Smartphones: AI and premium features move into the affordable segment

ITC

Friday, 08 May 2026 15:54

Smartphones: AI and premium features move into the affordable segment

(Togo First) - Features once reserved for premium smartphones, such as artificial intelligence tools, extended battery life and water-and-dust resistance, are increasingly appearing in more affordable mid-range devices, reflecting intensifying competition among manufacturers in emerging markets, including Togo.

Infinix Togo launched the Infinix Hot 70 series in Lomé on May 7, 2026, during an event held at the Hôtel 2 Février. The smartphone includes AI-powered productivity and assistance tools, an AMOLED 120Hz display, a 6,000mAh battery and IP65-certified resistance to water and dust.

One of the clearest signs of shifting smartphone market dynamics is the growing integration of AI capabilities into mid-range devices. The Hot 70 series includes features that allow users to organize their schedules, create calendar events from photos and save contacts by photographing business cards.

Keira Mamadi, general manager of Infinix Mobile in Togo, said the company aims to make functions once limited to high-end smartphones more accessible to a broader customer base.

She said the objective is to position the smartphone as more than a communication device, turning it into a tool used across work, learning and entertainment, including mobile gaming. Mamadi added that the device was designed to meet consumer expectations by combining aesthetics, integrated AI features, battery life and durability.

Battery life and durability become key selling points

In several African markets, battery life remains a decisive purchasing factor, with consumers favoring devices equipped with high-capacity batteries and fast-charging systems.

Battery performance is one of the main characteristics highlighted in the Infinix Hot 70 series. Alongside its thermochromic design, which changes color depending on temperature variations, and its drop-resistant structure, specifications presented during the launch show the device includes a 6,000mAh battery, a Helio G100 processor and support for 45W fast charging.

That configuration is intended to support intensive uses such as social media browsing, video streaming and mobile gaming.

Durability is also receiving growing attention in the affordable smartphone segment. Water-and-dust resistance, drop protection and long-term software support, up to five years according to information presented during the launch, are becoming increasingly common selling points among manufacturers targeting price-sensitive consumers.

Although performance differences between premium and affordable smartphones remain, the technology gap between the two segments continues to narrow.

Unlike in the past, affordable smartphones are no longer judged on price alone. Display smoothness, battery life, connectivity and built-in smart features have become increasingly important to consumers. Rising expectations are fueling faster device upgrades and intensifying competition among smartphone brands across Africa, including in Togo.

S.A

REFORMS OVERVIEW

STARTING A BUSINESS (more info)

At the fifteenth position, worldwide, and first in Africa, under the Starting a Business index of the 2020 Doing Business ranking, Togo sustains its reformative dynamics with more reforms….

ENFORCING CONTRACTS (more info)

Compared to some years ago when it was one of the lowest rankers under the Doing Business’ Enforcing Contracts indicator, Togo, leveraging many efforts to improve its business climate, was able to jump significantly on the index in the recent years... .

CONTRACT EXECUTION (more info)

Creation of special chambers of commerce for small debts • Creation of chambers of commerce at the Court of Appeal • Civil and commercial cases now handled by distinct clerks • Establishment of commercial courts in Lomé and Kara • Lawyers and bailiffs now have access to the FORSETI COMMERCIAL platform • A maximum period of 100 days was fixed to settle a commercial dispute .

TRADING ACROSS BORDERS (more info)

In comparison to previous years,Togo has significantly improved its ranking under the“Trading across borders” indicator by adopting multiple reforms that focus mainly on the digitization and reduction in delays, for import and export procedures related to import and export.

In comparison to previous years, Togo has significantly improved its ranking on the “Trading across borders” index by adopting multiple reforms that focus mainly on the digitalization and reduction in delays, for import and export procedures related to import and export.

CONSTRUCTION PERMIT (more info)

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GETTING ELECTRICITY (more info)

Over the past two years, Togo’s ranking under the Doing Business’ Getting electricity and water indicator has increased consistently. Owing this performance to multiple reforms aimed at making it easier for businesses to access power and water, Lomé plans to introduce even more reforms this year to keep up its improvements.

REGISTERING A PROPERTY (more info)

Out of all the 'Doing Business’ indicators, Property Registration is where Togo has improved the most since 2018. Indeed, after spending years in the lowest part of this ranking, the country now seeks to beat Rwanda which is the best performer on this index in Africa. To do so, Lomé has been introducing many reforms, with the latest batch implemented this year.

PUBLIC PROCUREMENT (more info)

From professionalization to digitization, through legislative regulations, Togo’s public procurement framework is constantly being modernized. Several reforms have been implemented to improve the sector much to the benefit of the private sector, which is the focus of the National Development Plan.

PAYING TAXES AND DUTIES (more info)

To improve its business environment, Togo introduced some important reforms related to the payment of tax and duties. From the replacement of some taxes to the cancellation of others through exemptions, the country has only one objective: offer the most attractive tax framework to investors and economic operators. To achieve this, the authorities relied on digitization.