These days, there’s a smartphone for almost every kind of user. In this article, we examine the latest and most affordable high-end smartphones in Nigeria.
Now, more than ever, we are doing so much with our phones. Mobile phones are no longer the gadgets we once used for just basic things like phone calls and texting. Today, we want to do more with our phones—take pictures, send and receive emails, play games, participate in video conferences, and so much more.
Also, the apps being developed are demanding more from our phones. There is therefore the need for phones to be made with specifications that can keep up with these demands.
It is not unusual today to see smartphones with specs that once qualified a laptop or desktop computer as top-notch. This is not a shocking development considering how much people are tending towards their smartphones for most of the traditional things we once did with our computers.
As expected with these upgrades in device capability, an increase in the price of devices has followed. However, there are some devices out there, which can rival the very best in the market for the quality delivered and still not cost bank-breaking amounts.
How we chose our list of most affordable smartphones in Nigeria
This list of the most affordable high-end smartphones was reached by us looking at some qualities. In order, they are processor speed, internal storage size, RAM size, camera and battery. Secondary things like Android OS version, screen size, sensors, design and so on, do not weigh strongly in the choices below. However, these may be the fine details that swing a particular phone in the favour of some users so it is worth reading what we write about them.
“Affordable” as used in this context does not necessarily mean cheap. The prices of the smartphones outlined here would still be out of the reach of the minimum wage earning Nigerians. However, we mean that these phones are relatively affordable compared to the prices on offer by the big players in the smartphone industry.
If what you’re interested in is affordable smartphones below 20,000 click here.
Also, it is important to note that we intentionally did not pick two phones from the same manufacturer. We could easily have made this a list of phones made by any of the above brands but we made sure to diversify the brands as people tend to attach sentimental value to who makes their phones.
Finally, this list is made in no order at all.
With all that said, let’s dive into our overview of the most affordable high-end smartphones in Nigeria.
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Our pick affordable high-end smartphones in Nigeria
1. Huawei Y8P
In July 2020, Huawei outranked Samsung and Apple as the leading smartphone mobile brand in the world. This was arguable, a result of COVID-19 causing a drop in Samsung’s global sales in the second quarter of 2020. However, it goes to show just how big a company Huawei has become.
Despite the trade ban in the US that they currently face, the company is still extending its reach to other parts of the world and Nigeria isn’t left out. Many Nigerians have made Huawei their brand of choice when it comes to smartphones because of their affordable prices and great specifications.
The Huawei Y8p smartphone was officially announced on May 18, 2020. It was officially released on June 15 of the same year. It incorporates some of the latest smartphone technologies to make it one of the best available smartphones in the Nigerian market today. Let’s take a detailed look at it.
Design and display
Of the 6.3-inch panel size of the phone, 83.2% is the screen-to-body ratio. The device uses an OLED display for good quality display with less power consumption. The phone’s screen resolution is 1080 * 2400 pixels with a super quality ppi (pixel-per-inch) density of around 418. The phone screen is sure a delight to look at.
Behind the phone, Huawei kept things minimalistic with only the triple-camera setup and flashlight there. The phone is available in Breathing Crystal and Midnight Black colours. The phone is a look-alike of one of Huawei’s older phones—Huawei Enjoy 10S.
Hardware
The chipset that powers the Y8p is the Kirin 710F. There are two variations of the phone available; both variations have 128GB of internal storage with 4GB and 6GB RAM respectively. If you want more room for files, you’ll have to use an NM card (up to 256GB).
The phone’s processing unit is an Octa-core setup. Four of the eight processors are 2.2 GHz Cortex-A73 and the other four are 1.7 GHz Cortex-A53. This means running even heavy apps and games should not be an issue.
The fingerprint sensor of this phone is not at the back as is the case with most phones. Instead, it uses an optical format that is located under the screen.
Network
The Y8p run has a dual Nano-SIM setup, with both SIMs capable of being on standby. One of the SIM slots also acts as the memory card slot, so you would have to choose between running two SIMs on standby or a SIM and Memory Card.
GSM, 3G, HSPA and 4G LTE capabilities are entrenched in the phone. This means that high-speed internet browsing should not be an issue.
The phone comes complete with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, NFC and an FM Radio.
Software
The Huawei Y8p runs on Android OS v10.0 + Huawei’s custom EMUI 10.1. However, as a result of the embargo placed on Huawei’s business activities in the United States, it has no access to the Google Play Store. In its place, you will get the Huawei AppGallery and related services.
Camera
Huawei Y8p’s back camera setup features a 48MP main camera with a SuperSpectrum sensor which filters the light intake of the camera allowing for clearer pictures. There’s a 2MP depth sensor to go along with the 8MP ultra wide-angle camera (with a 120° lens).
The camera also offers Super Night Mode (up to 6-second exposures with AI image processing). This, along with a LED flash allows you to take good pictures, even at night.
In front, there’s a decent 16MP selfie camera living in a notch on the screen.
Battery
The 4,000-mAh non-removable Li-Po battery that comes with this phone is nothing to be too excited about. However, it promises about 24-hours of battery life on moderate use.
For charging, the phone does not have fast charge capability. It uses a 2.0, Type-C 1.0 reversible connector to add power to it.
Huawei Y8P price and availability
Huawei Y8p is still readily available in online and physical stores. The 6GB RAM variant is the one available in Nigeria and it goes for around N98,500.00
Get Huawei Y8P on Konga: From N98,500.00
Key specs and features
- 6.3 inches OLED capacitive touchscreen
- 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~418 ppi density)
- Android 10, EMUI 10.1, no Google Play Services
- Octa-core (4×2.2 GHz & 4×1.7 GHz)
- 4/6GB RAM
- 128GB built-in storage; up to 256GB with a memory card
- 58MP rear camera and a 16MP front camera
- 4G/HSDPA/3G/2G
- Sensors: Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, proximity, compass
- Loudspeaker – Yes
- 3.5mm earpiece jack
- Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot
- Bluetooth 5.0
- GPS – Yes, with A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS
- FM radio
- Type-C 1.0, USB 2.0, reversible connector, USB On-The-Go
- 4, 000 mAh non-removable Li-Po Battery
- Hybrid Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
- Announced 2020, May 18
- Released 2020, June 15
- Price: N98,500.00
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2. Infinix Note 7
Infinix is one of the leading budget phone brands in Nigeria. Since around the year 2014, they have been one of the smartphones of choice for many. They have consistently rolled out some wonderful phones at low prices.
Infinix Note 7 is one of the most affordable high-end phones in Nigeria. The phone was released in July 2020 after its announcement in April of the same year. Let’s look at what makes this phone one of our picks for this list.
Check out Infinix Note 7 on Konga
Design and display
On the front, the phone has a 6.95 inch IPS LCD with a screen resolution of 720 * 1640 and a pixel density of 258 ppi. At the top-left corner of the phone, there is a hole punch camera cut-out.
The screen of the phone is made of Corning Gorilla Glass for protection of the screen in case of accidental falls.
On the rear, there is a circular camera bump housing the quad camera-unit. The cameras are arranged in a square-shaped format. The flash is positioned just beneath the cameras on the bump. Beneath the camera setup is the Infinix Note brand name.
The phone is available in the following colours; Forest Green, Aether Black and Bolivia Blue. The design is a combo of a gradient design and a psychedelic colour pattern that emits different colours.
Infinix Note 7 does not have a fingerprint sensor behind it but is located on the power button by the side.
Hardware
The phone’s Mediatek Helio G70 (12 nm) chipset features an Octa-core processor. Two 2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and six 1.7 GHz Cortex-A55 processors make the phone handle several heavy functions easily.
For storage, the phone has a large 128GB internal storage space. There is a dedicated microSD slot that can allow up to 256GB of memory expansion if you need more room for your files. There’s also a 4GB/6GB RAM size on the phone depending on the variation you purchase.
The fingerprint sensor on this phone is located at the right-hand side, on top of the power button for easy access with your index finger.
There are also dual loudspeakers on the phone with Surround Sound for a richer listening experience. Also, there is a 3.5mm earphone jack on the phone.
Network
The Infinix Note 7 smartphone allows dual-SIM standby and makes use of Nano-SIM cards. The phone has 2G, 3G and 4G LTE capabilities.
It has Wi-Fi and hotspot functionality in-built. Also, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS and an FM Radio are functional on the phone.
Software
The Operating System running on Note 7 is Android 10, along with the Infinix’s custom XOS version 6.0.
The phone has full Google Services functionality enabled within it.
Camera
The Note 7 features a quad-camera setup. The primary camera on this device is 48MP, there’s a 2MP macro camera, another 2MP depth camera as well as a further 2MP camera dedicated to videos.
With the cameras on the phone, you can take photos in Panorama and HDR modes. Videos can also be shot at qualities of up to 1080p at 30fps.
The phone has a 2.8 µm lens, f/1.8 aperture, and a 5 element lens system. All these are to ensure wonderful picture qualities even in low-light scenarios.
Selfies are captured by a 16MP camera. This camera is also capable of shooting 1080p videos at 30fps.
Battery
One of Note 7’s major selling points is the power system of the phone. A wonderful 5,000 mAh of power means you can do more for longer with the device.
More exciting though, is the fact that the phone features an 18W fast charging ability. It is the first Infinix smartphone to have the technology.
The implication of this is that you can charge the phone from 0 to 100% in just under an hour. So, a phone battery that can last you 3-4 days can get full in a matter of minutes.
To charge and transfer data, the phone uses a micro USB 2.0.
Price and availability
The Infinix Note 7 is available in stores online and physically in most parts of Nigeria. The phone costs around N80,000.00 on RAM size and the location you purchase it from.
Buy Infinix Note 7 4GB on Konga: N80,000.00 OR
Buy Infinix Note 7 6GB on Konga: N88,000.00
Key specs and features
- 6.9 inches IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen
- 720 x 1640 pixels (~258 ppi density)
- Android 10, XOS 6.0
- Octa-core (2×2.0 GHz & 6×1.7 GHz)
- 4/6GB RAM
- 64GB/128GB built-in storage; up to 256GB with a memory card
- 48MP rear camera and a 16MP front camera
- 4G/HSDPA/3G/2G
- Sensors: Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, proximity, compass
- Loudspeaker – Yes
- 3.5mm earpiece jack
- Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, hotspot
- Bluetooth 5.0
- GPS – Yes, with A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS
- FM radio
- micro-USB 2.0, USB On-The-Go
- 5, 000 mAh non-removable Li-Po Battery
- Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
- Announced 2020, April
- Released 2020, July
- Price: From N80,000.00
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3. Oppo A92
OPPO is a relative newcomer to the smartphone market in Nigeria. They are, however, a proven name in the global smartphone market.
OPPO’s first phone released in Nigeria was done in April 2019—the F11 Pro. Since then, they have stayed true to their word of producing high-quality smartphones. Not compromising on the cost to provide efficiency and performance.
OPPO A92 was released in Nigeria on 3rd August 2020, with the phone first announced and released globally in May.
Design and display
OPPO A92 is available in Twilight Black, Stream White and Aurora Purple colours. The design model of the phone has a gradient pattern behind it, with an illustration of light rays coming from the back camera position.
The phone size is 6.5 inches with a screen-to-body ratio of around 83.4%. It has an IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen, with a display resolution of 1080 * 2040 pixels. With a pixel density of around 405 ppi, the screen quality and clarity of this phone is top-notch.
The selfie camera takes up a little spot at the top-left corner of the phone.
At the back, the phone has 4 cameras arranged in an L-shaped pattern along with an LED flash.
Hardware
On board a Qualcomm SM6125 Snapdragon 665 chipset, is an Octa-core processing unit, featuring four 2.0GHz processors and four 1.8GHz processors.
When it comes to RAM, OPPO pulled no punches with this phone as it has a whopping 8GB RAM size. The internal memory is 128GB with a dedicated memory card slot for expanding the memory.
The fingerprint sensor on the device is located at the side.
For sound, there are stereo speakers and a 3.5mm earphone jack on the phone.
Network
As with most smartphones produced these days, the A92 has 4G LTE capabilities.
The phone is a dual-SIM phone with two dedicated Nano-SIM slots. Both SIM cards can be on standby at the same time.
It also has Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS and Hotspot functionality.
Software
OPPO A92 runs on the latest Android 10 Operating System as its base. OPPO’s ColorOS 7.1 runs on top of this.
The phone has full Google Services functionality enabled within it.
Camera
On the rear are four cameras consisting of a 48MP primary camera, an 8MP camera that captures up to 119 degrees ultra-wide shots, two 2MP cameras—one for macro shots and another for depth. This rear camera can capture overwhelmingly clear videos at 4K quality at 30 seconds per frame.
