AI, AI, AI. It’s the buzzword on everyone’s lips in the tech world and dominates headlines whenever new phones are unveiled and showcased.

Look at all the new artificial intelligence features that this phone boasts for its user.

But just how useful are these AI features to the average user? While die-hard tech fanatics will go wild for all the advanced capabilities and functions, will the average user take the time to explore them? Or even care about them?

How many AI-enabled apps do you have on your phone that you have never used, either because you don’t know about them or haven’t explored them?

For TECNO and itel, an element still at the heart of the smartphone experience is connectivity.

The ability to stay in touch with friends, family, colleagues, and other loved ones through phone calls and messages (whatever your preferred communication method).

Another element at the core is internet browsing, exploring the wonders that can be accessed online.

But these elements speak to simpler times, before advanced AI was even brought into the equation.

These primary functions continue to be the most utilised on any phone, and while they are still core, there are some benefits to AI incorporation in phones. 

AI has its place and can bring helpful features to a phone, even the basics. For example, AI includes voice activation for calls and voice to text functionality.

Phone camera setups include built-in AI features that some people don’t even know work automatically to improve the quality of pictures and videos; they simply think they are a natural at taking stunning snaps.

AI also learns user preferences and habits to provide personalised recommendations for apps, content, and settings, and similarly AI can optimise battery usage by analysing apps and usage patterns, suspending unnecessary background processes, and adjusting power settings.

These alongside other features such as real-time translation, intelligent chatbots, smart notifications, predictive text and smart replies and others, show the value of AI.

It’s just a matter of a user becoming familiar with the capabilities and utilising them to their fullest extent.

In addition, as smartphones become smarter, their prices may become pricier.

Using these new AI features to justify the higher price, especially to price conscious users who want to see the value for their money.

Providing these AI features with a phone while still maintaining great value for money with the price is key.

AI capabilities and features are being stressed as the differentiator, but for the majority does this really matter?

Especially when compared to other phone features such as long-lasting battery, durability, longevity, big storage and fast processing etc.

One could argue that AI makes these elements even more effective, while others will point to the importance of these over AI.

This is the big debate with fans on both sides stressing their points of view. 

As advancements continue in the space of AI, there are bound to be some really useful capabilities that are developed and enhanced, bringing a smarter, easier and more convenient life to users.

Especially as users become more knowledgeable of these AI capabilities and explore them to the fullest.

But with all the talk of AI, let’s not forget about the basics of phones that also often make life simpler.

Availability

TECNO and itel phones are available from select retail partners, including Ackermans, Dunns, Edgars, Game, HiFi Corp, Jet, Makro, Mr Price, OK Furniture, PEP, Pick n Pay, Shoprite, TFG, Vodacom and Woolworths(availability varies per retailer per product and while stocks last).

Black Friday specials from both TECNO and itel are currently underway until 08 December, so be sure to not miss out on those (Limited to selected stores only.

Availability and prices may vary per device, per retailer and per store, and special prices may be in effect from varying dates. While stocks last. Promotion period and price for all offers starts and ends at each retailers’ discretion).

To find out more about these, as well as to stay up to date with the latest news, goings-on, updates and competitions from TECNO and itel, check out and follow TECNO’s Facebook page and itel’s Facebook page.