Vodacom punting $45 (R469) smartphone

Vodacom is planning to launch a $45 (R469) smartphone in South Africa in the coming months. This is according to Vodacom CEO Shameel Joosub.

Joosub said that the device is developed by Vodafone, and it is expected to launch locally in July 2014.

This device will compete against the MTN Steppa Android smartphone which was launched in January 2014.

The MTN Steppa, priced at R499, was a runaway success. It sold out within weeks after its initial launch.

The MTN Steppa features a 3.5 inch touch screen display, FM radio and a 2MP camera with video recording. It is based on a Qualcomm Reference Design, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor.

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