TechnoBok Media (Pty) Ltd · South Africa
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Current Mobile Spotlight
HUAWEI
Huawei’s current camera flagship, run through Technobok’s full imaging workout — low light, zoom, video and everything in between that a spec sheet leaves out.
Technobok Experience
Technobok was given rare, invite-only access to an undisclosed racetrack to put the Range Rover Sport SV through its paces — bespoke luxury at 11/10ths, and a privileged look at what Range Rover’s performance division is really capable of, far from public roads.
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Technobok covers automotive, technology and lifestyle & hospitality — shot, edited and written in-house so the tone stays the same wherever it lands.
Launch drives, week-long road tests and long-term bakkie and SUV reviews, filmed on location across South Africa.
Flagship and mid-range smartphone reviews, unboxings and camera shoot-outs — the detail buyers look for before they commit.
Stays, venues and experiences covered with the same camera kit and the same honesty as the cars and the phones.
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Every brand campaign we run sits here — pinned, permanent and cross-linked from the article and the video. This is the shelf your product stays on after launch week.
Partner Content
Story 01 of 13 Published 12 Aug 2026
Max Zoom meets Max Speed — 5G is back and the HUAWEI Pura 90s Series is ready to put it to work.
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There are smartphone upgrades you notice on a specification sheet, and then there are the ones you notice the moment you start using the device. The new HUAWEI Pura 90s Series, now available in South Africa, is firmly focused on the latter — a flagship built around seeing further, capturing more detail and staying connected at the speeds today's mobile lives demand. Huawei sums it up simply: Master Zoom, Max Speed.
At one end is a formidable new 200MP telephoto imaging system designed to bring distant subjects remarkably close. At the other is an equally significant development for South African HUAWEI fans: 5G connectivity is back on Huawei flagship smartphones, marking its return to the company's local flagship portfolio. Together, they make this generation of Pura about much more than taking a great photograph.
The HUAWEI Pura 90s Series marks the return of 5G connectivity to HUAWEI's flagship smartphones in South Africa — and that becomes particularly interesting when paired with a camera capable of producing high-resolution photographs and video.
Capturing the moment is only half of modern smartphone photography. We immediately want to send it to family, upload it to social media, back it up to the cloud or share video while we're still at the event. Faster upload and download speeds make those everyday experiences quicker and more responsive.
Backed by Huawei's communications technology, the series combines 5G connectivity with stronger signal performance and faster upload and download speeds. From streaming high-definition content and joining video calls to navigating on the move and uploading high-resolution images, the idea behind Max Speed is ultimately about making connectivity feel seamless.
Capture with Master Zoom. Share with Max Speed.
Smartphone photography has become exceptionally good at capturing what is directly in front of us. The challenge has always been what happens when the action is further away. The HUAWEI Pura 90s Pro Max tackles that with an industry-leading 200MP Ultra Large Sensor Telephoto Camera featuring a 1/1.28-inch sensor and the first-ever 200MP RYYB sensor, retaining extraordinary levels of detail when shooting subjects at a distance.
That matters in the real world. Think about photographing wildlife without getting closer, capturing the action from the stands at a sporting event, or getting a great shot of your favourite performer when your concert ticket puts you several rows back.
The phone's chip-level 200MP RAW real-time processing technology also enables ultra-clear 20x telephoto video recording, supported by CIPA 7.0 image stabilisation to help deliver clearer, steadier footage when shooting handheld. The telephoto capability even extends to the other end of the scale — with a minimum focusing distance of up to 5cm, users can explore intricate details in subjects such as flowers and insects through telephoto macro photography.
Resolution is only one part of a great photograph. The HUAWEI Pura 90s Series introduces True-to-Colour Camera 2.0, delivering a 43% improvement in colour accuracy and a 34% wider colour gamut. The goal is straightforward: the sunset, skin tone or landscape you photograph should look like the one you remember.
AI then steps in where the photographer needs a little help:
Huawei hasn't stopped at imaging and connectivity. The HUAWEI Pura 90s Pro Max features Anti-Reflection and Scratch-resistant Kunlun Glass, reducing reflections by up to 70% while improving outdoor visibility and scratch resistance.
A 6000mAh battery powers the series, with the HUAWEI Pura 90s Pro supporting 66W HUAWEI SuperCharge and the Pro Max supporting 100W HUAWEI SuperCharge. Huawei's new system-level AI assistant, Celia, adds another layer of intelligence to everyday interactions.
All of this comes wrapped in Huawei's Rhythm of Colour design philosophy, with locally available finishes spanning the sophisticated Blush Gold, Blaze Purple and Graphite Black on the Pro Max, and the more playful Orange Soda, Coconut White and Mulberry Black on the Pro.
The result is a flagship that brings two sides of the modern smartphone experience together: one is about capturing what previously felt too distant, the other is about making sure the technology can keep pace once you've captured it.
Master Zoom. Max Speed. And 5G is back.
Pricing & availability
Available now in South Africa through select retailers, HUAWEI Experience Stores, network operators and the HUAWEI Online Store — from R849 per month over 36 months, or from R19,999 outright.
Shop the Pura 90s SeriesReporting based on official HUAWEI South Africa launch materials and coverage from News24.
Next in Partner Content The zoom deep-divePartner Content
Story 02 of 13 Published 2 Sep 2026
From 4x optical to 20x ultra-telephoto video, the Pro Max brings distant moments into focus.
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Now firmly in consumers' hands following its local launch, the phones in the HUAWEI Pura 90s Series are showing exactly why Huawei has put so much emphasis on its latest flagship generation. Yes, these are striking smartphones, but beneath the colours and premium design lies a serious collection of technology built around how people actually use their phones.
That starts with photography, an area where the Pura name has increasingly established its identity, but it extends much further. 5G connectivity, intelligent photography, a 6000mAh battery across the series, fast charging and a tougher, easier-to-see display on the HUAWEI Pura 90s Pro Max all contribute to a flagship experience that feels designed for life beyond the specification sheet.
The headline technology on the HUAWEI Pura 90s Pro Max is difficult to ignore. Its 200MP Ultra Large Sensor Telephoto Camera uses a 1/1.28-inch RYYB sensor and combines it with a 3-in-1 Ultra Lighting Prism and CIPA 7.0 image stabilisation.
For the person behind the camera, the technical engineering translates into something much simpler: you can get closer to subjects without physically getting closer. That changes what is possible when photographing a concert from the stands, capturing sport from the sidelines, spotting wildlife at a distance or picking out the architectural details of a city skyline.
Megapixels and zoom tend to dominate smartphone camera conversations, but neither means much if the finished image looks nothing like the scene you photographed. Both HUAWEI Pura 90s models feature True-to-Colour Camera 2.0, designed to improve colour accuracy across challenging shooting conditions — strong sunlight and shadow, brightly coloured stage lights, neon signs, sunset portraits or warm indoor lighting.
Instead of choosing between a properly exposed face and a bright sky, the camera has more information available to balance both.
On the HUAWEI Pura 90s Pro Max, an Ultra Lighting HDR Camera adds another layer by retaining greater detail across bright and dark areas of a scene.
Huawei has also made AI a far more active part of photography. Rather than simply repairing a bad picture later, the phone can help the user take a stronger one to begin with — and keep improving it after the shutter clicks.
It is a useful indication of where smartphone photography is heading. The camera is becoming less about pressing a shutter button and more about supporting the complete process around creating an image.
Of course, none of this matters if the phone cannot keep up. Both models feature a large 6000mAh battery, with the HUAWEI Pura 90s Pro supporting 66W wired HUAWEI SuperCharge and the Pura 90s Pro Max stepping up to 100W wired HUAWEI SuperCharge. Wireless charging is supported across both models.
5G connectivity also returns as an important part of the experience, giving users the faster, more responsive connection expected from a modern flagship smartphone — important when the phone increasingly serves as camera, editing suite, navigation device, entertainment screen and communication hub throughout the day.
The HUAWEI Pura 90s Pro Max also introduces Anti-Reflection and Scratch-Resistant Kunlun Glass. For South Africans regularly using their phones outdoors, reducing glare under bright sunlight may prove every bit as useful as the extra toughness.
Perhaps that is why the HUAWEI Pura 90s Series has made such a strong entrance. There is no single technology doing all the work. Photography, AI, connectivity, battery life, charging, durability and design have been brought together around the moments in which people actually use their smartphones.
That extends to how the series looks and feels in the hand, with finishes built to feel considered rather than default.
Pricing & availability
The 5G HUAWEI Pura 90s Series is now available through select retailers, HUAWEI Experience Stores, operators and the Huawei Online Store — from R849 per month over 36 months, or from R19,999.
Shop the Pura 90s SeriesPartner Featured Content, produced by Technobok Media in partnership with Huawei South Africa. Photography: Kyle Goetsch Photography. Pricing and availability correct at time of publishing and subject to change by retailers and network operators.
Next in Partner Content The nova 15 MaxPartner Content
Story 03 of 13 Published June 2026
The HUAWEI nova 15 Max combines massive battery power with everyday durability.
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Modern life rarely slows down, and neither should your smartphone. Whether you’re navigating unfamiliar roads, capturing memories with friends or streaming your favourite content on the move, the new HUAWEI nova 15 Max is designed to keep up. Built around the nova series’ energetic and youthful spirit, it combines style, reliability and performance in a device that’s ready for every journey.
Now officially available in South Africa, the HUAWEI nova 15 Max lets users truly “Max Your Fun”. Combining intelligent navigation, exceptional battery life, immersive entertainment and dependable durability, it is a smartphone built to keep up with modern life. Starting at just R7,999, customers will also receive a HUAWEI Added Value Pack worth up to R7,596, including Unlimited Screen Damage Protection and HUAWEI FreeBuds SE valued at R1,499 at selected retailers.
Available in Black, Cyan and Gold, the HUAWEI nova 15 Max balances performance with style, complementing its slim design and distinctive Star Ring camera layout. At a time when smartphone prices continue to rise across the industry, the HUAWEI nova 15 Max stands out by delivering flagship-inspired features, generous memory and storage, and one of the largest batteries in its category at a highly competitive price point.
A smartphone is only useful if it can last the distance. At the heart of the HUAWEI nova 15 Max is an impressive 8500mAh HUAWEI Super Battery, one of the largest batteries available in its category. Designed to support busy lifestyles, it helps users stay connected, entertained and productive throughout the day without constantly searching for a charger.
Real-world testing shows the device can support up to 23 hours of continuous video playback. The phone also supports reverse charging, allowing users to power compatible Huawei devices directly from their smartphone when needed — effectively turning the HUAWEI nova 15 Max into a portable power bank.
Whether you’re commuting, travelling for business or heading away for the weekend, the HUAWEI nova 15 Max is built to keep going.
South Africans need devices that can handle more than just office desks and coffee shop tables. The HUAWEI nova 15 Max has achieved the SGS Premium Performance Mark 5-Star Drop Resistance certification, helping reduce the risk of damage from everyday knocks and accidental drops. Precision sealing technology helps protect against dust and debris, while the IP65 rating provides resistance against dust and water exposure encountered during daily use.
Behind the scenes, on-device AI models intelligently adjust touch parameters when the screen or fingers are wet, helping maintain smooth and accurate operation in everyday situations.
The smartphone features a 50MP Ultra Vision Camera with Huawei’s advanced RYYB colour filter array, which increases light intake by 40% compared to traditional solutions. Combined with a large 1/1.56-inch sensor and F1.9 aperture, the camera is designed to produce bright, detailed images even in challenging lighting conditions. The camera is also supported by AI-powered features such as AI Best Expression, helping users select and refine the best moments from a sequence of shots.
The HUAWEI nova 15 Max introduces AI-Powered Navigation, designed to maintain stable route guidance even when GPS signals become weak or inconsistent. Powered by Huawei’s self-developed AI fusion algorithm, the system intelligently calculates driving trajectories and helps maintain navigation continuity in challenging environments such as tunnels, dense urban areas and multi-level roads.
Its large 6.84-inch OLED Eye Comfort Display combines vivid colours with smooth responsiveness and intelligent viewing adaptation. With up to 4000 nits of dynamic peak brightness, the display remains clear and easy to view even under bright sunlight. Entertainment extends beyond the display, too — symmetrical stereo dual speakers deliver powerful, immersive sound across movies, music, podcasts and video calls.
Pricing & availability
Available from just R7,999 through the HUAWEI Online Store, HUAWEI Experience Stores and selected retailers. Customers also receive a HUAWEI Added Value Pack worth up to R7,596, including Unlimited Screen Damage Protection and HUAWEI FreeBuds SE valued at R1,499 at selected retailers.
Shop the HUAWEI nova 15 MaxReporting based on official HUAWEI South Africa launch materials.
Next in Partner Content The VIVO X300 ProPartner Content
Story 04 of 13 Published May 2026
A high-end ZEISS optical instrument that happens to have a smartphone attached to it.
Skip to featured campaigns Open this story on its own pageWhen we talk about “camera phones,” we usually mean a smartphone that takes great pictures. But with the Vivo X300 Pro, the script has flipped. This is a high-end ZEISS optical instrument that happens to have a smartphone attached to it.
After taking this device into the skies over Cape Town in a helicopter and then deep into the fynbos for some bird-watching, one thing is clear: the telephoto crown has a new wearer.
Welcome VIVO X300 Pro, co-engineered with the world-leading name in optics, ZEISS. This is not one, not two, but three unboxings in one place, so sit back and enjoy.
The vivo X300 Pro is a 2026 flagship smartphone featuring a 6.78-inch 1.5K 120Hz LTPO AMOLED display (4,500 nits peak), MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset, 16GB LPDDR5X RAM, and a 6,510mAh battery with 90W fast charging. It highlights a ZEISS-engineered triple camera system with a 200MP APO super telephoto lens.
The Vivo X300 Pro is a defiance of physics — the realisation that a device in your pocket can hold the majesty of a Cape Town sunset and the delicate frailty of a bird’s wing with equal reverence.
It is more than a flagship. It is a portal. It is the new king of the light, and it has claimed its throne at the intersection of glass and gold.
Technobok finale: a masterpiece in every photon. This sums up the VIVO X300 Pro.
Where to find it
Co-engineered with ZEISS, the X300 Pro is VIVO’s 2026 flagship imaging device.
See the VIVO X300 ProReporting based on Technobok’s own review and unboxing coverage of the VIVO X300 Pro.
Next in Partner Content The VIVO V70 FEPartner Content
Story 05 of 13 Published May 2026
Mid-tier pricing, top-tier specs: the “FE” that doesn’t compromise.
Skip to featured campaigns Open this story on its own pageIn the ever-evolving world of smartphones, the “FE” moniker often signals a compromise — a thinning down of flagship features to hit a price point. The Vivo V70 FE flips the script.
Meet the fashion-focused, value-packing Vivo V70 FE.
The Vivo V70 FE is a rare breed. Usually, “big battery” phones look like rugged bricks, and “fashion” phones die by dinner time. Vivo has bridged that gap.
Buy this if: you live on your phone, love taking high-res photos for social media, and want a device that looks like an accessory rather than a utility tool — and one which packs solid performance and unbelievable value.
Where to find it
Fashion-focused, value-packed — the V70 FE brings flagship-grade battery and camera specs to the mid-tier.
See the VIVO V70 FEReporting based on Technobok’s own coverage of the VIVO V70 series.
Next in Partner Content The VIVO V70Partner Content
Story 06 of 13 Published May 2026
The ZEISS gate, kicked open for a far wider audience.
Skip to featured campaigns Open this story on its own pageIn the modern smartphone landscape, the “ZEISS” logo has typically been a gated luxury reserved for the expensive flagship elite. With the Vivo V70, that gate has officially been kicked open.
By combining their legendary ZEISS partnership with a strategically priced mid-tier chassis, Vivo is offering a “pro-grade” imaging experience to a far wider audience.
The Vivo V70 is a specialised tool — designed for the aspiring content creator, the Instagram enthusiast, and the traveller who wants professional-looking memories without the professional-looking price tag. It is, quite simply, the best “optical value” on the market right now.
Where to find it
A triple ZEISS camera system and a 3x optical periscope telephoto, at a mid-tier price.
See the VIVO V70Reporting based on Technobok’s own coverage of the VIVO V70 series.
Next in Partner Content 25 years of X-TrailPartner Content
Story 07 of 13 Published December 2025
The crossover that defined modern motoring — and quietly invented an entire segment.
Skip to featured campaigns Open this story on its own pageIn the fiercely competitive theatre of the modern automotive market, few vehicles can lay claim to inventing an entire segment. Yet, as the world celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Nissan X-Trail, we must acknowledge a fundamental truth: the X-Trail did precisely that. When it first launched in 2000, it wasn’t just another entrant in the utility market; it was a quiet revolution that introduced the concept of the competent, comfortable, and crucially, accessible crossover — a segment that now dominates global sales charts.
The X-Trail’s genesis was a direct challenge to the established order of the early 2000s. Back then, if you wanted an SUV, you bought a heavy, truck-like machine built on a ladder-frame chassis, delivering clumsy on-road manners and abysmal fuel economy. Nissan’s breakthrough was an act of visionary simplicity: marry the high driving position and rugged aesthetic of a 4×4 with the refined handling and structural integrity of a family sedan.
The shift to a monocoque (unibody) construction was the X-Trail’s first, most consequential innovation. By integrating the chassis and body into a single structural unit, Nissan immediately unlocked superior safety, rigidity, and dynamic stability — while being lighter than traditional truck platforms, dramatically improving fuel efficiency and steering response.
The washable, robust plastic lining in the boot area of the first-generation model became an instant legend among outdoor enthusiasts, signifying that this was a vehicle designed to handle muddy boots, wet gear, and real-life mess.
The X-Trail’s appeal was secured by its mechanical integrity, most notably its approach to all-wheel drive. It introduced the concept of Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, a system that operated predominantly in fuel-saving front-wheel drive but could instantaneously and electronically distribute torque to the rear wheels when slip was detected, or when the driver pre-emptively selected ‘Lock’ mode at low speeds.
Powering the X-Trail is a strong 2.5L naturally-aspirated petrol engine (135kW/244Nm), paired with a smooth Continuously Variable Transmission for good city and highway driving, and more than enough power for when the roads turn to trails.
The current generation embodies 25 years of heritage by leading with award-winning safety and next-generation connectivity, routinely achieving maximum five-star ratings from organisations like Euro NCAP and the IIHS. This success is underpinned by the sophisticated Nissan Safety Shield suite.
The technological crown jewel is the Intelligent Driver Assistance System, ProPILOT Assist — utilising radar and camera technology to manage steering, acceleration and braking, maintaining a set distance, staying centred in the lane, and even bringing the car to a complete stop and restart in heavy traffic.
The famous versatility has also been modernised, with flexible seating configurations, including the option for seven seats, confirming its unshakeable family focus.
The X-Trail’s enduring success over a quarter-century is not accidental. It democratised the SUV, making its benefits accessible, safe, and efficient. As we look at the overwhelming sea of crossovers on the road today, from every manufacturer imaginable, we are looking at the extended family of the X-Trail.
This Nissan didn’t just survive 25 years in a brutally competitive segment; it defined the parameters of that segment. This is a celebration of motoring, and of 25 years of X-Trail by Nissan.
Learn more
Twenty-five years on, the X-Trail remains one of the most complete family crossovers on the market.
See the Nissan X-TrailReporting based on Technobok’s own coverage marking 25 years of the Nissan X-Trail.
Next in Partner Content X-Trail ProPILOT AssistPartner Content
Story 08 of 13 Published December 2025
An intelligent travel companion, blending cutting-edge technology with intuitive driver support.
Skip to featured campaigns Open this story on its own pageNissan ProPILOT Assist elevates the X-Trail from a traditional family SUV into an intelligent travel companion, seamlessly blending cutting-edge technology with intuitive driver support.
By integrating steering, acceleration, and braking into a single, cohesive system, it takes the stress out of long highway journeys and stop-and-go traffic alike. This isn’t just about automation; it’s about enhancing the connection between the driver and the road, creating a more relaxed and engaging experience where the vehicle acts as a vigilant second set of eyes.
ProPILOT Assist transforms every drive into a premium, confident journey, proving that true luxury lies in the peace of mind afforded by world-class safety innovation.
For occupants, this translates to a smoother, more composed ride, while for fellow road users, it ensures a predictable and safer environment.
Learn more
ProPILOT Assist is standard across the X-Trail range’s driver assistance suite.
See the Nissan X-TrailReporting based on Technobok’s own coverage of the Nissan X-Trail.
Next in Partner Content X-Trail versatilityPartner Content
Story 09 of 13 Published December 2025
A masterclass in interior packaging: from sophisticated commuter to comprehensive family mover.
Skip to featured campaigns Open this story on its own pageIn the realm of family SUVs, true luxury is defined by space and the freedom to use it. The Nissan X-Trail 7-seater is a masterclass in interior packaging, offering a level of versatility that transforms it from a sophisticated commuter into a comprehensive family mover at a moment’s notice.
The brilliance of the X-Trail’s layout lies in its EZ Flex™ Seating System. The second row slides and reclines, allowing you to prioritise either massive legroom for adult passengers or easier access to the third row for the kids. When not in use, the rear seats fold completely flat, revealing a cavernous luggage area ready for school projects, sports gear, or weekend camping equipment.
This is more than just adding extra chairs; it’s about providing a lifestyle solution.
By merging this expansive cabin with premium materials and clever storage nooks throughout, Nissan has ensured that every occupant, no matter which row they occupy, can enjoy a first-class travel experience.
Learn more
Seven seats, EZ Flex™ seating, and a cabin built for family life.
See the Nissan X-TrailReporting based on Technobok’s own coverage of the Nissan X-Trail.
Next in Partner Content X-Trail infotainmentPartner Content
Story 10 of 13 Published December 2025
A seamless extension of your digital life, anchored by a high-definition infotainment system.
Skip to featured campaigns Open this story on its own pageThe Nissan X-Trail transforms the modern driving experience into a seamless extension of your digital life, anchored by an intuitive, high-definition infotainment system that stands at the forefront of automotive innovation.
The centrepiece is a brilliant, large-format touchscreen that boasts crystal-clear graphics and lightning-fast response times, making navigation through menus feel as natural as using a premium smartphone. With a focus on a connected drive, the X-Trail features wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration, ensuring your music, maps, and messages are always accessible.
This digital ecosystem is further elevated by a stunning 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, providing the driver with a fully customisable, high-resolution view of vital vehicle data, navigation prompts, and safety alerts directly in the line of sight. Complementing this is the sophisticated Head-Up Display, which projects essential information onto the windscreen.
This synergy between high-definition hardware and intelligent software creates a driving environment that is not only technologically superior but also profoundly relaxing.
Beyond entertainment, the X-Trail serves as a pioneer in safety with its Level II semi-autonomous driving features. The renowned ProPILOT Assist system works in perfect harmony with the digital cockpit, utilising radar and camera technology to manage steering, braking, and acceleration on the highway.
Learn more
Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12.3-inch digital cluster, and a Head-Up Display.
See the Nissan X-TrailReporting based on Technobok’s own coverage of the Nissan X-Trail.
Next in Partner Content X-Trail drivetrainPartner Content
Story 11 of 13 Published December 2025
A mechanical package that balances refined efficiency with rugged capability.
Skip to featured campaigns Open this story on its own pageThe Nissan X-Trail is engineered to handle the diverse landscapes of Southern Africa with a mechanical package that balances refined efficiency with rugged capability. At its core is a sophisticated powertrain and drivetrain combination designed for seamless delivery.
The Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system is a standout, constantly monitoring road conditions and adjusting power distribution between the front and rear wheels in milliseconds. This ensures maximum traction on loose gravel or during sudden Highveld thunderstorms, all while maintaining the fuel-sipping characteristics of a front-wheel-drive vehicle during standard highway cruising.
Complementing this intelligent power delivery is the X-Trail’s generous ride height. With a ground clearance that places it at the top of its class, the X-Trail offers a commanding view of the road, significantly improving driver peripheral vision and confidence.
This elevated stance isn’t just about the “look” — it provides the necessary clearance to navigate rutted farm tracks and high speed-bumps without hesitation.
Combined with a suspension tuned for a “compliant yet firm” ride, the X-Trail absorbs the imperfections of our road surfaces, ensuring that whether you are on the tarmac or off the beaten path, the journey remains smooth, stable, and undeniably capable.
Learn more
Intelligent All-Wheel Drive and class-leading ground clearance, tuned for Southern African roads.
See the Nissan X-TrailReporting based on Technobok’s own coverage of the Nissan X-Trail.
Next in Partner Content The Velar PHEVPartner Content
Story 12 of 13 Published December 2025
Uncompromised performance paired with a deeply thoughtful environmental consciousness.
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The city of Cape Town, for all its beauty, is a symphony of motion. But sometimes, true luxury is found in the silence of an escape. Our journey began not with a roar, but with a barely perceptible whisper, as we slipped away from the urban bustle in the new Range Rover Velar PHEV.
The Velar, in its silent EV Mode, glided effortlessly through the suburbs, the whisper-quiet electric motor proving its worth immediately. Our first intentional stop was a small, high-end roastery tucked away near the N1. As we sipped our ethically sourced coffee, the Velar was parked, a sculpture of modern design against the rustic backdrop, having consumed zero petrol to get us there.
As the cityscape receded, the Velar shifted seamlessly into Hybrid Mode, the powerful Range Rover engine marrying with the electric torque to ensure effortless, confident cruising through the rolling Cape countryside. The spacious, leather-clad cabin became a sanctuary where the only sound was the curated playlist flowing from the Meridian sound system.
Our arrival at the Grande Roche Hotel & Spa in Paarl felt like stepping onto a heritage film set. This historic estate, with its Cape Dutch gables and towering mountain views, is where old-world charm meets considered luxury. After the Velar was plugged into its dedicated charger for its own ‘recharge,’ we were escorted to our suite, overlooking manicured gardens and the endless emerald expanse of the vineyards.
The next morning broke in a blaze of African gold, the sunrise painting Paarl Rock in vivid hues.
We dedicated the day to exploring the forward-thinking nature of the surrounding valley — first to the Spice Route Destination to engage the senses with local craft and artistry, then to the famed Fairview dairies, meeting the characterful, curious goats and learning about the farm’s commitment to sustainable, ethical production. That evening, the promise of the hotel’s internationally trained chefs was delivered in a spectacular multi-course meal, each plate celebrating local ingredients with global technique.
The Range Rover Velar PHEV was, in every sense, the ideal companion. It gives you the silent, ethical commute, the effortless long-range capability, and the absolute assurance that your journey is as refined as your destination.
Learn more
Silent EV running, effortless hybrid cruising, and the Range Rover design language, in the Velar PHEV.
See the Range Rover VelarReporting based on Technobok’s own experience piece, driving the Range Rover Velar PHEV through the Cape Winelands.
Next in Partner Content The Galaxy RingPartner Content
Story 13 of 13 Published October 2025
A hands-on with the future of wearable tech — seamlessly integrated, not bulky or distracting.
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The future of wearable tech isn’t bulky or distracting; it’s seamlessly integrated, and Samsung’s Galaxy Ring is proof. From the moment the box arrived, this device felt less like a gadget and more like a piece of personal jewellery — a philosophy that carries through to the experience of wearing and using it, especially with the advanced support of Galaxy AI.
Unboxing the Galaxy Ring is an event in itself. The packaging is less a tech carton and more a sleek, minimalist jewellery box, hinting immediately at the premium nature of the product. My Titanium Black Silver size 9 ring model was nestled in its charging case — a compact, clamshell design that is both futuristic and highly practical.
In the hand, the ring is stunning. Crafted from Grade 5 Titanium, it manages to be incredibly lightweight (ranging from 2.3g to 3.0g depending on size) while still feeling substantial and durable. The simple titanium finish is scratch-resistant and gives it a timeless, understated look that easily pairs with anything.
The pairing process was, as expected with modern Samsung devices, instantaneous and frictionless. But the real magic begins when you put it on. I’ve never worn a health tracker that became so quickly “forgettable.” Unlike a watch that needs to be positioned perfectly or a chest strap that interferes with movement, the Galaxy Ring is truly unobtrusive.
I wore it 24/7 — through typing, exercising, showering (it boasts an impressive 10 ATM water resistance), and most importantly, sleeping. The comfort during sleep is the single greatest selling point, utilising its trio of integrated sensors (PPG heart rate, accelerometer, and skin temperature) to gather the most accurate metrics possible from your finger.
The transition from raw data to actionable guidance is where the power of Galaxy AI truly shines — the key feature being the Energy Score. Based on a comprehensive analysis of your previous night’s sleep metrics, heart rate variability, and activity, the AI provides a single, easy-to-understand score out of 100 that tells you how ready your body and mind are for the day.
This is the difference between data tracking and personalised coaching — the AI acts as your pocket health guide.
The Galaxy Ring is more than just a competitor in the smart ring market; it’s a statement about the future of discreet, AI-enhanced wellness — all wrapped in a premium package you won’t want to take off.
Where to find it
Titanium build, up to seven days of battery life, and Galaxy AI health insights on your finger.
See the Samsung Galaxy RingReporting based on Technobok’s own hands-on review of the Samsung Galaxy Ring.
End of Partner Content Continue to Featured campaignsFeatured campaign
A full-package launch programme: long-form video review, a low-light camera shoot-out against the incumbent flagships, a written review on technobok.co.za and a vertical cutdown series for Reels, Shorts and TikTok.
Mid-range with a Zeiss-tuned camera system — what the partnership actually buys you.
TechnologyFashion-first design and an extended battery — a full-day usage test.
TechnologyThe ultimate camera phone — put through a full imaging workout.
AutomotiveLong-term wrap-up: the ultimate range-anxiety killer?
For a single product moment
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What South Africa is talking about this week, written out in full rather than clipped — each one its own post, with its own link and its own tracking.
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Story 01 Published 22 Sep 2026
Tatjana Smith announces return to competitive swimming
South Africa's most decorated Olympian steps back into competition with a new event, a new coach and a new relationship with the sport that made her name.
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Olympic champion Tatjana Smith has announced her return to competitive swimming, having previously stepped away from the sport believing her career was complete. Her comeback follows a period of reflection that reshaped her relationship with swimming and what she wants from this next stage of her life.
When Smith retired in 2024, she had no intention of returning. Stepping away gave her the space to reflect on the mental and physical demands of elite sport, the pressure of constant performance and what she wanted life beyond the pool to look like.
“When I announced my retirement from swimming, I genuinely believed that chapter of my life was over. With some distance, I realised that stepping away had been the right decision for me at that time. I had always believed that swimming was something I did, not who I was. Stepping away proved that to me. I discovered that I could have a full life beyond the pool and still choose to swim.
I am coming back because I want to. This time, the decision is mine. The time away gave me perspective, but it also gave me power. Now I get to bring both of those things back into the pool.”
For much of her career, swimming was an opportunity given to her by her parents, and one she felt a responsibility to make the most of. That sense of responsibility remains part of her story, but her decision to return is different. This time, it is a choice she is making for herself.
With distance from competition, Smith also realised that she missed the racing, the competitiveness and the challenge of the sport.
She is not coming back to recreate what came before.
Smith's return also creates a fitting parallel with Huawei, where she is a longstanding friend of the brand. As she prepares to rediscover her speed in the pool, the HUAWEI Pura 90s Series has brought 5G back to Huawei's flagship smartphone range in South Africa. In that sense, max speed is back in more ways than one, with both Smith and Huawei entering a new chapter built on moving forward rather than simply recreating what came before.
Her return will look different from the career she left behind. She will take on a new event, train with a new group in a new city and work with a new coach, while placing greater emphasis on balance and maintaining a full life outside of sport.
“I am not coming back as the same athlete, or the same person. It's a new chapter, a new challenge, a new event, a new training group, a new city and a new coach. Most importantly, it's a new balance. I have learned that I don't have to choose between being an athlete and having a full life outside of sport. I can have both.”
That emphasis on balance has also shaped Smith's journey with Huawei wearables. During her relationship with the brand, technology has become another way to understand activity, recovery and performance, while supporting rather than defining the athlete. As she moves back into structured training and competition, that relationship between technology, performance and personal judgement takes on new relevance.
Smith's return also comes at an important time for South African sport, with ongoing conversations around the experiences of athletes within the sporting system. While she is excited to return to competition, she believes the pursuit of sporting excellence must also be grounded in an environment where athletes feel supported and respected.
“Athletes deserve to love their sport. They deserve to feel safe, supported and respected within it. And they deserve the opportunity to pursue excellence without having to compromise who they are.”
Smith's return marks a new chapter in her relationship with the sport that has shaped much of her life, with a clearer sense of why she wants to be in the pool and how she wants to approach this next chapter.
Her first competitive appearance will be at the South African Short Course Championships in Pietermaritzburg from 24 to 27 September 2026, marking her return to racing after stepping away from competitive swimming in 2024.
The other Max Speed
The Pura 90s Series is the phone half of the parallel Smith's announcement draws on — 5G back in the range, and a 200MP telephoto system alongside it. We covered the launch in full.
Read the Pura 90s featureBased on the announcement of Tatjana Smith's return to competitive swimming, including her quoted remarks. Video stills and both Shorts: Huawei Mobile South Africa. Smith is a longstanding Huawei brand partner, and the clips embedded above are Huawei's own — this post is unpaid editorial and carries no sponsored links.
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Story 02 Published 18 Oct 2026
Technobok visits The Litterboom Project on Cape Town's Black River
We spent a morning with the team hauling plastic out of a Cape Town river before it reaches the ocean, and found Land Rover South Africa, three Defenders and Springbok great Bryan Habana all pulling in the same direction.
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The Litterboom Project has spent the better part of a decade proving you can stop a river's plastic before it ever reaches the sea — one pipe boom, one river system at a time. Technobok went out to see it for ourselves, on the stretch of Cape Town's Black River where the project's newest booms now sit.
The idea is simple enough to explain in a sentence: stretch a floating pipe boom across a river, angled so the current pushes surface plastic — mostly HDPE and PET, the stuff that floats — into a collection point before it can drift out to sea. Founder Cameron Service started The Litterboom Project in 2017 with a single pilot boom on Durban's Umgeni River. Almost a decade on, the project runs more than twenty booms across KwaZulu-Natal's river systems, pulling as much as a tonne of plastic out of the water on a single day. More recently, a partnership between the City of Cape Town and Pristine Earth Collective extended the project's booms into the Western Cape for the first time, onto the Black River — the stretch we visited.
Even on a calm morning, the boom was doing exactly what it is built to do — holding back a slick of bottles, packaging and the kind of everyday plastic that never gets a second thought until it is caught mid-current, pinned against a pipe. The crew on site walked us through how the catch is worked: boats and waders to pull the boom, a sort on the bank to separate what can be recycled from what has to go to landfill, and the usable plastic set aside to be cleaned, shredded and given a second life.
The visit also made plain who is backing this from outside the water. In 2025, The Litterboom Project was named the outright winner of Land Rover's inaugural Defender Awards, a global prize for grassroots conservation work, which came with a cash award and a Defender 110 for the team to put straight to work in the field. That backing was visible everywhere on the day — three Defenders lined up at the water's edge, there to move people, equipment and recovered plastic to wherever the boom needed attention next. Land Rover South Africa has carried that support on locally, and Springbok great Bryan Habana, long a visible voice for ocean and river conservation, has put his name behind the project as an ambassador — another reminder that what gets pulled out of a river in Cape Town never gets the chance to wash up on a beach anywhere else.
What gets pulled out of a river in Cape Town never gets the chance to wash up on a beach anywhere else.
What the booms catch doesn't end at a landfill if the team can help it. Usable plastic gets a second life as the project's own range of recycled homeware and accessories — combs, keyrings, coasters, even a spinning top — each one made from what used to be litter in the water.
It's easy to scroll past another river-cleanup story. It's harder to stand on the bank and watch a boom do its job in real time, surrounded by a team — and a fleet — that is clearly there to work rather than for a photo opportunity. Technobok will be keeping an eye on where The Litterboom Project's booms go next.
Background on The Litterboom Project — including its founding, river network and 2025 Defender Awards win — drawn from Panorama Solutions and Business Day Motoring. All photography from the visit: Technobok.
Trending
Story 03 Published 18 Oct 2026
Technobok drives the new Geely Coolray on its South African media launch
Geely's compact crossover gets a thorough refresh for 2026 — a bigger screen, more standard safety kit and a driver-assist suite on the range-topping derivative. We put the Vertex through a relaxed cross-country drive to see how it holds up away from the brochure.
Open this story on its own pageThe Coolray has been one of Geely's steadiest sellers in South Africa, and for 2026 it gets the kind of refresh that matters more than a new badge: a bigger screen, more standard safety kit, and a driver-assist suite on the range-topping derivative. We picked up the new Vertex-spec car on its media launch and spent the day running it from Stellenbosch out to Greyton and back, through exactly the kind of winding, occasionally gravel-edged roads that separate a good launch route from a good car.
The Coolray is still a 1.5-litre turbocharged crossover sending 128kW and 290Nm to the front wheels through a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox, with a claimed 0–100km/h in 7.6 seconds and combined consumption of 6.5 L/100km. What has changed is everything around that drivetrain. The range now opens with the Nova at R369 900, moves through the Vanguard at R399 900, and tops out with the Vertex we drove at R429 900 — each one carrying a 5-year/150 000km warranty and a 5-year/50 000km service plan. Every derivative gets a 14.6-inch touchscreen and an 8.8-inch digital driver's display as standard; the Vertex adds a panoramic sunroof, a powered tailgate, wireless charging, a motorsport-styled rear wing and a full ADAS suite on top of the 540-degree camera system and six airbags that arrive at Vanguard level.
The drive out of Stellenbosch climbs into the Overberg's back roads before dropping into Greyton, and it's a route that asks a few honest questions of a compact crossover: tight corners, long sweeping climbs, and enough loose gravel at the edges to catch a car out if its suspension isn't set up for it. The Coolray's MacPherson-strut front and torsion-beam rear setup stayed composed throughout, soaking up the rougher sections without feeling floaty on the smoother tar, and the electric steering had enough weight and feedback to make the climbs genuinely enjoyable rather than just a means to an end. Switching between Eco, Comfort and Adaptive drive modes changes the throttle response noticeably, and the 7-speed DCT stayed smooth and decisive even when we asked it to drop two gears for an overtake.
It doesn't try to be anything more than a comfortable, well-equipped, easy-to-live-with crossover — and on this route, it did exactly that without drama.
Spend five minutes in the cabin and the bigger changes make sense. The 14.6-inch infotainment screen dominates the dashboard and runs Apple CarPlay and Android Auto without any fuss, paired with an 8.8-inch digital cluster that's easy to read at a glance. Our Vertex tester added wireless charging, 72-colour ambient lighting and black-and-red faux-leather seats that looked considerably more expensive than the car's price tag suggests. The panoramic sunroof opens the cabin up nicely on a sunny Overberg afternoon, and road and wind noise stayed low enough that conversation never needed raised voices.
The Vertex's motorsport-styled rear wing could easily have looked bolted-on, but against the Coolray's black roof and squared-off wheel arches it reads as part of the design rather than an afterthought — a small sign of how much effort has gone into this refresh beyond the spec sheet.
We stopped for lunch in Greyton with Geely's launch fleet parked up outside The Post House, which is as good a place as any to sum up a day like this: the Coolray doesn't try to be anything more than a comfortable, well-equipped, easy-to-live-with crossover, and on this route, it did exactly that without drama. At a starting price of R369 900, and with the extras that come on the Vertex, it's a genuinely competitive package in a segment that is only getting more crowded.
Pricing, specification and warranty details confirmed against Cars.co.za and TimesLive Motoring. Full video review and all photography: Technobok.
Trending posts are Technobok's own editorial. Where a story involves a brand we also work with commercially, the relationship is named in the post. Paid coverage lives in Featured under the Partner Content flag, never here.
Amazing CN
Chinese cars and Chinese tech, tested in South Africa
For years the shortcut was simple: pay more, get better. That shortcut has stopped working. The cars arriving from Chery, iCaur, Jaecoo, Lepas, Changan, Jetour, Leapmotor, Dongfeng, Xpeng, Li Auto, MG and many more are landing with specification lists that read like the tier above — and the phones from the likes of HUAWEI, Vivo, Honor and Oppo are giving many older legacy makers a real run for their money.
At Technobok we love to see the innovation, and no one is doing it quite as boldly, or as impressively, as CN!
EVs, range-extenders, SUVs and a working bakkie — driven locally, not read off a press release.
Changan
Redefining the EV revolution — driven on local roads.
Watch the review SUVJetour
You're going to want one. It's that good.
Watch the review REEVLeapmotor
Long-term wrap-up: the ultimate range-anxiety killer?
Watch the review SUVMG
First drive — genuinely impressive for the money.
Watch the review SUVChangan
Incredible pricing, beautiful spec.
Watch the review BakkieJMC
Rugged sophistication under R500k.
Watch the reviewPhones, tablets, smart devices and wearables — unboxed, shot with and pushed properly.
Huawei
5G is back, and a 200MP telephoto system comes with it.
Read the feature Partner ContentHuawei
4x optical to 20x video, and a 5cm macro telephoto.
Read the feature FlagshipVivo
The new gold standard in mobile photography.
Watch the review UnboxingVivo
Ultimate unboxing with the Zeiss optics extender.
Watch the review Mid-rangeVivo
Co-engineered with Zeiss: mid-range price, flagship habits.
Watch the review Mid-rangeVivo
Style without sacrifice.
Watch the review UnboxingHonor
Punching above its weight — unboxing and first look.
Watch the review WearablesHuawei
Tap payments, now a breeze in South Africa.
Watch the reviewWritten reviews and features, published on technobok.co.za.
On Air
Every Tuesday, Jason joins Chai FM 101.9FM for Tech Tuesdays — a segment covering everything Automotive, Technology & Lifestyle, the same straight-talking take you get on Technobok, just live and over the airwaves.
Tech Tuesdays is a weekly slot on Chai FM's Afternoon Brief, where Jason unpacks the week's biggest stories in cars, gadgets and the lifestyle trends shaping how South Africans live, drive and buy — from new vehicle launches to the technology trends actually worth paying attention to, cutting past the hype.
Latest appearance 19 Oct 2026 16 min
Press loans, campaign briefs, event invitations and everything in between.
