Best smartphones to buy for less than KES 10,000 in 2023

It has become increasingly difficult to get good smartphones for less than KES 10,000. This isn’t because companies are no longer focusing on the budget segment though. Rather, this is thanks to a less stronger Kenya Shilling – to the dollar, and increased taxes.

However, with every passing day, we’re constantly getting questions from people on what devices they should get with a maximum budget of KES 10,000. This means there’s an opportunity for a good smartphone maker to repurpose something from even a few years ago, give it new software and make a killing with sales.

From our consideration, based on specs, and price, these are the best smartphones you can get right now for less than KES 10,000:

1. Realme C30s
2. Redmi A1+
3. Redmi 9A
4. Nokia C1 2nd Edition
5. Nokia C2 2nd Edition
6. Itel A58 Lite
7. Itel A33 Plus
8. Itel A48s
9. TECNO Pop 6

(There’s no order of listing whatsoever for the above smartphones)

Realme C30s:

The best price we’ve seen online for this phone is KES 10,000 flat. With a little bargaining (offline shops), you might get it at that price. We’ve already reviewed the phone here, so check it out. Of course for the 10k version, you get less RAM and Storage – 2GB, 32GB respectively.

Redmi A1+ and Redmi 9A:

The Redmi A1+ is fairly new. Meanwhile the Redmi 9A is now quite dated, and stock might be limited across various outlets in the country. We’ve covered the Redmi A1+ in the video below:

The A1+ had a launch price of KES 10,500, but we’ve seen listings online for just below 10k. Given time since launch, we are sure one can get it for less than 10k, or just 10k flat around certain shops.

Nokia C1, and Nokia C2 2nd Edition

The Nokia C1 2nd Edition costs KES 7,000 across many of the dealers we’ve seen. It can go as low as KES 6,500 we believe. It comes with 1GB RAM, and 16GB storage. The battery is tiny at 2500mAh, and it runs Android 11 Go Edition.

The Nokia C2 2nd Edition comes with 1GB RAM and 32GB storage. It has a 2400mAh battery, and also runs Android 11 Go Edition. It costs KES 8,000 across many retailers, but can go up to KES 7,900.

Itel A58 lite, A33 Plus and Itel A48s:

The Itel A48s is available through Safaricom – meaning only one SIM card. It costs KES 9,999 and features 2GB RAM, 32GB storage, and 3000mAh battery. In addition to that, you get a fingerprint scanner, a 6.1 inch HD display, and 4G connectivity.

The Itel A58 came in in February 2022. Price varies depending on RAM and Storage, but for the sub-10k pricing, you can get 2GB RAM, 32GB storage, or 1GB RAM, 16GB storage.

The A33 Plus features 1GB RAM and up to 32GB storage. Its recommended price is around KES 6,000. It is dual SIM.

TECNO Pop 6:

The TECNO Pop series is usually the budget segment, followed by the Spark. However, Spark pricing is now way above KES 10,000. The Pop 6 comes with 2GB RAM and 32GB storage. It has a 5000mAh battery and a 6.1 inch HD display. It runs Android 11 Go Edition.

Where to buy?

You can get all these phones online, or offline depending on where you live. However, you need to check around to ensure you’re getting the best price. All of the devices are also available on Jumia, so click the button below to buy.