Top 10 cheapest 5G smartphones in Nigeria right now

Between August 2022 and the present, three network operators have introduced 5G services in Nigeria. MTN led the way as the first to launch, followed by Mafab Communications, and most recently, Airtel.

While the coverage of 5G services hasn’t been as extensive as that of 4G, individuals within the coverage areas still require compatible devices to fully experience the benefits of 5G, which is touted to provide speeds up to 100 times faster than 4G.

To address the potential shortage of 5G mobile phones, these operators have begun offering 5G routers. However, this solution doesn’t cater to those who wish to experience 5G while on the move, underscoring the importance of having a 5G-enabled device.

Prior to the initial 5G network launch, a few 5G phones were available for purchase in Nigeria, although their prices were not as affordable as 4G phones. Even with major Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) releasing their 5G devices in the Nigerian market, prices have remained relatively high. This trend can be attributed in part to the significant devaluation of the Nigerian naira, resulting in a nearly 1:1000 exchange rate with the US dollar.

Despite the increase in prices, there are still reasonably priced brand-new 5G smartphones available in Nigeria, primarily priced under N200,000. These options span various brands, from Samsung to Tecno. Here is a list of the top 10 most affordable 5G phones in Nigeria as of the current month:

1. Tecno Spark 10 5G (N142,000) The Tecno Spark 10 5G offers budget-friendly 5G connectivity, featuring a 6.6-inch HD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate, MediaTek Dimensity 6020 processor, 4GB/8GB RAM, 64GB/128GB storage, a 50MP main camera, 8MP ultrawide camera, and a 2MP macro camera. It is powered by a 5000mAh battery with 18W fast charging support.

2. Redmi Note 11S (N150,000) Announced in January 2022, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G boasts Android 11, a 6.60-inch IPS LCD display, MediaTek MT6833P Dimensity 810 processor, a 50MP main rear camera, a 13MP front camera, and a 5000mAh battery with 33W fast charging.

3. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G (N153,272) The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 5G, released in January 2023, features a 6.6-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, MediaTek Dimensity 810 processor, 4GB/6GB/8GB RAM, 64GB/128GB/256GB storage, a 50MP main camera, 8MP ultrawide camera, and a 2MP macro camera. It includes a 5000mAh battery with 33W fast charging.

4. Samsung Galaxy A14 5G (N170,000) Released in January 2023, the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G offers a 6.6-inch FHD+ display, MediaTek Dimensity 700 processor, 4GB/6GB RAM, 64GB/128GB storage, a 50MP main camera, 5MP ultrawide camera, 2MP macro camera, and a 13MP selfie camera. Its battery capacity is 5000mAh, supporting 15W fast charging.

5. Samsung Galaxy M33 5G (N170,000 – N180,000) The Samsung Galaxy M33 5G features Samsung’s 5nm Exynos 1280 processor, 6GB/8GB RAM, 128GB internal storage, a 6.6-inch LCD display with Full HD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. It is equipped with a 5000mAh battery and a 50MP main camera, 5MP ultra-wide lens, 2MP depth-sensing camera, and a 2MP macro camera. The front camera is 8MP.

6. OPPO A74 5G (N180,000) Powered by a Snapdragon 480 5G processor with 6GB RAM and 128GB internal memory, the OPPO A74 5G runs Android 11 and features a 6.5-inch LTPS IPS LCD 90Hz display. It has a Quad (48MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP) rear camera setup, a 16MP selfie camera, and a 5000mAh battery with 18W fast charging.

7. Infinix Note 12 Pro 5G (N197,400) Released in July 2022, the Infinix Note 12 Pro 5G runs on Android 12 and is powered by Mediatek MT6833P Dimensity 810 processor. It offers a 6.7-inch AMOLED screen with 1080 x 2400 pixels resolution, a 108MP main camera, 2MP depth cameras, and a 16MP front camera. The battery capacity is 5000mAh.

8. Nokia X20 (N200,000 – N255,000) The Nokia X20 5G features a 64MP rear quad camera with ZEISS Optics and a 32MP selfie camera. It has a 6.67-inch IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen display, 128GB internal storage, and supports 6GB/8GB RAM. It is powered by the Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G Octa-core processor and a 4470mAh battery with 18W fast charging.

9. Nokia G60 (N207,000) The Nokia G60 5G runs on Android 12 and features a 6.58-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It includes a 50MP triple camera with Nokia’s AI technology, a 4500mAh battery, and memory variants of 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, and 128GB 6GB RAM.

10. Tecno Camon 20 Pro 5G (N239,000) Released in May 2023, the Tecno Camon 20 Pro 5G boasts a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, MediaTek Dimensity 8050 processor, 8GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, a 64MP main camera, 8MP ultrawide camera, 2MP macro camera, and a 32MP selfie camera. It includes a 5000mAh battery with 33W fast charging support.

Please be aware that these prices and models are accurate as of this month and may be subject to change based on market conditions and availability.