• Home
  • About
  • Lifestyle
  • Entertainment
  • Fashion
  • Competitions
  • Contact Us
  • Home
  • About
  • Lifestyle
  • Entertainment
  • Fashion
  • Competitions
  • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
The Vibe ZA
  • Home
  • About
  • Lifestyle
  • Entertainment
  • Fashion
  • Competitions
  • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
The Vibe ZA
Home Tech

Smartphone industry to thrive in 2025 as 5G and AI drive demand

in Tech
Reading Time: 3 min
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

The smartphone market is poised for a strong 2025, driven by product portfolio refreshes among leading handset manufacturers, rising consumer interest in innovative artificial intelligence (AI) features, and growing demand for and increased affordability of 5G devices.

IDC’s five-year forecast for smartphone shipments worldwide by operating system shows that the smartphone market reached 1.21 billion units shipped in 2024, up 4.0% from 2023. According to IDC, sales of affordable Android smartphones are growing rapidly in emerging markets, while premium markets are embracing new AI features.

Here are some of the key trends to watch in 2025:

5G adoption accelerates throughout Africa

Throughout Africa, we have seen a surge in 5G investment, including spectrum auctions, pilots and commercial launches. With smartphone manufacturers leveraging the latest systems on chips (SoCs), we are also seeing more affordable 5G-ready smartphones hit the market. This has set the stage for accelerated 5G adoption across Africa in 2025. IDC forecasts 13.2% growth in global sales of 5G-powered devices in 2025, following near 16% growth in 2024. 

Generative AI fuels the next generation of smartphone innovation

Chipmakers like MediaTek are integrating next-generation generative AI features with their SoCs. Our Dimensity 9300 platform, for example, includes the MediaTek NPU 790 generative AI engine to allow faster, safer edge AI computing. This enables smartphone manufacturers like Xiaomi to create a range of innovative generative AI experiences.

Some examples of the features we can expect to become commonplace in smartphones include AI-generated subtitles for video calls, real-time translations of multiple languages and AI notetaking with summaries and proofreading. The productivity gains in classrooms, work and personal life will be enormous.

IDC forecasts that AI-powered devices will be the fastest-growing segment in the smartphone category. Growth in 2025 is expected to hit 73%. By 2028, worldwide gen AI smartphone shipments will reach 912 million units, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 78.4% for 2023-2028. 

AI-driven cameras and displays

Integrated AI features will continue to enhance smartphone camera and display experiences. On-device AI Image Signal Processing, AI Noise Reduction, AI processing on RAW photos and videos, and other utilities like real-time bokeh tracking are rapidly trickling down to mainstream smartphones.

Focus on security

Smartphone security is a key concern because of the sensitive information stored on our devices, such as biometrics and financial data. AI-powered security tools and theft detection features are crucial for protecting this information and keeping our data away from prying eyes. The Dimensity 9300, for instance, includes a privacy-focused design that resists physical attacks on data access by protecting important processes during boot-up and when performing secure computing.

 Enhanced photography

We can expect 2025 to be the year the new Ultra HDR format really takes off. Ultra HDR is a big step forward for mobile photography, making photos look much more vibrant while ensuring that files are compatible with the universally supported JPEG format. Chipsets like the MediaTek Dimensity 9300 are revolutionizing photography and videography, thanks to support for the new Ultra HDR format and always-on HDR recording at up to 4K resolution at 60 frames per second (fps).

 Closing the gaming performance gap

The latest SoCs feature power-efficient graphics processing to give gamers full raytracing experiences at a smooth 60 frames per second and console-grade global illumination effects. We are seeing near home-console or PC levels of fidelity and performance emerge on a device you can carry in your pocket.  The MediaTek Dimensity 9300’s GPU, for instance, provides 46% higher peak performance with 40% power savings, leading to longer battery life and game times.

Conclusion

The smartphone market is set for robust growth in 2025, driven by technological advancements and evolving consumer needs. At MediaTek, we aim to play a critical role in the adoption of next-generation technology, empowering manufacturers like Xiaomi to deliver innovative features such as cutting-edge generative AI functionalities at an affordable cost.

Previous Post

Travel with a doctor in your pocket this 2025

 Next Post

New Citroën Aircrews SUV: Clever, Comfortable & Cool

Related Posts
Tech

Beyond Phone Calls: How Connectivity Is Changing Life for Older South Africans

28th October 2026
Static photo, Colour: Glacier white
Tech

Hybrid-battery warranties are expiring: repair, replace or sell? As more South Africans turn to hybrids to manage rising fuel costs, a new question is emerging for early buyers: what happens when the factory battery warranty expires? South Africa, Johannesburg- 26 October 2026, Hybrid electric vehicles are quickly gaining ground in South Africa. According to TransUnion, local preference for hybrids jumped from 30% at the end of 2025 to 39% in the first quarter of 2026. That puts hybrids ahead of both battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, which each account for 26% of the market. As more drivers make the switch, battery warranty is becoming a key part of the ownership equation. The high-voltage traction battery in a hybrid is not just another 12-volt unit; it’s the heart of the car’s electric drive and fuel-saving ability. Once the factory warranty expires, repairs or replacements become the owner’s responsibility. Toyota South Africa says its hybrid batteries carry an eight-year or 195 000 km warranty, while its owner information also refers to high-voltage battery cover of up to eight years or 160 000 km, depending on the vehicle and warranty terms. An expired battery warranty doesn’t mean your hybrid will suddenly stop running. Most will keep going as usual. The real risk is financial: if the battery fails after the warranty ends, repairs or replacements can be expensive, and the car’s resale or trade-in value may take a knock. How reliable are hybrids, really? The good news is that hybrid batteries and drive systems have proven remarkably reliable. Many well-maintained hybrids run far beyond their warranty periods on their original batteries, and the hybrid hardware itself tends to be robust; Toyota’s hybrid transmission, for example, does without a conventional clutch or torque converter. In the United States, Consumer Reports’ latest reliability survey again rates conventional hybrids among the most dependable vehicles on the road, ahead of plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles. There is an important caveat, though. Meaningful long-term data is only really available for a handful of manufacturers, primarily Japanese brands such as Toyota, Lexus and Honda, which have been building hybrids for more than 25 years. Toyota launched the original Prius in 1997 and Honda followed with the Insight in 1999. Many newer entrants, including several of the Chinese brands now driving hybrid growth in South Africa, simply haven’t been on sale long enough for their batteries and hybrid systems to build up a proven track record. Locally, the picture is even younger. For most of the past two decades, hybrids were a niche in South Africa. Toyota sold only about 1 200 examples of the Prius here between its 2005 launch and its discontinuation in 2022, while Lexus and Honda (which introduced the Insight and Jazz Hybrid in 2010 and 2011) added relatively small numbers. Volumes only took off after Toyota started building the Corolla Cross Hybrid at its Prospecton plant in Durban in late 2021. According to Naamsa figures, just over 38 500 hybrids were sold in South Africa between 2021 and 2025, which means most hybrids on local roads are less than five years old and still well within their battery warranties. That makes the first wave of expiring warranties a relatively small group, mostly older Prius, Lexus and Honda models, rather than a flood. It also means South African owners and buyers are, for now, leaning largely on international evidence. For Toyota, Lexus and Honda, that track record is reassuring. For newer brands, the length and terms of the battery warranty carry more weight, because there is little long-term history to fall back on. What a replacement may cost The cost of replacing a hybrid battery can vary widely. It depends on the brand, battery type, the car’s value, and whether you choose a dealer replacement or a specialist repair. As a rough guide, replacing the battery in a mainstream Japanese hybrid typically costs between R25 000 and R45 000. If you own a premium European hybrid or a plug-in model, you could be looking at anything from R65 000 to well over R100 000. A full battery replacement isn’t always needed. Sometimes, a specialist can repair the battery pack or swap out only the weak modules, which can be much cheaper than fitting a whole new unit. The success of this approach depends on the condition of the rest of the battery, the quality of the repair, and the warranty on the work. Before signing off on a replacement, it’s worth getting a full hybrid-system diagnostic. A warning light, a drop in fuel economy or a jumpy charge indicator doesn’t always mean the whole battery pack is finished. Warning signs to watch Common indicators that a hybrid battery may be deteriorating include: · Gradually increasing fuel consumption. · The battery-cooling fan operates more frequently. · Rapid or inconsistent movement in the state-of-charge indicator. · Persistent hybrid-system warning lights. · Reduced electric-motor assistance or noticeable changes in driving behaviour. None of these symptoms guarantee that the battery needs replacing, but they are a good reason to get a professional diagnosis before things get worse and more expensive. Repair, replace or sell? If your battery warranty is about to expire, you have three main options. Sell or trade in: This route avoids a big repair bill but expect buyers and dealers to lower their offers to cover possible battery costs. Dealer replacement: A new original battery offers the most peace of mind, but it comes at a price. Check the warranty on the replacement battery, as it’s often shorter than the original coverage. Specialist repair or reconditioning: Repairing or replacing individual modules can lower the upfront cost but may create greater uncertainty about long-term reliability. Owners should compare the repair warranty, battery health report and total expected remaining life against the price of a new unit. The best option depends on your car’s value, mileage, condition and your own plans. Replacing the battery might make sense for a newer or higher-value car, but for an older hybrid with high mileage, it may not be worth the cost. Plan before Day Zero Reaching the end of your hybrid’s battery warranty is just another milestone, not the end of the road. If you track your warranty, monitor your battery’s performance, and get early warnings, you’ll be in a much better position to decide whether to repair, replace, or sell. If you’re shopping for a used hybrid, check the battery warranty status, service history, accident record, and general condition before you buy. It’s also worth asking a franchised dealer to run a hybrid system check before you sign. Using its diagnostic equipment, the workshop can read any stored hybrid fault codes and check how evenly the battery’s cell blocks are holding their voltage, which is a good indicator of an ageing pack. Ask for a printout of the results; a seller with nothing to hide shouldn’t object.

28th October 2026
Tech

Cars.co.za Wins Big at 2026 naamsa Awards

28th October 2026
Tech

Wisdom & Wellness Launches App to Bring GalPals Closer

28th October 2026
Tech

Singularity Summit 2026: The Future Is Already Here

27th October 2026
Tech

Mazda Confirms Plug-In Hybrid for South Africa in 2027

27th October 2026
Next Post

New Citroën Aircrews SUV: Clever, Comfortable & Cool

Must-sees on the way to Kruger National Park

Screenshot

Ultra South Africa Celebrates Launch of 10th Anniversary Edition

Trace Awards Voting Officially Open

How the summer sun might be affecting your scalp and hair health

Just In!A must Read

FNB AgencyPlus Moves R94 Million in Community Banking

28th October 2026

Beyond Phone Calls: How Connectivity Is Changing Life for Older South Africans

28th October 2026
Static photo, Colour: Glacier white

Hybrid-battery warranties are expiring: repair, replace or sell? As more South Africans turn to hybrids to manage rising fuel costs, a new question is emerging for early buyers: what happens when the factory battery warranty expires? South Africa, Johannesburg- 26 October 2026, Hybrid electric vehicles are quickly gaining ground in South Africa. According to TransUnion, local preference for hybrids jumped from 30% at the end of 2025 to 39% in the first quarter of 2026. That puts hybrids ahead of both battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, which each account for 26% of the market. As more drivers make the switch, battery warranty is becoming a key part of the ownership equation. The high-voltage traction battery in a hybrid is not just another 12-volt unit; it’s the heart of the car’s electric drive and fuel-saving ability. Once the factory warranty expires, repairs or replacements become the owner’s responsibility. Toyota South Africa says its hybrid batteries carry an eight-year or 195 000 km warranty, while its owner information also refers to high-voltage battery cover of up to eight years or 160 000 km, depending on the vehicle and warranty terms. An expired battery warranty doesn’t mean your hybrid will suddenly stop running. Most will keep going as usual. The real risk is financial: if the battery fails after the warranty ends, repairs or replacements can be expensive, and the car’s resale or trade-in value may take a knock. How reliable are hybrids, really? The good news is that hybrid batteries and drive systems have proven remarkably reliable. Many well-maintained hybrids run far beyond their warranty periods on their original batteries, and the hybrid hardware itself tends to be robust; Toyota’s hybrid transmission, for example, does without a conventional clutch or torque converter. In the United States, Consumer Reports’ latest reliability survey again rates conventional hybrids among the most dependable vehicles on the road, ahead of plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles. There is an important caveat, though. Meaningful long-term data is only really available for a handful of manufacturers, primarily Japanese brands such as Toyota, Lexus and Honda, which have been building hybrids for more than 25 years. Toyota launched the original Prius in 1997 and Honda followed with the Insight in 1999. Many newer entrants, including several of the Chinese brands now driving hybrid growth in South Africa, simply haven’t been on sale long enough for their batteries and hybrid systems to build up a proven track record. Locally, the picture is even younger. For most of the past two decades, hybrids were a niche in South Africa. Toyota sold only about 1 200 examples of the Prius here between its 2005 launch and its discontinuation in 2022, while Lexus and Honda (which introduced the Insight and Jazz Hybrid in 2010 and 2011) added relatively small numbers. Volumes only took off after Toyota started building the Corolla Cross Hybrid at its Prospecton plant in Durban in late 2021. According to Naamsa figures, just over 38 500 hybrids were sold in South Africa between 2021 and 2025, which means most hybrids on local roads are less than five years old and still well within their battery warranties. That makes the first wave of expiring warranties a relatively small group, mostly older Prius, Lexus and Honda models, rather than a flood. It also means South African owners and buyers are, for now, leaning largely on international evidence. For Toyota, Lexus and Honda, that track record is reassuring. For newer brands, the length and terms of the battery warranty carry more weight, because there is little long-term history to fall back on. What a replacement may cost The cost of replacing a hybrid battery can vary widely. It depends on the brand, battery type, the car’s value, and whether you choose a dealer replacement or a specialist repair. As a rough guide, replacing the battery in a mainstream Japanese hybrid typically costs between R25 000 and R45 000. If you own a premium European hybrid or a plug-in model, you could be looking at anything from R65 000 to well over R100 000. A full battery replacement isn’t always needed. Sometimes, a specialist can repair the battery pack or swap out only the weak modules, which can be much cheaper than fitting a whole new unit. The success of this approach depends on the condition of the rest of the battery, the quality of the repair, and the warranty on the work. Before signing off on a replacement, it’s worth getting a full hybrid-system diagnostic. A warning light, a drop in fuel economy or a jumpy charge indicator doesn’t always mean the whole battery pack is finished. Warning signs to watch Common indicators that a hybrid battery may be deteriorating include: · Gradually increasing fuel consumption. · The battery-cooling fan operates more frequently. · Rapid or inconsistent movement in the state-of-charge indicator. · Persistent hybrid-system warning lights. · Reduced electric-motor assistance or noticeable changes in driving behaviour. None of these symptoms guarantee that the battery needs replacing, but they are a good reason to get a professional diagnosis before things get worse and more expensive. Repair, replace or sell? If your battery warranty is about to expire, you have three main options. Sell or trade in: This route avoids a big repair bill but expect buyers and dealers to lower their offers to cover possible battery costs. Dealer replacement: A new original battery offers the most peace of mind, but it comes at a price. Check the warranty on the replacement battery, as it’s often shorter than the original coverage. Specialist repair or reconditioning: Repairing or replacing individual modules can lower the upfront cost but may create greater uncertainty about long-term reliability. Owners should compare the repair warranty, battery health report and total expected remaining life against the price of a new unit. The best option depends on your car’s value, mileage, condition and your own plans. Replacing the battery might make sense for a newer or higher-value car, but for an older hybrid with high mileage, it may not be worth the cost. Plan before Day Zero Reaching the end of your hybrid’s battery warranty is just another milestone, not the end of the road. If you track your warranty, monitor your battery’s performance, and get early warnings, you’ll be in a much better position to decide whether to repair, replace, or sell. If you’re shopping for a used hybrid, check the battery warranty status, service history, accident record, and general condition before you buy. It’s also worth asking a franchised dealer to run a hybrid system check before you sign. Using its diagnostic equipment, the workshop can read any stored hybrid fault codes and check how evenly the battery’s cell blocks are holding their voltage, which is a good indicator of an ageing pack. Ask for a printout of the results; a seller with nothing to hide shouldn’t object.

28th October 2026

Cars.co.za Wins Big at 2026 naamsa Awards

28th October 2026

Naked Launches Pet Insurance From R40 a Month

28th October 2026

Browse by Category

  • Beauty
  • Competitions
  • Entertainment
  • Family
  • Fashion
  • Features
  • Finance
  • Food
  • Lifestyle
  • Music
  • Premium
  • Sport
  • Tech
  • Travel