Obi mobiles enters Kenyan market with eight devices

NAIROBI, KENYA: Obi Mobiles has unveiled eight new devices for the Kenyan market. The range of mobiles include Obi Mobiles’ flagship 5” octa-core smartphone, the Octopus S520 which retails at Sh26,999; the Wolverine S501 at Sh12,399; the Hornbill S551 at Sh18,299; the Leopard S502 at Sh14,999; the Crane S550 at Sh15,999; the Fox S453 at Sh 8,999; the Racoon S401 at Sh6,399 and the Power GO F240 at Sh2,449.  

Obi Mobiles is a new venture launched by Sculley’s Toronto based Investment and Acquisition Company, Inflexionpoint. The brand marked its global launch in India and the Middle East in 2014. Targeted at the large population of young and trendy smartphone users, Obi devices were well received in both markets and hopes to continue its momentum in Kenya. 

Leveraging the evolution in smartphone demand

Speaking on the firm’s strategy for Africa, Amit Rupchandani, Managing Director at Obi Mobiles MENA, said: “Consumers are increasingly looking to upgrade from feature rich phones to smartphones. However, the high cost of investment on new-age devices is a huge deterrent for a large number of aspirational buyers. At Obi Mobiles, we believe by ticking off the right boxes, in terms of superior design and quality, desirable price points, and the support of strong channels that reach every segment of the market will help us succeed across Africa.”  

Creatively designed for the young and trendy

Vibrant, fun and colourful, Obi Mobiles not only impresses with versatile features and design, but also assumes a unique youth-centric personality with each device. The Obi devices being launched in the Kenya include:

Octopus S520 – OS with a crunch

The flagship smartphone from Obi Mobiles, the Octopus S520 packs in high performance with the latest Android Kit Kat 4.4 operating system, powered by a 1.7 GHz Octa Core processor, making time lags a thing of the past. Futuristically designed with a stunning full-aluminum back cover, the Octopus S520 comes in a sleek 8.4mm form factor, with a capacitive 5” HD IPS Touch Screen that responds to even the slightest touch. The smartphone also features an 8MP camera with lightning flash, delivering every image at a 1280 X 720 HD display resolution. The in-built IPS technology also ensures that the screen can be viewed from a wider viewing angle. Offering dual SIM capabilities, both 3G-enabled, the Octopus S520 offers incredible value at just Sh26,999.

Obi Hornbill S551 – elegance and functionality rolled into one

Styled to perfection, the 5.5” Hornbill S551 weighs just 145 grams, making it light and comfortable in your hand. Uncompromising on performance, the device operates on Android KitKat v4.4.2, powered by an MTK, MT6582 1.3 GHz Quad-Core Processor. With a 13MP rear camera and 5MP front camera, the Hornbill S551 offers up to 8GB memory that is expandable to 32GB of external memory support. The device retails at Sh18,299.

Obi Crane S550 – Pixel rich and durable too

Going beyond the promise of Quad-core technology and Android KitKat OS, the Obi Crane stands tall with its 5.5-inch qHD IPS touch screen, making viewing and taking pictures a treat on its 200 pixels per inch display. The device is also built for the rigors, featuring a back cover made of hard anodised metal and vacuum electroplating that is resistant to everything from minor scratches to corrosion. It also features gesture control technology that allows you to perform actions with just hand gestures. These pre-defined (non-customised) gestures include ‘c’ for call-log, ‘e’ for browser, ‘m’ for music, ‘o’ for photos and ‘double tap’ on screen to activate the screen. The dual SIM Obi Crane retails at Sh15,999. 

Obi Leopard S502 – Fast performance, quality imaging

Operating with a 1GB RAM, the Obi Leopard's 1.3GHz Quad-core Processor accomplishes complex tasks with greater agility and precision. Featuring Android KitKat 4.4.2 OS, the device operates seamlessly for gaming and reading, complemented by clear visuals on its 5-inch, qHD IPS touch screen. In addition, the Leopard delivers great quality images and videos with its 8MP rear camera and 5MP front camera. Offering dual SIM capabilities for added utility, the Obi Leopard retails at Sh14,999 

Obi Wolverine S501 – premium inside-out

The Obi Wolverine S501 impresses with its fine grain leather exterior and top-of-the-line features. The 5” smartphone offers the efficiency of Android KitKat 4.4, powered by a 1.2GHz Dual Core Processor, with 1GB RAM and 4GB expandable memory. For added convenience, the Wolverine is designed with a Rear Key that utilizes the index finger's natural position to control volume, lock the screen and switch off the phone. With a 5MP flash-enabled camera, and front VGA camera, the dual SIM (3G +3G) device offers great value at Sh12,399. 

Obi Fox S453 – The perfect companion

Equipped with a precision-led 5MP rear camera with flash and a 2MP front camera, the Obi Fox is a perfect companion to shutterbugs everywhere.  With a Dual-core Processor, Android KitKat OS and a 4.5-inch touch screen, this phone echoes excitement and creative expression at every turn. The device also comes with a hard anodized back cover, making it durable and impervious to wear and tear. The Obi Fox retails at Sh8,999. 

Obi Racoon S401 – Brilliantly crafted

The Obi Racoon comes with Android KitKat 4.4.2 OS and a 1GHz Dual-core Processor allowing for superior functionality of apps and games. Its 4-inch touchscreen lights up in a brilliant, golden display and lets you experience entertainment in the brightest and most brilliant colours. With a 5MP rear camera, 2MP front camera, and dual SIM capabilities, the Obi Racoon offers great value at Sh6,399. 

Obi F240 –power on the go

The Obi range also includes the Obi F240 – a feature phone, equipped with a high capacity 3000mAH battery, and a convenient power bank option to recharge other mobile devices. The handy device also offers essential mobile functionality, including a 0.3MP primary camera, loudspeaker, Bluetooth, as well as dual SIM (GSM + GSM) capabilities as just Sh2,449.  

The exciting new range of Obi Mobiles smartphones are currently available at all leading electronics outlets in Kenya.