Best Budget Smartphones in Kenya (2026): Top Picks Under KES 25,000
In 2026, buying a great smartphone in Kenya no longer requires flagship money. With a budget of KES 25,000 or less, you can now get smooth high-refresh-rate displays, long-lasting batteries, fast charging, and dependable performance for daily use.
Whether you’re a student, a gig worker using M-Pesa and navigation all day, or someone who wants a reliable phone for photos, videos, and social media, these are the best budget smartphones you can buy in Kenya right now — selected for value, availability, and real-world usability.
Prices are approximate and may vary depending on retailer, storage option, and ongoing offers.
How This List Was Compiled (Why You Can Trust It)
To keep this guide useful and realistic for Kenyan buyers, we focused on:
- Phones widely available in Kenya
- Models that consistently retail under KES 25,000
- Battery life, display quality, and everyday performance
- Brand reliability and after-sales support
- Overall value compared to close competitors
🔥 Best Budget Smartphones in Kenya (2026)
1. Samsung Galaxy A17 — Best Long-Term Investment
If you want a phone that will still feel usable years from now, the Samsung Galaxy A17 is the safest bet in this price range.
It features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, offering excellent brightness and colour reproduction — ideal for outdoor use in Kenya. Samsung’s strong advantage is software support, with multiple Android updates and long-term security patches, something most budget phones lack.
Approximate Price: KSh 22,999
Why it stands out
- AMOLED display (rare at this price)
- Reliable performance for daily tasks
- Strong resale value and brand trust
Best for: Users who value stability, longevity, and brand support.
2. Xiaomi Redmi 15 4G — Best Battery Life
For buyers who hate carrying a charger, the Redmi 15 4G is one of the strongest battery-focused phones under KES 25,000.
It packs one of the largest batteries in its segment, easily lasting up to two days on moderate use. The large FHD+ display with a high refresh rate makes scrolling and video playback feel smooth, while fast charging helps you power up quickly.
Approximate Price: KSh 18,000 – KSh 19,999
Why it stands out
- Excellent battery endurance
- Smooth display for daily use
- Strong value for money
Best for: Students, delivery riders, field workers, and heavy phone users.
3. Tecno Spark 40 Pro+ — Best Premium Design & Display
The Tecno Spark 40 Pro+ is proof that budget phones can still look and feel premium.
Its curved AMOLED display with a high refresh rate gives it a flagship-like appearance, while fast wired charging ensures minimal downtime. Tecno also focuses on design, making this phone stand out visually compared to most budget competitors.
Approximate Price: KSh 21,800
Why it stands out
- Curved AMOLED screen
- Stylish, premium look
- Fast charging support
Best for: Buyers who care about design and display quality.
4. Infinix Hot 60 Pro+ — Best for Entertainment
If your phone is mainly for videos, music, and gaming, the Infinix Hot 60 Pro+ is a strong pick.
It comes with dual stereo speakers and a bright AMOLED display that performs well outdoors. Despite its large screen, the phone remains slim and comfortable to hold, making it ideal for long viewing sessions.
Approximate Price: KSh 21,599 – KSh 24,499
Why it stands out
- Loud stereo speakers
- Bright AMOLED screen
- Slim and lightweight design
Best for: Media lovers and casual mobile gamers.
5. Realme C75x — Best Camera Under KES 20,000
For photography-focused buyers on a tight budget, the Realme C75x offers impressive camera hardware for the price.
Its 108MP main camera delivers detailed photos in good lighting, while fast charging and generous storage make it a well-rounded everyday phone.
Approximate Price: KSh 18,500 – KSh 19,500
Why it stands out
- 108MP camera at a low price
- Fast charging
- Good storage options
Best for: Social media users and casual content creators.
📊 Comparison Table: Best Budget Smartphones in Kenya (2026)
| Phone | Display | Battery | Charging | Key Strength | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy A17 | 6.7″ Super AMOLED, 90Hz | 5,000mAh | 25W | Software support & reliability | ~KSh 22,999 |
| Xiaomi Redmi 15 4G | FHD+ LCD, high refresh rate | Large capacity | 33W | Best battery life | 18K–19,999 |
| Tecno Spark 40 Pro+ | Curved AMOLED, high refresh | ~5,000mAh | Fast wired | Premium design & screen | ~KSh 21,800 |
| Infinix Hot 60 Pro+ | AMOLED, bright | ~5,000mAh | Fast charging | Entertainment & audio | 21,599–24,499 |
| Realme C75x | High refresh rate | ~5,000mAh | Fast charging | 108MP camera | 18,500–19,500 |
Making It Affordable: Lipa Mdogo Mdogo in Kenya
Many Kenyans prefer flexible payment options, and most of these phones are available through Lipa Mdogo Mdogo plans.
Typical offers include:
- Deposit: KSh 12,000–13,000
- Daily payments: around KSh 200–220
You can find these deals at Safaricom Shops, Lipa Mdogo Mdogo Centres, and authorised phone dealers across Kenya.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
- Best overall longevity: Samsung Galaxy A17
- Best battery life: Xiaomi Redmi 15 4G
- Best design & display: Tecno Spark 40 Pro+
- Best entertainment phone: Infinix Hot 60 Pro+
- Best camera on a budget: Realme C75x
There’s no single “perfect” phone — but in 2026, KES 25,000 is enough to get a genuinely good smartphone in Kenya if you choose based on what matters most to you.