The Huawei P8 launched into the South African market on July 3rd. The device has a recommended retail price of R7,999 ($645) and would be available on MTN, TelKom, Vodacom and Cell C.
The device would be limited to selected outlets at launch before it gradually becomes available in several outlets.
Commenting on the launch, the newly appointed General Manager of Huawei Consumer Business Group SA, Charlene Munilall, stated that, the
goal of the Huawei P8 is to become the most user-friendly smart phone for consumers globally.
“Huawei seamlessly combines the best elements of style and durability in this device, delivering a revolutionary and premium user experience. The device symbolises our continuous commitment to provide customers with access to premium quality products.”
At the moment only the 16GB internal storage variant of the smartphone would be available with the 64GB internal storage expected to launch later in the year Q4 2015. Also at launch only the Titanium Grey and Mystique Champagne colours would be available, with other colour options set to join at a later date.
The Android 5.0 Lollipop OS (with EMUI 3.1) which weighs 144 grams has a 5.2-inch Full HD display, 2.2GHz octa-core Hi-Silicon Kirin 930 processor, 3GB of RAM, a microSD card slot, 4G LTE, 13MP rear camera, 8MP front camera, Dual SIM and a 2680mAh battery.
The Huawei P8 Lite would also launch in the country along with the Huawei Watch before or by Q4 2015 in South Africa. No plans to bring the phablet sized P8 Max into the country.
The flagship P8 smartphone was announced alongside it’s bigger brother, the Huawei P8 Max at an event scheduled for London in April. There is also a toned down version of the P8 with moderate specs, called the Huawei P8 Lite.
In another development, the Huawei P8 is expected to arrive in Zimbabwe by Mid-July and would sell country wide for a price tag equivalent to $700. The company would also be provind after sales services and one-year warranty.
Speaking at the launch event in South Africa, Zimbabwe Huawei public relations officer, Mr Ngonidzashe Mangwendeza who made the disclosure;
“The P8 will be available in Zimbabwe mid-July at the Huawei shop along Robert Mugabe Road in Harare and all Econet shops countrywide at a price of $700. The phone will come with a one- year warranty, full back-up and service will be available through our service centre.”
Going three months after the launch of the smartphone globally, there is still no word on a potential Huawei P8 launch in Nigeria or its variants.
