Where to Buy Smartphones Cheaply

Smartphones and its accessories are popping out here and there in a consistent manner and prices of these devices are dropping by the second. in fact immediately a smartphone is launched to the market, its price tag begins to drop slowly and consistently. For this reason, one can quickly wait a while to buy the product or buy it immediately when its still new. The later gives you bragging rights for a limited time.

If you do think of buying a smartphone without hassles and fear of fakes, you should check out Jumia.

Jumia is that online store in Nigeria, Kenya, Ivory Coast, Egypt and Morocco that is seriously and quickly becoming the No. 1 online retail store in Africa where you can buy anything ranging from electronics, clothing to even living bedroom items. 

Right now, there are various discounts on all products being offered which will last till October 1st. You should quickly try out this online store. Also, you can also get further discounts when you click on any Jumia advert on the blog and then use the coupon code provided.

When you access Jumia through Phonegist blog and use the Coupon Code provided (AFF0Co), you get even better deals in terms of discounts and shipping.

So what are you waiting for? Make your purchase from Jumia through Phonegist and get goodies your way - everyone is happy at the end of the day.
More coupon codes will be given out from time to time

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Samsung Will Be The First To Release Curved Displays

Samsung is gearing up to be the first to release a curved display for smartphones come October this year. 

This plan was initially revealed in Seoul during the launch of Galaxy Note 3 and it does seem that its going to materialize sooner than expected.

Although, Samsung is not the only company looking into releasing curve display technology, LG which is a long time rival of Samsung also have plans to mass produce both curve and flexible displays for smartphones by the end of 2013.

It is important not to confuse curve screen with flexible screen which Nokia showed a year ago in the Nokia Kinetic programme.

What we do know is  that curved displays will debut on Samsung devices next month but flexible displays are not expected anytime soon.

In the meanwhile, you can smile at the revealing of Samsung's gold S4 (pictured above) that is ready for purchase soon which is definitely a reply to Apple's gold iPhone 5S.

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Apple iPhone 5S and 5C Hands On Review

iPhone 5C

A number of news sites have been able to go hands-on with Apple's newly announced iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c, both of which introduce a number of new features. While the iPhone 5c’s major selling point is its bright and colorful polycarbonate shell, the iPhone 5s boasts processor improvements and a new Touch ID fingerprint sensor.
 
iPhone 5s
In a hands-on post of the iPhone 5s, The Verge notes that the gold color “looks better in person” compared to leaked images, and notes that the "Space Gray" and white colors are very similar to the iPhone 5. The major difference between the iPhone 5s and the iPhone 5 is the ring around the home button and the slightly larger flash.

iPhone 5S

Starting with that home button, it's now made of sapphire so that it can act as a reliable fingerprint reader. It's not nearly as concave as previous models — in fact, it's almost flat. Luckily, it still maintains a nice, tactile feel when you click on it and we don't foresee anybody running into any issues. We watched the fingerprint sensor unlock the phone quickly and easily (though we didn't get to try it ourselves).
Everything felt fast and fluid — although the animations in iOS 7 are still a little slow to our tastes — but scrolling in the new Safari was better than before, if only by a tiny amount.

TechCrunch also went hands-on with the iPhone 5s, and was able to experiment with the Touch ID fingerprint sensor, which supports up to five different fingerprints.

Essentially you spend some time letting the sensors in the Home button get used to your fingerprint, moving your finger around slightly, lifting it up just above the surface and putting it back down, with a graphic filling out how near the software is to being able to recognize your fingerprint (you can use thumb or index finger, depending on your preference).
The process took about 30 seconds to a minute overall, and then once it had successfully identified by fingerprint, it worked flawlessly to unlock the device for every subsequent trial. It also readily rejected Greg Kumparak’s attempts, proving that it isn’t just accepting all comers.

iPhone 5c
According to TechCrunch, the iPhone 5c has a “lightness” in the hand thanks to the single-piece case design and “looks fantastic” in its array of bright colors.

All of that is made more impressive by the fact that the iPhone performs terrifically, and looks fantastic. The colors really pop, and the case fits solidly in the hand and thanks to a slightly rubberized feel it should be easier to hold onto than any previous iPhone as well. The color-match wallpapers add to the charm of the overall package, and that’s likely to appeal to customers who just want a device that looks great out of the box and doesn’t require any laborious customization.

Engadget thought that the iPhone 5c had a very "solid" polycarbonate build that will hold up to scuffs and drops.

There is absolutely nothing about this setup that makes us believe it's not capable of handling a full share of wear and tear, and the reinforced steel frame convinces us that it's even going to survive falls without a problem.
Speaking of which, the 5c has a glossy finish, but we were quite happy to find that it's not the fingerprint magnet that we've come to expect on other devices. It sufficiently handled the greasy fingerprints of a couple hundred journalists, so we doubt there will be any reason to be concerned about this phone looking dirty. In fact, it has a subtle shine to it that serves to complement the color selection.

The Verge was also impressed with the feel of the plastic iPhone 5c, though noted that it did not compare to the high-end feel of the iPhone 5s.

The 5c is almost like a toy, a rugged, comfortable device that doesn’t feel much heavier than the iPhone 5 despite being noticeably larger. According to Apple, the device has a larger battery than the iPhone 5, which along with its plastic shell goes a way to explaining its bulk.
This is how you make a plastic phone, though: from the cohesive shell to the smooth and glossy back (which did pick up a fair number of fingerprints) the device feels far better than Samsung’s or LG’s plastic options. Even the rubbery cases look nice, their open-circle backs fitting in nicely with the color palette.

Both the iPhone 5c and the iPhone 5s will be available for customers on September 20. Apple will begin accepting pre-orders for the iPhone 5c on September 13, but does not plan to take pre-orders for the iPhone 5s. The 16GB iPhone 5c will be priced at $99 while the 16GB iPhone 5s will be priced at $199, both with a 2-year contract. 

Source: Macrumors and Engadget

Latest Airtel and Etisalat BIS Data Plans That Work For Your Android, iPhone Smartphones and Tablets

It has being observed that as smartphones get better, offering outstanding screen resolution, better camera power and faster modems so also is the data consumed by these smartphones also rising. It may also be due to the what one can achieve with the smartphone when connected to the internet. For example, visiting Facebook and uploading an image that is huge in size, record videos and upload to YouTube, make purchases online, communicate constantly with emails.

 

The need for more data on our smartphones is surging dramatically but it seem as though Nigerian telecoms network don't want their consumers to have an affordable plan that will cater for their Internet data needs except for BlackBerry devices which enjoy such reasonable prices for data plan.

Anyway, user now use Airtel BlackBerry plans which are affordable and meet needs on their Android, iOS and Windows Phone smartphones.

As far as i know, only Airtel BlackBerry Internet data plan work on these other devices like Android, , iOS and Windows Phone smartphones and tablets without any significant modification to your phone internet settings. 

Consequently, if you want to use any of these Airtel BIS plans for your Android device, below is a list of Airtel BIS plans, how to subscribe to them and the duration it will last.

PLAN		Validity Period	Tariffs	USSD Activation	SMS Activation
Complete	Monthly	30 days	1,400	*440*1#	bcm
	Weekly	1 week	400	*440*2#	bcw
	Daily	24 hours	100	*440*3#	bcd
Social	Monthly	30 days	1,200	*440*4#	bsm
	Weekly	1 week	400	*440*5#	bsw
	Daily	24 hours	100	*440*6#	bsd
To check status				*440#	Send status to 440

A special package gives you 90days BIS plan for N3000 with 6.5GB of data. To subscribe to this, dial *440*016# or you send Bbum3 to 440
Also, there is the 1 month get 1 month free package that goes for N1500 and you get about 4.2GB for 60 days. You subscribe with *440*161#

Comparison of Airtel BlackBerry Complete Bundle Offer          

COMPLETE

SOCIAL

Standard BlackBerry Email option BlackBerry Email address (user@airtelng.blackberry.com) One 3rd party Email address (Yahoo; Gmail; Hotmail or any other 3rd party email) BlackBerry-built Social Networking applications Facebook, MySpace & Twitter BlackBerry-built Instant Messaging applications BlackBerry Messenger BlackBerry AppWorld Partner IM app providers: Google Talk, Yahoo! Messenger, etc. Access to BlackBerry Maps & 3rd party applications BIS Browser – Internet Browsing

Standard BlackBerry Email option BlackBerry Email address (user@airtelng.blackberry.com) BlackBerry-built Social Networking applications Facebook, MySpace & Twitter BlackBerry-built Instant Messaging applications BlackBerry Messenger BlackBerry AppWorld Partner IM app providers: Google Talk, Yahoo! Messenger, etc. Access to BlackBerry Maps & 3rd party applications BIS Browser – Internet Browsing

As of these writing only Etisalat and Airtel allow you to hotspot your Internet data without removing from your calling credit. So if you are the type that has a Blackberry device with HotSpot capability you can also use your Etisalat and Airtel hotstpot on your phone and share to your devices like tablet, Android & iOS phone and your PC. Etisalat BIS codes are shown below.

While some have argued that they are able to use GLO, Etisalat and MTN BIS on their Android, , iOS and Windows Phone smartphones and tablets, it may require additional tweaking and settings of your phone and its not guaranteed to work.

However, if you are successful in making other telecoms BIS apart from Airtel work for you, we would appreciate if you share how you go it to work on your phone or tablet.

If you still want to subscribe to GLO, MTN and Etisalat BIS plans then the best thing is to visit their web sites to know the latest package codes as these networks tend to change their rates and codes at times. MTN BIS have been reported to work on Android of recent (Sept. 25th 2013)

As promised am constantly monitoring when BlackBerry will release BBM for Android and iOS as a BlackBerry developer and would let you guys know immediately so that you would be among the first to download.

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New List of TECNO Mobile Products Releasing Soon

TECNO Mobile have recorded outstanding increase in the volume of phones they have sold in 2013. As of this writing, TECNO has four product line which are targeted at various people with various pocket size.

The product line are designated using numbers 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 which refer to the low-end phones to high end phones. See here for more info.

Recently we saw  two new devices from the low-end namely L3 and M3 and two high end, F7 and N9 and are doing well too. However, the middle end "5" guys have been left behind but not for long though.

TECNO will release new set of medium end smartphones and one with a physical keyboard too before the end of September.

By September, we should be seeing a TECNO P5 and R1 TECNO phones. 

These phones would  be running the latest Android Jelly Bean 4.2.2 and would have dual core processors, 5mp - 8mp camera but may feature 512mb of RAM.

Also, there is an indication of a Android 4.3 X7 TECNO phone and V9 p in the works that would feature a quad core processor, better GPU, RAM and Screen Resolution. 

One problem TECNO needs to tackle is its battery power in its devices and how much it lasts. Also, the screen of the devices should be more scratch resistant.

TECNO have come this far and should able to sustain the success by releasing better devices at lower rates in other to continue to stay relevant in the industry and give the big names a run for their money.

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Job Opportunity

Smartphones are great but just like any other gadgets, they get damaged and needs repairing. There is no super  phone. They all get damaged with time and need fixing.

Do you have a skill in troubleshooting and repairing smartphones and mobile devices? Do you enjoy repairing phones but haven't used that hobby to make money? Well here is an opportunity which I happen to find out and sharing with Phonegist readers.

A new smartphone store located in Lagos are in need of mobile engineers good with troubleshooting and repairing smartphones and mobile devices etc. Find out the job details below.

Position:

• Mobile Hardware Engineering and Troubleshooting

Responsibilities:

• Troubleshoot phones

• Fix broken mobile devices

• Work with software to help cause of broken devices

Qualification requirements:

• A minimum of OND certificate: People that are really good but have School Cert. can apply also.

• Ability to use computers 

• Good workmanship skills

Location: 

Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos

Interested candidates should send Cvs to the manager: edwinoneluv@yahoo.com on or before August 6th 2013

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New Blackberry Z30 Smartphone Gallery and Video

UPDATE:
 
I shall not give in to the waters that tends to swallow me, I will swim hard and conquer the waves. I will keep my head up and regain my dignity. 

No matter what, Blackberry isn't going to give in to the overwhelming onslaught and competition from brands like Samsung and iPhone. Though Android and iOS have become the two strongest mobile operating system in the world, Blackberry's own OS 10 would still keep making its impact.

This you would see in its soon to be released  smartphone called the A10. Even though the Z10 didn't strike much of a cord, it seems as though the Blackberry A10 could strike that cord that the Z10 failed to strike.

Blackberry A10 would be called Blackberry Z30 and would have new navigation and customizable home screen. More videos can be seen here

Blackberry A10 is a elegantly built device and there is good indication that it would be loved by not only Blackberry lovers but other folks also.

Blackberry needs to seriously pump huge amount of money into marketing just like Samsung is doing. This advert should to seek to bring back lost customers and increase the faith of loyal and present customers while also trying to convince newbies to the smartphone world.

It won't be surprising if this A10 packs super good specs in order to make a strong statement to those that are already considering leaving the brand for the upcoming iPhone 5S or Moto X smartphone.

We are expecting the A10  to have a5 inch 1280 x 720 display and a dual - core processor.

Blackberry A10 is expected to be released by the end of Summer 2013. Also BBM for Android and iOS should be released around the time.

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How To Never Run Out of Battery Power On Your Smartphone or Gadgets Again

There is a way to never lose power on your smartphone, making sure your smartphone battery never runs dry. What if I told you that I only plug my devices to mains power about once in 3 days even when I heavily use them?

Everyone knows that even as technology is advancing at a super-fast rate, one area that has not really advanced to the level it should have is Battery. Phones have gotten slicker and better over the years, screens, memory, hardware and operating system have gotten better as time progresses, however, battery used in powering these devices haven't gotten any big upgrade.

Batteries are very important in our age. Well, one way to make sure that your device is usable and doesn't die on you is to have the battery charged and have a way of recharging when you are not close to electricity. Enter Power Banks.

A lot of power banks these days are inferior and can even damage battery or device. Some are not capable of charging some devices like iPad 4 or iPad mini that consume high current to charge them.

However, NOMAD chargers, which I have had the privilege of using for some weeks now are able to charge any device, be it iPads, smartphones, Handheld game consoles, speakers to name a few. Am so loving my Nomad chargers! The good part, even you reading this would get it with a discount. check below for discount code.

Why am I writing about this now? Well, a lot of people actually need this but are not sure of what power bank to buy, one that would serve them efficiently without creating problems. Also, someone's Blackberry device was badly fried due to substandard Power Bank connected to the device.

A fully charged NOMAD Power Storing Charger can charge your smartphone battery full 3 times over, charge your tablets 3 times full and even your handheld console 3 times full.

This means that, when you use your device and it runs down, you can charge it up with the NOMAD charger. If you drain the smart device again, you can still charge up your device battery again without worrying about charging your NOMAD charger before it can charge you device battery. A discount code for my readers is provided below.

One beautiful thing about the NOMAD charger is that it’s of several types. There is one that has 5 ports to charge up to5 devices at the same time. This has a power rating of a whooping 11000mAh high capacity battery for long term backup!. Furthermore, it has 4 different output rating for phones and tablets and it comes with self-charging powered USB port or from DC to charger.

The Single port NOMAD charger comes with 5200mAh high capacity battery. In fact, this was what sold me. Most power banks are around 2100mAh and can last 3hrs before they give up. But, NOMAD chargers would last you 12hrs before needing a recharge.

Just like the 5 ports NOMAD charger, the single port NOMAD charger comes with self-charging powered USB port or from DC to charger.

One more plus for these NOMAD chargers: It supports all Smartphone types; Blackberry, NOKIA, Samsung, Motorola, Apple etc and comes with pins.

For those that are learned in the technical area of battery specifications, the following may interest you.

NOMAD 5200mAh has the following Specifications:

• Battery Type: Li-Ion
• Capacity: 5200mAh
• Input: Micro USB 5V/1000mA
• Output: Micro USB 5V/1000mA
• More than 800 life cycles
• Can retain 80% of battery life even when stored for 3 months

NOMAD 11000mAh has the following Specifications:

• Battery Type: Li-Polymer
• Battery Capacity: 11,000mAh
• Input 1: Micro USB 5V/1A
• Input 2: 9-12V/1A DC charger
• Output 5x USB 5V/2A (USB 1: 5V/1.3A, USB 2: 5V/2.1A, USB 3/4: 5V/1A, USB 5: 5V/0.5A

Why go out of battery power ever again? If you are like me that travels a lot and never wants his phones to die out, a NOMAD charger is what you need.

They are very affordable, light, easy to carry and very reliable.

You can order one now by visiting www.nomadcharger.com and it would get delivered to you anywhere you are. Oh, and Phonegist readers get a discount.

For our readers, discount code is PGISTRDR1Follow us on Twitter and Like us on Facebook for prompt info.