Initially smartphones were made for the comfort of professionals and high income earners who would afford the prices, but today an average Ugandan with a regular income can afford a smartphone.
In their latest bid to reach the low to mid-level market, Huawei recently introduced the GR5 and GR3 affordable smartphones. We sat down with Jean Baguma, the Huawei Uganda Marketing Manager on the changing trends of smartphone usage in Uganda as well as the distinct features of the Huawei GR3 and GR5 that have made it affordable yet smart.
Just recently Huawei introduced the GR3 and the GR5 phones to the Ugandan market. What is your market segment for these two smartphones?
Since the Ugandan market is extensive and diverse, the GR3 and GR5 are carefully designed to accommodate our spectrum of consumers with their different tastes putting in consideration the varied income levels. The GR3 and GR5 phones are price friendly yet come with exciting features that appeal to people who are always on the go, have growing careers or business but also very exciting social lives.
Can you clarify on the unique features of the GR3 and GR5?
The Huawei GR3 features outstanding photographic functionality giving the user the power to capture life’s moments. Part of its uniqueness lies in its appearance which is an elegant frame, inlaid in an aluminium alloy unibody, finished with a ceramic-sand-blasting process, making the Huawei GR3 a true piece of fashionable art.
Huawei hopes to take on Samsung with newly launched GR3 and GR5 https://t.co/IjawxVaduw
#GR3GR5 #Huawei— TechCity (@techcityng) May 23, 2016
Technically the Huawei GR3 comes with a 5.0-inch HD screen display and is powered by a 1.5 GHz 64-bit Octa core MediaTek MTK6753T processor paired with 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of inbuilt storage.
Huawei GR5 on the other hand is an easy to use phone, it has a fast responding 2nd generation fingerprint scanner with the 360-degree sensor that allows the user to control their device with a simple touch. This device has a long lasting battery, 3000mAh Li-Polymer, and is designed for convenience and single-handed use. It comes with 16 GB memory, 2 GB RAM, expandable memory with microSD, up to 128 GB (uses SIM 2 slot) and 64-bit octa-core MSM8939 processor.
There’s a popular misconception in Uganda with individuals believing a touch screen ia a qualifying factor for a smartphone. How can one differentiate a smartphone from a regular cell phone?
Basically, a smartphone is a device that lets you make telephone calls, but also adds in features that, in the past, you would have found only on a personal computer or laptop. Unlike regular cell phones, smartphones should at least have an operating system, for example Android OS. In addition, smartphones should have web access, QWERTY keyboard where keys are laid out just like a computer keyboard; they should also have messaging as well as apps services.
Why are more Ugandans adopting smartphones?
There is a surge in social media communication on networks such as Twitter, WhatsApp and Facebook in Uganda. Many Ugandans appreciate the affordability, ease and fastness of these networks for both their communication needs as well as to receive both local and international news. In addition, smartphone apps for services such as car trading, online food ordering among others have simplified day to day living.
What makes Huawei phones different from other brands on the market?
Huawei phones have a world class camera that consumers world over have grown accustomed to. In addition, in 2015 we unveiled a super battery prototype, demonstrating its tech advancements on two prototype removable lithium-ion batteries that can be fully recharged in only a few minutes. Now this battery expertise is filtering down to our everyday handsets. As well, Huawei phones are well designed and have a high end performance at affordable prices.
Besides data, voice and social media, how can Ugandans fully maximise their smartphones?
Smartphones can be fully optimized thoroughly utilization of app services. With the right apps uploaded, a smartphone can be a useful not only for communication purposes but also health wise, in business and other areas.
Mid-level smartphones usually come with security challenges such as identity thefts, what has Huawei done to ensure optimal security?
The Huawei GR5 for example comes with a 2nd generation fingerprint scanner. This is a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner that provides enhanced phone security.
From where can I purchase the GR3 and GR5?
The GR3 and GR5 can be purchased from our dealers such as Fonexpress, Simba telecom, Go phones, Nilecom, among others.