What We Do

TechnoBok

- TechnoBok Media (Pty) Ltd -

Automotive, Tech and Lifestyle & Hospitality Media

For any media related inquiries please contact:

jason@technobok.co.za

Further details and reviews:


https://linktr.ee/technobok



TechnoBok
First impressions, and a quick drive in the very impressive need Chery Q by Technobok
​Purposeful Craft: Sophisticated tech tailored for every lifestyle. ​Masterful Performance: Seamless power that keeps you moving. ​Art in Motion: Redefining the harmony between speed and style. This is the VIVO Mobile X300 Pro with its powerful telephoto lens extension kit and ZEISS Optics. More at; YouTube.com/user/TechnobokUnboxing/ #android16 #smartphone #cameraphone #dimensity9500 #smartphonereview #vivox300pro #x300pro #tech
Is this the ultimate flagship of 2026? 🏆 In today’s video, we’re diving deep into the Vivo X300 Pro. A device that isn’t just a smartphone, but a professional-grade camera in your pocket. From the mind-blowing 200MP Zeiss APO Telephoto lens to the raw power of the 3nm Dimensity 9500 chipset, Vivo has officially raised the bar for what a "Pro" phone should be! There are moments when technology ceases to be a tool and becomes a witness. High above the jagged crown of Table Mountain, suspended in the thrumming heart of a helicopter, the Vivo X300 Pro did not just take photos; it inhaled the horizon. 🔥 KEY SPECIFICATIONS: Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 9500 (Octa-core 4.21 GHz) Display: 6.78” 1.5K+ AMOLED (1-120Hz LTPO, 4500 nits peak brightness) Main Camera: 50MP Sony LYT-828 (OIS, f/1.57) Telephoto: 200MP Samsung HPB Zeiss APO (3.7x Optical Zoom, up to 100x Digital) Battery: 6510mAh with 90W FlashCharge & 40W Wireless OS: OriginOS 6 (based on Android 16) Durability: IP68 & IP69 Water/Dust Resistance The Ascent: Steel, Wind, and Zeiss As the Atlantic Seaboard blurred into a tapestry of turquoise and granite, the Zeiss APO Floating Telephoto lens extended like a silent predator. Through the open door of the chopper, the wind fought to steal the frame, but the X300 Pro remained defiant. Its stabilisation. A mechanical heartbeat—smoothed the chaos of the rotors, turning a violent aerial dance into a cinematic masterpiece. To look through this glass is to see the world stripped of its distance. The Twelve Apostles weren’t just mountains in a viewfinder; they were ancient textures of fynbos and stone, pulled so close you could almost feel the cold Atlantic mist clinging to the rock. This is the power of apochromatic correction, a world without blur, a reality without compromise. The Watcher: Life in the Lens On the ground, the narrative shifted from the infinite to the intimate. In the quiet thickets of the Cape, we turned the lens toward the vibration of life itself. Bird-watching is an exercise in patience, but with the X300 Pro, it became an act of discovery. The 1-inch sensor drank in the dappled sunlight of the forest floor, while the telephoto macro capability allowed us to invade the private world of a Sunbird without shattering the silence. We saw the impossible: the iridescent pulse of feathers, the microscopic glint in a wild eye, and a natural bokeh so creamy and deep it felt like looking through a dream. The V3 Soul: Silicon Magic Beneath the elegant chassis beats the V3 Imaging Chip, a silent conductor orchestrating billions of calculations per second. It is the ghost in the machine that ensures the "Zeiss Natural Colour" remains honest, never painting over the truth, but enhancing the soul of the scene. It handled the harsh South African sun and the deep shadows of the ravines with equal grace, proving that the crown of mobile photography has moved. The Verdict: Beyond the Frame The Vivo X300 Pro is a defiance of physics. It is 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 --- Disclaimer -- Embedded Video/Logo Components: All embedded video/logo/audio components remain the property of their rightful and respective owners and content contributors - All rights reserved – Vivo Mobile Communication Co., Ltd ; Zeiss 2026 Technobok Media #VivoX300Pro #VivoX300Series #SmartphoneReview #Tech2026 #ZeissCamera #Dimensity9500 #Android16 #CameraPhone #Technobok #TechnobokReview #Unboxing
The South African bakkie market is notoriously difficult to penetrate, dominated by legacy brands and fierce loyalty. However, following a successful brand re-launch by the Salvador Caetano Group, JMC South Africa is making a definitive statement with the arrival of the All-New JMC Vigus. Embodying the philosophy of being “Built for More,” this isn’t just a facelift—it’s a complete reimagining of what a value-driven workhorse can offer. A "Mecha" Presence on the Tarmac First impressions count, and the Vigus commands it. The design team has opted for a "mecha-inspired" front face that gives it a futuristic, aggressive stance. Measuring 5335mm in length and 1834mm in height, it has the "big-body" presence South Africans love. But it’s not all for show. JMC has prioritized loading efficiency: Cargo Capacity: It boasts one of the best-in-class cargo beds. Ergonomic Loading: A 750mm low bed height improves loading efficiency by 15%. Accessibility: Rear doors that open to 75° make loading large items surprisingly effortless. "Fortress-Level" Engineering Under the skin, the Vigus is built to take a beating. JMC engineers refer to the chassis as "fortress-level," and the specs back it up. Crafted from 420-grade steel with a bending stiffness of 1150 N/mm, the stability is palpable even before you hit the dirt. Crucially for our coastal and high-altitude regions, JMC has utilised 100% galvanised steel for all outer panels. Having survived a reinforced 60-day corrosion resistance test, this bakkie is clearly built to withstand the unique challenges of the South African climate. Interior: The "Lear" Luxury Surprise Step inside, and the "workhorse" label starts to fade. The cabin is an exercise in refinement. The highlight is undoubtedly the ergonomic seating from Lear, a world-renowned brand, providing long-distance support that rivals premium SUVs. The tech suite is equally impressive: The Hub: A massive 12.8” touchscreen featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Instrumentation: A 9” floating digital cluster that provides crisp, modern data delivery. Passenger Comfort: Rear occupants get 822mm of row spacing and a nearly flat floor (17mm hump), making it a legitimate family-capable double cab. Power and Validation Performance is delivered via a 2.5L Turbo Diesel engine pushing out 123 kW and 430 Nm of torque (in the A/T models). The low-rpm, high-torque characteristic is exactly what you want for heavy-load climbing. Perhaps most impressive is the validation: JMC has put the Vigus through 4 million kilometres of intensive testing. That is the equivalent of circling the Earth 100 times, providing peace of mind that this bakkie won't quit when the going gets tough. The Value Play: Pricing and Lineup With a growing network aimed at 40 active dealers by 2026, JMC is backing their product with serious infrastructure. The pricing is where the Vigus becomes a true disruptor: SA Pricing & Warranty JMC Vigus 2.5TD DC 4×2 6MT R399 900 JMC Vigus 2.5TD DC 4×2 8AT R459 900 JMC Vigus 2.5TD DC 4×4 8AT R499 900 The prices above include a 5-year/200 000 km warranty and a 4-year/65 000 km service plan. To Conclude The All-New JMC Vigus proves that "rugged" and "refined" are no longer mutually exclusive terms for the budget-conscious buyer. By offering a 4x4 Automatic with a Rear Diff Lock and flagship-level tech for under R500,000, JMC isn't just joining the segment—they are challenging the status quo. If you are looking for a vehicle that is genuinely "Built for More" without the traditional premium price tag, the Vigus deserves a spot on your shortlist.
In 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 Optical Core: Zeiss T* Coating in the Mid-Range The standout feature of the V70 is the Zeiss T coating* on the lens elements. In our technical testing, this proved to be more than just a branding exercise. The coating significantly reduces ghosting and lens flare issues that typically plague mid-range sensors when shooting against harsh South African sunlight or bright city streetlights at night. Key Camera Specs: Main Sensor: High-resolution module with OIS (Optical Image Stabilisation). Zeiss Portrait Styles: Includes the iconic Biotar, Distagon, Planar, and Sonnar swirly bokeh effects. Imaging Engine: Optimised for natural colour reproduction rather than over-processed saturation. Performance: The "Goldilocks" Balance To achieve its aggressive price point, the V70 doesn't try to be a gaming powerhouse; instead, it focuses on sustained, efficient performance. Chipset Efficiency, the internal hardware handles 4K video recording and heavy AI image processing without the thermal throttling we often see in "over-clocked" mid-rangers. Display: A vibrant AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring that the high-fidelity photos you capture look as sharp on the screen as they do on a professional monitor. Battery & Charging: Equipped with Vivo’s FlashCharge technology, the V70 juices up fast enough to ensure you’re never tethered to a wall when the perfect golden hour shot presents itself. The Technobok Camera Test We took the V70 into the field to see if the Zeiss partnership holds up under pressure. Low Light: The "Super Night Mode" combined with Zeiss optics delivers remarkably clean shadows. The noise floor is impressively low for a non-flagship sensor. Portraits: This is where the V70 punches well above its weight. The edge detection is surgical, and the Zeiss-tuned background blur looks "organic" rather than "calculated." Video: The OIS (Optical Image Stabilisation) provides a level of "float" to handheld walking shots that usually requires a dedicated gimbal. The Value Proposition The Vivo V70 represents a shift in market strategy. It asks the question: Do you really need to pay double for a flagship if 90% of your usage is photography? For most users, the answer is a resounding "No." You are getting the "Blue Label" lens experience—the sharpness, the color science, and the prestige—without the flagship "tax." Our verdict The Vivo V70 is a specialised tool. It is designed for the aspiring content creator, the Instagram enthusiast, and the traveler who wants professional-looking memories without the professional-looking price tag. It is, quite simply, the best "optical value" on the market right now. Disclaimer -- Embedded Video/Logo Components: All embedded video/logo/audio components remain the property of their rightful and respective owners and content contributors - All rights reserved – Vivo Mobile Communication Co., Ltd ; Zeiss --- 2026 Technobok Media ---
In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, the "FE" moniker often signals a compromise. A thinning down of flagship features to hit a price point. However, the Vivo V70 FE flips the script. Meet the fashion-focussed, value-packing Vivo V70 FE. This device is a bold declaration that you can have marathon-level battery life and high-end photography without sacrificing the "runway-ready" aesthetic Vivo is known for. The Unboxing Experience: First Impressions Matter The V70 FE arrives in a sleek, minimalist box that feels premium to the touch. Vivo has always leaned into the "lifestyle" aspect of tech, and the presentation here is no different. Inside the box, you’ll find: The Vivo V70 FE (Our review unit came in the stunning Northern Lights Purple). - 90W FlashCharge Adapter: A hefty brick for a hefty battery. -USB-C to USB-C Cable: Reinforced for high-speed charging. - USB-C to USB-C Cable: Reinforced for high-speed charging. - Premium Translucent Case: Not your average "cheap" silicone; it’s slim and doesn't hide the phone's design. Sim Ejector Tool & Documentation. As you peel back the plastic, the first thing you notice is the weight. At 200g, it feels substantial but surprisingly balanced. For a phone housing a massive 7000mAh battery, it is impressively thin at just 7.6mm. Vivo has clearly used high-density battery tech to keep the silhouette "fashion-focused." Design: Where Tech Meets the Runway The back of the V70 FE is a work of art. The Northern Lights Purple variant features a glow-in-the-dark aesthetic that shifts under different lighting. Under the sun, it’s a sophisticated gradient; in a dim lounge or club setting, it emits a soft, ethereal luminescence that is guaranteed to be a conversation starter. The "Flagship-Grade Minimalist Design" isn't just marketing speak. The camera island is clean, dominated by the massive 200MP lens, yet it doesn’t feel clunky. It also boasts an IP68+69 rating, meaning it's not just pretty—it's rugged enough to survive a literal pressure wash. The Camera: 200 Megapixels of Pure Detail The star of the show is the 200MP Ultra-Clear Main Camera. While high megapixel counts can sometimes be a gimmick, Vivo’s integration here is focused on lossless zooming and large-format clarity. Detail Retention: Even at 900% zoom, the AI-assisted processing keeps edges sharp. It’s perfect for capturing intricate fashion textures or distant architecture. AI Aura Light: Vivo’s signature ring light is back, providing soft, studio-like illumination for portraits, avoiding the harsh "deer-in-headlights" look of standard flashes. Selfie Game: The 50MP Eye AF Group Selfie camera ensures that whether you’re alone or with a squad, the focus is locked instantly on the eyes. Performance & Battery: The "Never-Die" Flagship Powering this fashionista is the MediaTek Dimensity 7360-Turbo. Built on a 4nm process, it’s snappy, handles multitasking with 12GB of RAM effortlessly, and runs the latest OriginOS 6 (Android 16). But the real MVP is the 7000mAh battery. "In our testing, the V70 FE easily lasted two full days of heavy use. We're talking hours of 4K video recording, social media scrolling, and gaming without even glancing at a charger." When you finally do run low, the 90W FlashCharge gets you back in the game quickly, though a full charge for a cell this size still takes roughly 45–50 minutes. Final Verdict: Is it for you? 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! Disclaimer -- Embedded Video/Logo Components: All embedded video/logo/audio components remain the property of their rightful and respective owners and content contributors - All rights reserved – Vivo Mobile Communication Co. --- 2026 Technobok Media ---
When 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. Quick Specs; Display: 6.31-inch AMOLED 1.5K display with 1–120Hz LTPO refresh rate and 4500 nits peak brightness Performance: Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 (3 nm) processor, paired with LPDDR5X 16 + 16 GB RAM and UFS 4.1 storage at 512GB The Optics - Zeiss APO Mastery The X300 Pro’s party piece is the Zeiss APO Floating Telephoto Lens. For the uninitiated, "APO" (Apochromatic) is a designation usually reserved for professional DSLR lenses. It means the lens is corrected for color fringing (chromatic aberration) across the entire focal range. Combined with a massive 1-inch IMX989 main sensor, Vivo isn't just playing with software; they are winning with glass. Aerial Performance: Cape Town from the Clouds Shooting from a vibrating helicopter over the Atlantic Seaboard is the ultimate test for Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). The Perspective: Hovering over Lion’s Head, the X300 Pro captured the texture of the granite rocks and the turquoise hues of Clifton’s waters with staggering dynamic range. Stability: Even with the buffeting wind from an open-door flight, the "CIPA 4.5" professional-grade stabilisation kept the 4K/60fps footage looking like it was shot on a gimbal. The Zoom: Transitioning from a wide-angle shot of the City Bowl to a tight 10x crop of the cable car on Table Mountain revealed almost no loss in detail. The clarity of the "Iconic Glow" of the city at dusk, processed through the V3 Imaging Chip, is nothing short of sorcery. Into the Wild: Bird-Watching and Macro Prowess Bird-watching is notoriously difficult for smartphones due to the distance and the erratic movement of the subjects. Telephoto Macro: The X300 Pro features a unique "floating" lens design that allows it to focus on subjects as close as 15cm even at high zoom. We were able to capture the iridescent feathers of a Sunbird from several meters away, achieving a natural bokeh (background blur) that no portrait mode software can truly replicate. Colour Science: Using the "Zeiss Natural Colour" profile, the greens of the Kirstenbosch gardens weren't oversaturating into neon territory; they looked exactly as the eye saw them, a trait natural with Vivo mobile's superb optics. Why It’s the New King The 100x Digital/20x Optical Clarity: While other brands offer 100x zoom, Vivo’s implementation remains "usable" much further up the range thanks to the Zeiss APO certification. Night Vision: The combination of the 1-inch sensor and the Zeiss T* coating means lens flare is non-existent, and low-light noise is suppressed without looking "mushy." The V3+ imaging chip - This dedicated silicon handles the heavy lifting of 4K Cinematic Portrait videos, allowing for focus pulls that look professional. The Verdict The Vivo X300 Pro isn't just a flagship; it’s a statement. This device replaces the need for a heavy bag of lenses. It is, without hyperbole, the most capable mobile imaging system we have tested to date.
The South African mid-size SUV segment is a battlefield. For years, the Volkswagen Tiguan, Hyundai Tucson, and alike have held the high ground, but a new wave of high-tech, high-value contenders from China has arrived. Enter the Changan CS75 Plus, a vehicle that doesn’t just want to compete on price, it wants to win on prestige! In Short Engine: 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbopetrol Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic Power / Torque: 138 kW/300 Nm Claimed fuel consumption: 7.5 L/100 km The Design: Bold and Unapologetic The massive "Whale Starry" grille and the signature horizontal LED light bar give it a wide, aggressive stance. The blackened alloys look the part, too, as does the light bar running the rear-end of the vehicle. Cabin Aesthetics This is where Changan truly shines. The cabin is draped in soft-touch materials and high-quality synthetic leather. The dual-screen setup looks sharp and vivid, but the real star of this show is the stitched and very elegant door-card and dash insert designs. We also rather like the lighter interior trim shade. Performance: Smooth, Not Sporty Under the hood, South African buyers typically find a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine. The 1.5T delivers roughly 138kW and 300Nm, which is more than enough for the school run and highway cruising. A 7-speed DCT delivers the gear shifts. This dual-clutch works; however, it's not quite as rapid as its European counterparts. Overall, the drive feels refined and solid for a mid-size family SUV. Fuel economy we returned at a combined 8 litres/100 kilometres, which is not too bad either. Upper spec models, such as the CE trim, feature enhanced safety systems such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Autonomous Emergency Braking, and a massive panoramic sunroof that stretches to the back seats. Conclusion, SA Pricing & Warranty; Perhaps the most disruptive feature of the Changan CS75 Pro is its aggressive pricing strategy. In a local market where mid-sized family SUVs frequently soar past the R600,000 mark, Changan has pulled off a significant feat by keeping its entire range—including the flagship 7-seater CE model—comfortably under R500,000. Ensuring a strong foundation for its local debut, the brand has launched with a comprehensive network of 25 dealerships across the country. This physical presence is complemented by a competitive after-sales package: the CS75 Pro comes standard with a five-year/150,000 km warranty and a five-year/90,000 km service plan. This level of coverage not only meets the industry standard for new entrants but also provides buyers with the long-term peace of mind necessary to invest in a growing brand with confidence. Be sure to watch our very recent review of the space-aged Changan Deepal S07 EV; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4Lt4vW7vck And, its recently joined and competing Suzuki Across now available in SA; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zoDzYNE3orM&t=25s Subscribe to Technobok on YouTube and across the socials; YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@TechnoBokUnboxings Instagram https://www.instagram.com/technobok TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@technobok Threads https://www.threads.com/@technobok X https://x.com/TechnoBokMedia?t=4kFIfWNtK8NuIWw7GGDayQ&s=09 ------ 2026 Technobok Media ------
At Technobok, we often find that the "entry-level" models tell you the most about a brand's DNA. While the high-performance M variants grab the headlines, the BMW X3 xDrive20i is the silent hero of the lineup. We spent some time with the Design Pure Excellence variant to see if the 2.0-litre petrol engine delivers enough "Sheer Driving Pleasure" for the discerning South African buyer. The Aesthetic: Sophistication over Sportiness The Design Pure Excellence package is a departure from the ubiquitous M Sport look. Instead of aggressive blacked-out trim, this X3 leans into luxury with satin-finish aluminum accents and chrome detailing around the signature kidney grilles. It’s a "quiet luxury" aesthetic that feels right at home in the suburbs of Johannesburg or the winelands of the Cape. The 19-inch (or optional 20-inch) wheels on this trim offer a more compliant ride quality than the lower-profile rubber found on sportier models, which we found particularly beneficial on South Africa's uneven road surfaces. The Heart: The 2.0-Litre Turbo Petrol The "20i" badge denotes BMW’s tried-and-tested 2.0-litre 4-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine. The 2.0-litre petrol engine (aided by 48V mild-hybrid technology) produces 148kW between 4,400 and 6,500 rpm, and 335Nm of torque from 1,500 – 4,000 rpm. The top speed is rated at 218km/h, and the average fuel consumption is 7.5 l/100km. Refinement: This is where the 20i beats its diesel (20d) sibling. At idle and low speeds, the engine is nearly silent. The power delivery is linear and smooth, making it an excellent city crawler. While 135kW might sound modest for a vehicle of this size, the X3 xDrive20i never feels "underpowered" in daily traffic. It manages a 0–100km/h sprint in a respectable 8.2 seconds. Because the 2.0i engine is lighter than the diesel block, the front end of the X3 feels slightly more "tossable" into corners. The xDrive all-wheel-drive system ensures that even in heavy rain, the grip levels remain unshakable. The Tech Stack: "Pure" Luxury Meets Digital Innovation The BMW X3 xDrive20i Pure doesn’t compromise on the "kit" despite its entry-level positioning. From a technical perspective, the standout feature is the BMW Interaction Bar—a crystal-like surface that runs across the dashboard, housing touch-sensitive controls and dynamic ambient lighting that reacts to your driving modes or incoming calls. Exterior & Presence The aesthetic is defined by the "Iconic Glow" kidney grille, which uses integrated LED fiber optics to frame the front end with a distinct light signature at night. This is complemented by: Adaptive LED Headlights: High-precision illumination with automatic high-beam assist. 19-inch Aero Alloys: Wrapped in run-flat rubber for peace of mind on South African roads, while Satin-Aluminum Trim shifts the focus from sporty black-out kits to a more sophisticated, high-contrast look. The Digital Cockpit: OS 9.0 The cabin is dominated by the 14.9-inch BMW Curved Display, a seamless glass housing that runs the latest Operating System 9.0. This Android Open Source Project (AOSP) based system is faster and more intuitive than its predecessors, offering: Navigation & Voice Control: Natural language processing that handles everything from climate adjustments to route planning. Wireless Integration: Rock-solid stability for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Sound is delivered by Harman Kardon Audio. This premium surround sound system is calibrated specifically for the X3’s cabin acoustics. Interior Ergonomics & Comfort BMW has moved toward sustainability without sacrificing the "premium" feel. Sports Seats: Electronically adjustable with memory functions for the driver, and a panoramic glass roof floods the cabin with natural light, controlled by an electric sun blind. Three-Zone Climate Control: Ensuring the rear-seat passengers have independent thermal management. To top things off, there is a dedicated wireless charging tray and paddle shifters on the leather-wrapped steering wheel ensure the 20i feels as engaging as it is comfortable. Overall Impressions Whether driving the scenic routes of the Table Mountain National Park road or the highways out of the Cape, the X3 20 Pure Design beautifully blends the more rapid response of petrol drive, with all the bells and whistles of the higher-end BMW X3 spec levels. Pricing is impressive, as is the overall offering. SA Price & Warranty The new entry model carries a starting price of R1 107 760.40 (inclusive of VAT and CO₂ tax). Sold with a 2yr/Unlimited Km Warranty and 5yr/100,000km Service Plan. ------ 2026 Technobok Media ------
Subscribe