It is very clear from statistics every year that budget smartphones are some of the most popular devices in Kenya. And it’s also clear that brands have identified this trend and have their most affordable devices all over the market. However, it can be difficult to decide each year what kind of budget phone one wants to upgrade from the previous daily driver. So, here’s a list of some of the best budget smartphones you can readily find in the country in 2024.
Infinix Smart 8 (KES 11,000)
The Infinix Smart 8 is currently available for just KES 10,599 after a recent price reduction. At this price point, you get a 6.56-inch 90Hz display, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, and a massive 5000mAh battery. The device also has a 13MP rear camera and an 8MP front camera. This makes it a good choice for photos and video calls.
- Display: 6.56-inch IPS LCD screen
- OS: Android 13
- Chipset: Unisoc T606 (12 nm)
- RAM: 3GB, 4GB
- Memory: 64GB/128GB
- Main Camera: 13MP + 0.3 MP
- Selfie Camera: 8MP
- Battery: Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable
Redmi A3 (KES 10,800-12,000)
This is Redmi’s latest budget smartphone for the Kenyan market which succeeds the A2 from last year. The Redmi A3 is the company’s entry-level device for the country. It features an eco-leather look for the back finish. There’s also a version with a glass back as well. It has a plastic frame too.
- Chipset: MediaTek Helio G36 (12 nm)
- OS: Android 13 (Go Edition)
- RAM: 3GB, 4GB, 6GB
- Storage: 64GB, 128GB, expandable via microSD card
- Display: 6.71 inches, HD+ resolution, 400 nits brightness
- Camera: 8MP + 0.08MP rear, 5MP front
- Connectivity: Dual SIM, 4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS
- Ports: USB Type-C, 3.5mm audio jack
- Battery: 5000mAh, 10W charging
Itel S24 (KES 14,000)
The itel S24 is one of the few budget smartphones that I have been impressed with. The manufacturer is looking to lead in a price range that is often looked down on by many reviewers and consumers alike. But for a phone that is supposed to be as affordable as possible, it was quite surprising to see a phone that does not only that but also offers features that would be associated with phones of a higher price range.
- RAM: 4GB,
- Storage: 128GB,
- OS: Android 13
- Chipset: MediaTek Helio G91 Ultra
- Display: 6.6 inches, IPS LCD
- Main Camera: 108MP+0.08MP
- Selfie Camera: 8MP
- Connectivity: 4G
- Battery: 5000mAh, 18W charging
OPPO A18 (KES 15,000)
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 128/64GB
- Battery: 5,000 mAh
- Camera: 8MP + 2MP
- Selfie: 5MP
- Display: 6.56 inch, IPS LCD,90Hz
- Processor: Mediatek MT6769 Helio G85 (12nm)
- Connectivity: Dual SIM, 4G, Wi-Fi
- OS: Android 13, ColorOS 13.1
Vivo Y18 4G (KES 18,000)
- RAM: 4/6/8 GB
- Internal Storage: 128GB/256GB
- OS: Android 14, Funtouch 14
- Chipset: Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm)
- Main camera: 50 MP + 0.08 MP
- Front camera: 8 MP
- Display: 6.56 inches, IPS LCD, 840 nits (HBM)
- Connectivity: Dual SIM, 3G, 4G, Wi-Fi
Infinix Hot 40i (KES 18,000)
The HOT 40i has large storage capacities. They provide plenty of room for files, media, and apps. You can store your assignments on the go. You won’t constantly run out of space. The bigger batteries let you make it through a day of heavy use without being tethered to a power outlet.
- RAM: 4GB, 8GB
- ROM: 128GB, 256GB
- OS: Android 13, XOS 13
- Main Camera: 50MP + 0.08MP
- Selfie Camera: 32MP
- Display: 6.6 inches, IPS LCD, 90Hz
- Processor: Octa-core, Unisoc T606 (12 nm)
- Connectivity: 4G, Dual SIM
- Battery: 5,000 mAh, 18W Fast charging
Samsung Galaxy A15 (KES 18,000)
- RAM: 4GB, 6GB
- Internal Storage: 64GB, 128GB
- OS: Android 14
- Main camera: 50MP + 5MP + 2MP
- Front camera: 13 MP
- Display: 6.4 inch
- Processor: Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm)
- Connectivity: Dual SIM, 2G, 3G, 4G, Wi-Fi
- Battery: 5,000 mAh
Redmi 13 (KES 19,000)
The Redmi 13 most outstanding feature is the rear camera setup that packs a 108MP main shooter paired with a 2MP macro sensor. The whole back cover is made of 8.3mm thick glass designed to be stylish and reliable enough upon impact.
- RAM: 6GB, 8GB
- Internal Storage: 128GB, 256GB
- Battery: 5,030 mAh
- Main camera: 108 MP + 2MP
- Front camera: 13 MP, f/2.5, (wide)
- Display: 6.79 inches, IPS LCD
- Processor: Mediatek Helio G91 Ultra (12 nm)
- Connectivity: Dual SIM, 3G, 4G, VoLTE, Wi-Fi
- OS: Android 14, HyperOS
OnePlus Nord N20 SE (KES 19,000)
It might not be easy to get this model as it doesn’t sell officially in Kenya. But it would be an injustice not to list this device as one of the best budget smartphones you can get from a third-party retailer if you get lucky. Regarding general user experience, it is one of the best you can get for its price range thanks to OnePlus’ expertise with software over the years.
- RAM: 4GB
- Internal Storage: 64GB,128GB
- Battery: 5,000mAh
- Main camera: 50MP + 2MP
- Front camera: 8 MP
- Display: 6.56 inches
- Processor: MediaTek Helio G35 (12 nm)
- Connectivity: Dual SIM, up to 4G Connectivity
- OS: Android 12, OxygenOS 12.1
