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The smartphones market in Kenya is ever-growing with varieties in terms of branding and pricing meant to serve different market segments.
However, as much as the market is vibrant, there are only a handful of smartphone brands to choose from, from the likes of TECNO, Infinix, itel, Samsung, Apple, Huawei, Nokia and OPPO. Recently, we got Vivo and Xiaomi officially selling in the market but they are yet to catch on with the mass market.
However, not all of us are comfortable being part of the crowd. Some of us want to stand out, be noticed have people wonder which phone is that we have.
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While other markets in the Western part of the World and India, have the privilege of getting some really cool devices, a number of third-party resellers in Kenya have done us the favour of shipping in some cool devices, making them available much easier to enthusiasts.
Some of these brands are known, some may be totally new to you but the bottom line is, these are rare smartphones to find in Kenya but they are well worth it.
OnePlus 7 Pro
Image Courtesy TechRadar
The OnePlus brand is one that very few will recognize in Kenya. However, it’s probably the best smartphone you could ever buy, as an enthusiast or otherwise.
The device is nicknamed the flagship killer because of its favourable pricing compared to other smartphones with similar features. The OnePlus 7 Pro, in particular, is a beast, to say the least, but it also has its siblings, the OnePlus 7 and the recently announced OnePlus 7T which offers very similar specifications for an even lower price.
So what’s the downside of the device? Well, the camera might suck just a little bit compared to the likes of the Huawei Mate 30 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S10 and newer iPhones but who really cares?
Here are the specifications:
- Display: 6.67″ 1440p
- Camera: Triple 48MP + 8MP + 16MP and a 16MP pop-up selfie camera
- Software: Android 9.0 Pie (planned upgrade to Android 10)
- Memory: 6GB RAM + 128GB internal storage
- Processor: Snapdragon 855
- Battery: 4000mAh
- Stand-out feature: Fluid AMOLED display
Where to buy: Avechi for Kes.65,000
Google Pixel 3 XL
Image Courtesy Google
Some of you don’t even know Google makes smartphones and they are pretty good – definitely better than your home-key bearing iPhone. While the iPhone may be considered the king of the smartphone world, Google Pixel 3 is probably the best contender here.
This is because, like the iPhone, both the hardware and software come from the same company, which means that the integration, reliability and speed of updates are all spot on – something that most other Android devices fail to deliver.
While the software of the Pixel phone is one of its biggest selling points, the camera is definitely the reason you should buy the phone. Just keep in mind that it’s pretty ugly and Google doesn’t seem to really care.
Here are the specifications:
- Display: 6.3″ 1440p
- Camera: 12.2MP and a Dual 8MP + 8MP selfie camera
- Software: Already running Android 10
- Memory: 4GB RAM + 64GB internal storage
- Processor: Snapdragon 845
- Battery: 3430mAh
- Stand-out feature: Jaw-dropping camera
Where to buy: Gadgetworld International for Kes.75,000
BlackShark 2
Image Courtesy Xiaomi
This one is for gamers. A performance Xioami device that would excite very few people. There’s really nothing much to say about the phone aside from the fact that it is “ugly in a handsome way” and like we mentioned up there, it’s a gaming smartphone.
Here are the specifications:
- Display: 6.39″ 1080p
- Camera: Dual 48MP + 12MP and a 20MP selfie camera
- Software: Android 9.0 Pie
- Memory: 6GB RAM + 128GB internal storage
- Processor: Snapdragon 855
- Battery: 4000mAh
- Stand-out feature: It’s a gaming phone?
Where to buy: Gadgetworld International for Kes.75,000
Blackberry Key2
Image Courtesy Blackberry
The Blackberry Key2 is a device that might not be attractive to most, even the enthusiasts but it’s a phone we’d recommend to anyone who is paranoid about their privacy.
Being a Blackberry, you get all the bells and whistles of a business and privacy-oriented smartphone, despite the fact that it runs on Android. The phone does have it’s limitations, especially in the camera department but there are other cool features such as the full-size physical keyboard to get you the attention you so seek.
Here are the specifications:
- Display: 4.5″ 1080p
- Camera: Dual 12MP + 12MP and an 8MP selfie camera
- Software: Android 8.1 Oreo
- Memory: 6GB RAM + 128GB internal storage
- Processor: Snapdragon 660
- Battery: 3500mAh
- Stand-out feature: Physical keyboard
Where to buy: Phoneplace Kenya for Kes.64,500
Disclaimer: Gadgets Africa has no relation to any of the third-party resellers linked above. Their mention on this piece is purely based on merit and previous experience as actual customers. If you choose to purchase any device from them, kindly exercise caution and obtain a valid receipt from the sellers.
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