Today’s smartphones allow people to manage their lives, and their businesses, on the run, but their high price points – particularly when it comes to flagship devices from big-name manufacturers – puts them out of most people’s reach. 

To help change that Vodacom has introduced the Vodacom Kicka, the operator’s first Vodacom-branded device and one that doesn’t skimp on features, but won’t put too big a dent in your wallet.

With the Vodacom Smart Kicka, getting online has never been as easy or as cost effective.

Though many mobile phone manufacturers have introduced lower-cost or budget devices, these seldom come in below the US$200 (± R2 000) mark – and that’s before buying a data bundle or airtime. The Vodacom Kicka, on the other hand, takes affordability to heart and promises to connect thousands of South Africans, some of whom may never have been online before, by putting the Internet in their pocket.

‘At the moment only 27% of people in South Africa’s emerging markets have access to smart devices,’ says Phil Patel, Vodacom’s Chief Commercial Officer. ‘We aim to double that number in the next year. The Kicka is not only affordable, coming in at around the US$50 level, but also offers the best from a technology perspective. Put simply, it gives users the best possible internet experience without breaking the bank.’

Priced at only R549, the Vodacom Kicka is powered by Android 4.4 KitKat, the latest version of Google’s immensely popular mobile operating system. It has a 1GHz dual-core processor and includes the sort of features consumers expect from smartphones, like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, a built-in camera and an FM radio.

The Vodacom Kicka also offers a crisp, contrast-rich 3.5-inch HVGA touch display and a 1 400mAh interchangeable battery. The handset offers users 4GB of on-board storage, which can be expanded by up to 32GB via the microSD card slot beneath the battery, and comes preinstalled with the full range of Google Apps, including Gmail, Hangouts, Google Maps, Google Drive, Google Chrome and YouTube.

Because Vodacom’s vision with the Smart Kicka is to get more South Africans than ever before online, the device also includes popular social media apps like Facebook, Twitter and Google+, right out of the box, ensuring users can participate in the big online debates and share images and other content with friends and family – anywhere, anytime.

But apps are no use without connectivity, so customers buying the Smart Kicka also receive five free 50MB Power Bundles with the device, to ensure they can access the internet immediately.

‘By including Power Bundles we’re making it easy for first-time internet users to experience the web – whether it’s downloading music or catching up with friends on Facebook,’ Patel says. 

The device also includes a folder of Vodacom apps that allow users to download apps from the Vodacom app store, check their balances and buy airtime or bundles through the My Vodacom app, access Vodacom’s cloud services, update their device and access the Vodacom Live! portal.

Widgets like Vodacom Discover, meanwhile, allows users to keep an eye on their remaining battery, internal and SD card storage and network status, along with information on Vodacom’s special offers and new services.

Smartphones allow people to stay connected with friends and family, browse the latest news, check weather and traffic, coordinate their calendars, capture and share images and participate in the digital economy from virtually anywhere. 

Thanks to the Smart Kicka, more people will be getting online than ever before. We think that’s worth shouting about.

The Vodacom Smart Kicka is available from all Vodacom outlets now.