The itel S26 Ultra has been recognized as the No.1 Recommended Curved Display Phone Under $175 at the TechTrends AI-Powered Business Transformation Forum, held in Nairobi.

The award highlights the growing demand for affordable smartphones that deliver premium design and practical features without a heavy price tag.

The itel S26 Ultra stood out for offering:

“The S26 Ultra was designed with young people in mind — students, creators, and everyday users who want a stylish phone that also performs well,” said Ryan Zhang, Brand Manager, itel Mobile Kenya. “Winning this award at TechTrends AI Forum is special because it comes from a platform that celebrates real innovation shaping Kenya’s digital future.”

The TechTrends AI Forum, hosted by TechTrends Media, brought together over 200 participants,  including startups, content creators, students, innovators, and corporate leaders, to discuss the role of AI in business transformation. Beyond keynotes and panels, the event also featured Innovation Awards, positioning it as one of Kenya’s most influential gatherings on technology, innovation, and inclusion.

According to Nixon Kanali, Founder, TechTrends Media, “The S26 Ultra shows how far budget smartphones have come. It combines style, performance, and accessibility, making it a strong choice for students, young professionals, and everyday users. Recognizing itel at TechTrends Pulse reinforces our mission to spotlight the companies driving Africa’s digital transformation.”

The No.1 Recommended Curved Display Phone Under $175 Award not only highlights itel’s growing role in democratizing smartphone technology in Kenya but also underscores TechTrends Pulse as a premier forum for recognizing impactful innovation in the region.