Proline unwraps Windows phone for SA

Pinnacle Africa has unveiled its first branded phone, the Proline SP4. The phone features a quad-core Snapdragon processor, runs Windows Phone 8.1 and will be available at the end of January for under R1000.

Pinnacle Africa, one of Southern Africa’s largest ICT distributors, has taken the wraps off its first branded phone, the Proline SP4, available to the market from 30 January at a recommended retail price of R999.

The Proline SP4 breaks out of the mould of getting no more than entry-level performance at an entry-level price. With a vibrant 4″ display, 5MP rear camera, quad-core Snapdragon processor and Windows Phone 8.1 user interface, the Proline SP4 matches or betters many smartphones that cost a good deal more.

What really sets the Proline SP4 apart from its competitors is its dual SIM feature. Users are now free to choose how they use voice and data on their phone with the ability of having two SIMs active simultaneously and specifying which SIM is dedicated for cellular data usage – like having two phones in the pocket.

People today want more value for their hard-earned Rands,” says Max Stone, Brand Executive at Pinnacle Africa. “Our research shows that the market is ready for an affordable smartphone that still delivers excellent performance in a package that will appeal to both the cash buyer and corporate executive.

The Proline SP4 is a highly customisable phone offering users the ability to personalise the Start screen to a far greater extent than phones using other operating systems. There are even three covers included with each phone (white, orange and green), allowing users to match the phone to their personal preferences.

Proline is a well-known computer and tablet brand in South Africa and we were not prepared to compromise on quality or performance in our first smartphone”, added Stone. “The quad-core processor, four inch display, front and rear cameras, and lack of pre-loaded bloatware address all the common concerns users have within this market.

Poor battery life is a regular problem with smartphones, especially heavy users of voice, data and GPS. At 1,950 mAh the Proline SP4 has the largest battery in its class, 30-35% more than competing products.

Battery life is probably the biggest criticism people have with smartphones, so we wanted to give people an extended battery as standard,” says Stone.

“The Proline SP4 is the first Windows Phone partner device specifically developed to target both the consumer and business market in South Africa,” says Melanie Botha, Consumer Channels Group Executive at Microsoft South Africa.

We understand that each market is different and our partner device programme has been specifically designed to help original equipment manufacturers and original device manufacturer partners build Windows devices that meet local demand as well as develop local brands. The focus caters to the needs of our consumers by encouraging device manufacturers and other partners to deliver low-cost devices with an uncompromised Windows and Microsoft Services experience,” says Botha.

* Follow Gadget on Twitter on @GadgetZA