MTN launches affordable 5G smartphone

MTN has launched the Icon 5G, a 5G-enabled smartphone priced at R2,499 on prepaid.

MTN said the device was part of its commitment to bridge the digital divide and offer all South Africans access to the latest mobile technologies.

“We are excited to bring this affordable 5G smartphone to the South African market,” said MTN South Africa’s general manager of devices, Thando Gabela.

“This is another significant step in our mission to ensure that all South Africans have access to fast, reliable, and affordable mobile communication, regardless of their economic background.”

“As we continue to roll out our network advancements, the increased adoption of 4G and 5G devices empowers our customers with faster, more reliable services — unlocking new opportunities for education, business, and personal growth.”

MTN said the smartphone offered an affordable entry point for those looking to access the benefits of 5G technology, such as lower latency and faster data speeds.

Targeted customers include those looking to migrate from 2G-only and 3G-only devices without the budget for a high-end device.

New prepaid customers who buy the Icon 5G will receive a once-off 21GB anytime data bundle and 3GB of YouTube data when they recharge with R50.

The smartphone is also available on a Core price plan at R219 per month over 36 months. The contract includes 1GB of data and 50 voice minutes per month.

The Icon 5G has a 6.6-inch screen, 5,000 mAh battery, and 128GB of onboard storage.

On the back, it has a 50MP and 2MP dual camera, while the front camera gets an 8MP shooter.

Considering the hardware users get in addition to 5G connectivity, the Icon 5G’s R2,499 price competes well with other budget 5G smartphones.

The only options that are cheaper have less storage and lower-resolution cameras.

The table below shows the confirmed specifications of the MTN Icon 5G smartphone.

2G and 3G shutdown

South Africans will be forced to upgrade from 3G-only smartphones in the coming years.

Devices like MTN’s Icon 5G could help ease the switch for those customers who have not yet adopted 4G or 5G smartphones due to affordability constraints.

The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) published its last timeline for shutting down 2G and 3G in South Africa in February 2024.

Under the revised Next-Generation Radio Frequency Spectrum Policy, the switch-off of 2G and 3G would start from 1 June 2025 and be fully completed by 31 December 2027.

Under the latest policy, mobile operators can decide in which order they want to switch off their legacy networks.

The policy also determined that the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) would be responsible for setting specific guidelines on the timing of the key steps in the process.

However, communications minister Solly Malatsi, appointed after the policy was published, recently said he does not believe the government should impose deadlines for the switch-off.

“While there is a determination to get towards the sunsetting of 2G and 3G, I think the most important thing is that it has to be market-led instead of a government imposition of a deadline,” he said.

Mobile networks, including Vodacom and MTN, have also expressed support for this approach.