TECNO’s MEGAPAD SE arrives in Kenya: An AI-first tablet for KES 18,999

TECNO is doubling down on its “AI for everyone” strategy with the official Kenyan launch of the MEGAPAD SE. Priced at KES 18,999, the device isn’t just trying to be another budget-friendly screen for Netflix; it’s positioning itself as a central hub for productivity, specifically targeting the intersection of student life and professional workflows through a suite of integrated artificial intelligence tools.

The Ella Factor

The headline feature here isn’t the silicon or the screen – it’s Ella, TECNO’s proprietary AI voice assistant. While every tablet has a voice assistant, TECNO is trying to bake Ella deeper into the OS. Accessible via a dedicated side button, Ella functions less like a simple search bot and more like a specialized LLM-powered productivity suite.

The software stack includes:

• Content Rewrite: A tool designed to pivot the tone of emails or social chats (shifting from professional to friendly, for instance).
• Smart Summarisation: A feature meant to digest long-form documents into bite-sized bullet points.
• Hi Translate: This covers face-to-face real-time translation and “social translation” for apps like WhatsApp, supporting over 50 languages.
• AI Artboard: A generative tool that converts sketches or text prompts into graphics for social media or wallpapers.

Hard Specs and the “Eye-Care” Focus

On the hardware side, the MEGAPAD SE sports an 11-inch FHD+ display. It hits a 90Hz refresh rate, which should make UI animations feel significantly smoother than the standard 60Hz found on older budget tablets. With 440 nits of brightness, it’s respectable for indoor use, though it might struggle against direct Kenyan sunlight.

Critically, the panel is TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light Certified. This is a technical standard that ensures the screen reduces the specific light wavelengths (between 415nm and 455nm) that contribute to digital eye strain.

Under the hood, you’ll find:

• Processor: An unspecified Qualcomm 8-core CPU.
• Storage: 256GB internal (expandable to 512GB via microSD).
• Battery: An 8,000mAh cell paired with 18W Fast Charging. TECNO claims up to 15 hours of continuous video playback.
• Build: A surprisingly thin 7mm all-metal chassis.

The Productivity Ecosystem

TECNO is clearly aiming for the “pro” aesthetic at a fraction of the cost. The MEGAPAD SE supports a broader ecosystem of accessories, including a stylus pen and a Bluetooth keyboard with a protective case. While these likely won’t rival the latency of an Apple Pencil, they transform the device from a passive consumption tool into a legitimate workstation for students.

The MEGAPAD SE is available now at all authorised TECNO retail stores and partner outlets across Kenya.