Netflix recently unveiled its mobile subscription plans dubbed Netflix mobile and Mobile+ in Africa which are aimed at mobile device users who love to stream video content on the go. It should be noted that this service is not yet available in Uganda, Kenya, and Nigeria among others.
These packages are currently being tested and will be priced at about ~ UGX 8,700 and ~UGX 17,600 each, serving as competition on the continent to MultiChoice’s Showmax Mobile offering.
Showmax also has two mobile offerings including ShowMax Mobile and ShowMax Pro Mobile is priced at ~UGX 15,000 and ~UGX 34,000 and both offer Showmax’s full range of TV series and movies.
With both Netflix and Showmax now offering comparable mobile products, it is worth comparing these services.
| Netflix Mobile plans | Netflix Mobile | Netflix Mobile+ | Showmax Mobile | ShowMax Pro Mobile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 480p | 480p | 480p | 480p |
| Watch on your TV | No | No | No | No |
| Watch on your smartphone or tablet | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Watch on your laptop | No | Yes | No | No |
| Simultaneous streams | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Multiple registered devices | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Trial period (days) | 14 | 14 | 30 | N/A |
| Approx Price per month (UGX) | 8,700 | 17,600 | 15,000 | 34,000 |
Netflix Mobile is cheaper with more shows
In terms of features, Showmax Mobile and ShowMax Pro Mobile is more comparable to Netflix Mobile than Netflix Mobile+.
All packages offer Standard Definition (SD) resolution streaming saving on data used at 480p. It is apparent that Netflix Mobile is much cheaper than Showmax Mobile.
Netflix’s content library in Uganda will definitely be larger than Showmax’s selection as it has more original content yet the latter relies on buying content.
Showmax has a total of 1,495 shows, comprising 1,025 movies and 470 series, while In comparison Netflix in Uganda is estimated to have at least 4,000 titles in its library.
ALSO READ: How Netflix prices and content in Uganda compare to the rest of the World
Based on this content and pricing difference, Netflix Mobile is the clear winner in terms of value. However, the monthly subscription price is not the only cost users will face.
The cost of Data is the biggest barrier
What both these streaming services have in common is the cost of the internet data bundles. With most people depending on mobile internet data, customers have to think twice before picking their package.
When Netflix mobile becomes available in Uganda we shall do a full comparison between the two services on how much data is required to download a full episode on each of the platforms. We shall also look at the difference in the quality of these streams, which affects on your purchasing decision.
