Enter the MTN Icon 5G — one of the most affordable 5G smartphones on the South African market in 2024. As the name suggests, this smartphone is exclusively available through MTN.
But how does it perform in real-world use? Keep reading to find out.
Incredible Value with Competitive Pricing for Budget-Conscious Buyers
For anyone on the budget, the MTN Icon 5G is the cheapest choice for anyone who wants to own a 5G smartphone. This smartphone is a good choice if you’re planning to use it to go through social media and connect to the Internet while you’re on the go at fast speeds.
The MTN Icon 5G smartphone is going at R2499 as the full cash price, which is a bargain of a price for any budget customer. In terms of contract prices, you can get the MTN Icon 5G on a MTN Core package over 36 months at R219 per month. The MTN Core package entails 50 all-network minutes and 1GB anytime data.
Bargain for anyone that has a tight budget, but needs a 5G smartphone.
Sleek Design and Durable Construction for a Premium Feel
The MTN Icon 5G features a plastic frame with a glossy rear finish. The reflective surface of the back can create a mirror-like effect, and you'll notice fingerprint smudges from certain angles. To offer some protection, the device includes a transparent rubber case, which helps guard against minor drops, scratches, scuffs, and fingerprints.
However, the device does not come with any formal IP rating or water resistance certification, so caution is advised when handling it around moisture or dust.
For connectivity, the right side of the phone houses the volume rocker and power button, while the bottom features a USB Type-C port for charging and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The SIM card tray is located on the left side of the device.
Capture Stunning Photos with an Advanced Camera System
The Smart MTN Icon 5G features a dual-rear camera setup, headlined by a 50MP AI-powered main camera and a Bokeh depth lens on the left side. While the aperture of the main camera isn't specified, it delivers solid performance in various lighting conditions. The front-facing camera offers an 8MP sensor, designed to capture clear selfies.
In well-lit environments, the MTN Icon 5G’s rear camera excels in color reproduction, bringing vibrant and accurate colors to life. Skin tones, in particular, are rendered naturally, making this device a good choice for portraits. However, the front camera's color output tends to be a bit more desaturated, which may not appeal to those seeking more vivid selfie shots.
As a digital marketer, particularly in event photography, I pay close attention to detail. While the rear camera can produce decent shots from a distance, zooming in reveals that fine details may not be as sharp as expected, especially when capturing intricate subjects like food.
During daylight, the camera performs admirably, even with moving subjects. However, in low-light conditions, the MTN Icon 5G struggles to capture fast-moving objects, with motion blur becoming noticeable even with slight movement. This may be a limitation for those who frequently shoot in less-than-ideal lighting.
For video enthusiasts, the MTN Icon 5G supports 4K video recording at 30 FPS with the rear camera, offering decent quality for everyday video capture. The front-facing camera, on the other hand, is limited to 1080p video at 30 FPS, which should be sufficient for casual vlogging and video calls.
Reliable Connectivity and Long-lasting Battery Life for All-Day Use
The MTN Icon 5G offers robust connectivity options, including dual SIM support, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GPS, making it a versatile device for everyday use. As the name suggests, the MTN Icon 5G supports 5G connectivity, providing fast and reliable internet access right from the moment the device is powered on. Even in areas with weaker signal strength, the phone maintained a strong connection, allowing any user to stay productive and connected without interruptions.
The MTN Icon 5G is equipped with a 5,000mAh battery, which offers impressive endurance for a full day of use. Whether the user was watching YouTube videos, scrolling through social media, capturing photos, or gaming, the device lasted nearly the entire day on a single charge.
However, the charging speed leaves much to be desired. The device supports 10W wired charging, but it took nearly three hours to charge the battery from 20% to 100%. This slow charging time can be attributed to the lack of fast-charging support, which may be a drawback for users accustomed to quicker charge times.
With a robust battery life of 13 hours and 26 minutes, the MTN Icon 5G is well-suited for individuals who are frequently on the go and may be away from charging facilities for extended periods. This impressive battery capacity ensures that the device can comfortably meet the demands of daily use.
Overall
The MTN Icon 5G offers strong camera performance, particularly in well-lit environments, making it an excellent choice for casual photographers. While it may struggle with fine detail and low-light conditions, it still provides solid results for everyday use. For those seeking an affordable 5G smartphone with a capable camera, the MTN Icon 5G is a commendable option.
In addition to its camera, the MTN Icon 5G delivers dependable connectivity and impressive battery life, making it a reliable choice for users who need to stay connected throughout the day. While it lacks fast-charging capabilities, its long-lasting battery and robust 5G performance are standout features that will appeal to a wide variety of users.
One of the most compelling aspects of the MTN Icon 5G is its pricing. Despite offering advanced features typically found in higher-end devices, it remains highly affordable. For the technology you’re getting, the value is exceptional. Don’t miss out—visit your nearest MTN store today to experience this great phone at an unbeatable price.
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