Budget phones have been one of the most purchased gadgets in Kenya for years due to the assurance of quality features at very cheap prices. Realizing this, brands have been releasing several pocket-friendly devices to the market. In fact, there are so many releases that choosing which phone to upgrade to becomes hard every new year. To make your work easier, here is a list of some of the best budget smartphones that you can get in Kenya in 2024.
Infinix Smart 8: KES 11,000
The Infinix Smart 8 is a great value for money, especially after a recent price slash to KES 10,599. You get a 6.56-inch 90Hz display, further supported by 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. There’s also a solid 5000mAh battery to keep the device running. You’ll also find a 13MP rear camera at the back, complemented by an 8MP front camera for those impressive photography and video calls.
- Display: 6.56-inch IPS LCD
- OS: Android 13
- Chipset: Unisoc T606 (12 nm)
- RAM: 3GB / 4GB
- Storage: 64GB / 128GB
- Main Camera: 13MP + 0.3 MP
- Selfie Camera: 8MP
- Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable
Redmi A3: KES 10,800-12,000
Successor to the A2 of last year, the Redmi A3 is Redmi’s freshest entry-level smartphone in the Kenyan market. It comes with a fancy eco-leather back finish-complemented by a durable plastic frame, although one can have it with a glass back if need be.
- Chipset: MediaTek Helio G36 (12 nm)
- OS: Android 13 (Go Edition)
- RAM: 3GB / 4GB / 6GB
- Storage: 64GB / 128GB, expandable via microSD
- 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 a spectacular budget phone with respect to what was set in expectations for the price category. Boasting far better and higher-end features, this gadget for sure stands out to be a strong contender among the budget categories.
- 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
The OPPO A18 combines style and functionality with a solid set of features, including a high-refresh-rate display and a long-lasting battery.
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 64GB / 128GB
- Display: 6.56-inch IPS LCD, 90Hz
- Processor: Mediatek MT6769 Helio G85 (12 nm)
- Main Camera: 8MP + 2MP
- Selfie Camera: 5MP
- Connectivity: Dual SIM, 4G, Wi-Fi
- OS: Android 13, ColorOS 13.1
- Battery: 5000mAh
Vivo Y18 4G: KES 18,000
The Vivo Y18 offers a well-rounded experience with its vibrant display, multiple RAM options, and a 50MP main camera, making it a compelling choice for budget buyers.
- RAM: 4GB / 6GB / 8GB
- Storage: 128GB / 256GB
- OS: Android 14, Funtouch 14
- Chipset: Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm)
- Main Camera: 50MP + 0.08MP
- Selfie Camera: 8MP
- Display: 6.56-inch IPS LCD, 840 nits (HBM)
- Connectivity: Dual SIM, 3G, 4G, Wi-Fi
Infinix Hot 40i: KES 18,000
The Infinix Hot 40i is designed for those who need ample storage and long battery life. Its performance and camera capabilities make it a versatile daily driver.
- RAM: 4GB / 8GB
- Storage: 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: 5000 mAh, 18W Fast charging
Samsung Galaxy A15: KES 18,000
With a strong camera setup and Samsung’s trusted brand appeal, the Galaxy A15 is a solid option for users looking for reliability and performance at a reasonable price.
- RAM: 4GB / 6GB
- Storage: 64GB / 128GB
- OS: Android 14
- Main Camera: 50MP + 5MP + 2MP
- Selfie Camera: 13MP
- Display: 6.4 inches
- Processor: Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm)
- Connectivity: Dual SIM, 2G, 3G, 4G, Wi-Fi
- Battery: 5000 mAh
Redmi 13: KES 19,000
The Redmi 13’s standout feature is its impressive 108MP main camera, complemented by a stylish glass back. It’s an excellent choice for photography enthusiasts on a budget.
- RAM: 6GB / 8GB
- Storage: 128GB / 256GB
- Battery: 5030 mAh
- Main Camera: 108MP + 2MP
- Selfie Camera: 13MP
- 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
Although OnePlus Nord N20 SE is not sold officially in Kenya, the device would be worth a look if it showed up via third-party retailers. Generally, it’s a great all-around device with class-leading software for the price class.
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 64GB / 128GB
- Battery: 5000 mAh
- Main Camera: 50MP + 2MP
- Selfie Camera: 8MP
- Display: 6.56 inches
- Processor: MediaTek Helio G35 (12 nm)
- Connectivity: Dual SIM, up to 4G Connectivity
- OS: Android 12, OxygenOS 12.1