By THE INDEPENDENT UG
The new U1 and Joy 9 smartphones are said to be `high-quality and pocket-friendly’
MBALE, UGANDA | AGENCIES | Chinese phone manufacturer MiOne has introduced two new smartphones, the U1 and Joy 9, assembled in Uganda’s Mbale City. The phones were unveiled by Uganda’s Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, and State Minister for Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, David Bahati.
The U1 smartphone boasts 12GB RAM and 256GB internal storage, a 108MP+VGA AI dual rear camera, and a MediaTek Helio G85 chipset. Meanwhile, the Joy 9 features 8GB RAM, 128GB internal storage, a 50MP+VGA AI trio rear camera, and a T606 processor. Both models offer a 5,000mAh battery life.
MiOne, present in Dubai, the UAE, and Africa, began operations in Uganda in February 2023 with a feature phone plant. The success of feature phones such as the AB1, AB3, and AB6 models prompted the company to expand into the smartphone market.
At the launch, Ben Yu, a representative for MiOne, highlighted the local government’s support and noted that the launch would contribute to the government’s digital and technological initiatives.
Uganda Communications Commission’s Q3 2023 report indicates the addition of nearly 958,000 new mobile devices in Uganda.
MiOne faces competition in Uganda’s mobile phone manufacturing sector, with Engo, another Chinese company, establishing the nation’s first mobile phone manufacturing and assembly plant in Kampala in 2019. Kenya and South Africa are also making efforts to boost local smartphone production. Kenya inaugurated its first smartphone assembly plant in October 2023, while South African telecom company Bam Telecoms announced plans to launch a locally made smartphone.
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