South African operator MTN is launching an own-branded 5G smartphone. Called the Icon 5G, the new MTN smartphone will sell for 2,499 rand (about US$138). The smartphone is manufactured by ZTE.
Described by MTN as providing an affordable entry point for customers seeking to benefit from 5G’s faster data speeds, lower latency and enhanced user experiences, the Icon 5G is in line with MTN’s commitment to make mobile internet more accessible.
However, the operator is also keen to encourage customers to migrate from older 2G and 3G technologies, and this phone is part of that drive.
In fact the company says: “The launch of this affordable 5G smartphone is an essential step in MTN’s strategy to make next-generation connectivity available to a broader base of customers, including those who may not have access to high-end devices.”
According to the TechCentral news website, for their R2,499 (or more on a 36-month contract basis) customers will get midrange performance with components that include a 2.2GHz octa-core processor, 6.6-inch touchscreen, 5 000mAh battery, 50-megapixel rear camera and 128GB of flash storage.
The same site suggests the price may appeal given that rival devices with similar specs retail at prices ranging from ZAR3,150 (US$172.98) to ZAR4,000 (US$219.65).
The price is clearly low. But will it be low enough? Industry body the GSMA, points out that device affordability is restricting internet access. And, as a recent article in these pages points out despite the surge in demand for smartphones last year in Africa, feature phones continue to hold a substantial market share, underlining an affordability gap between the two device styles.
