When Safaricom first entered the Kenyan smartphone Market in April 2014, it marked the start of a new era, especially with Smartphone connectivity in the Country. Even as the digital revolution continues today, many Kenyans still lack smartphone access. Smartphone penetration in Kenya is 61% of an estimated population of 51.58 million, meaning that only about 31.5% own smartphones (Statista).
However, the good news is that owning a smartphone is still accessible as Safaricom still markets many top-notch brands, including Tecno, Oppo, and Xiaomi models, as well as high-end models such as Samsung and iPhones. There are many models that you can consider for those who are looking for affordable Safaricom Shop phones under Ksh 20,000. But for daily Kenyan users who may not understand which phone to buy, this guide is for you.
Below, we have covered all the Safaricom phones available on the Masoko marketplace below the 20K mark.
Top Phones Under 20k on Masoko
Below are the top-selling smartphones that are offered on Masoko in 2025:
Tecno Spark 30
The Spark 30 is among the latest offerings on the Tecnos marketplace and is only available at a starting price of Ksh 17,999. The smartphone excels in everything, especially the camera side, where it comes with 64 MP. Various online reviews suggest the camera produces crystal clear photos. Therefore, in photography, this a smartphone that you should consider. On the bright side, you also get a powerful MediaTek Helio G91Processor,8GB RAM and 128GB External Storage.
Samsung A06
Even though the Samsung A06 is not very different from the Galaxy A05. It is one of the smartphones you should consider on Masoko at only a starting price of Ksh 14,009. If you are looking for a phone to keep you with enough power, then this model stands with its 5000mAh with a 25W fast charging. It also has a modest 6.7-inch LCD display, a 50MP primary camera on the back, and an 8MP selfie on the front.
Neon Ultra 2
The Neon Ultra 2 is a Kenyan smartphone manufactured by Safaricom PLC. It is also one of the cheapest Safaricom phones, currently starting at Ksh 9,999. If you are on a tight budget and want a smartphone that can access the intent and still shines in other areas, such as the camera and the design level, then it is worth giving the Ultra 2 a chance.
Well, these are just but a few models that we have personally identified on the Masoko platform that we think should give them a try. The platform offers close to 10 plus smartphones; we have listed them in the table along with their features and key specs and prices:
| No. | Phone Model | Display | RAM | Storage | Main Camera | Front Camera | Battery | Price (KES) | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Samsung Galaxy A15 | 6.4″ | 4GB | 128GB | 50MP + 5MP + 2MP | 13MP | 5000mAh | 20,709 | 2 years |
| 2 | Tecno Spark 20 Pro | 6.78″ | 8GB | 256GB | 108MP + 2MP | 32MP | 5000mAh | 23,690 | 1 year |
| 3 | Xiaomi Redmi 14C (Black) | 6.88″ | 8GB | 256GB | 50MP + 2MP + 0.08MP | 13MP | 5160mAh | 16,799 | 1 year |
| 4 | Xiaomi Redmi 14C (Blue) | 6.88″ | 6GB | 128GB | 50MP + 2MP + 0.08MP | 13MP | 5160mAh | 14,999 | 1 year |
| 5 | Itel S24 | 6.6″ | 4GB | 128GB | 108MP | 8MP | 5000mAh | 15,700 | 1 year |
| 6 | Samsung Galaxy A05 | 6.7″ | 4GB | 64GB | 50MP + 2MP | 8MP | 5000mAh | 13,400 | 2 years |
| 7 | Itel A70 | 6.6″ | 3GB | 128GB | 13MP | 8MP | 5000mAh | 10,580 | 1 year |
| 8 | Tecno Pop 9 | 6.67″ | 3GB | 128GB | 13MP + 0.08MP | 8MP | 5000mAh | 12,329 | 1 year |
| 9 | Tecno Pop 8 | 6.6″ | 2GB | 64GB | 13MP | 8MP | 5000mAh | 11,279 | 1 year |
| 10 | Neon Ultra 2 | 6.75″ | 4GB | 64GB | 8MP + 16MP | 5100mAh | 9,999 | 1 year | |
| 11 | Xiaomi Redmi A3X | 6.71″ | 4GB | 128GB | 8MP + 0.08MP | 5MP | 5000mAh | 12,750 | 1 year |
| 12 | Vivo Y03 | 6.56″ | 4GB | 128GB | 13MP + 0.08MP | 5MP | 5000mAh | 16,700 | 1 year |
| 13 | Infinix Smart 8 | 6.6″ | 3GB | 64GB | 13MP + AI lens | 8MP | 5000mAh | 13,562 | 1 year |
| 14 | Realme C30s | 6.5″ | 3GB | 64GB | 8MP | 5MP | 5000mAh | 10,165 | 1 year |
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Phone
Surprisingly, when shopping for a new phone, most of us overlook what it offers fully and only focus on a few things, such as the camera quality and storage space, forgetting many aspects that make a phone stand out. Therefore, to assist you in making the best purchase decision, below are some key factors to consider when shopping for a phone below 20K in 2025:
Camera Quality
For those looking for a phone focusing on taking better images, camera quality should be a priority. However, suppose you are quick to make an awful decision that most make just by concentrating on the Megapixels alone. In that case, you will be disappointed that the higher Megapixels do not necessarily mean the phone can take better images. You should also pay attention to features like sensors for capturing light, lenses for Zoom and aperture features, and even Video stabilization.
Battery Life
One of the most frustrating experiences with a smartphone is a short battery life. When shopping for a new phone, it’s essential to look for a model that can last at least 10 hours of continuous usage. A battery capacity of at least 2,000 mAh is a good benchmark. Additionally, consider a phone with fast charging capabilities or even wireless charging, although the latter is rare at this price point. By prioritizing battery life, you can ensure uninterrupted usage and peace of mind.
Processor
The Processor and operating system are the backbone of any phone, dictating its performance and speed. At this price point, it’s best to focus on Android systems, as iOS is typically out of reach. Look for a powerful processor from reputable brands like MediaTek or Qualcomm to ensure your phone can handle multitasking without lag. By understanding the importance of the Processor, you can make a more informed decision and ensure your phone meets your performance needs.
Storage Capacity
Extrera phone storage is essential today, especially when we live in an age where our smartphones have become like a daily dose. When looking for storage, this narrows down to your needs, like what you want to do with the smartphone. Phones have different storage today, with the minimum being 32GB, but you can also find 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, etc, if you are willing to spend more. On a Ksh 20k budget, most offer below 64GB external storage, but you can supplement them with MICRO SD cards if they are insufficient. On top of storage, a phone considers its RAM or system memory; 2GB or 4 GB is fair enough at that price point.
Display
The display of a phone provides you with a good gaming experience. Here, for any activity you want to use the phone for, we recommend at least 5.7 inches or a phone with a large and higher screen resolution. There are two display types for Android phones: LCD and AMOLED. However, the last option is the best since AMOLEDs offer the best colors, as well as deep blacks. Lastly, the device’s refresh rate should also be considered; high refresh rates such as 90Hz and 120Hz provide smoother scrolling and animations.
Masoko and Lipa Mdogo Mdogo
Masoko is an e-commerce platform owned by Safaricom PLC (Kenya’s largest telecommunication company). It was founded on March 26, 2018, to enable Kenyans to purchase many electronic products, from phones to laptops to gaming devices. The best thing about Masoko is that its prices are usually lower than those of retail and wholesale.
How to Buy a Phone on Masoko
Buying a phone on Masoko is a simple process; all you need to do is follow the Process below:
- Visit the Masoko website or download the Masoko app.
- Browse the available phones or use the search function to find a specific model.
- Select the phone you want to purchase and add it to your cart.
- Next, Proceed to checkout and choose your preferred payment method.
- Enter your delivery details and confirm your order.
Masoko offers the following features or rather capabilities while using their platform:
- Many payment options from M-Pesa, Bank Cards, and even Lipa Na Bonga Points
- For all the Products you purchase, there is a warranty
- Safe and Secure same-day delivery within Nairobi
- Free returns/exchanges within 7 days
Safaricom Lipa Mdogo Mdogo
Safaricom launched the Lipa Mdogo Mdogo just two years after launching the Masoko platform through a direct partnership with Google. This initiative allows Kenyans to pay as little as Ksh 20 daily to own a 4G smartphone. Phone Purhase happens at either Various Safaricom Shops in the country or through the Masoko online platform. To be eligible for Lipa Mdogo Mdogo Safaricom phones, you must be a Kenyan citizen above 18 years old, have used a Safaricom number for over a year, and have not been listed on the CRB.
Conclusion
And there you have it. When it comes to securing the best phones below 20k, there are some pretty worthy smartphone models that you can look up to. These phones range from Samsung, Xiaomi, itel, Infinix, Tecno, etc. The best part is that you can acquire them through Safaricom Shops or the Masoko platform at affordable prices.
