In addition to launching two FNB-branded smartphones, First National Bank has also unveiled an Unlimited Calls packages.

FNB is by no means the first “operator” to offer such a package, but how does it stack up against the rest of the market?

According to Antony Seeff, CEO for mobile package tracker Tariffic, you will have a hard time finding anything that can beat FNB’s offer – well, at least for the moment.

“When you compare FNB Connect’s new Unlimited Voice package to the equivalent packages from all other mobile networks and MVNOs, you find that FNB’s new offering is very well priced, coming in cheaper than any of the competing offerings,” Seeff said.

“FNB’s Unlimited Voice package is R34 cheaper than me&you mobile’s Unlimited Talk package and R135 cheaper than the next-best packages offered by Cell C and Telkom,” he said.

Seeff also explained why he thinks FNB made the decision to launch two branded smartphones – the ConeXis X1 and ConeXis A1.

“FNB is trying to establish itself as a major mobile operator and the major mobile operators are trying to entrench themselves with their client base and broaden their offerings. Everyone wants to own the market when it comes to mobile, but this is becoming much more than just offering cellphone contracts and is expanding into other products and value-added services,” he said.

The phones are made by Chinese manufacturer ZTE, but to further stamp the FNB brand on it, the chime that plays when the phone is switched on is the FNB jingle.

In terms of specification, the X1 has a 5.2 HD IPS screen, LTE connectivity, a 8MP back camera and a 5MP front camera. For the insides, it runs of Android Marshmallow, a Qualcomm Quad Core 1.3GHz CPU, has 8GB of RAM, and a 2540 mAh battery.