Shopping for the cheapest smartphones in Nigeria today means working with a new price reality. Few years ago, ₦50,000 was enough to buy a functional smartphone in Nigeria. Not a great one, but one that handled WhatsApp, social media, and calls without embarrassing itself. That number no longer means what it once did. A combination of inflation and exchange rate shifts has pushed the entry floor for a decent smartphone to around ₦75,000 in 2026. Anything below that and you are looking at hardware that will frustrate you within the first month.
This list works within that new reality. It covers ten phones currently available in Nigeria across two price brackets, what each one actually does well, and what to check before you hand over your money.
Smartphones Below ₦100,000
These phones are built for the basics. WhatsApp, calls, social media browsing, and not much more. Most run Android Go Edition, a lighter version of Android designed to stay responsive on lower RAM configurations. Do not expect camera performance or heavy multitasking from anything in this bracket.
1. Itel A06 — ₦75,300 to ₦81,000
The Itel A06 is the most affordable entry point on this list. It runs 2GB RAM with 32GB storage and a 4000mAh battery. It is a first smartphone or a backup device, nothing more. If you are buying this for a parent who needs WhatsApp and phone calls, it does that job without complaint.
2. Itel A90 — ₦84,900 to ₦95,000
The A90 steps up with 3GB RAM, 64GB storage, and a 6.6-inch 90Hz display. That screen refresh rate is impressive at this price point and makes scrolling feel noticeably smoother than most phones in this range. It is the better pick for anyone prioritising screen experience on the smallest possible budget.
3. Redmi A3x — ₦89,900 to ₦98,000
Xiaomi’s entry into this bracket brings 3GB RAM and 64GB storage in a cleaner design than what Itel produces at this price. The Redmi A3x runs MIUI, which some users prefer over the software experience on Itel and Tecno devices. If brand familiarity with Xiaomi is a factor, this is the pick.
4. Infinix Smart HD 2025/2026 — ₦92,000 to ₦99,000
The Infinix Smart HD brings 2GB RAM and 32GB storage, which on paper puts it below the Redmi A3x. What it trades in processing headroom it makes up for in battery. The 5000mAh cell makes it a practical choice for students and anyone spending long hours away from a power outlet.
5. Tecno POP 8 Basic Edition — ₦97,600 to ₦105,000
The POP 8 Basic Edition sits at the top of this tier with 2GB RAM and 64GB storage. Its standout feature is dual speakers, which makes it a better option for video watching than anything else in this bracket. If audio output is a priority and budget is firm, this is worth the extra spend over the Itel A06.
Smartphones Above ₦100,000 to ₦130,000
Moving into this bracket changes the conversation. You get 50MP cameras, USB Type-C charging, faster displays, and in some cases 4GB RAM. These are phones you can actually use productively, not just for communication.
6. Poco C71 — ₦101,000 to ₦110,000
The Poco C71 is the performance pick at the bottom of this tier. It runs Android 15 out of the box with 3GB RAM and 64GB storage. Poco’s reputation for pushing performance at low price points holds here. For buyers who want the most responsive software experience available under ₦115,000, this is the one.
7. Itel A80 — ₦109,000 to ₦115,000
The Itel A80 makes a compelling case for value with 3GB RAM, 128GB storage, and a 50MP main camera. That storage capacity at this price is difficult to match, and 128GB means you are unlikely to run out of space in any normal usage pattern. It is the cheapest path to high storage and a capable camera on this list.
8. Tecno POP 9 — ₦111,600 to ₦125,000
The POP 9 is available in 3GB and 4GB RAM configurations with 128GB storage across both. The headline feature is a 120Hz display, which at this price bracket is exceptional. Scrolling and animations feel fluid in a way that more expensive phones from two years ago could not match. If screen smoothness is your priority, the POP 9 is the best option in this tier.
9. Samsung Galaxy A06 — ₦119,000 to ₦128,000
Samsung’s entry here brings 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, and a 6.7-inch display. The storage is lower than the Tecno POP 9 at a higher price, but the Samsung name carries weight for a specific reason: resale value. Samsung devices hold their value better than most other brands in this list, and for buyers who plan to upgrade in 12 to 18 months, that resale advantage is worth factoring in.
10. Infinix Smart 8 — ₦122,000 to ₦130,000
The Smart 8 closes the list with 4GB RAM and 128GB storage. It includes Infinix’s Magic Ring notification system, a feature that sits around the front camera and lights up for alerts and charging status. It is a modern-feeling device that multitasks competently and looks more premium than its price suggests.
Three Things to Check Before You Buy
Virtual RAM is not the same as real RAM.
Many of these phones advertise “up to 8GB RAM” on their box or product listing. In most cases, that figure combines 4GB of physical RAM with 4GB of virtual RAM borrowed from your storage. Virtual RAM is slower and not a substitute for the real thing. Always confirm the physical RAM figure before purchasing.
Check the charging port
USB Type-C has become the standard, and for good reason. Micro-USB cables are increasingly hard to find and the port wears out faster. Every phone on this list uses Type-C, but if you are considering any device not on this list, verify the port type before you commit.
Do not expect 5G in this price range
Every phone on this list is 4G LTE. That is not a flaw at this price point, 4G remains perfectly adequate for streaming, calls, and browsing across Nigeria’s current network infrastructure. 5G availability in Nigeria remains limited, and the price premium for 5G hardware does not make sense until you are spending above ₦200,000.
Nigeria’s budget smartphone market has shifted, but it has not collapsed. The phones on this list prove that ₦75,000 to ₦130,000 still buys something worth owning. You just need to know exactly what you are paying for before the money leaves your hand.
