Despite Vodafone Uganda saying it supports the latest 4G LTE network and priding itself as the best provider of the fast-speed internet – something Ugandans are still not convinced about – the telecom has introduced two new smartphones for its low-end customers and are currently available in stores.
The two devices, however, do not support the 4G LTE network that Vodafone has been known for since its entry into the Ugandan market through which the telco offers its customers unlimited internet at 2Mbps, but are instead designed to support the previous 3G network.
With 512MB of RAM, 4GB internal memory and an expandable memory through a MicroSD up to 32GB and running on Google’s Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, the Vodafone Smart 4 Fun and Smart 4 Mini are priced at UGX199, 000($67) and UGX259, 000 ($87) respectively and feature 5MP camera.
Slightly more expensive than the Smart 4 Fun, the Vodafone Smart 4 Mini has a larger screen display at 4 inches while the former spots a 3.5 inch screen with all the other device specifications being similar. I wouldn’t know why the telecom decided to price the two differently just because of the screen size difference but then again, I will not be purchasing either so it’s up to Vodafone customers to decide.
The new move by the telecom is an addition to customer value services offered by Vodafone to allow all customers an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of smartphones functionality and the network connectivity and that’s why it becomes a little odd for Vodafone to offer 3G network devices while it’s concerned in promoting the 4G LTE network. But it is a first and there may be plans for these in the future.
Vodafone recently introduced its own branded 4G LTE USB dongles and Mifis that allows customers to connect to the network and already provides better voice services and internet data plans that hopes to position itself as the better option among its rival network operators, including MTN Uganda and Africell Uganda that are said to have better internet speeds provision on their 4G network.
