Oraimo Watch 5R Pro Review: 8 Months Later, Here's What Nobody Tells You About Budget Smartwatches in Kenya

Redmi Note 15 Series Review: How Xiaomi Just Made Every Other Mid-Ranger Look Overpriced

Oppo Reno 15 Series Review: Great Phones, Confusing Prices—Which One (If Any) Makes Sense?

<p>With a stunning display, solid battery, and aggressive pricing, the Infinix Note Edge looks like a premium device. But does the performance match the aesthetics?</p><p>Infinix has just launched the Note Edge for pre-order in Kenya, and at first glance, it's easy to mistake this device for something far more expensive than its KES 28,000-32,000 price tag suggests. With its curved "waterfall display," RGB halo lighting, and iPhone-inspired design language, Infinix is clearly aiming for the premium aesthetic crowd.</p><p>But here's the reality check: This is a mid-range phone in flagship clothing. And depending on what you prioritize, that might be exactly what you need—or a deal-breaker.</p><p>Let's break down what you're actually getting.</p><h2>Design &amp; Build: Where Infinix Actually Delivers</h2><img src="https://cdn.calebms.com/articles/Oz8E8i58M2S00jnvmz1k8663gGA3/36113eaa-feed-4958-9789-d873c11d7d1c.jpeg" alt="39655.jpg"><p>The Note Edge is genuinely impressive from a design perspective. At just 7.2mm thin and weighing 190g, it feels premium in hand. The fabric-textured back gives it a unique tactile feel that sets it apart from the usual glass-sandwich designs, and the curved "waterfall display" with minimal bezels creates an edge-to-edge screen experience that rivals phones twice its price.</p><p>Infinix has also included IP65 dust and water resistance—not full submersion protection, but enough to survive rain or accidental splashes. The device is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, the latest in scratch and drop protection.</p><h3>The Gimmick: Halo RGB Lighting</h3><p>On the back, you'll find a square RGB light ring that Infinix calls "Halo Lighting." It glows when charging, animates when you talk to the Folax AI assistant, and can be customized for notifications. Is it useful? Not really. Is it cool for showing off? Absolutely.</p><ad-spot></ad-spot><h3>The Action Button</h3><p>Infinix has added a trigger button on the right side—similar to what we've seen on gaming phones and now iPhones. You can program it to launch the camera, activate voice recording, open specific apps, take screenshots, or summon the Folax AI assistant. This is genuinely useful and sets it apart from competitors in this price range.</p><h3>In The Box</h3><p>Unlike most manufacturers who've stripped down their packaging, Infinix still includes:</p><ul><li><p>USB-C wired earphones</p></li><li><p>45W fast charger with USB-A to USB-C cable</p></li><li><p>Cover case with fabric texture</p></li><li><p>Screen protector</p></li></ul><p>For a sub-30k phone, this is generous.</p><h2>Display: The Star of The Show</h2><p>This is where the Note Edge genuinely competes with flagships:</p><ul><li><p>6.78-inch AMOLED with 1 billion colors</p></li><li><p>120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling</p></li><li><p>2160Hz PWM dimming (reduces eye strain)</p></li><li><p>4500 nits peak brightness (if accurate, this is flagship territory)</p></li><li><p>1208 x 2644 resolution (~393 PPI)</p></li><li><p>Corning Gorilla Glass 7i protection</p></li></ul><p>The display specs are legitimately impressive. The 2160Hz PWM dimming is particularly noteworthy—it's a feature typically reserved for premium devices and significantly reduces eye fatigue during extended use. If the 4500 nits peak brightness claim holds up in real-world testing, this phone will be perfectly usable even in direct Kenyan sunlight.</p><h2>Performance: Where "Latest" Doesn't Mean "Best"</h2><p>Here's where Infinix's marketing gets misleading. They heavily promote the "latest Dimensity chipset"—and technically, that's true. The Mediatek Dimensity 7100 is recent. But "latest" doesn't mean "best."</p><h3>Chipset Reality Check:</h3><p>MediaTek's Dimensity lineup follows a hierarchy:</p><ul><li><p>9xxx series = Flagship (Dimensity 9300, 9400)</p></li><li><p>8xxx series = High-end (Dimensity 8200, 8300)</p></li><li><p>7xxx series = Mid-range (Dimensity 7100, 7200, 7300, 7400)</p></li></ul><p>The Dimensity 7100 is built on a 6nm process with:</p><ul><li><p>Octa-core CPU (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 &amp; 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)</p></li><li><p>Mali-G610 MC2 GPU</p></li></ul><p>For comparison, the higher-end 8xxx series uses 4nm processes, and flagship 9xxx chips use 3nm. This matters for both performance and efficiency.</p><ad-spot></ad-spot><h3>What This Means In Practice:</h3><ul><li><p>Perfectly fine for social media, streaming, light gaming (PUBG Mobile, COD Mobile on medium settings)</p></li><li><p>Smooth multitasking with 8GB RAM (LPDDR5 + LPDDR4X hybrid)</p></li><li><p>Will struggle with intensive games like Genshin Impact or high-end emulation</p></li><li><p>Not ideal for heavy video editing or demanding productivity tasks</p></li></ul><h3>Memory &amp; Storage:</h3><ul><li><p>8GB/128GB or 8GB/256GB configurations</p></li><li><p>UFS 2.2 storage (not UFS 3.1 or 3.2—noticeable in app loading times)</p></li><li><p>No microSD slot for expansion</p></li><li><p>LPDDR5</p></li></ul><h2>Camera: The Budget Reality</h2><p>This is where the "glorified budget phone" label becomes undeniable:</p><h3>Rear Camera:</h3><ul><li><p>Single 50MP main camera (1/2.0" sensor, 0.8µm pixels, PDAF)</p></li><li><p>Dual-LED flash</p></li><li><p>Video: 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps</p></li></ul><h3>Front Camera:</h3><ul><li><p>13MP selfie (f/2.2)</p></li><li><p>Video: 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps</p></li></ul><h3>What's Missing:</h3><ul><li><p>No ultrawide lens</p></li><li><p>No telephoto/zoom lens</p></li><li><p>No macro lens</p></li><li><p>No 4K60fps video</p></li><li><p>No optical image stabilization (OIS)</p></li></ul><ad-spot></ad-spot><p>For a phone marketed with flagship aesthetics, having a single main camera is disappointing. Competitors at this price point typically offer at least a dual or triple camera setup with ultrawide options.</p><p>The camera will handle daylight photography and social media content fine, but don't expect versatility or low-light performance to match phones with multi-lens systems.</p><h2>Battery &amp; Charging: Solid All-Day Performance</h2><ul><li><p>6150 mAh battery (excellent for a phone this thin)</p></li><li><p>45W fast charging (decent, not market-leading)</p></li><li><p>Bypass charging (charges device directly during gaming, reducing battery degradation)</p></li><li><p>Reverse charging (can charge other devices—useful for earbuds or smartwatches)</p></li></ul><p>The 6150 mAh battery is genuinely impressive, especially given the 7.2mm thickness. With the efficient Dimensity 7100 and AMOLED display, expect comfortable all-day battery life even with heavy use.</p><h2>Audio: Dual JBL Speakers</h2><p>Infinix has partnered with JBL for dual stereo speakers. While we haven't tested audio quality yet, JBL-tuned speakers at this price point are typically louder and clearer than generic smartphone speakers. Combined with the included USB-C earphones, this is solid for media consumption.</p><h2>Software: The iPhone Clone Problem</h2><p>The Note Edge runs Android 16 with XOS 16 on top, and here's where things get... derivative.</p><p>XOS 16 is essentially trying to be iOS. The lockscreen, notification shade, settings menu, and even icon design heavily borrow from Apple's aesthetic. While some users might appreciate the familiar iPhone-like experience, it feels lazy and undermines Android's flexibility.</p><p>Software Update Promise:</p><ul><li><p>Up to 3 major Android upgrades and 5 years of security updates</p></li><li><p>Security updates for unspecified duration</p></li></ul><p>Infinix's track record on timely updates is inconsistent at best. Don't expect day-one updates when new Android versions drop.</p><ad-spot></ad-spot><h3>Folax AI Assistant:</h3><p>The built-in AI assistant can be triggered via the action button or Halo lighting. We'll need hands-on testing to judge its usefulness versus existing options like Google Assistant.</p><h2>Pricing &amp; Availability: The Confusion</h2><p>Infinix officially prices the Note Edge at:</p><ul><li><p>KES 28,000-32,000 (8GB/128GB to 8GB/256GB)</p></li></ul><p>However, some retailers (including Jumia) are currently listing it at KES 36,000—a significant markup. This is likely because:</p><ol><li><p>Pre-orders are active but official retail launch hasn't happened</p></li><li><p>Early adopter tax (impatient buyers pay premium)</p></li><li><p>Limited initial stock</p></li></ol><h3>Pre-Order Details (Jan 15-25, 2026):</h3><p>KES 500 deposit to reserve your unit. Pre-order gifts include:</p><ul><li><p>KES 1,000 instant discount</p></li><li><p>Free power bank</p></li><li><p>3 months Spotify Premium</p></li><li><p>KES 1,500 discount on trade-ins</p></li><li><p>Prize draw to win the phone</p></li><li><p>Additional gifts to be announced</p></li></ul><p><strong>Recommendation</strong>: Wait for the official launch. Once supply stabilizes, expect prices to drop to the 28-32k range. Paying 36k now makes no sense when you can get better-specced alternatives for that money.</p><h2>Full Specifications</h2><table style="min-width: 50px;"><colgroup><col style="min-width: 25px;"><col style="min-width: 25px;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><th colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>Category</p></th><th colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>Specifications</p></th></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>Dimensions</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>163.1 x 77.4 x 7.2 mm</p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>Weight</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>190g</p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>Display</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>6.78" AMOLED, 120Hz, 2160Hz PWM, 4500 nits peak</p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>Resolution</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>1208 x 2644 pixels (~393 PPI)</p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>Protection</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, IP65</p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>Chipset</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>MediaTek Dimensity 7100 (6nm)</p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>CPU</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 + 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)</p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>GPU</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>Mali-G610 MC2</p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>RAM</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>8GB (LPDDR5 + LPDDR4X)</p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>Storage</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>128GB/256GB (UFS 2.2, no microSD)</p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>Main Camera</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>50MP (1/2.0", PDAF), Dual-LED flash</p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>Video</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps</p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>Selfie Camera</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>13MP (f/2.2)</p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>Battery</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>6150 mAh</p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>Charging</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>45W fast charging, bypass charging, reverse charging</p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>Audio</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>Dual JBL stereo speakers, USB-C earphones included</p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>OS</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>Android 16, XOS 16</p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>Extras</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>Halo RGB lighting, Action button, fabric-textured back</p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>Price</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>KES 28,000-32,000 (official), KES 36,000 (current retail)</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><review-card productname="Infinix Note Edge" score="8.0" pros="Stunning display - Flagship-quality AMOLED with 2160Hz PWM and 4500 nits peak brightness|||Premium design - Thin (7.2mm), light (190g), fabric texture, waterfall display|||Excellent battery life - 6150 mAh with bypass and reverse charging|||Generous in-box accessories - Charger, earphones, case, screen protector" cons="Mid-range chipset - Dimensity 7100 is &quot;latest&quot; but not powerful; struggles with intensive tasks|||Single camera - No ultrawide, telephoto, or versatility; disappointing for 2026|||No microSD slot - Can't expand storage"></review-card><p> </p><h2>Who Should Buy This Phone?</h2><h2>Buy if you:</h2><ul><li><p>Prioritize display quality and design over raw performance</p></li><li><p>Are a casual user (social media, streaming, light gaming)</p></li><li><p>Want iPhone aesthetics without the iPhone price</p></li><li><p>Value long battery life</p></li><li><p>Appreciate in-box accessories</p></li></ul><h3>Skip if you:</h3><ul><li><p>Need strong performance for gaming or productivity</p></li><li><p>Are a photography enthusiast needing camera versatility</p></li><li><p>Want faster storage (UFS 3.1+) for app loading</p></li><li><p>Prefer pure Android over iOS clones</p></li><li><p>Need reliable, timely software updates</p></li></ul><ad-spot></ad-spot><h2>The Alternatives</h2><p>At the 28-32k price point, consider:</p><h3>Samsung Galaxy A36 (KES 32,000)</h3><p>Better camera system (triple lens with ultrawide)</p><p>More reliable software updates (6 years Android updates)</p><p>Stronger build quality</p><p>But: Less impressive display specs, smaller battery</p><h3>Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro (KES 30,000)</h3><p>Better chipset (Dimensity 7300 Ultra)</p><p>Superior camera (200MP main + ultrawide)</p><p>But: Less premium design</p><h2>The Verdict</h2><p>The Infinix Note Edge is a textbook example of style over substance—but that's not necessarily a bad thing if you know what you're buying.</p><p>If you prioritize how a phone looks and feels over benchmark scores, the Note Edge delivers. The display is genuinely flagship-quality, the design is premium, and the battery life is excellent. For someone who spends their day on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, this phone will feel like a steal at 28-32k.</p><p>But don't fall for the "latest Dimensity chipset" marketing. This is a mid-range phone with mid-range performance. The single camera is limiting. The software is an uninspired iOS clone. And if you need serious processing power, you'll quickly hit its limits.</p><p><strong>Final recommendation</strong>: Wait for the official launch to avoid the current 36k markup. At 28-32k with pre-order gifts, it's a solid value proposition for the right buyer. Just go in with realistic expectations about what "mid-range in flagship clothing" actually means.</p><p>Pre-orders run from January 15-25, 2026. Official retail launch expected late January.</p>

Infinix Note Edge Review: Premium Aesthetics for 30k, but What’s the Catch?

<review-card productname="Safaricom 5G Home WiFi Router" score="7.5" pros="Excellent network coverage|||Very Portable |||Low Ping (under 30ms in Nairobi)|||Great Value on higher Packages|||Grace Period - expires at midnight |||Easy to manage via Safaricom app" cons="Slow boot time after power outages|||Uses proprietary blue pin charger, not USB-C|||Huawei model lacks built-in battery|||Baicells model mysteriously discontinue|||Can't buy backup power easily "></review-card><p></p><h2>Introduction: How I Ended Up With Two Different 5G Routers</h2><p>Here's the thing - when Safaricom launched their 5G home WiFi router, my mom was one of the first people to grab it. Safaricom reps literally walked into her shop and she bought it on the spot. That was the Baicells router, and spoiler alert: it's been working flawlessly for 7 months now.</p><p>Fast forward 3 months later when I decided to get my own. I walked into every Safaricom shop I could find, checked Masoko, asked around - and the Baicells router had completely vanished. When I contacted Safaricom customer care, they gave me this explanation: "<em>We moved to Huawei because Baicells occasionally dropped network and Huawei is better in handling connectivity</em>."</p><p>I'm calling BS on that. My mom has been using the Baicells router for 7 months without a single network issue. I think the real reason is Safaricom's long-standing partnership with Huawei. But anyway, I ended up buying the Huawei CPE router, and I've been using it for almost 5 months now.</p><p>This review covers both models because honestly, the differences matter.</p><h2>What's In The Box?</h2><p>Both routers come with minimal packaging:</p><ul><li><p>The router itself</p></li><li><p>One RJ45 ethernet cable</p></li><li><p>Power cable with that annoying blue pin connector (more on this later)</p></li><li><p>A manual</p></li><li><p>That's it</p></li></ul><p>No fancy accessories. Just plug and play... well, after the mandatory Safaricom registration.</p><h2>Design &amp; Build: Light, Portable, But One Missing Feature</h2><h3>Baicells Router</h3><p>The Baicells model is surprisingly light and portable. The standout feature? It has a built-in battery that lasts 2-3 hours without power. This is a game-changer in Kenya where power outages are just part of life. My mom's shop has stayed connected through countless blackouts while everyone else is offline.</p><h3>Huawei CPE Router</h3><p>The Huawei model is even smaller and lighter than the Baicells. It's incredibly portable and fits easily in a backpack. But here's the catch - no built-in battery. When the power goes out, you're instantly disconnected.</p><p>This is my biggest gripe with the Huawei model. They clearly cut this feature to save costs or push their partnership, and it's frustrating because the Baicells proved it's possible.</p><h2>The Charger Problem</h2><p>Both routers use a proprietary blue pin charging port instead of USB-C. This is 2025 (almost 2026), and we're still dealing with proprietary chargers? Come on, Safaricom.</p><p>Want a backup power solution? You can't just buy a power bank. You'll need a mini UPS or a power station like Anker's, which will set you back thousands of shillings just to get that AC socket to plug the charger into. It's an unnecessary expense that wouldn't exist if they'd just used USB-C.</p><h2>Indicator Lights</h2><p>The router has 3 LED lights:</p><ul><li><p>Power indicator</p></li><li><p>4G network indicator</p></li><li><p>5G network indicator</p></li></ul><p>Simple and functional. You'll know exactly what network you're connected to at a glance.</p><ad-spot></ad-spot><h2>Network Performance: The Real Test</h2><h3>Coverage Area</h3><p>This is where the Safaricom 5G router really shines. This thing works almost anywhere. I'm not exaggerating. My friends and I have carried this router from house to house in Nairobi, and it connects everywhere.</p><p>I've even taken it to remote areas of Kajiado, and it works like a charm. The portability means you can literally fit it in your backpack, take it to a friend's place, plug it in, wait the usual 5 minutes for boot-up, and you're gaming on a PS5 with stable internet.</p><h2>Speed Test Results</h2><img src="https://cdn.calebms.com/articles/Oz8E8i58M2S00jnvmz1k8663gGA3/b873541e-ccd2-4cdd-94f6-21fd8ee20cce.png" alt="31183.png"><p>Safaricom advertises specific speeds for each package, but in real-world testing, you actually get slightly better:</p><ul><li><p>15Mbps package: Ranges from 15-20Mbps on a single device</p></li><li><p>50Mbps package: Consistently delivers 50Mbps or slightly higher</p></li></ul><p>The advertised speeds are actually conservative</p><p>However, there's a catch - <strong>the more devices connected and actively using the internet, the slower it becomes</strong>. This is expected with any router, but it's worth noting.</p><h2>Ping &amp; Gaming</h2><p>The ping is actually impressive. Using Ookla speed tests, I consistently get under 30ms ping, especially in Nairobi. This makes the router viable for online gaming, video calls, and anything else that needs low latency.</p><h2>Network Reliability</h2><p>In 7 months with the Baicells and 5 months with the Huawei, network drops are <strong>almost non-existent. </strong>When you're connected, you stay connected. The network stability is genuinely impressive.</p><h2>The Power Outage Problem: A Major Pain Point</h2><p>Here's where things get frustrating. When there's a power blackout and the power returns, the router takes forever to come back online:</p><ul><li><p>2 minutes before the router/WiFi shows up on your devices</p></li><li><p>Another 3 minutes before you can actually access the internet</p></li><li><p>You can connect immediately, but it'll show "No Internet Connection" for about 3 minutes</p></li><li><p>Total recovery time: Around 5 minutes</p></li></ul><p>It feels like you're waiting for a Windows XP machine to boot up. This is by far the biggest challenge with these routers. The slow reboot time is annoying, especially if you're in the middle of something important.</p><p>This is where the Baicells' built-in battery becomes invaluable - my mom never experiences this issue because her router stays powered through short outages.</p><ad-spot></ad-spot><h2>Data Packages &amp; Pricing: The Value Proposition</h2><p>Safaricom recently updated their packages, and there's been a significant improvement to the entry-level plan:</p><table style="min-width: 100px;"><colgroup><col style="min-width: 25px;"><col style="min-width: 25px;"><col style="min-width: 25px;"><col style="min-width: 25px;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><th colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>Package</p></th><th colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>Speed</p></th><th colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>Data Cap</p></th><th colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>Price</p></th></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>Basic</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>15Mbps</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>450GB</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>KES 2,999</p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>Standard</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>50Mbps</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>1.5TB</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>KES 4,000</p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>Premium</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>100Mbps</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>2TB</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>KES 5,000</p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>Ultra</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>250Mbps</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>4TB</p></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1"><p>KES 10,000</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p><strong>Initial cost</strong>: Router costs KES 3,000 + first month subscription = KES 6,000 minimum to get started.</p><h2>Real-World Usage Experience</h2><p>I live with 3 other guys, and we pay for the 50Mbps package at KES 4,000 (1.5TB cap). We rarely even hit 1TB in a month. But here's the interesting part - when we tried to save money by downgrading to the 15Mbps package (250GB at the old pricing), we finished the data in 2 weeks.</p><p>For a difference of just KES 1,000, you get a massive jump:</p><ul><li><p>From 450GB to 1,500GB (over 3x the data)</p></li><li><p>From 15Mbps to 50Mbps (over 3x the speed)</p></li></ul><p>The value proposition on the higher packages is genuinely excellent. The 50Mbps package is the sweet spot for most households.</p><h2>The Hidden Grace Period</h2><p>Here's a little hack: if you pay for your subscription at 5 AM, it expires 30 days later at midnight - not at 5 AM. Unlike normal data bundles that expire at the exact time, this one always expires at midnight. This means you can squeeze out an extra grace period of more than <strong>12 hours </strong>depending on when you purchase. Not huge, but it's something.</p><h2>About Those "Device Limits"</h2><p>Some packages mention things like "up to 4 devices" or similar limits. Ignore this completely. The router can connect as many devices as you want. There's no actual device limit unless you set one yourself in the admin panel. The only thing that happens is the more devices actively using the internet, the slower it becomes for everyone. That's just basic network congestion, not an artificial limit.</p><h2>Data Cap Reality Check</h2><p>In the Safaricom app, under bundle balance, it will show "<strong>Unlimited</strong>" no matter what package you're using. Don't be fooled. There's an actual cap, and when you hit it, you're completely cut off.</p><p>For example, if you reach the 450GB mark on the basic plan, they'll completely cut you off. It'll show "No Internet." You won't even be able to send a WhatsApp text. You'll need to top up or wait for your next billing cycle.</p><h2>Managing Your Router &amp; Subscription</h2><h3>Subscriptions: The Safaricom App</h3><img src="https://cdn.calebms.com/articles/Oz8E8i58M2S00jnvmz1k8663gGA3/a1577c70-106c-42c9-a615-7e8a77316df1.jpeg" alt="31189.jpg"><p>All subscription management happens through the Safaricom app. Here you can:</p><ul><li><p>Change plans</p></li><li><p>Top up data</p></li><li><p>View your account</p></li><li><p>Check bundle balance</p></li></ul><h3>WiFi Settings: The Admin Panel</h3><p>For everything else, you need to visit <em>http://192.168.8.1/</em> while connected to the WiFi.</p><p>First-time login details are on a sticker at the bottom of the router. Once logged in, you can:</p><ul><li><p>Change WiFi password and name</p></li><li><p>Set up usage limits</p></li><li><p>Configure guest WiFi (I've never used this, but it's there)</p></li><li><p>View detailed usage statistics</p></li><li><p>See all connected devices</p></li><li><p>Add devices to a blocklist</p></li><li><p>Choose between 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands, or run both</p></li></ul><ad-spot></ad-spot><h2>5GHz vs 2.4GHz: What's The Difference?</h2><ul><li><p><strong>5GHz</strong>: Faster speeds but shorter range, doesn't pass through walls well</p></li><li><p><strong>2.4GHz</strong>: Slower speeds but longer range, better wall penetration</p></li></ul><p>I usually run both simultaneously and let devices choose the best connection.</p><h2>The SMS Feature Nobody Asked For</h2><p>There's a messaging section in the admin panel where you can view SMS messages. This line apparently acts like a real Safaricom number, so you'll see:</p><ul><li><p>Safaricom telling you to activate M-PESA (why?)</p></li><li><p>Random Safaricom promotions</p></li><li><p>Messages from scammers</p></li><li><p>It's weird but harmless. Just ignore it.</p></li></ul><h2>Registration Process: Two Different Experiences</h2><p>Here's where my experience gets interesting. When I bought my router from a physical Safaricom shop, <strong>I couldn't do self-registration</strong> - a customer care agent had to set it up for me. They configured a new Safaricom line specifically for 5G home use, registered it under my name alongside my existing line, and that was that.</p><p>However, if you <strong>order from Masoko</strong> (Safaricom's online store), the router comes with a comprehensive manual that includes a <strong>self-service activation process</strong>. Here's how it works:</p><h3>Self-Registration Process (Masoko Orders):</h3><p><strong>Part 1: Prepare Your SIM Card (Critical Step)</strong></p><ol><li><p>Find the Safaricom SIM in the pouch inside the router box</p></li><li><p>Pop out the SIM and insert it into any unlocked smartphone</p></li><li><p>Go to Settings → Security → SIM card lock</p></li><li><p>Disable the PIN lock (toggle "Lock SIM card" to OFF)</p></li><li><p>Enter the default PIN (printed on the plastic card the SIM came in)</p></li><li><p>Remove the SIM - it's now ready for the router</p></li></ol><p><strong>Part 2: Router Setup and Activation</strong></p><ol><li><p>Insert the PIN-less SIM into the router's SIM slot (on the back)</p></li><li><p>Power up the router and wait a few minutes for it to boot</p></li><li><p>Scan the QR code on the back of the SIM card pouch with your phone</p></li><li><p>Follow the prompts on Safaricom's self-service activation portal</p></li><li><p>Verify with OTP sent to your primary Safaricom number</p></li><li><p>Complete activation and accept terms</p></li></ol><p><strong>Important Notes:</strong></p><ul><li><p>For Baicells routers, the admin panel is at <strong>192.168.150.1</strong> (not 192.168.8.1)</p></li><li><p>For Huawei routers, use <strong>192.168.8.1</strong></p></li><li><p>You can request the OTP up to 3 times; after that, wait 10 minutes before trying again</p></li><li><p>Change your default WiFi name and password immediately after activation</p></li></ul><p>The self-registration process is actually quite straightforward if you buy from Masoko, but physical shop purchases might still require customer care assistance. It's unclear why there's this discrepancy, but that's been my experience.</p><h2>Locked Out? Here's The Reset</h2><p>If you block your account or forget your admin panel password, Safaricom will tell you to press and hold the power button for 10 seconds. This resets the router, and you can use the login details on the bottom sticker to access it again.</p><h2>Baicells vs Huawei: Which Should You Choose?</h2><p>Here's the problem - you can't choose. Safaricom has seemingly discontinued the Baicells model, so you're stuck with Huawei. But for the record, here's how they compare:</p><p><strong>Baicells</strong> Wins On:</p><ul><li><p>Built-in battery (2-3 hours backup)</p></li><li><p>Peace of mind during power outages</p></li><li><p>Proven 7-month track record with zero network issues</p></li></ul><p><strong>Huawei</strong> Wins On:</p><ul><li><p>Slightly smaller and lighter</p></li><li><p>That's... basically it</p></li></ul><p>The lack of a built-in battery on the Huawei model is a significant downgrade. If Safaricom truly discontinued Baicells due to "network drops," they should prove it, because my mom's 7-month experience tells a different story.</p><ad-spot></ad-spot><h2>Who Is This Router For?</h2><p>Perfect For:</p><ul><li><p>Households with 2-5 people sharing internet</p></li><li><p>Remote workers who need stable internet (just get a UPS for power backup)</p></li><li><p>Students in areas with good Safaricom coverage</p></li><li><p>Travelers who need portable internet across Kenya</p></li><li><p>Gamers (low ping makes it viable)</p></li><li><p>Anyone in areas without fiber access</p></li></ul><p>Not Ideal For:</p><ul><li><p>Heavy data users on a budget (the caps are real)</p></li><li><p>People in areas with frequent, long power outages (unless you invest in a UPS)</p></li><li><p>Those expecting fiber-like unlimited data</p></li></ul><h2>Final Verdict: A Solid 7.5/10</h2><p>After 7 months with the Baicells and 5 months with the Huawei, I can confidently say the Safaricom 5G home router is a solid product with some frustrating compromises.</p><h3>What Works:</h3><p>The network coverage is excellent, the speeds are reliable, the portability is unmatched, and the value on higher-tier packages is genuinely good. The fact that I can take this router to remote Kajiado and still get stable internet is impressive.</p><h3>What Doesn't:</h3><p>The slow reboot time after power outages is annoying, the proprietary charger is unnecessary in 2024, and the mysterious discontinuation of the Baicells model (which had a built-in battery) feels like a downgrade pushed by corporate partnerships rather than customer needs.</p><h2>Should You Buy It?</h2><p>If you need reliable home internet and live within Safaricom's coverage area, yes, absolutely. Just budget for the 50Mbps package (KES 4,000) - it's the sweet spot. And if you can find a Baicells model somewhere, grab it before they're completely gone.</p><p><strong>Initial Investment</strong>: KES 6,000 (router + first month)</p><p><strong>Monthly Cost:</strong> KES 2,999 - KES 10,000 depending on package</p><p><strong>Overall Rating</strong>: 7.5/10</p><p>Have you used the Safaricom 5G router? What's your experience been? Drop a comment below and let us know which package you're using and how it's working out for you.</p>

Reviews

Oraimo Watch 5R Pro Review: 8 Months Later, Here's What Nobody Tells You About Budget Smartwatches in Kenya

Redmi Note 15 Series Review: How Xiaomi Just Made Every Other Mid-Ranger Look Overpriced

Oppo Reno 15 Series Review: Great Phones, Confusing Prices—Which One (If Any) Makes Sense?

Infinix Note Edge Review: Premium Aesthetics for 30k, but What’s the Catch?

Safaricom 5G Home WiFi Router Review: 7 Months of Real-World Use