₦airaland Forum

Sha make sure that you buy a brand new phone. My little advise.

sanniabiola:
Find Vivo service centre. Request for unbox v40, review the specs and make a decision. You are welcome

How much is the phone?

eagleonearth:
many iPhone users got theirs as a second hand.

I am currently thinking of getting an iPhone 13promax as a London/American used. It is up to half a million Nigerian Naira.

I don't care if it's UK or American used, I won't spend half a million Naira to buy a used phone even if it's an iPhone!

dettolgel:
Wait ooh no 100k phone that makes sense again in Nigeria?

Na so we see am oh!

vandertommy:
All of una bad pass politicians.

So wetin come warrant this insult now? Do I look like a seller to you? Instead of you to buy the said phones in bulk and start selling you are there throwing insults up and down.

nurudeen181:
I beg, don't try it o if you want peace of mind. Mine will make 1 month on the 6thbof June. It's nothing compared to my S10 and zte but those once were having off and on issues and broken screen respectively.. Redmi 15c is slow compared to those phones. Even when the ram is expanded to max

Redmi 15c is not redmi note 15.

I hope the people advising you to go for Pixel Phones have not forgotten to tell you that the same reason why you're avoiding Samsung Phones should be the same reason why you should avoid Pixel Phones too?

400k can easily get you a clean iPhone 13,you won’t be disappointed.
Just make sure you’re buying one without faults or changed parts.

shidof:
My budget is 300k to 400k Maximum, I want to get a good flagship phone to take good pictures, videos for my businesses social media content and for and heavy browsing

I wish to know which one to buy between the Samsung, Google Pixel pro or Iphone or other Android like Xiaomi, Pick

My fear for Samsung current is screen problems because of my kids, and I'm thinking getting good iPhones with good camera and batteries on such budget might be difficult.

Also, I have only come across few people using Google Pixel which makes it difficult for me to conclude easily and I'm not really conversant with the phone


Please for those who are experienced or have used any of the above, kindly advise the best choice for me based on my 300k-400k budget

I will be in the comment session.

Thanks

You cant go wrong with Samsung

Go sammy..

Gmekx:
Please prepare for a long read.

So, I decided to log back in after three years to respond to this because this is right up my alley. I’m a personal shopper for electronics and gadgets, and I’ve helped people source phones within different budgets.

First things first, your budget.

With the current state of the economy, 300k–400k is not the most comfortable budget if you are looking for a clean flagship phone. But can it still get you a very good phone with a good camera, good performance, and decent battery? Definitely yes. You just have to buy smart and avoid chasing only the name.

Now, about “flagship”.

There is always this constant debate about whether it is better to buy an old flagship or a newer budget/midrange phone, since they usually fall within the same price bracket. To be honest, it depends on the user.

Old flagships will usually give you better build quality, better display, better cameras, better video, and a more premium feel. But newer midrange or upper-midrange phones can give you better battery, newer software, less stress, and in some cases, better value for money.

Let me also add the Nigerian social context. We live in a society where people sometimes judge you based on packaging. Some people would rather hold an old iPhone or Samsung flagship because of the name, even when a less “loud” phone may actually serve them better. So if brand perception is very important to you, that may affect your choice. But if you are not daunted by that and you just want something that works well, then there are better value options.

My honest top pick for you would be a Poco F-series, or the Chinese variants like the Redmi K-series / Redmi Turbo series, if you can buy from a trusted seller.

I know some people may argue because Poco may not sound as “premium” as Samsung, iPhone, or Pixel, but based on your actual use case, heavy browsing, business social media content, pictures, videos, WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, editing, uploading, and general multitasking, Poco F-series or the Chinese Redmi K/Turbo variants make a lot of sense.

Why am I recommending them first?

They are fast and snappy. They do not do too much. You get very strong performance for the money, almost flagship-level speed depending on the model. Battery is usually okay to good, and they generally handle heavy use well.

I’ve personally been using my Poco F-series for over two years, so this is not just theory for me. I also just got a Redmi Turbo 4 16/512, which is basically the Chinese variant of the Poco X7 Pro, for my mum within your budget. For context, I bought a Poco X7 Pro 12/512 for almost 500k. So the Chinese variants can really give you better value if you buy well.

I’ve also attached some pictures taken with my Poco F6 so you can judge the camera output yourself. I’m not saying it will beat every Samsung, iPhone, or Pixel in camera consistency, but for the money, the camera is very usable, especially if you know how to work with lighting.

Another big advantage is maintenance. You mentioned kids and your fear about Samsung screen problems. That fear is valid. Samsung flagship screens can be very expensive to replace. iPhone parts are also not cheap. But with Poco/Redmi Chinese variants, parts are usually cheaper if you know how to source from China or you have someone who can help you source them. So if anything happens, the repair cost may not be as painful as a Samsung flagship screen replacement.

For your budget, you can check the Poco F-series, Redmi K-series, or Redmi Turbo series. Used or refurbished Chinese variants can sometimes give you better value than the global versions.

But please buy carefully. Make sure the network bands work well in Nigeria, Google services are working, the ROM is properly set up, the phone has not been badly repaired, and the seller gives you some form of warranty.

Now, the other options.

Samsung S-series / FE series

Within your budget, you may be looking at Samsung S22, S22+, and maybe S23 FE if you get a good deal. Samsung is a very safe option if you want a more polished camera, better video consistency, better display, and a more premium Android experience. For social media content, Samsung will generally do better than many midrange phones.

But your fear about screen problems is not baseless. If kids are around the phone often, then Samsung flagship screens can become a serious cost issue. Once the screen develops green line, shadow, touch issues, or breaks, repair can be expensive. So if you go Samsung, buy a very clean unit, check the screen very well, and use a strong case and good screen protector immediately.

Samsung A-series

I also have to mention the Samsung A-series, because many people may advise you to just buy a Samsung A-series phone instead of buying a used flagship or a Chinese variant.

But with Samsung A-series, the number matters a lot.

The A0-series, like A05/A06 and similar models, should not really be in this conversation if your focus is strong performance, business content creation, heavy browsing, and long-term satisfaction. They are more basic entry-level phones.

The A1/A2/A3-series can be okay depending on the model, but again, they are not really what I would pick first for your use case.

If you are going Samsung A-series, then you should be looking more at the A5-series, like A54, A55, or newer equivalents. That is where Samsung starts giving you a better display, better camera experience, better build, better software support, and a generally more polished experience.

For your 300k–400k budget, the Samsung A55 would most likely be used, not brand new, unless you get a very good deal or stretch the budget. A clean used A55 can make sense if you want Samsung’s brand trust, good display, decent cameras, software support, and a more familiar Android experience.

But even there, you need to be careful. A used A55 can sometimes cost close to what would get you a stronger used flagship or a better-performing Poco/Redmi K/Turbo variant. So you have to ask yourself what exactly you are paying for.

The A5-series gives you peace of mind, Samsung brand trust, and easier local support. That is a real advantage. But in raw performance and value-for-money, Poco F-series, Redmi K-series, or Redmi Turbo variants can still give you more power for the same money.

Also, Samsung repairs can still be expensive, especially screen repairs. So if you are buying A-series because you want peace of mind, try to get one with warranty. But also remember that warranty can add to your total cost, so calculate everything together before deciding.

So my view on Samsung A-series is this:

If you want Samsung name, warranty/local support, good display, and peace of mind, consider a clean A54/A55, especially A55 if you find one within budget.

But if you want the most performance and value for your 300k–400k, I would still put Poco F-series / Redmi K-series / Redmi Turbo series ahead.

iPhone

For iPhone, your budget will likely get you iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, iPhone 12, and with some luck, maybe iPhone 12 Pro. iPhones are very good for social media content, especially videos. Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and other apps usually handle iPhone camera uploads better than many Android phones.

But with this budget, you have to be careful. Battery health matters. Storage matters. For content creation, I would not advise 64GB unless you are very disciplined with storage. Also check Face ID, True Tone, camera, speaker, charging port, and whether the phone has been opened or repaired before. A badly repaired iPhone can frustrate you.

So yes, iPhone is good, but getting a good iPhone with strong battery, enough storage, and clean condition within 300k–400k may be difficult.

Google Pixel

Google Pixel is really good, especially if you care about photos. Pixel cameras are very strong, and their image processing is one of the best. You can look at Pixel 6, Pixel 7a, Pixel 8a, or Pixel Pro variants if you find a clean one within your budget.

But Pixels are more for enthusiasts, in my opinion. Battery capacity is usually not the best unless you go for the bigger Pro/XL variants. Also, in Nigeria, accessories, repairs, and resale may not be as easy as Samsung or iPhone. Since you already said you have not seen many people using Pixel and you are not conversant with it, I would only advise Pixel if you are buying from someone who really understands the phone and can give proper after-sales support.

Redmi/Xiaomi/Poco

I want to say don’t just buy any Redmi, but I have to explain why. The regular Redmi Note series being pushed around these days are not really what they used to be. I’ve used Redmi since the Note 9 series, and in my opinion, they have fallen off low-key in terms of value and overall feel.

So if you are going Xiaomi, I would rather you avoid the regular Redmi Note series and look more toward Poco F-series, Redmi K-series, or Redmi Turbo series. I would also avoid the Poco M-series if performance is important to you. The X-series can be okay, but if you can stretch to the F-series or the Chinese K/Turbo variants, that is where the better value is.

So my personal ranking for your budget would be:

1. Poco F-series / Redmi K-series / Redmi Turbo series , best overall value, speed, battery, and cheaper maintenance

2. Samsung S22+ / S23 FE , better camera and premium Android experience, but screen repair can be expensive

3. Samsung A54 / A55 , good Samsung experience, better software support and peace of mind, but not the best raw value if performance is your priority

4. iPhone 12 / 12 Pro , very good for social media videos, but battery, storage, and condition must be checked carefully

5. Google Pixel 7 / 7a / 8a / Pixel Pro variants , excellent photos, but battery, repairs, accessories, and resale may be concerns

My final advice: if you want the most practical phone for your money, I would start with a clean Poco F-series, Redmi K-series, or Redmi Turbo series from a trusted seller.

If camera/video polish is more important than speed and repair cost, then look at Samsung S-series/FE or iPhone.

If you want Samsung name, warranty/local support, and peace of mind, then consider a clean Samsung A55, but preferably with warranty.

If photography is your main thing and you don’t mind the Pixel ecosystem, then Pixel is also a good option.

But for your budget and your concern about kids/screen damage, I would personally go Poco/Redmi K/Turbo first, then Samsung/iPhone after.

One last thing, please note that prices of devices fluctuate a lot for reasons best known to the people selling them, and maybe because of RAM/storage shortages too. So don’t just buy based on model name. Buy based on the exact unit, condition, storage, battery, screen, repair history, ROM, network bands, and warranty.

Bro really preached. Message well received

Pootle:
Send me vendor details am is same shoe with the op,

Share the vendor information with me

GloriousGbola:
https://slot.ng/categories/phones-and-tablets

look at the samsung, redmi and poco phones within that range

avoid infinix and tecno

the main diff btw poco and xiaomi models appears to be that the xiaomi uses corning gorilla glass while the poco does not

this assumes you plan to buy brand new

Thanks

IyanAtiEgusi:
So u finally accepted content creation as ur calling

No be for me 😂

dettolgel:
Wait ooh no 100k phone that makes sense again in Nigeria?

Na torchlight you go buy

crossbreedwears:
With 400k, you can get Samsung ultra and you'd love it. You can also look up on Google for more research about good phones you can get for that range

Thanks

Gmekx:
Please prepare for a long read.

So, I decided to log back in after three years to respond to this because this is right up my alley. I’m a personal shopper for electronics and gadgets, and I’ve helped people source phones within different budgets.

First things first, your budget.

With the current state of the economy, 300k–400k is not the most comfortable budget if you are looking for a clean flagship phone. But can it still get you a very good phone with a good camera, good performance, and decent battery? Definitely yes. You just have to buy smart and avoid chasing only the name.

Now, about “flagship”.

There is always this constant debate about whether it is better to buy an old flagship or a newer budget/midrange phone, since they usually fall within the same price bracket. To be honest, it depends on the user.

Old flagships will usually give you better build quality, better display, better cameras, better video, and a more premium feel. But newer midrange or upper-midrange phones can give you better battery, newer software, less stress, and in some cases, better value for money.

Let me also add the Nigerian social context. We live in a society where people sometimes judge you based on packaging. Some people would rather hold an old iPhone or Samsung flagship because of the name, even when a less “loud” phone may actually serve them better. So if brand perception is very important to you, that may affect your choice. But if you are not daunted by that and you just want something that works well, then there are better value options.

My honest top pick for you would be a Poco F-series, or the Chinese variants like the Redmi K-series / Redmi Turbo series, if you can buy from a trusted seller.

I know some people may argue because Poco may not sound as “premium” as Samsung, iPhone, or Pixel, but based on your actual use case, heavy browsing, business social media content, pictures, videos, WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, editing, uploading, and general multitasking, Poco F-series or the Chinese Redmi K/Turbo variants make a lot of sense.

Why am I recommending them first?

They are fast and snappy. They do not do too much. You get very strong performance for the money, almost flagship-level speed depending on the model. Battery is usually okay to good, and they generally handle heavy use well.

I’ve personally been using my Poco F-series for over two years, so this is not just theory for me. I also just got a Redmi Turbo 4 16/512, which is basically the Chinese variant of the Poco X7 Pro, for my mum within your budget. For context, I bought a Poco X7 Pro 12/512 for almost 500k. So the Chinese variants can really give you better value if you buy well.

I’ve also attached some pictures taken with my Poco F6 so you can judge the camera output yourself. I’m not saying it will beat every Samsung, iPhone, or Pixel in camera consistency, but for the money, the camera is very usable, especially if you know how to work with lighting.

Another big advantage is maintenance. You mentioned kids and your fear about Samsung screen problems. That fear is valid. Samsung flagship screens can be very expensive to replace. iPhone parts are also not cheap. But with Poco/Redmi Chinese variants, parts are usually cheaper if you know how to source from China or you have someone who can help you source them. So if anything happens, the repair cost may not be as painful as a Samsung flagship screen replacement.

For your budget, you can check the Poco F-series, Redmi K-series, or Redmi Turbo series. Used or refurbished Chinese variants can sometimes give you better value than the global versions.

But please buy carefully. Make sure the network bands work well in Nigeria, Google services are working, the ROM is properly set up, the phone has not been badly repaired, and the seller gives you some form of warranty.

Now, the other options.

Samsung S-series / FE series

Within your budget, you may be looking at Samsung S22, S22+, and maybe S23 FE if you get a good deal. Samsung is a very safe option if you want a more polished camera, better video consistency, better display, and a more premium Android experience. For social media content, Samsung will generally do better than many midrange phones.

But your fear about screen problems is not baseless. If kids are around the phone often, then Samsung flagship screens can become a serious cost issue. Once the screen develops green line, shadow, touch issues, or breaks, repair can be expensive. So if you go Samsung, buy a very clean unit, check the screen very well, and use a strong case and good screen protector immediately.

Samsung A-series

I also have to mention the Samsung A-series, because many people may advise you to just buy a Samsung A-series phone instead of buying a used flagship or a Chinese variant.

But with Samsung A-series, the number matters a lot.

The A0-series, like A05/A06 and similar models, should not really be in this conversation if your focus is strong performance, business content creation, heavy browsing, and long-term satisfaction. They are more basic entry-level phones.

The A1/A2/A3-series can be okay depending on the model, but again, they are not really what I would pick first for your use case.

If you are going Samsung A-series, then you should be looking more at the A5-series, like A54, A55, or newer equivalents. That is where Samsung starts giving you a better display, better camera experience, better build, better software support, and a generally more polished experience.

For your 300k–400k budget, the Samsung A55 would most likely be used, not brand new, unless you get a very good deal or stretch the budget. A clean used A55 can make sense if you want Samsung’s brand trust, good display, decent cameras, software support, and a more familiar Android experience.

But even there, you need to be careful. A used A55 can sometimes cost close to what would get you a stronger used flagship or a better-performing Poco/Redmi K/Turbo variant. So you have to ask yourself what exactly you are paying for.

The A5-series gives you peace of mind, Samsung brand trust, and easier local support. That is a real advantage. But in raw performance and value-for-money, Poco F-series, Redmi K-series, or Redmi Turbo variants can still give you more power for the same money.

Also, Samsung repairs can still be expensive, especially screen repairs. So if you are buying A-series because you want peace of mind, try to get one with warranty. But also remember that warranty can add to your total cost, so calculate everything together before deciding.

So my view on Samsung A-series is this:

If you want Samsung name, warranty/local support, good display, and peace of mind, consider a clean A54/A55, especially A55 if you find one within budget.

But if you want the most performance and value for your 300k–400k, I would still put Poco F-series / Redmi K-series / Redmi Turbo series ahead.

iPhone

For iPhone, your budget will likely get you iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, iPhone 12, and with some luck, maybe iPhone 12 Pro. iPhones are very good for social media content, especially videos. Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and other apps usually handle iPhone camera uploads better than many Android phones.

But with this budget, you have to be careful. Battery health matters. Storage matters. For content creation, I would not advise 64GB unless you are very disciplined with storage. Also check Face ID, True Tone, camera, speaker, charging port, and whether the phone has been opened or repaired before. A badly repaired iPhone can frustrate you.

So yes, iPhone is good, but getting a good iPhone with strong battery, enough storage, and clean condition within 300k–400k may be difficult.

Google Pixel

Google Pixel is really good, especially if you care about photos. Pixel cameras are very strong, and their image processing is one of the best. You can look at Pixel 6, Pixel 7a, Pixel 8a, or Pixel Pro variants if you find a clean one within your budget.

But Pixels are more for enthusiasts, in my opinion. Battery capacity is usually not the best unless you go for the bigger Pro/XL variants. Also, in Nigeria, accessories, repairs, and resale may not be as easy as Samsung or iPhone. Since you already said you have not seen many people using Pixel and you are not conversant with it, I would only advise Pixel if you are buying from someone who really understands the phone and can give proper after-sales support.

Redmi/Xiaomi/Poco

I want to say don’t just buy any Redmi, but I have to explain why. The regular Redmi Note series being pushed around these days are not really what they used to be. I’ve used Redmi since the Note 9 series, and in my opinion, they have fallen off low-key in terms of value and overall feel.

So if you are going Xiaomi, I would rather you avoid the regular Redmi Note series and look more toward Poco F-series, Redmi K-series, or Redmi Turbo series. I would also avoid the Poco M-series if performance is important to you. The X-series can be okay, but if you can stretch to the F-series or the Chinese K/Turbo variants, that is where the better value is.

So my personal ranking for your budget would be:

1. Poco F-series / Redmi K-series / Redmi Turbo series , best overall value, speed, battery, and cheaper maintenance

2. Samsung S22+ / S23 FE , better camera and premium Android experience, but screen repair can be expensive

3. Samsung A54 / A55 , good Samsung experience, better software support and peace of mind, but not the best raw value if performance is your priority

4. iPhone 12 / 12 Pro , very good for social media videos, but battery, storage, and condition must be checked carefully

5. Google Pixel 7 / 7a / 8a / Pixel Pro variants , excellent photos, but battery, repairs, accessories, and resale may be concerns

My final advice: if you want the most practical phone for your money, I would start with a clean Poco F-series, Redmi K-series, or Redmi Turbo series from a trusted seller.

If camera/video polish is more important than speed and repair cost, then look at Samsung S-series/FE or iPhone.

If you want Samsung name, warranty/local support, and peace of mind, then consider a clean Samsung A55, but preferably with warranty.

If photography is your main thing and you don’t mind the Pixel ecosystem, then Pixel is also a good option.

But for your budget and your concern about kids/screen damage, I would personally go Poco/Redmi K/Turbo first, then Samsung/iPhone after.

One last thing, please note that prices of devices fluctuate a lot for reasons best known to the people selling them, and maybe because of RAM/storage shortages too. So don’t just buy based on model name. Buy based on the exact unit, condition, storage, battery, screen, repair history, ROM, network bands, and warranty.

Thanks for this detailed analysis, it worth reading, I really enjoyed it and highly appreciate it. You touched all the model, I learned a lot from it

Emeskhalifa:
So you want to settle for a second hand phone with that staggering amount?

I'm still exploring ni, I haven't decided yet but if it will be a second-hand phone, it will be either Samsung, iPhone or Pixel

Kemadealadire:
If you are going for Samsung or Google Pixel, just keep your money for screen replacement aside.

😂😂

Gerundphrase:
Buy galaxy s20 fe. I bought it 210k brand new to support my 14 Promax. But honestly na my 14 pro max dey support am

How's the camera?

brainycaleb:
I hope the people advising you to go for Pixel Phones have not forgotten to tell you that the same reason why you're avoiding Samsung Phones should be the same reason why you should avoid Pixel Phones too?

Like seriously 😳

Arda1000:
400k can easily get you a clean iPhone 13,you won’t be disappointed.
Just make sure you’re buying one without faults or changed parts.

Thanks

Onegai:
Thank you for this.

I'm also looking for a phone and this was helpful.

I've never heard of Poco brand before, will go and look it up if they're sold locally

Hey, if you want to source one, I can do this for you at no cost.

I'm trying to build my brand and I'd be sourcing gadgets for people for free till I'm grown

Gmekx:
If you'd like to source one, I can do this for you at no cost.

I'm trying to build my brand and I'd be sourcing gadgets for people for free till I'm grown

I'll be looking forward to your brand. I'll love you to source for me also

IamMobisola:
13promax currently goes for 450k

256gb I need it. I have 400k

SamuraiXXX:
I don't care if it's UK or American used, I won't spend half a million Naira to buy a used phone even if it's an iPhone!

That is you. I am getting that phone asap.

shidof:
Thanks

Goodluck

shidof:
I'll be looking forward to your brand. I'll love you to source for me also

Sent an email with my number. Cheers

Gmekx:
Sent an email with my number. Cheers

Thanks

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