Intel Introduces Their New African Smartphone – The Yolo

Intel is struggling to impose their technology on the mobile market. After failed attempts, Intel continues to believe that they can catchup to the rest of the mobile market which is currently swamped with devices from big names like Samsung, Apple, Sony and Nokia. There is also the hordes of Chinese manufacturers, who want to impose their large screen devices on the market as well.

After some devices which most would describe as a flop such as the San Diego and the Xolo aimed at the Indian market, Intel are now going to try and hit the African market with this new device – the Yolo.

Specifications

The Yolo is based on the Intel Atom Z2420 Lexington which is clocked at 1.2Ghz. This is not a racing machine, but its capabilities are sufficient enough for everyday use. The display is provided by a touch screen TFT of 3.5 inches, which will offer a resolution of 480×320. The Dual-SIM device should offer a rear-facing camera of 5MP, but no front-facing camera. As you can see from the specs above, the device is by no means ground breaking but it isn’t neolithic either.

On the connections side of things the Yolo is expected to sport Wi-Fi B/G/N, Bluetooth 2.1, FM radio, GPS and a micro-USB port, to transfer data and charge. Storage will be provided by a 4GB of internal memory, expandable through the MicroSD card slot. Four sensors are also available in the form of an accelerometer, compass, proximity and ambient light sensor. The battery will be a removable 1500mAh Li-IOn block of 3.7V. The device weighs 132g and measures 110.5×12.6.

Software

For the OS, Android Ice Cream Sandwich is installed and the device supports HSPA +. Intel’s chips can offer longer battery life without sacrificing performance, which is always a bonus.

The Yolo is a Smartphone with limited capacity, but may appeal to many users as it’s priced accordingly at just $125. Distribution is already effective in Kenya, and should expand into other African countries in the coming months.