Best Phones under Ksh 20,000 in Kenya(Complete Guide 2022)

Finding a good smartphone in Kenya under Ksh 20,000 with the correct specifications is impossible. This was the case some few years ago. However, with the entry of some Chinese brands like Xiaomi here in Kenya, smartphone prices have drastically decreased while improving on its Spec sheet.

For a long time, Samsung had dominated the smartphone in all segments here in Kenya. However, that is not the case, and there are good Xiaomi, Realme, Oppo, Tecno, Infinix models, and so many others, as you will learn in this guide.

There is no need to go through the grey market or import smartphones from other global markets. Honestly, Kenya is blessed with several novelties. Here is our selection of the best phones under Ksh 20,000

 Xiaomi Redmi Note 11- Ksh 19,999

The first contender in this list is the recently launched Redmi Note 11. It is one of the unmatched smartphones in this price range. It brings a couple of upgrades compared to the previous generations of the Redmi Note series of devices. There is something for everyone from its design, Touch interface, and Processor.

Key Specs

• Display: 6.43-inch (1080x2400)
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 680
• Front Camera: 13MP.
• Rear Camera: 50MP + 8MP + 2MP +2MP.
• RAM: 4GB
• Storage 64GB
• Battery Capacity: 5000mAh.
• Android: OS 11

Realme 8- Ksh 17,328

The Realme 8 cuts a little in the fat to lower the bill. Unfortunately, the brand has not abandoned the lousy idea of writing ridiculous slogans on the back of the device. The phone is, however, well finished and generally comfortable, although more rounded edges would have been more suitable.

Key Specs

• Display: 6.40-inch (1080x2400)
• Processor: MediaTek Helio G95.
• Front Camera: 16MP.
• Rear Camera: 64MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP.
• RAM: 4GB
• Storage: 64GB
• Battery Capacity: 5000mAh.
• OS: Android 11.

Tecno Camon 18- Ksh 19,500

The Camon 18 is a popular smartphone from 2018, and its technology cuts through 2022 even with the Camon 19 in our hands. Generally, it is a fantastic smartphone  with a high-quality display and a reliable performance to look up to

Key Specs

• Display: 6.70-inch (1,080x2,400)
• Front Camera: 32MP
• Rear Camera: 64MP + 12MP + 8MP
• RAM: 4GB
• Storage: 128GB
• Battery Capacity: 4,750mAh
• OS: Android 11

Tecno Spark 9- Ksh 15,599

Launched in 2022, the Tecno spark 9 seeks to take the works of its younger sibling(Spark 8) and Replenish them. Its main area of focus seems to be the Camera Novel. If you are looking for something under 20K and are into Tecno Models, this should be the Model for you.

Key Specs

• Display: 6.60-inch
• Processor: MediaTek Helio G37
• Front Camera: 8MP
• Rear Camera: 13MP
• RAM: 4GB
• Storage: 64GB
• Battery Capacity: 5000mAh
• OS: Android 12

Samsung Galaxy A13

With the Galaxy A13, Samsung does not depend on its entry-level formula. The Korean manufacturer is content to improve the display quality a little and changes the design by recycling the chassis of its Galaxy A32 5G. Despite fierce competition in the price segment, the A13 keeps for itself a monster autonomy and a One UI interface as neat as ever.

Key Specs

•  Display: 6.60-inch (1080x2408)
• Processor: octa-core
• Front Camera: 8MP
• Rear Camera: 50MP + 5MP + 2MP
• RAM: 4GB
• Storage: 64GB
• Battery Capacity: 5000mAh
• OS: Android 12

Infinix Hot 12 – Ksh 18,199

Still fresh in the Market, we also have the Infinix Hot 12 on this list. The smartphone takes advantage of the MediTek Helio G8 Octa Core Processor to produce impressive results. Here is what it offers.

 Key Specs

•  Display: 6.82-inch (720x1612)
• Processor: MediaTek Helio G85.
• Front Camera: 8MP.
• Rear Camera: 13MP + 2MP + AI.
• RAM: 4GB
• Storage: 128GB.
• Battery Capacity: 5000mAh.
• OS: Android 12.

 Read Also:

Best Safaricom Shop Phones under 5K to buy in 2022

Best Safaricom shop phones under 10k in 2022

Best smartphones under Ksh 15,000 in Kenya?

Best Refurbished phones to buy in Kenya

FAQs for Phones under Ksh 20,000: the answers to all your questions

What screen size for a smartphone?

The models in our selection all have large screen diagonals. Add to this borders a little more generous than high-end models, and you get imposing smartphones.

LCD or AMOLED screen?

Beyond the inches, the technology of the slab is essential to judge its quality. The vast majority of phones sold at a price of less than Ksh 20,000 include a simple LCD screen. Some models are exceptions, especially Samsung, which manages to incorporate an AMOLED screen on some references.

Camera?

For less than Ksh 20,000, it is still challenging to get good photo quality, day or night. Under a big blue sky, photo sensors are to their advantage. Most cameras show their limits at night and in more difficult light conditions.

Battery?

A smartphone's battery is determined by several factors, including software optimization, screen consumption, and processor consumption. So it does not depend only on the battery capacity, but it remains a decisive element for the battery life of a smartphone. To generalize, a battery between 4000 and 4500 mAh should offer incredible energy to the mobile.

RAM

Manufacturers are increasingly generous with RAM on low-cost smartphones. They carry an average of 4 GB of RAM, but some models can reach 6 GB of RAM. Amounts of RAM are more than enough for this mobile, and you don't need to look any further. Instead, give preference to a better chip than more RAM.

Storage

As with RAM, smartphones' storage capacity has evolved significantly in recent years at a reduced price. A primary storage capacity for a phone under Ksh 20,000 is 64 GB. If you need more space, turn to a smartphone with a microSD card slot to expand the storage.

Processor

MediaTek processors are popular with brands at this price level because they are cheaper than Qualcomm's Snapdragon. Samsung supplies itself at Qualcomm and MediaTek or develops its Exynos chips for its most affordable smartphones.