Best Smartphones Under ₦100,000 in Nigeria Right Now

 

Navigating the Nigerian smartphone market, especially with a budget of under ₦100,000, can feel like a daunting task. Economic realities, including fluctuating exchange rates and rising import costs, have significantly impacted the prices of essential gadgets. However, despite these challenges, several smartphone brands continue to offer incredible value, packing decent performance, good battery life, and usable cameras into devices that won’t break the bank.

This comprehensive guide is meticulously curated to help you identify the best smartphones under ₦100,000 in Nigeria right now in July 2025. Whether you’re a student needing a reliable device for online learning, a small business owner requiring a capable communication tool, or simply someone looking for a dependable daily driver without spending a fortune, this list has you covered. We’ll delve into the features that matter most and highlight devices that truly offer the best value for money smartphone in this competitive segment.

 

Understanding the ₦100,000 Smartphone Segment in Nigeria

 

The under ₦100,000 price point in Nigeria primarily houses entry-level smartphones. While you shouldn’t expect flagship-level performance or premium materials, modern budget phones have come a long way. They are more than capable of handling everyday tasks like Browse, social media, light gaming, and essential communication.

 

Key Considerations for Budget Phones

 

When shopping for a smartphone in this price range, it’s crucial to manage expectations and focus on the core functionalities that deliver the most impact:

• Battery Life: A large battery is often prioritized in budget phones, ensuring you get through a full day, or even more, on a single charge.
• Display: Look for decent screen size (typically 6.5 inches and above) with acceptable resolution (HD+ is common) for comfortable viewing. A higher refresh rate (90Hz) is a bonus for smoother scrolling.
• Performance: While high-end gaming is out of the question, a capable processor (like Unisoc T606 or MediaTek Helio G36) paired with at least 3GB or 4GB of RAM (often expandable virtually) can provide a smooth user experience for everyday apps.
• Storage: 64GB or 128GB of internal storage is ideal, ideally with expandable storage via a microSD card slot.
• Camera: Expect capable cameras for casual photography and social media. Don’t anticipate professional-grade shots, but many budget phones offer surprisingly decent daylight performance.
• Software: Most phones in this range run on Android Go Edition or a lightweight version of Android, optimized for smoother performance on less powerful hardware.

 

The Dominance of Transsion Brands and Xiaomi

 

Brands like Tecno, Infinix (both from Transsion Holdings), and Xiaomi (including their Poco sub-brand) consistently dominate the budget smartphone segment in Nigeria. They achieve this by offering competitively priced devices with compelling specifications, often leveraging extensive distribution networks and financing options like EasyBuy to make phones more accessible to a wider audience. Samsung also has a presence with its A-series budget offerings.

 

Our Top Picks: Best Smartphones Under ₦100,000 in Nigeria 2025

 

Based on current market trends, user reviews, and value proposition, here are some of the best smartphones you can acquire in Nigeria for less than ₦100,000 right now. Prices are approximate and subject to change based on retailers and ongoing promotions.

 

1. Tecno POP 8 (Approx. ₦94,000 – ₦98,000)

 

The Tecno POP series consistently delivers strong contenders in the budget segment, and the POP 8 is no exception. It’s a fantastic all-rounder for its price.

• Key Features:
  • 6.6-inch HD+ Display with 90Hz Refresh Rate: A standout feature at this price point, offering noticeably smoother scrolling and a more fluid user experience compared to standard 60Hz displays.
  • Unisoc T606 Processor: Provides reliable performance for daily tasks, social media, and light gaming.
  • 4GB RAM (expandable) + 64GB/128GB Storage: Sufficient for multitasking and storing a good amount of apps and media, with room for expansion via microSD.
  • 5000mAh Battery: Guarantees excellent endurance, easily lasting a full day or even two for moderate users.
  • Stereo Speakers: A rare find in this price range, enhancing the audio experience for media consumption.
  • Dual Rear Camera (8MP main): Decent for well-lit photos.
• Why it’s essential: The 90Hz display and stereo speakers truly elevate the user experience, making it feel more premium than its price suggests. It’s a strong contender for the best student phone Nigeria needs.

 

2. Infinix Smart 8 (Approx. ₦94,000 – ₦98,000)

 

Another strong offering from Transsion Holdings, the Infinix Smart 8 is a direct competitor to the Tecno POP 8, focusing on balanced performance and modern design.

• Key Features:
  • 6.6-inch HD+ Display with 90Hz Refresh Rate: Also offers a smooth visual experience.
  • Unisoc T606 Processor: Reliable performance for daily tasks.
  • 4GB RAM (expandable) + 64GB/128GB Storage: Good memory configuration for a budget device.
  • 5000mAh Battery with 10W Charging: Excellent battery life to keep you powered throughout the day.
  • 13MP Main Camera: Offers slightly higher megapixel count than some rivals, delivering crisp photos in good lighting.
  • Modern Design and Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Contemporary aesthetics and convenient security.
• Why it’s essential: Offers a well-rounded package with a focus on display fluidity and a solid camera for its segment. It’s a great choice if you prioritize a sleek design.

 

3. Xiaomi Redmi A3x (Approx. ₦86,000 – ₦89,000)

 

Xiaomi’s Redmi A-series consistently delivers compelling budget devices, and the Redmi A3x is a testament to that. It’s known for its clean Android experience and reliable performance.

• Key Features:
  • 6.71-inch HD+ Display with 90Hz Refresh Rate: A large screen for immersive viewing, combined with smooth scrolling.
  • Unisoc T603 Processor: A capable chip for everyday usage.
  • 3GB/4GB RAM + up to 128GB Storage (expandable): Sufficient memory options for most users.
  • 5000mAh Battery: Ensures impressive battery longevity.
  • 8MP Dual Rear Camera: Decent for basic photography.
  • Android 14 (Go Edition): Offers a clean, optimized software experience.
• Why it’s essential: The Redmi A3x stands out with its large 90Hz display and a near-stock Android experience, making it a very appealing option for those who prefer simplicity and smooth software. It’s a reliable choice amongcheap Android phones in Nigeria.

 

4. Itel A80 (Approx. ₦86,000 – ₦89,000)

 

Itel has carved a niche for itself by offering highly affordable smartphones that cater to the mass market. The A80 continues this tradition, providing robust features for its price point.

• Key Features:

  • 6.7-inch HD+ Display with 120Hz Refresh Rate: An incredibly impressive refresh rate for this price, offering ultra-smooth visuals.

  • Unisoc T603 Processor: Handles daily tasks efficiently.

  • 4GB RAM (expandable) + 128GB Storage: Generous storage and RAM for the price, reducing the need for constant memory management.
  • 5000mAh Battery with 10W Charging: Excellent battery life for extended use.
  • 50MP Rear Camera: A surprisingly high megapixel count, which can lead to more detailed photos in good lighting conditions.
• Why it’s essential: The Itel A80 pushes boundaries with its 120Hz display and 50MP camera at an incredibly accessible price, making it a strong contender for those who prioritize a smooth screen and photo capabilities on a tight budget.

 

5. HMD Aura (Approx. ₦98,000 – ₦102,000) (Borderline but worth considering)

 

While it might slightly tip over the ₦100,000 mark at some retailers, the HMD Aura (formerly Nokia’s budget line) often hovers just above or around this price point, making it a worthy consideration for its build quality and clean Android experience.

• Key Features:
  • 6.56-inch HD+ Display: Decent screen size for general use.
  • Unisoc T606 Processor: Provides stable performance.
  • 4GB RAM + 64GB Storage (expandable): Standard configuration for smooth daily use.
  • 5000mAh Battery: Dependable battery life.
  • Focus on Clean Android and Durability: HMD phones are known for their less bloated Android experience and robust build, offering a reliable, no-frills device.
• Why it’s essential: For users who value a clean software experience, timely updates (for an entry-level device), and dependable build quality, the HMD Aura provides a solid choice, often with a subtle design that appeals to many.

Tips for Making the Best Purchase

 

• Compare Prices: Always check multiple reputable retailers (online and offline) like Jumia, Slot, Pointek, and local phone markets for the best deals. Prices can fluctuate.
• Check Warranty: Ensure the phone comes with a valid manufacturer’s warranty for peace of mind.
• Read Reviews: Look for recent reviews, especially from Nigerian users, to get a sense of real-world performance and any localized issues.
• Consider Your Needs: Prioritize features that are most important to you. If camera is key, focus on that. If battery life is crucial, prioritize phones with larger batteries.
• Financing Options: Explore installment payment options offered by some retailers or platforms like EasyBuy if upfront payment is a challenge.

 

Dailymore Tech: Great Value is Still Possible in 2025

Despite the economic pressures, the Nigerian smartphone market continues to offer compelling choices for under ₦100,000 in July 2025. Brands like Tecno, Infinix, Xiaomi, and Itel are leading the charge, ensuring that access to a reliable smartphone remains within reach for a vast majority of the population. By focusing on your core needs and considering the options highlighted in this guide, you can confidently select a device that delivers excellent performance and exceptional value, proving that a fantastic smartphone experience doesn’t always require a hefty investment.