Seven things to check before buying a budget Android phone

The budget phone market is where most East Africans actually live, and it is also where marketing is loudest. Here is a short checklist that cuts through it.

1. Software update promise

A phone that stops receiving security updates after a year is a liability. Look for at least two years of OS upgrades.

2. RAM over camera megapixels

Four gigabytes is the floor for a phone you expect to use in 2028. Camera megapixel counts tell you almost nothing.

3. Charging speed and battery

A 5000 mAh battery is standard now. What differs is how fast it charges. Check the wattage and whether the charger is in the box.

4. Network bands

Confirm the phone supports the 4G bands your operator uses. This is the single most common cause of "my data is slow" complaints.

5. Storage type

UFS storage is noticeably faster than eMMC. It affects how quickly apps open more than the processor does.

6. Screen brightness

You will use this phone outdoors. Anything under 450 nits will be hard to read in sunlight.

7. Repairability and parts

Ask a local repair shop if they can source a screen. If they cannot, factor that into the price.