X2: BRAND NEW BUT DEFECTIVE PHONES - PREMIO S73

I like Ackermans overall. Never before had i been dissapionted in the quality as i currently am.

In December and early in January we purchased the same Premio S73 one for my son as he was long overdue for a upgrade replacement phone. The other one was for my husbsnd.

The intial look, feel and unboxing experience was comforting as well as the phone came highly recommened as the cashier said these phones does not have any come backs and no problems will be experienced.

These were supposed to had been an upgrade from what they had, now these phones are such a down grade that what they were using prior even with redundant kitkat it will feel like using the S21.

I cannot believe the poor quality from Ackermans as we were intruduced to Mobicel and never ever did we have problem or such poor even cheap quality.

Both the phones have a touch screen problem it is COMPLETELY FRASTRATING in such that the phones are basically inoperable. A smart phone should be quick and easy - it take 20min and way too much patients to ONLY get through the lock screen. The one bought in December just randomly pop up a chinese writing screen and freeze you have to remove the battery to get it to turn off to restart. Then WHAT THE HELL is the system app named Stall and what is it's purpose it would drive you insane.

Now obviously all this started after the 7 day return policy and on Sunday the 24th of January 2021 we went to Wonderpark Store explained the problems and obviously the only option given was to book it for repairs. Since COVID took over the world we were told that it can take up to 8 MONTHS DUE TO COVID!!

That phrase is used for everything these days and very frustrating. I cannot see how a standard three week process now suddenly turned too 8 MONTHS. These phones are manufactured in RSA there are no delay in receiving parts and you can do it in your grandma's gararge if you are not allowed in the office.

I did some research, (will do it before next time) the Premio had persistently been a problem since 2015 and I cannot see if the quality and services had improved. All the units should be recalled when a defect is reported but you keep these devices in the store hoping for the best with each one sold.

I do not want to send these phones for repairs and especially not wait 8 months, I cannot see how a brand new thing should be send for repairs as it defeats the purpose I purchased it to have a NEW PHONE!!

I will gladly exchange the Premio's for Mobicell as it's a brand we have tried and it's trusted. I feel that SMD Technologies should take responsibility as this is a quality assurance issue supposed to be resolved before it's released to the stores. We the customer puchase an item with the believe in the manufacturer and this is exactly why never brands struggle to become established because you hide behind T's & C's and frustrates the customers with red tape and excuses. Recall and re-test the range. We the customer cannot control or cause pre-existing conditions but now we have to pay full price for a device that will be worthless within about 3 weeks and then pay again for a replacement.

This is UNACCEPTABLE and should be seen as *****ulant and false advertising for both Ackermans and SMD Technologies.