[Poll] Do You Buy Your Phones and Other Gadgets Online or Offline?

Update: Poll results now available — scroll to the bottom for what readers had to say!

It’s 2025, and we’ve got faster phones, smarter TVs, and probably a fridge that can roast you if you forget to buy groceries. But there’s one age-old question that still divides us tech lovers: how do you actually buy your gadgets?

Do you trust the online hustle—tapping your way to new toys on Jumia, Kilimall, Masoko, Samsung BrandCart, Phone Place Kenya, or even Amazon, Best Buy, and the like? Or are you still about that brick-and-mortar life—walking into a shop, asking a million questions, bargaining just a little, and walking out with a sealed box under your arm?

With online retailers getting more polished and brick-and-mortar shops still holding the crown for “instant gratification,” it’s getting harder to pick a side. And let’s be honest, sometimes it’s not even about loyalty—it’s about price, trust, or how far you’re willing to travel on a hot Nairobi afternoon.

Jumia says it’s thriving, even with increased pressure from Chinese retailers such as AliExpress muscling into Africa’s digital space. The company is still pushing for growth by leaning into local logistics and keeping prices competitive. Meanwhile, the bigger African e-commerce picture is shifting. It’s not just about buying a phone anymore—people are ordering fresh produce, baby diapers, and everything in between.

But back to the main event: when it comes to phones, laptops, smart TVs, smartwatches, earbuds, smart speakers, and other tech gadgets, where do you click (or walk) to buy?

Let’s throw it to you:

Hit the vote button above and tell us your side! And while you’re at it, share your stories in the comments—ever gotten scammed online? Found a killer deal in a downtown Nairobi shop? Let’s hear it.

We’ll tally the results and feature your best comments next week!

Happy voting, and may your next phone have a charger in the box.

Update: Poll Results Are In!

Thanks to everyone who voted! Here’s how it went: 41.18% of you said your buying method—online or offline—depends on factors like price, urgency, or trust. 35.29% prefer buying gadgets exclusively online, while 23.53% stick to offline shopping.

One reader, Ronedion, shared their online-first approach, citing convenience and price comparisons, even after a scam experience on eBay (which they recovered from thanks to following proper channels). Their takeaway: do your homework and always check reviews.

It’s clear that while online shopping is becoming the go-to for many, flexibility and caution remain key. The majority still weigh each situation before deciding—an approach that makes a lot of sense in today’s market.