When Vodacom’s Smart Turbo 7 device landed on my table I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, It was the first time I was getting my hands on any network owned branded device. Judging from the specs sheet alone, one would be correct to immediately think that it’s an entry level smartphone, it is indeed.

Seeing as that most reviews are mostly the same technical stuff that most layman consumers could care less about or even understand, my analysis will steer clear of all of that and rather make a more consumer centric analysis. Seeing as that this is a tech space though, I have made provisions for all you technical bunch.

Officially announced in June this year, with other devices that include this one, the Smart Turbo 7 is a device I could describe as being practical. It certainly won’t set the world alight for any standout features – from the onset it’s clear that it’s a phone designed for the pragmatic in mind. No thrills, no spills, just gets the job done. The device is for those who are either new to the smartphone arena or aren’t looking for anything too complicated. This however doesn’t mean that it’s not a good device. It’s clear to realise that in its simplicity the device clearly has quite a fan base, let me explain.

Simplicity clearly wins…

Ever since the first launch of its own branded devices in 2006, the Vodacom Group has aimed to reduce the cost to its customers of owning the latest mobile technology, enabling access to well built, slim and sleek handsets most if not all are simple and less fussy.

To the main point, Vodacom has sold 2.5 million of their own branded smart devices in the last financial year ending March 2016, this is according to the company. They go on to further state that “the number of active smart devices on the Vodacom network increased by 22% to 14.2 million. This was driven mainly by the sale of low cost Vodacom branded devices which account for 25.7% of the total device sales.” You would have to agree that those are impressive and the devices are proving to be a good revenue point for the company.

More on the device

As mentioned earlier the Smart Turbo 7 is a practical device that unfortunately won’t set the world alight but then again that’s not what it was originally designed to be. This is more of a device that you would purchase for someone looking for something less complicated, functional and does the job. So yes, it’s the perfect first smartphone for your children and grandparents. The Smart Turbo 7 does just that and you certainly can’t fault it in that respect.

Last comments

The design is pretty basic but solid in hand. The camera as well as the screen resolution are a bit disappointing and could have been better. But again for a device that goes for R799 and offering a lot more than some out there you can’t realistically expect anything more.

Despite a few personal issues I honestly cannot fault the Smart Turbo 7 especially in the entry-level smartphone space. There’s something quite appealing in its simplicity and less gimmicky persona. No wonder it has a good fan base.