Bell has introduced the Ahlo 1 phone, targeting budget-conscious consumers with a price tag of C$270 (approximately $200) or a promotional offer of just $1 a month for subscribers. This new device is equipped with the Exynos 1330 processor, a triple-camera system, 5G capability, and runs on Android 14 right out of the box.
As a carrier-branded option, its affordability makes it an appealing choice for those in search of economical smartphones. The North American market has been relatively limited when it comes to budget-friendly smartphones, with only a few manufacturers actively competing and carriers often dictating the landscape.
In an effort to gain control over its offerings, Bell, Canada’s largest telecommunications provider with over 12 million wireless subscribers, is making a foray into the smartphone sector. This move includes the launch of a new brand called Ahlo, which also encompasses Bell’s subsidiaries like Virgin Plus and Lucky Mobile, aimed at distinct consumer demographics.
The Ahlo phone is uniquely designed for value-driven consumers and is readily available not only through Bell and Virgin Plus but also at various retail outlets such as Best Buy Express and Staples. While the specific details regarding the manufacturing and assembly of the Ahlo 1 remain unclear, the pricing suggests it is likely a rebadged foreign device.
Although the tagline “the great good phone” may be ambitious, the specifications indicate a reasonable performance for its cost. Powered by the Samsung Exynos 1330 processor with 4GB of RAM and a spacious 128GB of storage, the Ahlo 1 also boasts an impressive 5,000 mAh battery for extended use.
It features a 6.58-inch display with a Full HD+ resolution and includes a triple-camera setup with a 50MP main camera. While it is unusual for carriers to venture into smartphone manufacturing, the low monthly price may attract sufficient interest to support this new direction.
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