Vodacom
by MTHULISI SIBANDA
JOHANNESBURG – MOBILE network operator, Vodacom, has unveiled the first Android Go smartphones in South Africa.
Android Go, also known as Android Oreo (Go edition), is a stripped-down version of the latest Android system, designed to run on entry-level smartphones.
Vodacom launched the smartphones- Huawei Y3 2018 and Vodacom Smart Kicka 4- alongside the Vodacom Vaya, through which the mobile firm and Google offer value bundles and access to a range of Android Go Apps.
Davide Tacchino, Vodacom Managing Executive: Terminals, said the introduction of the smartphone was in line with the company’s 2020 Vision, premised on new technologies and digital services anticipated to transforming society and enhance quality of life.
“We are going to bridge the digital divide while enhancing digital inclusivity in South Africa and the broader African markets,” Tachinno said at an event held in Sandotn, northern Johannesburg on Thursday.
Mahir Sahin, Google Director of Africa Android Platform Partnerships, said the Android Go would enable faster browsing and was highly secure.
“We are scanning 50 millions apps per day to ensure the smartphones are safe,” he said.
The Huawei Y3 has a recommended retail price (RRP) of R999 (US$77,54). The Smart Kicka 4’s RRP is R399.
Under the Vodacom Vaya customer proposition, buyers of the new 4G smartphone such as the Huawei Y3 will enjoy 200MB for 3 months and a daily 250MB YouTube Go bundle allocation every day for 3 months. Customers will have to recharge with R29 every 30 days to unlock the data promotion.
A 3G smartphone, such as the Kicka 4, come with 100MB bundle for three months and a daily 100MB YouTube Go bundle allocation every day for three months. Customers will have to recharge with R12 every 30 days to unlock the data promotion.
Among other features, the 5 inch-screen Huawei Y3 has an 8MP front camera and 2MP rear camera as well as storage of 8GB.
The Smart Kicka, with a 4-inch display has a 2MP and 0,3 MP front and rear cameras respectively and 4GB storage.
