the company appears to be struggling especially in Nigeria where other OEM ‘s like Infinix have had an instant impact in Africa’s biggest mobile market.

Infinix and Google had a mega deal that brought in the Infinix Hot 2, an Android One smartphone that has sold in tens of thousands. The same thing cannot be said of Gionee smartphones, though they launch new devices continuously, it appears no one noticed.

The competition is going to be more stiff, as Xiaomi which was recently dethroned as the biggest Mobile Vendor in China by Huawei launches two smartphones in Nigeria at the end of November.

Jumia is also likely to partner with Wileyfox to launch two smartphones in Nigeria before the end of 2015 TechRez can authoritatively confirm. Wilefox phones are like the hugely successful OnePlus phones running on Cyanogen OS with top-of-the-line specs on-board.

It is not clear what went wrong in the camp of Gionee, but if they choose to remain relevant in Nigeria. They have to “re-study” the market, knowing why brands like Yezz Mobile failed miserably in Nigeria with their completely down-market phones and why emerging brands like InnJoo have suddenly become an instant success.

http://www.techrez.com/why-is-gionee-struggling-in-nigeria/

cc: lalasticlala

TechsNG:

An official report from Xinhua news agency says the problem is draining the 2.8 trillion yuan ($441.84 billion) fast-growing online sector, which is dominated by Alibaba.

The report which was delivered to China’s top lawmakers last Monday, shows that “only” about 59 per cent of goods sold in 2014 were genuine or of good quality.”

China has been trying to re-brand itself, to change the perception that they are known for only pirated and counterfeit goods, but the recent report puts a dent on the effort made so far.

62 Per Cent Of Products Listed On Alibaba Are Fake

Most troublesome is that Alibaba, the biggest eCommerce player in China has been accused of selling the highest number of fake and down market items through its e-store Taobao. The figure is put at 62 per cent.

Alibaba is said to be lobbying to stay off a US blacklist for counterfeit items, after renewed pressure from sales of downmarket items.

In 2014, eCommerce sites all over China received about 80,000 complaints regarding shoddy items purchased online.

The report which was submitted to the committee by Yan Jiuqi, vice chairwoman of the standing committee of the National People’s Congress, China’s top law-making body called for accelerated legislation in eCommerce, improved supervision and clarification of consumers’ rights and sellers’ responsibilities”.

What’s Up For Nigeria? The Other Side Of The Picture

Nigeria has been a “dumping ground” for Chinese items, with little or no regulation from authorities.

In July, Nigeria authorities shut-down InnJoo Mobile Technology headquarters in Lagos. It was widely speculated that the smartphone which it offered for sale in Nigeria were made from substandard manufacturing materials.

Up till now, neither the Nigeria Communication Commission nor The Standard Organisation of Nigeria left concrete information regarding the raid of InnJoo’s headquarters.

Last month, a user on Nairaland complained about her loss. She alleged to have bought a smartphone which she could not repair because the China based company no longer produces the phone, as a results the screen part for the device was not available.

Nigeria authorities need to boost protection for consumers online, where there is still a lot of uncertainty about how users can claim compensation or hold these companies to account.

http://www.techrez.com/more-than-40-of-china-goods-sold-online-are-fakes-counterfeits-report/

cc: lalasticlala

Daily Giveaway only on www.techrez.com| Unbiased mobile reviews, Freebies, and big Tech.. Get Involved.

DavidGodwin:
tecno owns infinix and itel

I wonder where you got your grossly unverified information from.

Flye:
I don't get it why people complain about MTN, no body has any reason to complain because u have alternative. Gone are d days people complain I don't want to loose my line because many poeple know me with this line, u can easily port to any network of your choice.

So shove that complain into your ass or find alternative network.

Nigerians hate "to try new things"... as powerful as number porting, only a handful have made used of the feature.

.

ollah1:


I saw his message earlier buh ignored him

Not again..

CertifiedSamuel:
One question for the OP.

Will you buy a Tecno phone with your money?

This is a genuine question..

libertyfather:


Wait till 16th of November and get BlackBerry Priv

The Priv will have a price tag from $700-$1000

ollah1:



You caused the pain upon yourself..

Rules in buying a new phone


1:... check our the specs and price
2:.... Wait for several months(read unbiased reviews, hands on videos, first hand experiences etc)
3:..... never spend so much on an unknown brand


For God's sake, why would you spend so much on a product that isn't even known in its home country? The only place where Tecno is sold is Nigeria simply because there aren't regulations here. I can bet you, these Tecno phones don't work abroad. Thats the fact

My bruh ...

Ojugunrege:
@ TechRez, much as I think some of the reasons you flagged above are true, I personally will never buy a Techno phone again.
my reasons?
1. they only gave a 1 year warranty on the phantom A3 I bought last year. who does that? give a 1 year warranty on a smart phone that costs 50k?

2. just about 2 months after I bought it, they launched d phantom Z making my A3 look like poo....big fit nothing if u like. when I bought the phone in January 2014, it was the highest brand they had. why release another soo soon?

3. I had enough issues with the phone. first it started charging slowly like 4 months after I bought it. i had to start using a desktop charger. as if that was not enough, d screen broke. that was when someone suggested the Carl care centre. they replaced d screen for 15k and discovered that the slow charging was cos of a bad battery..new phone, fa? but wait for this...they couldn't get a new battery in phc.

when I was in lagos last Dec 2014, I went to the Carl center and I got a battery for 1k. but u know what? I was told that phantom A3 was no longer being made.

4. why would they stop making a brand because they started making an higher brand? thus making its parts scarce and repairs near impossible?

5. fast forward to july 2015. I just opened the phone to receive a call and lo and behold the screen was cracked. I have not able to use it nor repair it since then.

6. I have seen people recieve calls on their cracked Samsung phones. my verdict, techno uses inferior materials.

7. in all d techno phantom A3 cost me 66K and a lot of pains!!!!!
it lays injured (cracked screen ) and maybe dead in my bedside locker. no hope of repairs, no parts anywhere!

I will not recommend techno devices to friends, family nor enemy.
anyone that buys it is does that at their own risk

Sorry about your loss dear, and you surely have valid points.

I think Tecno should have a "trade-in" system, where users can bring in their old and defective Tecno phones and replace with a newer model, while parting with a few bucks.. That's the best solution to the issue you had.

It's something some other Smartphone manufacturers have started, I expect Tecno to follow suit, soon.

callmelanner:


U were joking when u said "a million dollars" right?

Integrity is being the same person anywhere and anytime. We have been tested before and didn't budge. (not with a million dollar bill though)

Ojugunrege:
@ TechRez

Yes dear

andymofia:


Maybe you need to read my comments again. I never mentioned you said anything about Techno being up there with Samsung. Did I?

You sounded as if I did, .. no hard feelings bruh

andymofia:
OP, Take it or leave it, Techno is a low end phone and can never be compared to the iPhone, Samsung or HTC and the likes. If you like bring 100 reasons, it won't change the fact

I can't find where I said Tecno was up there with Samsung. Don't you think you are trying too hard?

plexond:
Good write up

Thanks

koice:
How much did tecno pay you to compose the above article, heh, @Techrez?

I find it rather "heart-breaking" that you have to attach every article to monetary parameters. How did our society degenerate to this level?

Let me re-echo it again, that we do not have any sympathy for any mobile brand, neither do we write based on assumptions or emotions, but purely on facts.

It's really unfair to ask how much Tecno paid me to put up this article because we are not for sale. We take the stuff we do on the blog seriously. Your time and your money are on the line when you’re deciding if you should purchase a tablet, smartphone, a PC peripheral, speakers, games or apps based on our judgement and we can't trade our reputation for a million dollars. Please take a seat!

Karmanaut:

You mean the ~3 people that bought it?

Unlike other mobile vendors, Tecno has the strongest physical (offline) presence in Nigeria.

I believe we have to wait for official numbers from Tecno

When people develop self-hatred over a brand, they tend to easily believe negative things about the brand which forms a a belief system that’s passed across to several persons.

No matter how you look at it, purchasing a Tecno smartphone doesn’t make you any less important than people who go for the big guns; the likes of iPhone, HTC and Samsung.

Despite this established fact, you begin to wonder why there are tens of thousands of people who will catch a cold at the mention of the brand Tecno.

Short answer – It’s because they have fallen for the myth that Tecno smartphones are a ridiculous excuse for being a mobile phone.

Sadly, if you have fallen for any of these myths, then chances are you have missed a couple of things that users are enjoying.


So what exactly are these myths? Although there are pretty numerous , allow me to share with you 4 of the most common ones mobile lovers fall for.

1. Tecno Smartphones Are Bad Because There’re Made In CHINA!
No doubt, we hear this boring phrase every time and those who want to take a jab at users of the product shot them with the phrase – Tecno na chinko.


Ouch….

Don’t Miss: Tecno Is Loosing The Smartphone War In Nigeria To Gionee?

While it’s entirely true that Tecno is China based, it doesn’t make the product any less durable. It would shock you to know that most major mobile vendors, including Apple has manufacturing plants in China and most of the products coming to Africa especially Nigeria are made in China.

2. Tecno Smartphones Are Just “A Piece Of Cheap Plastic”

Again, Tecno products are entirely made of plastic, only recently did the Chinese OEM start producing smartphones with leather shell and metal casing, better late than never. However, Tecno’s decision to stick with “cheap plastic” in the past does makes a whole of sense considering the fact that they control a market whose users are predominantly “low budget earners.”

It is a known fact that the highly rated Samsung Galaxy S series (up to the Galaxy S5) are made with a “cheap” plastic shell. Also, two years ago, the World’s most valuable brand Apple designed a line of iPhone in Plastic casing and no one gave a hoot about it, though it was an embarrassing flop.

So you hate plastic casing as much as I do? The newly released Tecno Phantom 5 is your answer.

3. Saturation Of The Market With Same Phones In Different Label
Now, this is hilarious because it makes little or no sense to believe that Tecno is the only mobile vendor guilty of this act.

No mobile vendor has released phones in equal succession like Nokia and before it was acquired and dumped by Microsoft, no one saw the mass production of phones as a problem. Shouldn’t Tecno be given that same privilege considering also, that the China based company isn’t anywhere near Samsung in mass production of Smartphones?

Someone affirmed that Samsung doesn’t know the number of smartphones they have put up in the market. Although, there is no way to test the validity of such a claim, but it does makes Tecno a learner in the act of mass production of phones.

Don’t Forget: 4 Costly Mistakes That Forced Nokia Out Of The Smartphone Race

4. Tecno Leaves A Fault In Their Device, So They Can Sell The Next One

A lot of tech savvy users believe buying a Tecno Smartphone is as good as buying a product that’s dead on arrival (DOA). The myth that device malfunctioning only exist on the Tecno brand is not only ridiculous but shameful.

No responsible company would design a product with a deliberate fault, with Tecno’s resolve to create a brand that would give other competitors sleepless nights, it’s unlikely the China based company would trade its long term vision for a premeditated engineering and design blunder.

Final Thoughts

The recently lunched Tecno Camon C8 and Phantom 5 proves Tecno is gradually becoming a brand without limits.

Most of the flaws we highlighted earlier were carefully corrected and for the first time, I was impressed by Tecno’s design concept on its 2015 flagship concept.

A lot of pundits have said several negative things about Tecno but with the company’s latest mobile policy of releasing top-of-the line smartphones and dumping “cheap” plastic casing for good, a lot more people could change their perception about the China based company who dramatically played a vital role in fostering the transition of feature phones to smartphones in Nigeria.

Are you guilty of having fallen for any of these myths? If you are, then it’s high time you snapped out of it and crank up yourself to go get a Tecno phone. What do you think?
http://www.techrez.com/four-tecno-myths-you-should-stop-believing-right-now/

CC: lalasticlala

J

kazzonline:
@Techrez am not sure if you composed this by your sekf or you culled it off frm somwia wither ways am dissapointed with your expectatios that the blacberry would disodge the samsung just because of the blacbery priv..you are totay wrong

first things first,you shls realise that blacberry came late to thw party.anyone planin on buyin this phone at the very expensive lauch price shld not be disspointed if after 6 months the phone would be sold for half less the price.why?with the same mistake blackberry made with the z10 releasing it a year late,they made the exact same mistake here again,this specs of this said phone are so last year/early 2015.this phone plans to launch by nov/dec,nigerians shld expect it by late december/jan by then oems would be planing new flagships already so with these specs am so sorry this phone wont even affect samsung phone sales at all,as we know we customers aint loyal.we want the latest specs

Second:this phone is lauching with android 5.1.1 which we know the new android marshmallow is out already.yes i knoit would recieve updates to android M but blacberry shld hav chilled and lauched this device with the latest android os,and specs that can stand tru out the cause of next year so as to mk buyers want to buy and at least stay loyal..i could go on and on but it would seem like am ranting

My point is that this particular device cant dislodge samsung in anyway,yes it boasts of topnotch security but it is not the life saver blackberrybis hoping it would be

Thanks for your feedback

P.S: All articles on TechRez are 100% original.