May 2019: Best Phones for less than Ksh. 10,000

If you’re looking to get a new phone, and the maximum amount you are willing to spend is Ksh. 10,000, here’s a list that should hopefully help you out. You’re in luck because it is an exciting time for budget smartphones. One wouldn’t imagine in the past getting such good specs for less than 10k. Please note that this list doesn’t have all phones under 10k, no. Rather, these are devices I consider to be the best at this price point. You may have other devices in mind, so please share them down in the comments section.

Redmi 6A

This is the second time this device is first on this list. The first time I had the 2GB RAM, 16GB model. Today, the 2GB RAM, 32GB storage version tops the list. It costs just Ksh. 9,593 currently on Jumia. Make sure when getting it, you pick the 32GB storage model, because the price difference looks to be very minimal. Or if you can get the 2/16GB version for around Ksh. 7,500, that’s a good deal too.

I reviewed this device last year, and really loved both performance, and battery life. It was my first time interacting with the amazing Helio A22 processor, and to date, this is the phone I recommend as best under 10k.

Redmi Go:

If there’s a phone you should seriously consider for less than 7k, this is it. It ranges between Ksh. 6,300 and 5,500 on Jumia. It has 1GB RAM, 8GB storage, 5MP selfie camera and 8MP back camera. It supports 4G networks, has a Snapdragon 425 processor, and a 3000mAh battery. It is really crazy that you can pick it up for less than Ksh. 6,000. Read Android Kenya’s detailed review:

Infinix Hot 7:

The major issue with this phone that you should consider before buying is that it doesn’t support 4G networks. Yes, bummer. But it is a great phone for its price point.

If you don’t mind the lack of 4G, then you should know that with this device you’re getting a great display, good cameras, good battery life, and good performance. There’s 3 models: Hot 7 Pro that’s over 12k, Hot 7 that’s just above 10k, and Hot 7 Android Go that’s Ksh. 9,399 currently on Jumia. The good thing is there’s only a difference in RAM and Storage between the 10k version and the 9k version. Meaning you’re getting the same design, display, battery life and cameras. Read my full review:

Huawei Y5 Prime 2018:

This is yet to receive a 2019 version, but it is still worth buying. There’s 2GB RAM, 16GB storage, a 3020mAh battery, 13MP main camera, 5MP selfie camera, and 4G networks support. It is currently Ksh. 9,199 on Jumia.

Nokia 3.1:

Announced back in May of last year, this is still a good device. It has received Android Pie update, so you’re getting the latest version of Android, something you’ll realise not every phone on this list enjoys. If you want Faiba4G support, consider this device.

It has a 5.2 inch HD+ display protected with Corning Gorilla Glass, there’s 2GB RAM, 16GB storage, a 2990mAh battery, 8MP selfie camera, and 13MP rear shooter. You can pick it up on Jumia currently at Ksh. 9,299 which is a good deal. Please don’t confuse Nokia 3.1 with Nokia 3, or Nokia 3.1 Plus.

You can also check out the

Nokia 2.1:

It has 1GB RAM, 8GB storage, and is currently ranging between 7,999 and 8,999 on Jumia.

Infinix Hot S3:

If you follow smartphone launches religiously, you must remember the hype and conversation around the Hot S3 before it was launched in Kenya. Unfortunately, Infinix priced it poorly at launch. But not to worry, the device is currently just Ksh. 9,999 down from Ksh. 18,999 when it launched as a Safaricom exclusive! Yep.

There’s 3GB RAM, 32GB storage, a 20MP selfie camera, 13MP main camera, 4000mAh battery, and 4G support. The only bad thing is that it is a SINGLE SIM Card phone. Get it before price changes. Read my full review here:

Safaricom’s new NEON line-up:

Safaricom has a new line-up of NEON smartphones.

• Neon Ray – Ksh. 3,999 only with 1GB RAM, 8GB storage, and 4G support.
• Neon Nova – Ksh. 5,999 with a better display, 1GB RAM, 8GB storage, 4GB support, and better cameras than the RAY
• Neon Storm – Ksh. 3,499 only with 4 inch display, 512MB, 4GB storage, and no 4G support.
• Check them out on Masoko.com

Infinix Smart 2HD:

This was a silent launch. So many people may never have heard of it. There’s 1GB RAM, 16GB storage, a 6 inch HD display, 8MP selfie, 8MP main cameras, and a 3500mAh battery. There’s no 4G support. But given that many of the affordable phones on this list DO NOT HAVE a fingerprint scanner, or a 6 inch display, and that this device is only Ksh. 7,999 currently on Jumia, it is worth considering.

Samsung Galaxy A2 Core:

Samsung’s assault on the budget market in Kenya is serious this year. This phone’s recommended retail price is Ksh. 8,100. It has 4G support, 1GB RAM, 16GB storage, a 5 inch display (not 720p), 2600mAh battery, 8MP back camera and a 5MP selfie camera. It is an Android Go phone too, like the Redmi Go, and the Infinix Hot 7. But the Redmi Go is way better in value for money right now. This is only on the list because some of you still want to get a Samsung. On Jumia the price currently ranges between Ksh. 8,999 and Ksh. 9,900.

itel P33:

This is another Android GO phone. It has a 5.5 HD inch display, a huge 4000mAh battery (with the PLUS model offering a 5000mAh battery), there’s 16GB internal storage, 1GB RAM, a fingerprint scanner, Dual rear cameras and a 5MP front camera. It costs just Ksh. 6,999 and the only drawback is that it lacks 4G support. Read my full review:

Complement everything on this list with last year’s Sept-Oct Best List because there’s a couple of similarities and a couple of other devices whose prices would since have fallen.

If you have any other devices you think should be on the list, remember to share them with us in the comment section below. Remember to check the devices thoroughly to make sure the one you choose is actually the best for your needs.