Best affordable smartphones under ₦50,000 in Nigeria

The Nigerian Smartphone Market

The Nigerian smartphone market is diverse, with a wide range of options catering to different budgets. In recent years, the demand for affordable smartphones, particularly those priced under ₦50,000, has increased. This price range is popular among students, young professionals, and those seeking a secondary device.

Key Features to Consider

When shopping for a budget smartphone, it’s essential to focus on features that offer the best value for money. Here are key aspects to consider:

• Battery Life: Look for phones with at least a 3000mAh battery for all-day use.
• Storage: Aim for at least 16GB of internal storage, with the option to expand via microSD card.
• RAM: A minimum of 2GB RAM is necessary for smooth performance in basic tasks.
• Camera: A rear camera with at least 8MP for everyday photography.
• Display: A screen size of at least 5 inches for comfortable viewing.
• Processor: Opt for quad-core processors for adequate performance.
• Operating System: Prefer phones with recent Android versions for better security and features.

Top Affordable Smartphones Under ₦50,000

1. Itel P38

The Itel P38 is a standout option in this price range, offering impressive features for its cost.

• Display: 6.6-inch IPS LCD, 720 x 1612 pixels
• Processor: Quad-core 1.3 GHz
• RAM: 2GB
• Storage: 32GB, expandable via microSD
• Camera: 8MP rear, 5MP front
• Battery: 5000mAh
• OS: Android 11 (Go edition)

The Itel P38 excels with its large display and a powerful 5000mAh battery, making it ideal for users who prioritize screen time and long battery life. The Android 11 (Go edition) ensures smooth performance, even with modest specifications.

2. Itel A58 Pro

Another solid contender from Itel, the A58 Pro offers excellent value for money.

• Display: 6.6-inch IPS LCD
• RAM: 2GB
• Storage: 32GB, expandable
• Camera: Dual rear camera setup
• Battery: 4000mAh
• OS: Android 11 (Go edition)

The Itel A58 Pro stands out with its dual rear camera setup, offering more versatility in photography. Its 4000mAh battery is adequate for most users.

3. Tecno Spark 7

Tecno is known for delivering feature-rich phones at competitive prices, and the Spark 7 is no exception.

• Display: 6.52-inch IPS LCD
• Processor: MediaTek Helio A25
• RAM: 2GB
• Storage: 32GB, expandable
• Camera: 16MP rear, 8MP front
• Battery: 5000mAh
• OS: Android 11 (HiOS 7.5)

The Tecno Spark 7 impresses with its large display and a substantial 5000mAh battery. The 16MP rear camera is a highlight, offering better photo quality than many of its competitors.

4. Xiaomi Redmi 9A

Xiaomi is renowned for offering high-value devices, and the Redmi 9A continues this tradition.

• Display: 6.53-inch IPS LCD
• Processor: MediaTek Helio G25
• RAM: 2GB
• Storage: 32GB, expandable
• Camera: 13MP rear, 5MP front
• Battery: 5000mAh
• OS: Android 10 (MIUI 12)

The Redmi 9A offers a balanced set of features, with a large display and a 5000mAh battery as particular highlights. The MediaTek Helio G25 processor should provide adequate performance for everyday tasks.

5. Nokia 1.4

Nokia’s reputation for durability makes the 1.4 an attractive option for those seeking a reliable budget device.

• Display: 6.51-inch IPS LCD
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 215
• RAM: 2GB
• Storage: 32GB, expandable
• Camera: 8MP rear, 5MP front
• Battery: 4000mAh
• OS: Android 10 (Go edition)

The Nokia 1.4 offers a clean Android experience with regular security updates. Its large display and decent battery life make it a solid choice for basic smartphone users.

6. Infinix Smart HD 2021

Infinix has gained popularity in Nigeria for its budget-friendly offerings, and the Smart HD 2021 is no exception.

• Display: 6.1-inch IPS LCD
• Processor: MediaTek Helio A20
• RAM: 2GB
• Storage: 32GB, expandable
• Camera: 8MP rear, 5MP front
• Battery: 5000mAh
• OS: Android 10 (Go edition)

The Infinix Smart HD 2021 offers a good balance of features, with its 5000mAh battery being a standout. The Go edition of Android 10 ensures smooth performance despite modest specifications.

7. Samsung Galaxy A01 Core

Samsung’s entry in the budget segment, the Galaxy A01 Core, offers the reliability of a well-known brand.

• Display: 5.3-inch TFT
• Processor: MediaTek MT6739
• RAM: 1GB
• Storage: 16GB, expandable
• Camera: 8MP rear, 5MP front
• Battery: 3000mAh
• OS: Android 10 (Go edition)

While the Galaxy A01 Core has more modest specifications compared to some others on this list, it offers the advantage of Samsung’s brand reliability and potentially better after-sales support.

Factors to Consider When Choosing

When selecting a smartphone in this price range, consider the following:

• Brand Reliability: Choose established brands with good after-sales support in Nigeria.
• Availability of Spare Parts: Ensure that replacement parts are readily available and affordable.
• Network Compatibility: Verify that the phone supports the network bands used by your preferred carrier.
• Software Updates: Consider phones from brands known for regular software updates.
• Build Quality: Opt for phones with sturdy construction to withstand daily use.

Tips for Buying

• Compare Prices: Check prices across different retailers to find the best deal.
• Read User Reviews: Look for reviews from actual users to gain real-world insights.
• Check Warranty Terms: Understand the warranty coverage and after-sales service options.
• Verify Authenticity: Purchase from authorized retailers to avoid counterfeit products.
• Consider Your Usage: Choose a phone that aligns with your primary needs, whether it’s photography, battery life, or overall performance.

The Future of Budget Smartphones in Nigeria

The budget smartphone market in Nigeria is likely to continue evolving, with manufacturers striving to offer more features at competitive prices. We can expect to see improvements in areas such as:

• Better camera capabilities
• Increased storage and RAM options
• Improved battery life and fast charging technologies
• More phones with 4G LTE support
• Adoption of newer Android versions, even in budget devices

As technology advances and manufacturing costs decrease, the quality of budget smartphones is expected to improve, offering Nigerian consumers even better value for their money in the future.

Conclusion

Finding a good smartphone under ₦50,000 in Nigeria is entirely possible, with several options offering a balance of features and performance. The Itel P38, Itel A58 Pro, Tecno Spark 7, Xiaomi Redmi 9A, Nokia 1.4, Infinix Smart HD 2021, and Samsung Galaxy A01 Core all present viable choices depending on your specific needs and preferences.

When making your choice, consider factors beyond just specifications, such as build quality, the manufacturer’s reputation for software updates, and the availability of after-sales support. While these phones may not offer flagship features, they can provide a satisfactory smartphone experience for basic to moderate usage.

Ultimately, the best phone for you will depend on your individual needs and priorities. Whether you value a large display, long battery life, better camera quality, or a balance of all features, there’s likely a smartphone under ₦50,000 that will meet your requirements. By considering the options presented in this article and following the buying tips, you can make an informed decision and find a smartphone that offers the best value for your money.