Best smartphones under Ksh 15,000 in Kenya?

It isn't easy to get a good smartphone for less than Ksh 15,000 mark with all the powerful features that a true smartphone can do. Not to discourage you during your purchase, as there are still many smartphones capable of meeting daily needs and some extend gaming capabilities at such a price range. We've sorted everything out for you to get the most excellent phone for the lowest price. The minimal budget for a new smartphone is Ksh 15,000

Joseph Richard

Jun 3, 2022 - 14:57

Jan 18, 2023 - 11:35

The best smartphones under Ksh 15,000 in Kenya?

The smartphone market under Ksh 15,000 isn't exactly booming. I am not going to lie to you, achieving such low pricing necessitates significant compromises, even if the latter is much more functional than a few years ago. However, don't expect to see smartphones from Samsung's Galaxy line or the iPhones to be a little sarcastic in this guide.

Here are our top picks for the cheapest smartphones in Kenya, offering competitive features at an affordable price.

The Prices mentioned in this article are what stand as of the writing of this article, and they are subject to change. Keep checking with us to see if we have updated the List from time to time.

Xiaomi's Redmi 9A

Launched in 2020, Xiaomi's Redmi 9A maintains Xiaomi's lead in the low-cost Android smartphone market. This version borrows a lot from the Redmi 8A's strengths. The Redmi 9A occasionally cost more than Ksh 15,000, but it also has less cost. It all depends on your bargaining skills if you are not buying it from an online shop

Key Specs:

Screen: 6.53 inches
Processor: MediaTek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm)
OS: Android 10, MIUI 12
RAM: 2GB
Storage:32GB
Back Camera: Single 13MP
Front Camera: Single 5MP
Battery: 5000mAh
Colours: Carbon Gray (Midnight Black), Sky Blue (Sea Blue) and Ocean Green (Nature Green)
Price: Ksh 10,899

Infinix Hot 10i

Infinix is a household name, thanks to its quality and excellent products. Launched in 2021, the Infinix Hot 10i is an entry-level smartphone that we couldn't miss to feature in this article. The model borrows a lot from its eldest sibling, the hot 10 play, except for a few features like a downgrade for its processor. Otherwise, the Hot 10i play is a smartphone full of energy to meet all your demands, especially in an era where 4G is given an upper hand.

Key Specs:

Screen: 6.52 inches
Processor: Mediatek MT6769V Helio G70 (12 nm)
OS: Android 11, XOS 7.5
RAM: 2GB
Storage: 32GB
Back Camera: Dual 13MP + QVGA
Front Camera: Single 5MP
Battery: 6000mAh
Colours: Black, Purple, Orange, Green and Heart of Ocean.
Price: Ksh 12,199

Tecno Pop 6 GO

Like the infinix brand, Tecno is another manufacturer known for its cheap products offering high-end features. Under this segment, one of the devices that the manufacturer must appreciate is none other than the Tecno Pop 6 GO. Yes, not so much can be seen here, but at least at a price lower than Ksh 10,000, it is worth mentioning the device thanks to its Mediatek MT6761D Helio A20 processor, IPS LCD, and Good battery life, among others.

Key specs:

Screen: 6.0 inches
Processor: Spreadtrum UNISOC SC7731E
OS: Android 11 (Go Edition)
RAM:2GB
Storage: 32GB
Back Camera: 5MP + QVGA AI lens
Front Camera: 5MP
battery :4000mAh
Price: Ksh 9,999

Nokia 1.3

Under new management, Nokia is one of the brands striving for its lost glory. Not to say that the company is far, much behind, Nokia is also among the first companies to unveil a 5G smartphone in the Kenyan Markert. Under the hood, the Nokia 1.3 is the best budget smartphone you can easily find on the market.

Key Specs:

Screen: 5.71 inches
Processor: Qualcomm QM215 Snapdragon 215 (28 nm)
OS: Android 10 (Go edition), upgradable to Android 11 (Go edition)
RAM:1GB
Storage: 16GB
camera: 8MP
front camera: 5MP
battery: 3000mAh
Colours: Cyan, Sand and Charcoal
Price: Ksh 8793

Realme C11 2021

Realme is another popular smartphone brand that many people would confuse its products with Xiaomi. Realme is a very separate entity from Xiaomi, from naming its gadgets to even differences seen with the customisation of Android interfaces. The realme C11 is a popular device from the manufacturer that comfortably sits in this price range. The smartphone offers a smooth experience and the best performance in this segment.

Key specs:

Screen: 6.52 inches
Processor: Unisoc SC9863A (28nm)
Processor: Android 11, realme Go UI
RAM: 2GB
Storage: 32GB
Back camera: 8MP
Front camera: 5MP
Battery: 5000mAh
Colours: Cool Blue and Cool Grey
Network: 2G, 3G, 4G
Price: Ksh 10,999
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Vivo Y1 S

As far as the competition seems tight in this category, Vivo still convinces us with its Vivo Y1 S smartphone. If you want something good from Vivo but cheaper under the Ksh 15000 mark, we recommend going for the Vivo Y1 S smartphone.

Key specs:

Screen: 6.22 inches
Processor: Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12nm)
OS: Android 10, Funtouch 10.5
RAM: 2GB
Storage: 32GB
Back Camera: 13 MP
Front Camera: 5 MP
Battery: Li-Ion 4030 mAh
Price: Ksh 12,300

Itel P38

The itel p38 series is the latest smartphone from itel Kenya as of the writing of this article. Launched at a Ksh 10,500, the gadgets offer a more striking design than its eldest sibling, the itel p37 series. If you want something cheaper with a premium flavour, the itel p38 should be in your shopping basket.

Key specs:

Chipset: Mediatek Helio P22
CPU: 1.3 GHz triple-Core processor
Front/Selfie Camera 5MP
Main Camera: 8MP triple AI setup
Platform: Android 11 Go
RAM/Storage: 32GB+2GB
Battery Size:5000mAh with 15W Fast Charging
Network: 2G and 3G mobile network bands

Frequently asked questions when buying a smartphone for less than Ksh 15,000

Many doubts may arise before purchasing a smartphone for a cheap price, say less than KSh 15,000. Here is what you need to know.

What can you do with a phone under Ksh 15,000 in Kenya

Smartphones for less than Ksh 15,000 are secondary phones designed only for doing basic activities. There are still a few trustworthy products available for even the most limited budgets. They are often distinguished because they run Android Go, a stripped-down version of Android that uses the bare minimum of resources.

Decisions to consider when buying a smartphone less than Ksh 15,000

I won't try to beat the bush. To produce a working smartphone for less than Ksh 15,000, manufacturers must make considerable sacrifices. The screen is typically not higher than HD+ resolution, the performance is low, and the picture is not clear as you would expect. On the good side, you can still fulfil the requirements for basic smartphone functions like calling, sending messages, checking emails, and accessing the Internet.

Trusted phone brands under Ksh 15,000 in Kenya

Few manufacturers offer solutions for less than Ksh 15,000, so new references in this segment are very rarely renewed. The main market players who do not forget about small exchanges are four in number: Xiaomi,infinix, Tecno and Nokia. They offer basic but functional terminals, usually running with a lightened OS.

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Joseph Richard Joseph is a graduate of Mathematics and Computer Science (Applied Option). With expertise in Technology and Finance, he brings his knowledge to the field, demonstrating an authoritative understanding of these interrelated areas. Joseph is pursuing a Master's in Software Engineering, further expanding his skill set.