Ladies and gentlemen, a guy just threw a question in one of our groups demanding to know at this point in time "which is the best smartphone currently selling below 100k and still maintains a decent performance coupled with a good camera output"?
Before I delve into that, I would like to say that the instability of dollar to Naira exchange rate has been causing alot of hike in price on electronics, especially smartphones. Reasons because these gadgets are imported and because non of these Smartphones companies have a base in Nigeria.
Needless to say that, you would expect to pay for every services rendered and offered from the process of production to the end user because we depend solely on China.
Moreso, in 2021 there has been a global chip shortage due to inadequate semi conductor materials. Hence causing an uprising in the price point of devices in Africa and especially in Nigeria.
If you find yourself on this page, the reason is solely because you need some illumination before you venture into the smartphone market to place an order for your most preferred and affordable smartphone.
The following factors will be used in considering and determining the best smartphone within the price point stipulated above. The listing below would be considered sequentially.
1. Chipset or Micro processor
2. Camera performance
3. Price
4. Battery Life
4. Screen size and type
5. Storage capacity
6. Build quality and general performance
Lets cut to the chase. I will be limiting my selection based on user experience, brand and overall performance.
Here are your top 8 smartphones below 100k currently available in Nigeria market
1. XIAOMI Redmi 10: it's a device that many aren't aware of yet that was released September 2021 as part of Redmi note 10 Series. The smartphones design is fantastic. Infact everything about this phone are top notch.
It has a 6.5" inch IPS LCD display with a high Resolution of about 1080 x 2340 pixels. The screen comes with a Corning Gorilla Glass 3 as a means of protection. You don't need to worry much about using a protective glass.
The least storage calibration is 4GB of RAM and a 64GB of ROM. Mind you there is 128GB version and the phone also has a dedicated MICRO SD SLOT.
The camera configuration is a quad core set-up. It is a powerful one with a megapixel size of 50MP adequate for photography and other sessions. Others include the 8 MP camera for wide plus a 2 MP For Macro and the last 2 MP for depth sensing.
Part of the camera design is a Secondary Camera. A front facing camera of 8 MP. This is the best you could get at this price point folks. These Camera Features a LED flash, HDR, panorama and a Video recording ability at 1080p@30fps. Be rest assured for an Excellent performance.
The Operating System is the latest Android 11 on the latest MIUI 12.5 skin making the device optimization a top notch. The most interesting part about XIAOMI product is the continuous release of Operating System update for at least 3 years from the time of production. Meaning you would enjoy subsequent android version update without thinking of changing your smartphone before experiencing the updated features. I think this is cool. Something most brands are still struggling to adapt to.
The powerful MediaTek Helio G88 (12nm) Chipset is the central processing unit behind the operational capabilities of this smartphone. It is attached to a Graphics processing unit called Mali-G52..
This phone has a Dual Sim support. Both sims supporting 4G LTE network. It has a whopping 5000mAh battery, charging at 18W. Remember it has a USB type C port. It also has a side Mounted Fingerprint reader that is easy to reach and fast in operation.
Redmi 10 comes in three colours which includes the Carbon Gray, Pebble White and Sea Blue all attractive to the eyes.
The design language of the phone is premium and not that heavy as one would have expected.
Redmi 10 is currently retailing at ₦ 95,000 on Jumia and other offline stores. You can click on the link HERE to place your order.
2. Poco m3: If there is any device you would be eager to lay your hands in right away, I think the options will be narrowed down to the POCO M3 Smartphone.
Xiaomi Poco M3 was officially released in November 2020 but made available early 2021.
The device is equipped with sensors such as Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass. The smartphone features Infrared port, USB 2.0 Type C, FM Radio, and Bluetooth 5.0. The smartphone is fuelled by a Non-removable Li-Po 6000 mAh battery + Fast charging 18W + Reverse charging.
The phone runs on the Android 10.0 + MIUI 12 operating system providing smooth operation of the device. The Xiaomi Poco M3 is available in different colors like Cool Blue, Poco Yellow, and Power Black.
The smartphone comes in 6.53 inches size and the display is IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen that provides 1080 x 2340 pixels resolution. The screen of the device is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3. Additional features support 400 nits typ. brightness (advertised) which gives amazing viewing experience.
The rear camera consists of a 48 MP (wide) + 2 MP (macro) + 2 MP depth sensor lenses that helps to click pictures with professional experience. The front camera has a 8 MP sensor. About ₦ 85,000 is it's current retailing price. Read full Review HERE
Key Features
6.53-inches IPS LCD Display, 1080 x 2340 pixels (395 ppi)
Android 10.0; MIUI 12 Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 Processor
4GB RAM/128GB Built-in Storage, with Micro-SD Support
48MP + 2MP + 2MP Triple Rear Camera 8MP Front Camera
Fingerprint Sensor (Side-Mounted)
Fast Charging (18W Capacity) 6000mAh Non-Removable Li-Po Battery
₦ 84,200
3. Tecno Camon 17: is one of the latest additions to an everlasting list of TECNO phones, and the popular CAMON series focused mainly on photography.
While there are many expensive smartphones out there, TECNO leans more towards manufacturing phones at affordable prices - providing what the end-users need most like a good screen, better cameras, good battery life, friendly software experience, and most especially, optimized overall performance at a price that won't break your bank.
Being the right successor to Camon 16, TECNO Camon 17 comes with many notable features. This includes 128GB storage, improved camera, larger display, 18W Flash charge, etc.
If this is all you're looking for in your next smartphone, the TECNO CAMON 17 could be the best choice for you. It comes packed with the MediaTek Helio G85 gaming and battery optimization focused processor, a 6.6" Dot-In HD+ cinematic display with 90Hz refresh rate that can brighten up to 480 nits, a dependable 5000mAh battery with 18W Quick charge, 128GB of internal storage and 4GB of RAM, a 48MP flagship-level camera, and many more
Stylish Design
The TECNO CAMON 17 is where you look for a beautiful and outstanding design. From the placement of its rectangular-shaped rear camera, to its colourful back finish, it feel like you're holding a piece of premium device. Also, this device is designed in a way that makes it comfortable to hold in your palms. Moving to the front reveals the large 6.6" Dot-in display with the resolution of 720x1600 pixels. The display gets quite bright at 480 nits, this makes it usable in almost every condition.
High Performance
While planning to get a new phone, one of the main priority is getting a phone with notably good performance. Of course, you don't want to get a phone that keeps you waiting on every task. The TECNO CAMON 17 comes with an Octa-Core gaming processor powered by the MediaTek Helio G85 chipset. In its price range, this phone performs well in day-to-day tasks like playing games, texting, watching videos, etc. Also, its performance is backed up by 4GB of RAM which enhances the overall performance and gives more room for multitasking.
Plenty of storage to play with. Owning this phone, you'd want to take many pictures, play high graphics games and videos, and download songs and all others, all of which consume lots of storage. With the 128GB of internal storage on the CAMON 17, users are given an ample amount of space to store all their files without having to always clear the storage. Not just that, this phone features a dedicated micro SD card slot where you can easily expand the storage if you ever need more.
Cameras, Stunning Photography
The TECNO CAMON series known for its outstanding performance in photography and the TECNO CAMON 17 is not left out in the game. Even at its price range, the TECNO CAMON 17 comes with a good camera system with lots of functions to play with. This device alone has a total of six cameras which include the flagship-level 48MP quad-camera at the rear, and a 8MP dual-camera at the front.
The Quad-camera setup at the rear consists of a 48MP main camera, 8MP Wide-angle + Macro camera, 2MP depth sensor for perfect Bokeh and portrait shots, an AI lens, and Penta-LED flash. For the selfie lovers, the device now has a 8MP front camera
Powered by TAIVOS (TECNO AI Vision Optimization Solution), this device uses AI to automatically enhance every shot you click on it. Talk of the improved Night Mode, it performs excellently well by reducing over-exposure, compensating with the needed amount of brightness, and boosting the images shot in dark scenarios.
Ultra-Night Portrait mode is another feature on this device. This device makes it possible to take portrait pictures even in low-lightning conditions. Without blowing out the subject with over-exposure, Night Mode 2.0 uses AI to automatically process the portrait details and gives you clearer and brighter portrait pictures.
We will not but mention it’s HIS (Hybrid Image Stabilization) combining the technology of EIS with AIS to provide stable video footage when it's activated. This could help in scenarios where you don't have a tripod to shoot your next video. Just enable this mode and be rest assured to get less-shaky footage.
There are just many camera improvements on the TECNO CAMON 17 which are better experienced than told. There are still features that focus mainly on dark-skinned people, AI Beauty mode, Video Beauty, AI Scene Detection, Animoji, HDR portrait, Video Bokeh, etc., all on this device which makes it prove the tag of being a Camera smartphone in its price segment.
Dependable Battery
With all the great features the CAMON 17 has to offer, a good battery is what's needed to fuel the experience. This device comes with a large 5000mAh battery that could last for about 2 days on normal usage. And unless you're always on the screen, it's hard to consume its battery in a day. Also, charging this device is pretty fast. With its 18W Quick Charge, you'll no longer have to tarry just to juice up the battery.
The TECNO CAMON 17 also features a powerful Battery Saving mode that automatically adjusts the performance and elongates the battery life. With this mode turned on, you could enjoy your phone doing the normal stuff for a longer time without panicking over low battery - especially when you don't have your charger with you.
The price of Tecno camon 17 is currently ₦ 96,000. This is too expensive guys.
Summary
48MP AI Ultra Triple Camera
6.6"Dot-in
128GB ROM + 4GB RAM
Helio G85 Extreme Performance
5000mAh, 18W Flash Charge
8MP Front Camera with Dual Flash
48MP Triple Rear Camera with Quad Flash
90Hz HD+ Display
HiOS based on Android™ 11
₦ 95,999
4. UMIDIGI A11 Pro Max : As the name implies is a version that is higher than the pro itself. As usual you can find this phone in two colours only. These are Mist Blue and Frost Grey. The Body Material is AG Matte Glass with Metal Frame. I can tell you that this phone feels good to grip. It's Dimensions are 167.8*75.6*8.58mm with a Net Weight 225g. That is a bit heavy though.
It's Operating system is the latest Android 11 programmed on the CPU called the MediaTek, Helio G80. This Chipset is strong enough to offer you a comfortable gaming experience.
Under the storage configuration it's has 4GB / 8GB of RAM added to it is the 128GB of internal storage. It has a dedicated MICRO SD card slot adequate enough for media storage.
It had a giant Battery size of 5150mAh having a 10W charging speed support which is very low.
You can unlock the phone by using the side Mounted Fingerprint Sensor or AI Face Unlock
The Display Size is a whopping 6.8 inches display (Measured Diagonally) with an Aspect Ratio 20.5:9. It has a Resolution FHD+ at 2460*1080 accompanied by a PPI of 396.
To the camera department, it's Rear Camera is a 48MP Sony Main Camera with a 16MP Ultra Wide Angle Camera and a 2MP Macro Camera
It's Front Camera is a 24MP Sony sensor producing beautiful pictures. It features AI Beautify, Face Recognition, Selfie Countdown.
It has Bluetooth 5.0 an Infrared sensor, Temperature Sensor, Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor that is responsive, Proximity Sensor, Ambient Light Sensor, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Electronic Compass. It has Earphone Port 3.5mm Audio Jack with a USB TYPE C PORT support.
Umidigi A11 Pro Max current price is about ₦ 94,000 on Jumia Nigeria and other offline stores.
Key Features
Infrared Temperature Sensor 2.0
Stock Android 11
6.8" 20.5:9 FullView Display
MediaTek, Helio G80, Up to 2.0GHz
48MP(AI)+16MP+2MP+24MP(selfie)
4GB RAM,128GB ROM(UP TO 256GB)
5150mAh Battery
Global Version
Side Fingerprint Sensor
2 + 1 SIM slot(4G Dual SIM, both cards can access 4G connectivity simultaneously)
₦ 94,000
5. Samsung Galaxy A12: would be my next pick. It has a 6.5 inch TFT LCD capacitive touchscreen display with a low resolution of 720 x 1560 pixels, PPI 264 ppi density. Although this should not be the deciding factor as it has other beautiful features attached to it.
MediaTek Helio P35 Microprocessor is used on the Samsung galaxy A12. It is a midrange device for budget users.
It has the moderate 48 MP (wide) camera, then a 5 MP (ultrawide) 2 MP, (macro) 2 MP, (depth). It Features LED flash, panorama, HDR Videos FHD (1920 1080)@30fps.
It's Front camera is an 8MP camera used for some nice selfie photos.
Furthermore, the phone has a 4/64GB and 4/128GB Memory configuration along with a Dedicated MICRO SD card slot adequate enough for media storage.
It has a huge 5000maH with a charging speed support of 15W. Not bad at this price point, but it should have at least reach 18W.
It has a rear mounted Fingerprint reader which is fast at its price point. It has 4G LTE support on both sim cards.
The Body is made up of a Glass front, a plastic back and a plastic frame. At least one should have expected Corning gorilla glass on this phone's screen but Samsung will always remain Samsung. I would advice on the use of pouch and screen protectors constantly on this phone.
Samsung A12 has 3 colours which include; Blue, Black and Red respectively.
The current price of the phone has skyrocketed and the 4GB RAM 6GB ROM variant is currently retailing at ₦ 75,000 and for 4GB RAM 128GB ROM the price is about ₦ 85,000
Key Features
Display – 6.5inch Infinity-O Display
Camera – Rear (48MP / 5MP / 2MP/2MP) Front – 8MP
Memory – 4GB – 64GB, expandable
Battery – 5,000mAh
OS – Android
SIM: Dual SIM
Side Fingerprint sensor
6. Nokia G20: The phone comes with a 6.5-inch touchscreen display that is portable to the hands, with a resolution of 720x1600 pixels which is low for my liking. It has an aspect ratio of 20:9. It has a notch cutout to accommodate the selfie camera.
Nokia G20 is powered by an octa-core MediaTek Helio G35 processor. A low end mid range Chipset that is useful mostly for light usage and not heavy usage. This chip can handle normal light games and applications and not heavy apps like PES, POWER DIRECTOR etc.
It comes with 4GB of RAM and 64/128GB ROM as it's storage configuration. The Nokia G20 runs on the latest Android 11 which is interesting. Nokia on her own part are good always in software update to their devices. The phone is powered by a 5050mAh battery. Strong enough to serve for the whole day on moderate usage. The Nokia G20 supports proprietary fast charging calibrated at 18W.
Talking about the cameras, the Nokia G20 on the rear is loaded with a 48-megapixel primary camera, a 5-megapixel ultra wide camera; a 2-megapixel macro camera, and a 2-megapixel depth sensing camera. The rear camera setup has autofocus. It sports an 8-megapixel camera on the front for selfies. The arrangement of the rear camera is familiar as Nokia has adopted the circular arrangement method.
Connectivity options on the Nokia G20 include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, GPS, Bluetooth v5.0, NFC, USB Type-C, FM radio, 3G, and 4G (with support for Band 40 used by some LTE networks in India) with active 4G on both SIM cards. Sensors on the phone include accelerometer, ambient light sensor, gyroscope, proximity sensor, and fingerprint sensor.
The Nokia G20 is currently available nationwide at ₦ 94,000 price point. It's very expensive though comparing it with phones from other brands using the same Chipset. But it's a good device.
Quick Specifications
6.5” HD+ Display
Dual SIM
Android 11
64GB ROM, 4GB RAM
Fingerprint, GPS, Bluetooth
4G Network
48 MP + 5 MP + 2MP + 2MP Quad camera
8MP Front camera
5050mAh Li-Po non removable battery
₦ 94,000
7. UMIDIGI A9 Pro 2021: It's a fact that only few Nigerians have come across this brand called UMIDIGI. They focus solely on entry level budget phones and from users experience their smartphones are very good at the price point stipulated. UMIDIGI is a smartphone manufacturing-based company founded in Shenzhen in 2012, which commits to delivering exquisite mobile electronic devices. That is focused on premium products, differentiating innovation, achieving technological breakthroughs, and delivering global customers an extraordinary mobile experience with meticulous designs and cutting-edge technology. To make premium products accessible to everyone at an affordable price.
This phone comes in two main Color s which includes forest Green (Main Color) / Onyx Black. The Body is made up of a Glass material which is smooth and elegant to touch. The latest Android 11 is it's Operating system. It has a rear mounted Fingerprint Scanner which is very responsive.
CPU is made up of the MediaTek, Helio P60 with a clock speed up to 2.0GHz.
The storage capacity is a huge 8GB RAM and a 128GB ROM which should be sufficient enough for media storage.
The battery size is 4150mAh with a support for a Quick Charge 10W
The Display Size isn't That big though as it measures at 6.3 inch display. Portable for a single hand usage. The screen has a Waterdrop Display cutout to accommodate the selfie camera. It has an LCD screen display type with a high Resolution of 2340*1080 at 409 PPI.
The camera department has a 48MP Sony AI matrix quad camera. These include the 48MP Sony primary camera, 16MP ultra wide angle camera, 5MP depth camera and 5MP macro camera, at 2cm macro distance.
Front camera has a big 24MP Sony ultra-clear front camera that features AI Beautify, Face recognition, Selfie countdown etc
UMIDIGI A9 Pro 2021 is currently retailing at ₦ 85,900 on Jumia Nigeria. This price is a good one coupled with the camera arrangements and the Chipset used.
Key Features
Infrared Temperature Sensor
48MP(Sony)+16MP+5MP+5MP+24MP(Sony) selfie
8GB RAM,128GB ROM
Stock Android 11
Global Version
2 + 1 SIM slot(4G Dual SIM, both cards can access 4G connectivity simultaneously)
₦ 85,900
8. Gionee M12: After their resurrection, the smartphone brand called Gionee are currently steadily releasing new Smartphones. The smartphone Features a 6.55-inch Full HD display, and LCD screen. The Gionee M12 smartphone has an in-built memory of 6GB + 128GB (Expandable to 256 GB). I don't think storage would put you off on purchasing this phone.
It has a 5100Mah battery. A huge size indeed with an 18W charging speed support. You've got the real powerful smartphone that can serve you a whole day on continuous usage.
In the camera department It's got: 48MP + 5MP + 2MP + 2MP (Quad rear Camera) & 16MP selfie camera. The picture quality were great guys. this smartphone supports multi-band and LTE, as well as Bluetooth and runs on Android 10. You must know that Gionee hardly releases update to their phones and I don't know when this Idea would change. so do not expect any software update after purchasing this phone. For security, it has a fingerprint scanner at the rear and an AI face unlock capabilities.
I am particularly interested on the design of this phone because it looks attractive and premium at the same time. It doesn't look cheap at all folks. Gionee phones are durable and strong always.
You can obtain this smartphone at ₦ 80,500 in Nigeria. You can click on the Jumia banner above to place your order.
Key Features
OS: Android 10.
Display: 6.55-inch, 720 × 1600 pixels resolution
Processor: Helio A25 Octa Core
Rear Quad Camera: 48MP + 5MP + 2MP + 2MP
Selfie camera: 16 MP
RAM: 6GB
ROM: 128GB
Battery: 5100 mAh.
Price: ₦ 80,500