When it comes to picking a budget-friendly Android device in Nigeria, users get stuck in the limbo of either getting a device that is budget-friendly but lacks capabilities or going for a much older device, which tends to lag when it comes to recent os updates. In this article, we will be looking at the top 5 cheapest Android phones you can get without breaking the bank.
Best overall – Samsung s10e 
The base model of the Samsung S10e, this device was launched in March 2019, which makes it a much older device. But why is a 5-year-old mobile phone on our list as the best overall? The Samsung S10e is the best for its budget at around 160,000 ($100). The Samsung S10 packs a lot of punch for a base model device.
Key features include
- 4g LTE
- Fingerprint sensor on the side
- Always on display
- 5.8 inches dynamic amoled capacitive touch screen 1440 x 2280 pixels
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 (China/USA) / Exynos 9820 (8nm) EMEA/LATAM
- CPU octa-core (2×2.73 GHz mongoose M4 & 2×2. 31 GHz cortex- A75 & 4×1.95 GHz cortex – A55) – EMEA/LATAM / Octa-core (1×2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3×2.42 GHz kryo 485 & 4×1.78 GHz Kryo 485) – USA/CHINA
- 6GB/8GB RAM
- 128GB/256GB of storage
- Non-removable 3100 mAh Li-ion battery
How well does this mobile phone perform in 2025?
The Samsung S10e, even in 2025, is still a bang for the buck compared to other mobile phones in its price range. The Samsung S10e seems to perform a whole lot better and faster as regards program running, but definitely not high-end program running, but will definitely get the job done.
Should you buy the Samsung S10e in 2025?
Yes, you should buy the Samsung S10e if you are looking for a mobile device that can perform and also save you a lot of money. For its price, it’s an absolute steal.
First runner up – Samsung galaxy AO6
For around 135,000 ($60), you could pick up one of the most affordable Galaxy devices around today. The Samsung AO6 was launched in August 2024 as a budget-friendly device, but with less power than the Samsung S10e from 6 years ago.
Key features include
- Octa-core – 2× Cortex‑A75 @2.0 GHz + 6× Cortex‑A55 @1.8 GHz CPU
- 4 GB RAM + 64/128 GB storage; or 6 GB + 128 GB
- MediaTek Helio G85 (12 nm) chipset
- 50 MP (f/1.8, wide, AF) + 2 MP MAIN CAMERA
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor
- Fast charging of up to 20W
- Non-removable 5000 mAh battery
How well does the Samsung Galaxy AO6 perform in 2025?
For a low-budget device, the Samsung AO6 seems to hold up pretty well. The Samsung Galaxy AO6 can run applications pretty smoothly, except for gaming. Aside from that, running daily applications on the Samsung Galaxy AO6 is pretty much superb, so if you want to prioritize gaming, you should go for the S10e instead.
Should you buy the Samsung AO6?
Yes, because if you are on a tight budget, the AO6 is the absolute go-to device. It suits a basic needs phone, has not much lag, good colors, and above all, a pretty decent design.
Second runner up – Redmi 14c
The Redmi 14c was launched around August 2024, while its 5G version was launched around January 2025, a much recent update than the Samsung S10e. The Redmi 14c has been a go-to option for individuals looking for a more recent Android phone on a budget. Starting at around 150,000 ($90) for its smaller storage option, the Redmi 14c is that device.
Key features include
- Android 14, Hyper OS
- Side mount fingerprint sensors
- Nfc
- 50 MP , F1/8, (wide), ½.96’’, PDAF
- Mediatek Hello G81 Ultra 12nm Chipset
- Octa-core (2×2.0 Ghz cortex-A75 & 6×1.8GHz cortex-A55) CPU
- Fast PD wired charging
- 5160 mAh battery capacity
How well does the Redmi 14c perform in 2025?
For a budget Android smartphone, the Redmi 14c doesn’t seem to pack a punch like the Samsung S10e, but it seems to do the job. The Redmi 14c, to me, comes with some inconsistency, most especially when it comes to how it performs. The gaming performance is pretty mid and sucks. Let’s not get started on the design. The phone screen is too big, its camera design is pretty ridiculous, I would say the average device for a typical millennial.
Should you buy the Redmi 14c?
Yes, if you plan on getting it for a parent or your kid in high school, because most time these individuals don’t require high-end performing devices
Third runner up – Tecno pop 9
Priced at around 123,000 ($57), the tecno pop is the absolute budget-friendly smartphone, but it doesn’t pack a punch like the others we’ve reviewed. Launched around November 2024, the tecno pop 9 has been a go-to phone for tecno lovers on a budget or individuals looking to get a mid-range phone as a second device.
key features include
- Android 14 Go edition
- Octa-core (2×1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6×1.6 GHz Cortex-A55)
- Unisoc T1615 (12nm) / Mediatek Helio G50
- 3GB /4GB of RAM, 64GB/128GB of storage
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensors
- 13 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1.12µm, PDAF MAIN CAMERA
- 5000 mAh battery
How well does the tecno pop 9 perform in 2025?
The tecno pop 9 is a very low-budget smartphone from tecno, which, in my opinion, does not seem to perform that great, but if you are on a very tight budget, it does the job, or could probably work as a great phone for a millennial.
Should you buy the tecno pop 9 in 2025?
Yes, if you are on a very tight budget and also a lover of tecno phones. But for considerations, the Samsung AO6 will perform better.
Fourth runner-up – Infinix Smart 9
Priced at around 120,000, the Infinix Smart 9 is a pretty decent and good-looking device, probably one of the cheapest Infinix devices you can get right now. Launched around September 2024, the Infinix Smart 9 is the go-to device for Infinix lovers on a budget.
Key features include
- Octa-core (2×2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6×1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) CPU
- Mediatek Helio G81 chipset
- Android 14 Go edition
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensors
- 13 MP, f/1.9, 27mm (wide), 1/3.07″, AF MAIN CAMERA
- 3GB/4GB RAM 64GB/128GB of storage
- 5000 mAh battery
How well does the Infinix Smart 9 perform in 2025?
For starters, it’s a great mobile device at a budget but probably won’t do well when it comes to high-end performance, for example, gaming and high camera capabilities, but for an average performance, the Infinix Smart 9 will do the job.
Should you buy the Smart 9 in 2025?
Yes, the Infinix Smart 9 is a great budget-friendly device for Infinix lovers and will do a great job at being a budget-friendly device.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it safe to get a cheap mobile phone?
Yes, if you are stuck or not looking to break the bank, these devices are a great option.
Can I use budget-friendly devices for gaming?
No, you can’t, as these devices were designed for minimalist use and not high-end use.
What’s the best budget-friendly device?
As we mentioned in the article, the Samsung S10e is the best pick for a budget-friendly device for now.
Can these phones be used for content creation?
No, these phones cannot be used for content, as the cameras of these devices are not made to stand out.
How we picked these phones
These phones were picked from long-term use and individual experience from the Samsung S10e, which is an old device, to the more recent devices like the Infinix Smart 9. We carefully handpicked the best devices for the average user. So if you have any concerns about these picks, you can leave a comment below, and we will do our best to review