The other day, we learned that itel, the phone maker that manufactures phones under the guidance of Transsion Holdings (the same company that owns Infinix and TECNO) is planning to give its brand a reboot.
itel, which has been running operations in Kenya for the last ten years, will do the rebrand tomorrow.
The activity will be marked by two major events: one, the company is planning to enter into the home entertainment space, meaning it is likely that we will see home products such as TVs; secondly, it will launch the S16 smartphone.
Home entertainment has become an interesting space to venture into. itel’s strategy is not entirely new to us because its sister company Infinix has taken the same approach in expanding its turf in the African market. Infinix us now selling televisions at attractive prices (smart TVs with official Android TV), and they have been made to coexist with Infinix phones using a new app.
Transsion’s sub-brand Syinix is in Kenya with TVs too.
To this end, we believe itel has realized the potential in home entertainment, bearing in mind that the space has for a long time been reserved for established players such as LG and Samsung.
That aside, the S16 will succeed the S15 from 2019. It is a budget device that itel looks forward to putting in as many pockets as possible. Specs and price details have not been revealed, but we believe it will cost under KES 10000.
In the meantime, you should be reminded that the rebrand show will be live on KTN and Facebook (a live stream) tomorrow (Sept 18) from 1930 to 2000 hrs. A repeat of the launch will also be hosted by NTV the following day at 7.30 AM.
We will update you of all strategies and devices that will be announced at that time.
