uTilili, uBhopopo, that trusty feature phone, has earned its place in South African homes the old-fashioned way: working when nothing else does, lasting longer, and never asking too much of the person holding it.

You probably know someone with one. Maybe it lives in the kitchen drawer. Maybe it’s the spare phone your dad keeps in the bakkie for emergencies, or MaGogo’s OG phone that she knows everything about (like who gets what at the stokvel) and hides like its gold, especially if she’s offered an upgrade (no ways!).

Now it has a modern twin. Same reliability, smarter features. Meet the Telkom Citrus LO5.

1. Old-school tough. Just smarter.

Some phones promise you the world and then ask you to learn three new gestures just to send a text. uTilili has never been that phone. It’s the one you reach for when the rest of your tech is being dramatic. The keypad is where it should be. The battery lasts. The buttons click.

For people who already use feature phones, or keep one as a spare for emergencies, the Citrus LO5 keeps the things that made those phones familiar. What’s different sits underneath: 4G, a bright 2,8-inch screen, dual SIM, and apps your trusty old phone never even heard of.

2. WhatsApp, video calls and YouTube made easy

This is where the smarter parts show up. The Telkom Citrus LO5 runs WhatsApp, so you can send voice notes, share photos, and stay in the family group without borrowing anyone’s smartphone. Video-calling means you can actually see the grandkids, not just hear them.

YouTube and TikTok work on it too, which means the videos people keep sending you in the group chat will finally open. Uber is also on board, so you don’t need to borrow someone else’s phone to book a ride either.

It’s still simple to use; it just does more than it used to.

3. The same dependable battery

Battery life is the quiet superpower of every trusty phone, and the Telkom Citrus LO5 keeps the legacy going with a 2 500 mAh battery. That’s enough to take you through long days, longer queues, and the evenings when charging is the last thing on your mind.

And because it connects to 4G, everyday things feel easier too. WhatsApp messages come through, videos load, calls are clearer, and you can use the apps you need without feeling like you’re asking the phone to do too much

4. What you get, and where to get it

The Telkom Citrus LO5 is available at Telkom shops and other participating stores for R299. Each one is preloaded with a Telkom SIM and a 1,5GB WhatsApp bundle, so you’re connected the moment you walk out. No complicated set-up. No data scramble.

So pop into your nearest Telkom store or participating stores and ask for the Telkom Citrus LO5. The in-store team can show you what it does, so you can help a family member or friend make the switch with confidence.

Find your nearest Telkom store on: https://www.telkom.co.za.