Android One Phones you can get in Kenya

If you love stock Android, whether as a Dev, or as someone who wants to get the latest security patches and faster guaranteed updates to the latest version of Android, or just as someone who loves no bloatware and no clutter, then getting an Android One device is your best option. If you have more money, then the Google Pixel line is where you should be.

I’m lucky to have reviewed a couple of Android One phones this year. In this list, I will link to any reviews I’ve made, or read. If I haven’t interacted with the device, I will share my quick thoughts on it. So check out the full reviews where linked to have a full picture of what it is like to use the device.

Infinix Note 5 – Ksh. 17000

My list will start with the Infinix Note 5 because I believe it is the best value for money on this list, period. For the price, I don’t think one can argue anything against this phone. The display is good, the cameras are good, the battery life is amazing. Read:

1. Full Review – here
2. Camera Review – here

Nokia 7 Plus – Ksh. 35,000

This is easily the best Android One device globally. In my review I called it almost flagship. Because to be honest, it’s performance, display, battery and design quality are flagship. The only thing I didn’t like was that there was no LED Notification light. But in its place you have an Always On display. Full Review here.

Xiaomi Mi A2 and A2 Lite – Ksh. 18,000 to Ksh. 25,000

These are already available on Avechi.com. I haven’t interacted with either of them, but from online reviews they seem really good devices. The A2 Lite has a notch for everyone who loves notches. It also has a bigger battery between the two at 4000mAh. The A2 is the more premium version with USB type-C, but a 3000mAh battery. Both have Snapdragon processors with the Snapdragon 660 on the Mi A2. Personally I would get the Mi A2: better processor, USB type-C. Though there’s no headphone jack, and no expandable storage.

Nokia 5.1 – Ksh. 19,500

This just became available in Kenya a few days ago. The biggest question now is it better than the Infinix Note 5? At it’s price point, it is very easy to compare the two. But remember this has 2GB RAM and 16GB storage compared to 3GB RAM/32GB storage on the Note 5, which makes you not even want to look at performance especially remembering it has a 3000mAh battery compared to the Note 5’s amazing 4500mAh. In terms of processors here you’ll find a Helio P18 while the Note 5 has the P23 chip. Hoping to have a full review soon.

Nokia 6.1 – Ksh. 29,000

Note that you could get it for lesser at certain retail points. I haven’t reviewed this either. But I’ve interacted with it and the best thing from the few minutes was the design and build quality. I didn’t like the fingerprint’s placement though. Read TechArena’s review.

Nokia 3.1 – Ksh. 15,999

In terms of value for money, this isn’t a phone I would consider personally. The design is good, but you are getting 2GB RAM, 16GB storage, a 720p panel though 18:9 aspect ratio. There’s a 13MP rear camera, and an 8MP front camera. The battery is 2990mAh powering the Mediatek MT6750 processor. I haven’t interacted with it, but it is obvious I wouldn’t recommend it.

Xiaomi Mi A1

If you want expandable storage, a headphone jack and it has to be a Xiaomi phone, the Mi A2 predecessor is still available on Avechi. It has huge bezels though because it is now an old phone. Read Android Kenya’s Review.

Which one do you prefer? Which one do you own or are you planning on getting?