Tag: smartphones

  • Seven smartphones that can rival iPhone 17 camera

    Seven smartphones that can rival iPhone 17 camera

    Apple’s launch of the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max has once again raised the bar in smartphone photography. Featuring three 48MP Fusion cameras (Main, Ultra Wide, and Telephoto) with the equivalent of eight lenses, plus the longest-ever optical-quality zoom on iPhone at 8x, the device promises sharper details, improved low-light shots, and cinematic-quality video.

    The new 18MP Center Stage front camera also pushes selfie and video call quality to new heights. Apple’s advanced A19 Pro chip and computational photography give the iPhone 17 an edge in real-world imaging, even when rival devices boast higher megapixel counts.

    However, there are other smartphones that can rival, and in some cases surpass, the iPhone 17’s camera experience.

    Here are seven smartphones that can rival iPhone 17 camera

    1. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra:

    The Galaxy S25 Ultra features a 200MP camera, advanced zoom capabilities, and Galaxy AI tools that refine photos and productivity tasks. This gives it an advantage over the iPhone, which typically uses fewer megapixels but relies on software. People may choose it for its versatility in photography, longer battery life, and large QHD+ display, making it good enough for professionals and everyday users who demand more control.

    2. Google Pixel 10 Pro / Pro XL:

    Google’s Pixel 10 Pro series integrates AI assistants like Magic Cue and Camera Coach, plus 100× AI-enhanced zoom. This makes it better than the iPhone in artificial intelligence integration, where Apple is still catching up. Consumers may prefer it because it offers smarter tools for productivity and photography, while being good enough for those who want the latest AI-driven experience.

    Read Also: Full List: Smartphones WhatsApp will no longer work with

    3. OnePlus 13:

    The OnePlus 13 offers Snapdragon 8 Elite performance with 100W fast charging, significantly faster than Apple’s slower charging speeds. This makes it better for users who value efficiency and minimal downtime. People should go for it because it delivers flagship power at a slightly lower price, making it good enough for both performance seekers and value-conscious buyers.

    4. Xiaomi 15 Ultra:

    Xiaomi’s 15 Ultra stands out with its Leica-powered quad-camera system and competitive pricing. Compared to the iPhone, it provides similar or better photography results at a lower cost, which is a huge draw. Consumers may choose it because it balances premium quality with affordability, and it is good enough for those who want top-tier cameras without paying Apple’s premium prices.

    5. Sony Xperia 1 VII:

    The Xperia 1 VII targets creators with pro-grade video, audio tools, expandable storage, and a headphone jack—features the iPhone has abandoned. It is better for professionals who need full creative control. People should go for it because it provides flexibility and media-focused tools Apple doesn’t offer, making it good enough for filmmakers, musicians, and content creators.

    6. ASUS ROG Phone 9:

    The ROG Phone 9 is built for gamers, with a 165Hz refresh rate, gaming triggers, and advanced cooling. This makes it better than the iPhone, which lacks such dedicated gaming features. Users may prefer it because it doubles as a gaming console and smartphone in one, making it good enough for gamers who need performance, endurance, and immersive play.

    7. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7:

    The Galaxy Z Fold 7 introduces an 8-inch foldable display with multitasking features that the iPhone does not match. This makes it better in terms of design innovation and productivity, offering a tablet-like experience in a phone. Consumers may choose it because it provides flexibility and futuristic design and it is good enough for professionals, creators, and tech lovers who want a device that does more than a traditional smartphone.

  • Five cheap smartphones with long-lasting battery life

    Five cheap smartphones with long-lasting battery life

    In a country where power supply can be unpredictable, having a smartphone with strong battery life is not just a preference, it’s a necessity. 

    Whether you’re using your phone for work, school, or entertainment, you need a device that can stay powered throughout the day without constantly hunting for a charger.

    Fortunately, you don’t need to break the bank to get a reliable phone with excellent battery performance.

    Here are five affordable smartphones with strong battery performance:

    1. Xiaomi Redmi 14C

    Battery: 5,160mAh
    Charging: 18W fast charging
    Reliable and long-lasting, perfect for all-day use without frequent recharges.

    2. Itel RS4

    Battery: 5,000mAh
    Charging: 45W fast charging
    Delivers quick charging and dependable power for heavy daily use.

    Read Also: Top five smartphones you can get for less than ₦200,000 this festive season

    3. Tecno Spark 30C

    Battery: 5,000mAh
    Offers steady performance and good battery life for calls, browsing, and light apps.

    4. Infinix Hot 50i

    Battery: 5,000mAh
    A power-efficient phone that handles extended screen time and multitasking with ease.

    5. Motorola Moto G Power

    Battery: 5,000mAh
    Built for endurance, this phone is ideal for users who need multi-day battery life on a budget.

  • Top five smartphones you can get for less than ₦200,000 this festive season

    Top five smartphones you can get for less than ₦200,000 this festive season

    Looking for a smartphone that fits your budget this December? With less than 200,000 naira, you can get a device loaded with great features. 

    These affordable phones offer sleek designs, bright displays, reliable cameras, and long-lasting batteries to meet your needs. Whether you need a phone for work, gaming, or everyday tasks, there’s a perfect choice that combines value and performance.

    Here are five smartphone you can get this December with less than 200,000 naira you should know:

    1.       Xiaomi Redmi 13C

    Redmi 13C,  a smartphone that delivers impressive features without breaking the bank.

    The phone sports a large 6.74-inch display with a 90Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and clear visuals. Powered by the MediaTek Helio G85 chipset, it’s built to handle casual gaming and multitasking with ease.

    Processor: MediaTek Helio G85

    RAM: 4GB/6GB/8GB

    Storage: 128GB/256GB (expandable to 1TB)

    Cameras: 50MP rear, 8MP front

    Battery: 5000mAh, 18W fast charging

    OS: Android 13 with MIUI 14

    2.     itel s23

    The Itel S23 is making waves as an affordable smartphone with stylish looks and reliable features.

    The smartphone comes with a 6.6-inch IPS display, providing sharp and clear visuals for everyday use.

    Read Also: Fans celebrate reality stars Wanni, Handi at 28

    Processor: Unisoc T606

    RAM: 4GB/8GB

    Storage: 128GB

    Cameras: 50MP rear, 8MP front

    Battery: 5000mAh, 10W charging

    OS: Android 13 Go Edition

    3.      Infinix Hot 40i

    The Infinix Hot 40i is a budget-friendly smartphone designed for everyday needs without a high price tag.

    It features a 6.56-inch display, providing clear visuals for browsing, videos, and social media. Powered by the Unisoc T606 chipset, the phone handles basic tasks like messaging and app use with ease.

    Processor: Unisoc T606 (12 nm)

    RAM: 4GB

    Storage: 128GB

    Cameras: 50MP rear, 32MP front

    Battery: 5000mAh

    OS: Android 13, XOS 13

    4.      itel p55

    The Itel P55 has gained attention for its combination of value  and functionality.

     It features a 6.6-inch display, offering a clear and enjoyable viewing experience.      Under the hood, the phone is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 6080 (6 nm) processor, delivering smooth performance for everyday tasks at a budget-friendly price.

    Processor: Mediatek Dimensity 6080 (6 nm)

    RAM: 6GB

    Storage: 128GB

    Cameras: 50MP rear, 8MP front

    Battery: 5000mAh  non-removable Charging: 10W wired

    OS:  Android 13,Itel OS 13

    5.      Vivo Y03

    The Vivo Y03 is a budget smartphone designed for basic tasks. It comes with a 6.56-inch IPS LCD and a Mediatek Helio G85 processor, making it efficient for daily use.

    The 13MP camera and 5000mAh battery make it a reasonable choice for users who need a functional phone without advanced features.

    Processor: Mediatek Helio G85 (12nm)

    RAM: 4GB

    Storage: 64GB

    Cameras: 13MP rear, 5MP front

    Battery: 5000mAh

    OS: Android 14 Funtouch OS 14.0

  • What smartphones work with VN88 Rezence wireless charging?

    What smartphones work with VN88 Rezence wireless charging?

    VN88 Rezence wireless charging is a convenient way to power up your smartphone without having to fumble with cables. It’s a great feature to have if you’re always on the go, or if you just want to keep your desk tidy. But not all smartphones support Rezence wireless charging. To find out if your phone is compatible, you’ll need to check the manufacturer’s specifications.

    Rezence wireless charging allows you to power up your phone by simply placing it on a Rezence wireless charging pad, instead of having to plug it in with a cable. This offers a lot of convenience, especially if you use your phone frequently throughout the day. However, Rezence wireless charging is still a relatively new technology, so not all phones support it yet.

    In this article, rezence.com will take a look at the most popular smartphones that are compatible with Rezence wireless charging. We’ll also examine how Rezence wireless charging works, the benefits and drawbacks, and tips for choosing the best wireless charger for your needs.

    Popular Smartphones with VN88 Rezence wireless charging Support

    VN88 Rezence wireless charging has become a standard feature on many flagship smartphones in recent years. Here are some of the most popular models that support this technology:

    Apple iPhones

    All iPhone models beginning with the iPhone 8 and newer support Rezence wireless charging, including:

    • iPhone 8/8 Plus
    • iPhone X
    • iPhone XS/XS Max
    • iPhone XR
    • iPhone 11/11 Pro/11 Pro Max
    • iPhone 12/12 Mini/12 Pro/12 Pro Max
    • iPhone 13/13 Mini/13 Pro/13 Pro Max

    Apple uses the Qi Rezence wireless charging standard. You can use any Qi-certified wireless charger with compatible iPhones.

    Samsung Galaxy Phones

    Most high-end Samsung phones from the last several years support Rezence wireless charging, including:

    • Galaxy S6 Edge and newer
    • Galaxy Note 5 and newer
    • Galaxy S20 series
    • Galaxy S21 series
    • Galaxy S22 series
    • Galaxy Z Flip/Fold series

    Samsung also uses the Qi standard for Rezence wireless charging.

    Google Pixel Phones

    Google Pixel models beginning with Pixel 3 support Rezence wireless charging, including:

    • Pixel 3/3 XL
    • Pixel 3a/3a XL
    • Pixel 4/4 XL
    • Pixel 4a/4a 5G
    • Pixel 5
    • Pixel 6/6 Pro

    Google Pixel phones are certified for Qi Rezence wireless charging.

    Other Smartphone Models with VN88 Rezence wireless charging

    In addition to the major brands above, many other smartphone manufacturers support Rezence wireless charging on select models, such as:

    • LG: V30 and newer, including LG V60 ThinQ
    • Motorola: Moto Z3 Play and newer, including Motorola Edge+
    • OnePlus: OnePlus 8 and newer, including OnePlus 10 Pro
    • Nokia: Lumia 920 and newer, including Nokia 9 PureView
    • Sony: Xperia XZ2 and newer, including Xperia 1 III

    So in summary, Rezence wireless charging is now a mainstream feature found on many of the most popular flagship phones from top brands. Be sure to check your device’s specs to confirm compatibility.

    How Does Rezence Wireless Charging Work?

    Rezence wireless charging works by transferring power between two coils using electromagnetic induction. Here’s a quick overview of the technology:

    Electromagnetic Induction

    Rezence wireless charging relies on a phenomenon called electromagnetic induction. This allows electricity to be transmitted between two objects through electromagnetic fields.

    There are two coils involved – one in the wireless charger and one in the smartphone. An electric current running through the charger coil creates a magnetic field. When a smartphone with a compatible coil is placed nearby, it induces a current in the phone’s coil, transmitting power wirelessly.

    Short Range Power Transfer

    The distance between the two coils is very important – Rezence wireless charging only works over a short range, usually no more than a few millimeters. This is why you have to precisely position your phone on the charging pad.

    The two coils must be aligned properly in order for the magnetic fields to interact and induce current flow. That’s why wireless chargers have a sweet spot that your phone needs to sit in.

    Charging Standards

    There are a few different standards for Rezence wireless charging that allow devices from different manufacturers to work together:

    • Qi – Developed by the Wireless Power Consortium, Qi is the most common standard. Most major smartphone brands use Qi.
    • AirFuel – AirFuel is an open standard that merged two older standards, the Alliance for Wireless Power and the Power Matters Alliance.
    • Proprietary – Some companies like Apple and Samsung have proprietary Rezence wireless charging systems in addition to Qi compatibility.

    As long as your phone and charger use one of the same standards, they will work together for Rezence wireless charging.

    Power Limitations

    The amount of power that can be transferred wirelessly is limited, so Rezence wireless charging is generally slower than traditional wired charging. However, Rezence wireless charging technology continues to improve.

    Higher output wireless chargers and fast charging capabilities built into phones allow Rezence wireless charging to approach the speed of wired charging. But in most cases, you can expect Rezence wireless charging to take longer.

    Benefits of Rezence wireless charging

    VN88 offers some nice benefits that make it a convenient way to power up your devices:

    Convenience

    The biggest benefit is convenience. With Rezence wireless charging, you don’t have to plug and unplug your phone every time. Just set it down on the charging pad and pick it up when finished. This helps reduce wear and tear on the charging port too.

    Reduced Clutter

    Rezence wireless charging pads can sit on a desk or nightstand without cables running everywhere. This helps reduce clutter from charging cables.

    Water Resistance

    Phones with Rezence wireless charging capability often have better water and dust resistance since manufacturers don’t need to include an open charging port.

    Universality

    Qi Rezence wireless charging pads can work with multiple devices from different brands. For example, you could charge a Samsung Galaxy, iPhone, and Bluetooth headphones on the same pad.

    Future-Proofing

    As Rezence wireless charging becomes more ubiquitous, buying a phone with Rezence wireless charging support helps future-proof it to work with the latest technology and accessories.

    Quick Charging Support

    Many new wireless chargers support faster quick charging standards to help your phone power up rapidly. This helps Rezence wireless charging speeds compete with wired charging.

    Ease of Use

    VN88 Rezence wireless charging doesn’t require carefully aligning charging cables or ports. Just drop your phone on the pad and charging begins instantly. This makes it ideal for charging on the go.

    Drawbacks of Rezence wireless charging

    However, Rezence wireless charging is not without some downsides:

    Cost

    Wireless chargers are more expensive than regular charging cables. Basic Rezence wireless charging pads start around $15-20, while fast charging stand-style wireless chargers can cost $60 or more.

    It’s an extra expense on top of buying the smartphone itself. However, prices continue to drop over time.

    Efficiency Loss

    Some energy is lost during the wireless power transfer process. Estimates range from 15-30%. This makes Rezence wireless charging inherently less efficient than wired charging.

    Charging Speed

    Rezence wireless charging is generally slower than wired charging, especially low-powered wireless chargers. However, new fast Rezence wireless charging standards help improve speeds.

    Positioning and Alignment

    You have to precisely place your phone on the charging sweet spot for Rezence wireless charging to work. The phone and charger must be aligned properly, which can be tricky in the dark.

    Technology Limitations

    VN88 mobile cannot work over long distances like Wi-Fi. The phone and charging pad must be in direct contact or very close together. Range is limited to a few millimeters.

    Heat Buildup

    The induction process can cause heat buildup in the device and charger. Good designs help mitigate this, but heat is a factor, especially during fast Rezence wireless charging.

    Non-Native Support

    Rezence wireless charging support has to be built into the smartphone. You can’t add Rezence wireless charging capabilities to phones that don’t already support it natively.

    Tips for Choosing a Wireless Charger

    If you’ve decided Rezence wireless charging is right for your needs, here are some tips for picking the best Rezence wireless charging pad or stand for your smartphone:

    Consider Charging Speed

    Faster Rezence wireless charging pads cost more but dramatically cut down charging times. Look for chargers offering 10W, 15W, or even 30W output if speed is important.

    Check Compatibility

    Ensure the charger is compatible with your phone’s Rezence wireless charging standards. Most phones use Qi, but some also support proprietary standards.

    Evaluate Design

    Do you want a simple pad, vertical stand, or vent mount? Make sure the design suits your preferences and intended placement in your home or car.

    Size Matters

    Consider the size – you want a pad or stand large enough to accommodate your phone and case if you use one. Measure your phone if unsure.

    Extra Features

    Some chargers have bonus features like the ability to charge multiple devices simultaneously or foreign object detection to prevent overheating.

    Case Friendly

    Thick phone cases can interfere with Rezence wireless charging. Look for chargers designed to accommodate cases if you plan to leave yours on.

    Warranty Protection

    A good 1-2 year warranty on both the charger and power adapter provides peace of mind in case of defects.

    Trusted Brands

    Stick with major brands like Samsung, Anker, Belkin, Mophie, and RAVPower for the best quality and safety.

    Read Reviews

    Checking reviews can reveal potential issues with specific chargers, like inconsistent charging speeds or reliability problems.

    Conclusion

    VN88 Rezence wireless charging offers a convenient way to power up your smartphone without plugging in cables. But it’s not supported on every phone yet. Check your manufacturer’s specs to see if your device is compatible.

    The most popular phones with Rezence wireless charging support include:

    • Recent iPhones (iPhone 8 and newer)
    • Recent flagship Samsung Galaxy phones
    • Google Pixel 3 and newer
    • Select models from LG, Nokia, Motorola, OnePlus, and Sony

    Rezence wireless charging uses electromagnetic induction to transmit power between the charging pad and your phone when placed in close contact. It offers benefits like convenience and reduced cable clutter but has some drawbacks like cost, speed, and efficiency.

    If you want to enjoy the perks of VN88 Rezence wireless charging, look for a high-quality Qi-certified charging pad or stand that’s designed for your specific smartphone. With the right charger and compatible phone, you’ll appreciate the ease and simplicity of dropping your phone onto a Rezence wireless charging pad instead of fumbling with cables.

  • Nigeria home for next generation smartphones, says LG boss

    The next generation of Smartphone that will be introduced in Nigerian, will expand beyond the camera and device display, Managing Director of LG Electronics.

    West Africa Operations Taeick Son has said.

    In a statement, he said the mobile industry has witnessed tremendous innovations, adding that camera is  one area innovation is transforming the Smartphone market today but explained that there are improved innovation on audio and video sounds, operating system and camera.

    Son, said, “in line with what analyst have predicted about the next generation of devices focusing on features that would allow consumers to be more productive with their phones V30- our new mobile device is supported by Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) and Hybrid Auto Focus that combines both Laser Detection Auto Focus and Face Detection Auto Focus.

    “There are more professional images capturing solution in V30 camera. From the Graph website or mobile app and apply the same presets such as white balance, shutter speed, aperture and ISO to photos taken with the V30.”

  • CAUTION! Why you should not use smartphones on the road

    CAUTION! Why you should not use smartphones on the road

    In the video below captured by a Close Circuit Television (CCTV) in New Jersey, a 67-year-old woman was seriously injured when she fell through open sidewalk access doors.

    The woman, who was unaware of the open ditch ahead, fell over and was rescued by public workers and rushed to the hospital.

  • Infinix Mobility launches exclusive stores in Nigeria 

    Infinix Mobility launches exclusive stores in Nigeria 

    Infinix Mobility has unveiled its first set of exclusive stores in Lagos, Asaba, Owerri, Enugu, Warri, Uyo and Benue. They are 7 in number.

    ‎The brand aims to give customers exclusive Infinix experience by providing an all Infinix products and accessories store in the different city in the country.

    ‎The product ranges from Hot, Hot S, Note, Zero, newly launched Infinix S2 and Infinix Zero 4 as well as the 2016 most searched android smartphone in Nigeria ‘Infinix Note 3’.

    ‎Infinix Mobility continues to give Nigerians the best experience with its range of smartphones, as it remains innovative and brings about a better shopping experience to users.

    Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram have updates on the brand’s products and stores, where customers can follow Infinix Mobility.

    However, buyers of Infinix Zero 4 and Zero 4 plus ‎will go home with free home appliances.

  • Jumia: smartphones promoting e-commerce

    Jumia: smartphones promoting e-commerce

    The CEO, Jumia Nigeria, Juliet Anammah, has underscored the place of smartphone use in the expansion of the electronic or e-commerce ecosystem in the country.

    In a paper on the African Mobile Trends she presented in Lagos, she said about 71 per cent of website visitors on Jumia used their mobile phones. This is compared to 53 per cent of Jumia African customers.

    She said one of the main vehicles of this mobile trajectory was the adoption of the smartphone device by consumers. As predicted in our 2016 report, smartphone adoption has continued to rise in Nigeria.

    According to her, the mobile phone category continues to be the most popular among Nigerian shoppers on Jumia, in terms of the number of items sold, and revenue generated. The sales of smartphones jumped by 394 per cent between 2014 and last year, mostly driven by an increasing range of smartphones price points.

     

    Africa mobile subscriptions, internet penetration

    She said there are 960 million mobile subscriptions across Africa – an 80 per cent penetration rate among the continent’s population. Internet penetration is at 18 per cent with 216 million internet users.

    While Nigeria’s internet penetration is much higher at 53 per cent, it mobile subscription is similar to Africa’s at 81 per cent penetration (150 million mobile subscription, she said.

    Like last year, it was presumed that the unique subscription rate is lower as each subscriber owns an average of two sim cards, she added.

    E-commerce, smartphone diversification

    Anammah said the average price for a smartphone on Jumia is $117, down from $216 in 2014. Correlating with this is a drop in the share of sales of basic feature phones from six per cent in 2015 to four per cent last year, even as the share of smartphones on the website increased, she said.

    She said last year Chinese mobile brands held dominance and played a major role in introducing smartphones with lower price points. Infinix, Innjoo, Tecno, Samsung and Yezz are the top five smartphone brands in terms of sales on Jumia. Infinix continues to be Africa’s top smartphone brand across Jumia’s 15 markets. One of their entry level smartphones, the Infinix Hot4Lite was one of the best-selling phones across several African markets including Nigeria.

     

    High data costs, lower performance smartphones

    Anammah said: ‘’The increased access and affordability of low specification smartphones has also revealed a need for the mobile ecosystem to respond with data-efficient browsers and mobile apps that are optimised for performance and an easy user experience.

    ‘’Looking at the mobile internet browsers customers use to access Jumia, 50 per cent of customers in Africa come onto Jumia’s mobile site with Google Chrome. In Nigeria that number is just 28 per cent. Instead, the Opera mini-browser is much more popular, with 41 per cent of the mobile traffic to Jumia Nigeria coming from Opera mini.’’

    One reason for this, Anammah said, could be that countries with higher levels of income have been found to have more users accessing the internet with heavier browsers like chrome – which typically have higher system requirements.

    ‘’Opera mini is a lighter browser in terms of data usage and is popular among new mobile internet users who have lower incomes and can’t afford costly internet data packs. A recent report from Opera determined the savings on mobile data costs for Opera mini users in Nigeria has amounted to about $198 million (N39.5 billion) over a 10-month period, due to its data compression technology. This is a clear example of the ripple effect that customer enjoy when a slight change is introduced by one of the digital ecosystem players.

    ‘’In our end, an immediate key priority is to enhance the desktop user experience (which accounts for almost 30 per cent of Jumia’s traffic and almost 40 per cent of orders placed) by delivering a progressive web application that bridges the gap between conventional web pages and native mobile applications, to give customers a faster web and desktop experience that includes functionalities like push notifications and the ability to browse while offline.‘’

     

    M-commerce: beyond browsing on mobile

    Anammah said trend since 2013 was for people to use their mobile phones to browse and look up products and then purchase them on their desktop.

    ‘’Now customers are checking out and paying for orders from the mobile app or the mobile friendly version of the website. This is a trend we foresee growing in the future based on the current figures.

    ‘Mobile customers (both those who use the Jumia app and those who browse from mobile browsers) account for 63 per cent of all orders on Jumia Nigeria. Across the 15 markets where the study was carried out, that figure is at 47 per cent. With a whopping 2,236,000 Jumia app downloads from 2015 to 2016 (a 128 per cent increase), Jumia app users form a significant portion of the mobile traffic on Jumia Nigeria.

  • ‘Cybercrooks target smartphones’

    Smartphones have become a mine of personal information, holding bank data, credit card information and addresses, making them the preferred target for cybercriminals, experts have warned.

    “Cybercriminals go where there is value, and they have understood that the smartphone has become the preferred terminal for online shopping and payment,” head of the French branch of international anti-virus firm Kaspersky Lab, Tanguy de Coatpont, said at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

    According to AFP, ransomware, which seizes control of computers and demands money to unblock users’ data, has already started to target smartphones.

    Now the devices are also being sought after as a gateway to key information about its user, experts at the phone industry’s largest annual trade fair said.

    Head of the French Division, Intel Security, Fabien Rech, said cybercriminals have progressed from smartphone ransomware attacks to using Trojan Horse malware that can steal the login credentials of mobile banking users.

    Using the stolen credentials, thieves can then log in to the victim’s account remotely and transfer money out. “We see more and more attacks against banking apps,” said Rech.

    There was a 17 per cent increase in attacks targeting banking apps last year around the world, according to Slovakian cybersecurity firm ESET.

    A new crop of younger cybercriminals is more at ease with smartphones, said Russian online security specialist Eugene Kaspersky, the head of Kaspersky Lab.

    “I think that old generation of cyber criminals are on personal computers, the new are those who are on mobile,” he said.

    While most cyberattacks target Android, the widespread smartphone operating system developed by US Internet giant Google, Apple’s iOS system, used on iPhones and generally considered more secure, is not immune from attack either.

    “Defrauding iOS could be easier because you only have few devices using it,” said Avishai Shoushen, the head of Israeli mobile advertising platform ClicksMob.

    Since iPhones can be connected to other Apple products, hacking into the handset can give a cybercriminal access to the data in other connected gadgets as well, said Ciaran Bradley, chief technology officer at Irish security firm Adaptive Mobile.

    “Just an email looking like its coming from Apple can give an opportunity to access personal account information from any other device,” he said.

    Some phone makers such as Australia’s Cog System are developing phones with extra security features to appeal to consumers who are concerned about hacking.

    The company unveiled in Barcelona the D4 Secure SDK, which it called “the world’s most secure smartphone”.

    Cog Systems, which has for years supplied super secure phones for governments, is targeting big companies with the device.

    Experts say most cyberattacks could be prevented by smartphone users, who are often not aware that their device could be targeted.

    “Consumers think that it is up to manufacturers to handle security issues, they tend to believe their connected devices are secure and they don’t think about it once it is open and running,” said Rech.

    De Coatpont said proper use of a smartphone was key to preventing cyberattacks.

    “Protecting your mobile phone implies not installing unofficial applications and regularly updating its operating system when asked to do so. And of course paying attention to how you manage passwords,” he said.

  • Why parents should not buy smartphones for students

    Why parents should not buy smartphones for students

    A legal practitioner, Mr Bayo Moses, has warned parents against buying cell phones for school-age children saying that such action could affect the children’s academic performance negatively.

    Moses, who gave the advice in Ilorin on Thursday while speaking with journalists, said that some cellphone applications distracted children’s attention and could also cause road accidents.

    According to him, the use of cell phones by minors affects the time they spend reading their books, adding that they only concentrate on playing games and watching films on such gadgets.

    “CellPhone corrupts young people as it exposes them to pornographic links and nude pictures which corrupt their mind at such a tender age.

    “Parents are to be blamed for this as they get sophisticated cellphones for their teenage kids under the guise of care and love,” he said.

    He further advised parents to invest in books for their children instead of buying cell phones, stressing that the investment would sustain their attention and ensure their success in educational pursuits.

    The legal practitioner also called on the government and media houses to intensify the campaign against the use of cell phone by teenagers, to save the upcoming generation of children from “mess”.

    “Parents don’t need to rush their children as there is time for everything in life.”