If you’re currently shopping around for a new smartphone, then listen up! The annual EISA Awards are out, and this year’s Mobile Devices category throws up some interesting results. For those unfamiliar, EISA (the Expert Imaging and Sound Association) is a big deal. It’s not some fly-by-night outfit handing out participation trophies. We’re talking a group of 56 respected tech publications from around the globe, with decades of experience in dissecting the latest gadgets. So, if they say a device is award-worthy, you know it’s gotta be good.
Image Source: EISA
This year, the spotlight falls squarely on Honor and Oppo. Now, some of you might be thinking, “Honor? Isn’t that the brand that used to be part of Huawei?” Well, you’d be partially right. After the whole US sanctions fiasco, Honor went independent, and it seems they’re making waves on their own. In fact , they are now battling Samsung and Huawei for South Africas smartphone title, with triple digit market share increases in the last year.Their big winner is the Honor 200 Pro, which snagged the prestigious title of EISA Best Smartphone Overall.
Let me tell you, this phone packs a punch. It’s got a camera setup that would make a pro photographer drool – a triple-lens system with a 50MP main sensor, a 50MP telephoto lens for those zoomies you crave, and a 12MP ultrawide for capturing those epic landscapes. And it doesn’t stop there. The Portrait mode will have you looking like you stepped straight out of a magazine, with that dreamy bokeh effect.
But the Honor 200 Pro isn’t just about the ‘gram. This beast boasts a sleek design that can handle a splash or two, a stunning 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a buttery smooth 120Hz refresh rate (goodbye, lag!), and the power of the latest Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset under the hood. Top that off with a massive 5200mAh battery that juices up with 100W fast charging, and you’ve got a recipe for a true flagship killer.
Image Source: EISA
Now, let’s move on to Oppo. Their beautifully designed Reno12 Pro, which I have been using for a few weeks now, bagged the award for Best AI Smartphone, and for good reason. This phone is all about making your life easier with the power of artificial intelligence.
Imagine this: you take a picture with a photobomber in the background. No worries! The AI Eraser 2.0 swoops in and removes the unwanted guest like they were never there. Group photos often suffer from blurry faces, but the AI Clear Face tech tackles that too, sharpening everyone up for a picture-perfect moment. And let’s not forget that ever-frustrating weak signal. AI LinkBoost says goodbye to buffering and hello to seamless online experiences.
Sure, it may not have won the best smartphone overall, but the AI features on the OPPO Reno12 Pro are undeniably cool. Whether you’re an AI enthusiast or just someone who wants a phone that makes your life a little simpler, the OPPO Reno12 Pro is definitely worth a look.
So there you have it! EISA has spoken, Honor and Oppo are making waves in the mobile world. With both these devices available locally for well under R20,000, if you’re in the market for a new phone, these two brands deserve a spot on your shortlist.
