Beyond the price tag: 5 key things to look for before buying a new phone
Whether you are into content creation, mobile banking, TikTok, or remote work, a good phone needs to go beyond looks.
In today’s smartphone era, buying a new phone is no longer just about the price tag, it is a long-term investment in your digital life.
Whether you are into content creation, mobile banking, TikTok, or remote work, a good phone needs to go beyond looks. But with dozens of brands and models flooding the Kenyan market, it might get overwhelming for buyers.
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From flashy flagships to affordable beasts, how do you separate hype from value?
The Eastleigh Voice spoke to Nairobi-based phone analysts, sellers, and everyday users to break down five critical things to check before you swipe your card or send that M-Pesa.
1. Battery Life
“Most of my customers walk in and the first thing they ask is: How long can that phone stay without charge?” says Francis Mwangi, a phone seller at Tech Digital Kenya in Nairobi CBD.
Battery life remains a top priority, especially in areas with unreliable electricity or where heavy data use is involved. This is because heavy mobile users, especially content creators, remote workers, or gamers.
To them, battery life is not just a convenience, it is a necessity.
“These users often rely on their devices for long periods without consistent access to charging points. High-resolution video recording, streaming, multitasking, and running demanding apps can drain batteries quickly, making long-lasting performance essential.”
Mwangi says that phones with at least 4,500mAh battery capacity are recommended, while power users should aim for 5,000mAh or more.
“A 5,000mAh phone like the Infinix Note 30 or the Samsung M14 can comfortably last you more than a day even with heavy social media use,” says Francis.
Fast charging is also a game-changer, Mwangi says brands like Xiaomi, Tecno, and OnePlus now offer phones that can charge to 50% in under 20 minutes, ideal for busy Kenyans on the go.
“But if you opt for iPhones, prepare to deal with battery issues because iPhones can drain battery quickly due to background app activity, high screen brightness, constant location tracking, poor network signals, frequent notifications, heavy usage like gaming or video recording, outdated software, or degraded battery health over time.”
Mwangi warned that users should avoid buying refurbished or used phones, as they often come with reduced battery health, and anything below 100% indicates the battery has already experienced wear.
“You know this can lead to shorter usage times, faster drain, and the need for more frequent charging compared to a brand-new device.”
2. Camera quality: Do not be fooled by megapixels alone
In the Instagram and TikTok age, camera specs can make or break a phone's appeal. But more megapixels do not always mean better photos.
“People think 108MP must be the best, but they forget software is just as important,” says Joy Wangechi, a digital content creator based in Roysambu.
Wangechi says that when choosing a phone, look for features like Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) for steady videos, Night mode for better low-light photography, and wide-angle or macro lenses for shooting versatility, phones like the Samsung Galaxy A54 and iPhone 12 and newer offer strong camera setups in the midrange and flagship categories, respectively.
“So, a 12MP camera with high-quality hardware and smart software (like on an iPhone) can produce much better photos than a 108MP camera with weak image processing or a poor sensor. It's like having a great camera team vs. just a bigger camera, bigger doesn't always mean better.”
She noted that many Kenyans are swayed by the big megapixel phone companies' claims that make the camera good, they forget that the software and the hardware of the phone play a key role in camera operation.
3. RAM and storage
A 64GB phone in 2025 is like a matatu without fuel; it might look good, but it won't go far.
“With app sizes increasing and system updates eating into storage, 128GB is now the new minimum,” Mwangi adds.
Modern apps like games, editing tools, and social media platforms frequently exceed 1–2GB each, and with high-resolution photos, 4K videos, and offline downloads piling up, lower storage fills up fast, leaving users constantly managing space or relying on cloud backups.
When it comes to RAM, 6GB is now ideal for smooth multitasking, especially for users who frequently switch between apps like WhatsApp, YouTube, Chrome, Instagram and TikTok. More RAM means your phone can keep multiple apps running in the background without slowing down or reloading them constantly, offering a faster and more fluid experience.
Otherwise, if your phone keeps hanging, well, it is time for an upgrade.
“For heavy users or mobile gamers, even 8GB or more can make a noticeable difference in performance and app responsiveness. Phones with expandable storage are a plus, especially for users who take a lot of photos or videos, however, some brands (like Apple and some Xiaomi models) are moving away from memory card slots.”
4. Software and updates
Some budget phones come with outdated Android versions and no guarantee of future updates, exposing users to security risks and app incompatibility.
“When you buy a phone, you are also buying into an ecosystem, and not all brands take software seriously,” Francis warns.
Brands like Samsung, Google, and Nokia now offer 2 to 5 years of updates, even for mid-range devices. So, if you are buying an Android phone in 2025, make sure it comes with Android 13 or Android 13 or even newer, and confirm how long it will receive updates.
“Also, when the phone was launched matters; a phone released in 2023 that is still being sold new in 2025 may only have a couple of years of updates left, even if it comes with decent specs.”
“Newer launch models will likely have a longer support window, ensuring your device stays secure, compatible with the latest apps, and up-to-date with new features for a longer time. That is why you often see people rushing to buy the latest model, because they are buying convenience.”
He noted that Apple iPhones are ahead here, even an iPhone 11 (released in 2019) still gets updates in 2025.
5. Network and SIM support
Kenya is already laying the groundwork for 5G expansion, with Safaricom leading the charge. If you are buying a new phone in 2025, it makes sense to future-proof it and ensure it can access 5G.
“5G isn’t everywhere yet, but it's growing, and some areas like parts of Nairobi, Kisumu, and Nakuru already have coverage,” says David Odhiambo, a Safaricom engineer, during a past interview.
Phones like Samsung Galaxy A25 5G, Redmi Note 13 5G, and Tecno POVA 5G offer affordable entry points into 5G connectivity, often under Sh 35,000.
Dual SIM and eSIM support are also worth checking, especially for professionals who use two lines or travel frequently.
Francis advises that before purchasing a phone, it is crucial to switch it on and test it in-store before taking it home.
“In places like Nairobi, where phone-switching scams are unfortunately common, a phone that appears to be an Apple model on the outside could, once powered on, turn out to be a completely different brand like Itel,” he says.
“To avoid this, go into the phone’s settings and verify details like the model, operating system, and software version. This extra step ensures you’re getting the phone you paid for and not a counterfeit or swapped device.”
Always double-check the phone’s branding, operating system, and functionality before making the purchase.
When buying a phone today, it is not just about choosing the shiniest screen, phone colour, the camera position or the highest camera specs. It is about durability, performance, futureproofing, and value for money.
Look for a 1-year warranty and buy from support centres (of the phone model you want) to ensure you are getting value for your money.
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