Share

FNB may release more branded smartphones

Johannesburg - First National Bank (FNB) could release more of its own branded smartphones in the future, depending upon the success of the products.

FNB’s first two devices, the ConeXis A1 and X1 smartphones, were both manufactured by the Chinese telecommunications company ZTE.

Bob MinYu - who heads ZTE’s South African enterprise division - told Fin24 that ZTE first started selling smartphones in the country five years ago and had since partnered with FNB to produce the bank’s smartphones.

 “The devices released with FNB are considered to be mid-tier because of the price point we chose to come in at, but the devices featured important functionality needed in a smartphone,” MinYu told Fin24.

IN PICTURES: FNB launches its own branded smartphones

He added that they had partnered with FNB, saying they were "the most innovative bank offering a sophisticated service to the consumer" and that the devices produced were targeted at accommodating the mass mid-segment of the market.

“We look forward to possibly releasing more devices with FNB. Based on our working relationship, we expect these devices to do well and we will consider the next generation of devices,” he added.

Most recently, Chinese manufacturers have seen an increase in market share in South Africa with the launch of new devices from Xiaomi and Huawei.

Huawei already has 10% of the country’s smartphone market share and 50% of SA's phablet sales.

 “ZTE was never highly publicised in the country previously because our focus was on feature phones to accommodate for a mass market,” MinYu said.

He added that as a part of a global strategy, the manufacturer wanted to boost their presence in developing markets.

“We want to start associating ZTE now with smartphones instead of feature phones,” MinYu added.

The ConeXis A1, available with an FNB Easy Account, features a 4-inch display, 5 megapixel rear camera and 2 megapixel facing camera.

The device further has a Quad core 1.3GHz processor, 1400 mAh battery, the Android Lollipop operating system and costs R59 per month, without credit checks – on a 24-month contract.

The X1 device, features slightly higher specs than the A1 device – including a 5.2 inch HD display, LTE connectivity and 2540 mAh battery with Android Marshmallow.

The device is available for cheque account holders without a credit check for R150 per month.

Both devices feature free online banking and WhatsApp.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Rand - Dollar
18.95
-0.2%
Rand - Pound
23.91
-0.1%
Rand - Euro
20.49
-0.1%
Rand - Aus dollar
12.36
-0.1%
Rand - Yen
0.13
-0.2%
Platinum
897.43
-1.0%
Palladium
1,002.60
+0.1%
Gold
2,198.37
+0.2%
Silver
24.62
-0.1%
Brent Crude
86.09
-0.2%
Top 40
67,990
+0.5%
All Share
74,203
+0.4%
Resource 10
56,247
+1.1%
Industrial 25
103,802
+0.5%
Financial 15
16,503
-0.1%
All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes Iress logo
Company Snapshot
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE
Government tenders

Find public sector tender opportunities in South Africa here.

Government tenders
This portal provides access to information on all tenders made by all public sector organisations in all spheres of government.
Browse tenders