The Most Reliable Budget Smartphones in Nigeria Right Now

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Let’s face it:

As exciting as picking a new smartphone is, it’s a very daunting task.

Getting a new device is surprisingly exhilarating, no doubt. It’s like going into a new relationship with someone you found who you really like.

Like?

No, Love. 

Loving someone is no problem when s/he has everything you’ll ever need from a partner. In some ways, it feels like she “completes” you.

The problem however is:

Finding that someone! 

It could take what? – Days, weeks, months or even years.

Hell, some folks never even find “that someone”.

 

Like “that special someone”, this new smartphone is something that would “complete you” (in some ways) for a given period (typically upwards of a year) and it’s something you’ll spend a whole lot of time with every single day of your life until you both part ways.

Hence, for something this delicate, it’ll be grossly unwise to settle for just about anything.

No matter what your budget is, anything you end up picking should be something worth every damn penny of your cash – while still being something specially crafted for you and you alone.

But:

Drilling down the ton of budget smartphones available in the Nigerian market today to find your perfect match  feels like a final year project, or worse, writing a very long and boring term paper. – It’s excruciatingly tiring!

Also, the technical jargon (or what techies call specifications) sometimes make no sense – yeah, no sense at all – you just want to find a device for you and move on with your life.

We’ve been yapping about you, you, you, how about picking a device for a loved one – maybe as a birthday gift, fulfilling a promise or rewarding an effort. Picking a good device for them could be stressful on you as well. 

Look:

I understand that making decisions such as this – especially one involving money – is not something to take lightly.

I also understand that in as much as you’d love to get a good device, you’d want to do so with the least amount of effort and time – that is, of course, if you are someone who sees time as a valuable resource.

So, I am presenting you with an ultimate article, the only guide you’ll ever need to cut down your hunt time as well as show you nothing but quality, tailored for your present budget.

The series of subtopics that follow contain only the best smartphones at a particular price range which you can select from and be certain you’re getting your money’s worth – all of it! 

From surprisingly cheap android phones in Nigeria to capable and highly functional smartphones under ₦70k, the devices outlined here have been meticulously selected by me based on online research and detailed comparison with other devices in that particular price bracket.

Also, at the bottom of each section, I talk about which device I would pick if I had that certain amount of cash and I’m faced with the decision of picking a device.

One last thing:

For ease of navigation, a table of contents is provided below to enable you seamlessly flow with the article. You can click on your desired price bracket and you would be presented with the best smartphones in the Nigerian market presently for that amount.

Under ₦20,000

Basically, due to the current price the naira is trading against the dollar, ₦20k is now cash for feature phones.

To be totally honest with you, 80% of the smartphones in this price bracket suck! It’s from the 20% of the manageable ones that I’ve fished out the following gems for you.

Lenovo A1000

Network	Type	2G/3G
	SIM Count	Dual SIM
Operating System	Android v5.0 (Lollipop)
Display	4” TFT display – 480 x 800 pixels
Cameras	Rear	5MP w/ flash
	Front	VGA
Processor	1.3GHz Quad-Core Processor – Spreadtrum SC7731
RAM	1GB
Storage	8GB
	SD Card Support	Yes
Battery Capacity	2000mAh

X Touch E1

Network	Type	2G/3G
	SIM Count	Dual SIM
Operating System	Android v5.1 (Lollipop)
Display	5” FWVGA display – 480 x 854 pixels
Cameras	Rear	5MP w/ flash
	Front	2MP
Processor	1.2GHz Quad-Core Processor
RAM	1GB
Storage	8GB
	SD Card Support	Yes
Battery Capacity	3200mAh

Mi-Tribe A500

Network	Type	2G/3G
	SIM Count	Dual SIM
Operating System	Android v5.1 (Lollipop)
Display	5” Touch Display  – 720 x 1280 pixels
Cameras	Rear	8MP w/ flash
	Front	5MP
Processor	1.3GHz Quad-Core Processor
RAM	2GB
Storage	16GB
	SD Card Support	Yes
Battery Capacity	2300mAh

Lenovo A2010

Network	Type	2G/3G/4G
	SIM Count	Dual SIM
Operating System	Android v5.1 (Lollipop)
Display	4.5” Capacitive Touchscreen  – 480 x 854 pixels
Cameras	Rear	5MP w/ flash
	Front	2MP
Processor	1.0 GHz Quad-Core processor – MediaTek MT6735M
RAM	1GB
Storage	8GB
	SD Card Support	Yes
Battery Capacity	2000mAh

MORE DEVICES

My Thoughts

By mere looking at the raw specifications of the devices listed above (if you understand what they mean) it would make total sense to go with the Mi-Tribe right?

But wait:

Did you notice that the A2010 ships with 4G compatibility?

Also, did you see the amount of battery the E1 packs?

Lest I forget, you should also know that the A1000 is the cheapest among the pack. 

I’m not helping matters now, am I?

It’s like each different smartphone has a USP (unique selling point) which puts it ahead of the others in a specific way.

Here’s what I think you should do:

Access your primary needs in the smartphone you’ll be picking and go with the one that suits the needs more.

All four smartphones outlined above are pretty good (for their prices) so no matter the one you eventually settle for, I can guarantee you you’re getting more than your money’s worth.

Here’s what I’d pick

For me, it wouldn’t be a hard choice at all. It’d be the Mi-Tribe and here’s why:

Apart from having the most RAM allocation in this “department of devices” (and even the next), the A500 is really a well-rounded device for a “cheap android phone“.

However, don’t take my word for it, listen (or read rather) to what this guy has to say about the device. Also, Osamuyi thinks that launching this device was a step in the right direction for the company.

But I must warn you:

The price of the A500 as at hitting the publish button on my dashboard on Konga was (or is, English too hard sef) ₦20,000 (on the dot) elsewhere you might get it for a little higher than that and note: It would not remain at ₦20k forever.

You could also consider this Lenovo device:

Of all the devices listed above, the A2010 is the only one that gets OTA updates (Hell, some users are rocking Android 6 already!) plus it’s the only device with 4G compatibility and guess what, it supports the “Nigerian LTE” spectrum  – even ntel “recommends” it.

Also, Lenovo is a well-recognized brand worldwide and they have an “experience center” in Nigeria. You know what that means right?

Still “double minded” about the A2010? Check out what actual users are saying about the device.

P.S: I’ve used the device first hand and apart from its weird form factor and small screen size, it’s really good. – Not good good but good at least. 

A little bummer:

The A2010’s price keeps dancing around ₦18k – ₦22k. I got the device for someone last month for ₦17k but as at the time of publishing this article, it retails online for ₦19k. So if you’re making a decision, make it fast because the naira is not looking to improve soon.

BUY THE A500

₦20,000 – ₦30,000

Honestly, I wanted to skip this category of devices and move on to devices under ₦50k. However, ₦50k may seem too high for most folks, reason being that “Them no dey pick money for gutter” 

Also, there are way too many devices in this price bracket (most crappy), too many that I too was plagued with indecision on which to include. But here goes nothing:

Samsung J1 Mini

Network	Type	2G/3G
	SIM Count	Dual SIM
Operating System	Android v5.1 (Lollipop)
Display	4” TFT display – 480 x 800 pixels
Cameras	Rear	5MP
	Front	VGA
Processor	1.2GHz Quad Core – Spreadtrum SC8830
RAM	768MB RAM
Storage	8GB
	SD Card Support	Yes
Battery Capacity	1500mAh

Infinix Hot 3 (1GB)

Network	Type	2G/3G
	SIM Count	Dual SIM
Operating System	Android v5.1 (Lollipop)
Display	5.5” display – 720 x 1280 pixels
Cameras	Rear	8MP w/ flash
	Front	2MP
Processor	1.3GHz Quad-Core – MediaTek MT6580
RAM	1GB
Storage	16GB
	SD Card Support	Yes
Battery Capacity	3000mAh

Lenovo Vibe C

Network	Type	2G / 3G / 4G
	SIM Count	Dual SIM
Operating System	Android v5.1 (Lollipop)
Display	5” – 720 x 1280 pixels
Cameras	Rear	5MP w/ flash
	Front	2MP
Processor	1.1GHz Quad-core
RAM	1GB
Storage	8GB
	SD Card Support	Yes
Battery Capacity	2300 mAh

Tecno W4

Network	Type	2G / 3G / 4G
	SIM Count	Dual SIM
Operating System	Android v6.0 (Marshmallow)
Display	5” IPS display – 720 x 1280 pixels
Cameras	Rear	8MP
	Front	2MP
Processor	1.3GHz Quad-core – MediaTek MT6735
RAM	1GB
Storage	16GB
	SD Card Support	Yes
Battery Capacity	2500mAh

MORE DEVICES

My Thoughts.

I have to state this explicitly, that Samsung device has absolutely no business on this list in an “ideal” world, but I just had to include it.

Why?

The world isn’t ideal (really, nothing is) so some folks have sworn never (I mean NEVER) to touch or use any “Chinese” smartphone.

By Chinese I don’t necessarily mean that the device has to be made by a Chinese brand – Infinix and Tecno are technically not Chinese – ……. Why am I even explaining sef……. If you are Nigerian you should know what I mean 

If you are that folk, then, by all means, settle for this – it’s your best bet (yet), or move on to the next category of devices.

Moving on, I had to drop nice phones like Gionee’s P5 mini and Taiwanese’s Asus Zenfone Go while picking the ones outlined above.

Also, some of the devices had a “twin”….. Tecno W3, Tecno W4, what’s the difference?

Another:

Gionee P5W, Gionee P5 Mini, no be still the same “P5”?

Although, all (almost) the devices are plagued with the same illness – 1GB RAM – the ones outlined above are the only ones which stand out (at least to me).

Here’s What I’d Pick

Put a gun to my head or place me in a palace, with ₦30k on me, I’d pick the Hot 3 come rain or sunshine. Considering the price of the device, the smartphone is complete in every sense!

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying the others are not ok – I mean, the W4 is insanely capable too – I’m just saying I’d pick the Infinix device without blinking.

Need to know more about “this device”? 

Read what Tobi (MissTechy) thinks of it.

You already know what she said? 

I bet you’ve not read Osarumen’s story.

You already read that too? 

Err… This guy is in love with the device’s display. 

One more thing:

Honestly, I care about you (you know I do right?) and I would never lie to you.

I know money is something that is hard to come by these days, but if you really want to enjoy the Hot 3, and you’re someone who demands much from your smartphone, abeg, ejo, biko, [insert the Hausa term here], look for money (typically ₦3 – ₦5k) and buy the 2GB variant of the Hot 3 or simply, buy the new hot 4.

BUY THE HOT 3

₦30,000 – ₦50,000

At this price point, things begin to get really interesting for “hunters” looking to squeeze out value from their next “smartphone cash”.

Although still dominated by the “Chinese brands”, I am assuring you that these devices can go toe to toe with the giants.

*dodges slap*

Tecno L8 Plus

Network	Type	2G/3G
	SIM Count	Dual SIM
Operating System	Android v5.1 (Lollipop)
Display	5.5” IPS Display – 720 x 1280 pixels
Cameras	Rear	8MP w/ flash
	Front	2MP
Processor	1.3GHz Quad Core Processor
RAM	2GB
Storage	16GB
	SD Card Support	Yes
Battery Capacity	5050mAh

Samsung Galaxy J2 (2016)

Network	Type	2G/3G/4G
	SIM Count	Dual SIM
Operating System	Android v6.0 (Marshmallow)
Display	5” Super AMOLED Display  – 720 x 1280 pixels
Cameras	Rear	8MP w/ flash
	Front	5MP
Processor	1.5GHz Quad Core – Spreadtrum SC8830
RAM	1.5GB RAM
Storage	8GB
	SD Card Support	Yes
Battery Capacity	2600mAh

Infinix Note 2 (2GB)

Network	Type	2G/3G
	SIM Count	Dual SIM
Operating System	Android v5.1 (Lollipop)
Display	6” IPS Touch Display – 720 x 1280 pixels
Cameras	Rear	13MP w/ flash
	Front	2MP
Processor	1.3GHz Octa-Core – MediaTek MT6753
RAM	2GB
Storage	16GB
	SD Card Support	Yes
Battery Capacity	4000mAh

Tecno Boom J8

Network	Type	2G/3G/4G
	SIM Count	Dual SIM
Operating System	Android v5.1(Lollipop)
Display	5.5” IPS Touch Display – 720 x 1280 pixels
Cameras	Rear	13MP w/ flash
	Front	5MP
Processor	1.3GHz Quad-Core – MediaTek MT6735
RAM	2GB
Storage	16GB
	SD Card Support	Yes
Battery Capacity	3000mAh

Infinix Hot S

Network	Type	2G/3G/4G
	SIM Count	Dual SIM
Operating System	Android v6.0 (Marshmallow)
Display	5.2” Display – 1080 x 1920 pixels*
Cameras	Rear	13MP w/ dual LED flash
	Front	8MP
Processor	1.5GHz Octa-Core – MediaTek MT6753
RAM	2GB/3GB
Storage	16GB/32GB
	SD Card Support	Yes
Battery Capacity	3000mAh

MORE DEVICES

My Thoughts

The specifications of the Galaxy J2 (if you understand what they mean) dey bust brain ba?

Yeah, minus the crappy RAM and shitty battery capacity, that device is good. Like really good!

But, but, but…………

Did you see the “2016” beside it?

Galaxy J2 and Galaxy J2 (2016) and two entirely different devices – Like Aki and Pawpaw.

The J2 (without 2016) was launched last year with somewhat “abysmal” features for the price it was retailed for (see the original J2 specs here).

The J2 (2016) on the other hand is “manageable”, so I chipped it in for the “Premium brand” lovers.

There’s also the Galaxy Core Prime, but trust me, even the J2 (without 2016) is superior. However, for something a little better check out the Galaxy J3 (2016).

The remaining four devices however are, stunners – simply.

The Tecno L8 plus is a “power god”, the Note 2 a television tablet-phone phablet, the Boom J8 a music lord and the Hot S a Lifestyle nice phone.

Here’s What I’d Pick

Omo en, I swear don’t know. 

I like love music (Boom J8) but would also want to own a device that could last me “days” (L8 Plus) but I also need a decent camera (Hot S) and lastly while reading, I wouldn’t want to be zooming “inside out” (Note 2).

Overnight, I don turn Oliver Twist  but I have to pick one.

Omo no vex, the Hot S (period).

Although Yomi (Mr. Mo) seems to be complaining about the lack of design sense by the group who designed the device, I’d still stick with it.

It’s good (yup, Nosa says so), the device is very light (according to MissTechy) and it’s value for money (Victor asserts this).

But there’s one little hiccup, and you might not like it:

Unlike the other devices, on the hot S you can only use two SIMs at the same time, or one SIM and a memory card.

I didn’t explain that right:

According to Nosa (Nosa again?  )…..

“The Engineers decided to create only one tray on the phone, you have options for dual SIM and/or microSD card.”

….. and this guy is complaining bitterly about it. Me, however, can put up with it (Torchlight to the rescue).

One last thing:

I almost forgot to mention that the device has a full metal body – sturdy feel but more heat.

Some other options:

I had to sidetrack these ones to stick with the limit of 5 devices per category, but they good as well – that is if you do not “connect” with the ones above.

• Tecno Camon C7.
• Lumia 550 – for them “windows shoppers”.
• Lumia 640 – better features than former but pricey.
• InnJoo Max 3 – as long as it’s InnJoo, I have trust issues and sadly Nosa does too. 

Take Note:

Please and please, should you eventually settle for one of the devices I outlined above, be sure you’re picking the right one.

Here’s what I mean:

When you get to market (online or offline), and you’re looking to get the Tecno L8 PLUS, you’d be baptized with an array of L8s.

Look:

The L8 is not the L8 plus (emphasis on the plus). The latter is the one which I recommend. Check well before purchasing.

Same applies to the Infinix Note 2 – Look for 2GB RAM not 1GB – and the J2 (“2016” remember?).

Nosa complained bitterly about this, but nobody really gave a hoot!

BUY THE HOT S

Under Watch

• Infinix Hot 4

Conclusion

You got this far? 

Damn, you must be damn serious about making a smart choice on your next smartphone purchase – and I hope I’ve been able to cut down the work for you 

Still stuck?

Drop a comment below let’s figure things out together. 

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