Zuri smartphones made an entry into the Ugandan/East African market early this year with billboards and banners all over town. In a partnership with DESPEC a distribution company, Zuri launched with 4 models that they hope to get in the hands of many in East Africa.We wrote about their entry and are now following up with the devices they are offering and where to buy them. We have not had a chance to test any of their devices but we hope to do so soon.
Between 2015-16, Zuri, Mediacom, Fero and other smartphone makers have made an entry into the Ugandan market. Though full of opportunity and not yet saturated, the Ugandan market is tightly held by brands like Tecno, Huawei, iTel and Samsung among many other brands.
Brands like iDroid and Xtouch have not successfully established their presence despite a hefty investment by iDroid. On whether new brands to the market can capture a substantial market share is for time to tell.
Zuri entered the East African market with 4 device offerings. The Zuri C41, C46, C52 and S56. We look at their keys specs and prices below.
Zuri C41 Specs and Price
The Zuri C41 is their entry level offering with really basic specs. The 3G dual SIM device has a 4 inch WVGA display, 512MB RAM, 4GB memory, a 1.3 Ghz quad core processor, 2MP rear and 5MP front Camera and a 1400mAh Battery. It is not indicated what version of Android the C41 runs but it seems to run Android 4.4 Kitkat.It’s a little confusing on why they would fit a quad core processor with such little RAM or why they would make 5MP selfie camera with a 2MP main camera but well, that is the Zuri C41.
The Zuri C41 goes for Ugx 210,000
Zuri C46 Specs and Price
The Zuri C46 is an upgrade to the C41. It is another dual SIM, entry level device with 4.5 inch FWVGA display, a 1.3Ghz quad core processor with 512MB RAM and 8GB ROM. The C46 has an 8MP rear camera and a 2MP front camera, 1500 mAh battery. The C46 also seems to be running on Kitkat.
The Zuri C46 goes for the price of Ugx 265,000
Zuri C52 Specs and Price
With a much better design, the Zuri C52 is still a 3G dual SIM entry level device with a 5 inch IPS display, an 8MP back and 2MP front camera, a 1.3Ghz quad core processor with 1GB RAM and 8GB memory and a 2000 mAh battery.
The C52 seems like a better start compared to its 2 predecessors the C41 and C46. The Zuri C52 goes for the price of Ugx 320,000.
Zuri S56 Specs and Price
Currently their best offering, the Zuri S56 is a 3G dual SIM device with a 5.5 inch IPS display. The S56 packs a 1.3Ghz octa-core processor with 1GB RAM and 16GB memory. The S56 has a 13MP rear camera and a 2MP selfie camera. It seals it all with a 2300 mAh battery.
The Zuri S56 goes for the price of Ugx 650,000.
Where to Buy Zuri smartphones in Uganda
Zuri smartphones can be found at The ultimate gadget mania Garden City mall, Simba Telecom Kampala Road, Simba Telecom Lugogo Mall, Telecom1 Theatre Labonita and Telecom1 Grand Imperial Hotel.
In comparison, we find their prices a little high for entry level devices. Forinstance the Tecno Boom J8 goes for Ugx 499,000 with double the RAM and some really cool headphones and design. If someone had to choose between the two, we think they would choose other devices.
Do you own a Zuri smartphone? Share with us what your experience with it in the comments section below.
