The best phones to buy in Nigeria under ₦200,000 (July 2022)

Picking the best value for your money smartphone is always a tricky task. You don't want to miss out on a great device due to a few naira differences. At the same time, you don't want to spend too much for less.

Things get even more complicated when your budget is for a midrange device because this area is clustered with thousands if not millions of smartphones to pick from. Today, we will try to turn down that burden a notch by presenting you with our pick of The 5 best Android Smartphones under ₦200,000 (2022).

For Context.

Devices on this list have at least 4500mah, 48mp main camera, triple camera setup, Android 11, 6GB of RAM and 128GB of ROM, expandable storage via SD card, dual 4G, and an 18watts fast charge support.

Number 5 on this list is the Gionee M15.

Amidst all the noises from other smartphones screaming at us "Pick Me!!!", we picked the Gionee M15, and these are the reasons as to why.

The Gionee M15 is a 4G device from the infamous Gionee smartphone maker whom many thought had exited the game due to their financial woes.

Gionee m15 is not a sleek device, coming at 165 grams in terms of weight. You will feel how hefty it is when you hold this device.

The weight is mainly due to the 5100 mah battery and its phablet screen of 6.67 inch, IPS LCD FHD display.

The M15 has a max charging speed of 18watts via a type C port. Bummer, I know. But considering the price of this device, you won't mind leaving it plugged for 2.4 hours, [thanks Henry 0 for this important information]

Also thanks to the 5100mah battery, a single charge should take you through a day of moderate use.

The M15 comes with a 48mp main camera, 5 MP (ultrawide), 2 MP (macro), and a 2 MP (depth) completes its quad rear camera setup.

The front snapper is a 16mp camera with support for full HD video recording at 30fps.

If your target is a capable device at moderate pricing, the Gionee m15 should fit in well thanks to its reliable Mediatek Helio G90 [12nm] chipset [Redmi Note 8 pro comes to mind].

The available storage options on the Gionee m15 are 6 or 8GB of ram and 128GB ROM.

Though launched in May 2021 Gionee 15 comes out of the box running on android 11 based on stock android and a few custom tweaks.

Reviewer's Remark about the Gionee 15.

The Gionee m5 comes in a neat-looking box with all the branding and specs presented at a glance.

You get a warranty card, a sim injector tool, a pair of earphones, a user manual, a light tpu case, and the Gionee m15 smartphone inside the box.

Of course, it does come with an 18watts charging brick and cable, you thought Gionee turned apple?

With regards to build quality, the Gionee m15 is an all round plastic device, with no named protection for the screen at the front. Of course, you can get a tempered glass for that extra protection at Alaba market or online at jumia.

The M15 design is not unique either, it has flush a back, with a little raised bump for its quad cameras. The fingerprint scanner is also situated at the back with the Gionee branding at the bottom left.

You get a secondary mic at the top of this device, volume rockers and power buttons are all located on the right side.

Main Mic, charging port, and 3.5mm earphone port is located at the bottom.

The Gionee m15 comes in two main colors, math gray and pinkish-blue.

For what you have been waiting for, the Gionee m15 6/128 retails on Jumia for ₦118,000 [$285] and ₦120,001 [$290] for the 8/128.

Sources: Hery 0, GSM Arena

See also: Best Itel Mobile Phones To Buy right now

The Infinix Note 11 Pro takes our 4th spot.

The Infinix Note 11 Pro has all the bells and whistles of a good budget device. And if you are into huge screens, the Infinix Note 11 Pro coming at 6.95 inches, LCD, FHD+ display with support for 120Hz refresh rate will definitely get your attention.

That mammoth display is backed by a 5000mah battery with support for 33 Watts fast charge via a type C port.

The reputable Mediatek Helio G96 [12nm] chipset keeps things running at a pretty decent speed.

For optics, the Infinix Note 11 Pro is equipped with a 64mp main camera, a 13mp telephoto lens, and a 2mp depth-sensing lens completing its triple camera configuration.

There is a cutout for a 16mp front camera at the top center of the gigantic display, with support for video recording at 1080p, 30fps.

In terms of build, the Infinix Note 11 Pro is no small device coming at 173.1 x 78.4 x 8.7 mm (6.81 x 3.09 x 0.34 in), weighing 209 (7.37 oz).

The Infinix Note 11 Pro is made of plastic, with no protection for its huge screen which is sad considering how huge this device is.

The Infinix Note 11 Pro comes in 4/8 and 128GB storage options, both storage options comes with storage expansion support via a dedicated micro SD card slot.

Specs Highlights.

• 6.95 inch, FHD+ display.
• Mediatek Helio G96.
• Triple rear camera setup of 64mp, 13mp telephoto lens, and a 2mp.
• 16mp front snapper.
• Dual stereo speakers.
• 3.5mm earphone jack.
• Android 11 based on XOS.
• Dual sim support.
• Dedicated sd card slot.
• 5000mah battery.
• 33 Watts fast charge.
• USB C charging port.
• Side-mounted fingerprint.
• Antutu benchmark score: 290,797.

Reviewer's Remark.

Interestingly, the Infinix Note 11 Pro comes with a front flash for those night selfies, which is actually nice.

Sadly the Infinix Note 11 Pro isn't equipped with a secondary mic. The Note 11 Pro has a plain top, volume rockers, and the power button with the embedded fingerprint scanner rests on the right side.

The rear has a textured design, a big bump for its triple rear cameras.

The bottom of the device houses the main speaker [a secondary speaker sits just above the display], a 3.5mm earphone port, a type c charging port, and a mic.

The Note 11 Pro comes in a lemon box with the Infinix branding and Note 11 pro boldly written on it.

You get a 33 Watts charging brick, USB C cable, two screen protectors; film/glass, earphones, warranty card, and the Note 11 Pro smartphone.

The 33 Watts charger charges the Infinix Note 11 Pro from 0-100% in 1.21hours [thanks for the information Valor Reviews].

Though the Infinix Note 11 Pro comes with 8GB of ram, there is an option to swap 3GB of ROM storage to make it 11GB ram.

In terms of multitasking and gaming, the Infinix Note 11 does well for its price and moderate hardware configuration, according to Valor Reviews.

You cannot pick wrong if you are into huge displays, decent cameras, and a good performer all for considerable pricing of ₦142,300 on jumia.

Source: Izziboye, Valor Reviews, GSM arena.

See also: Best Android smartphones to buy right now

3rd on the list is the Redmi Note 11 Pro.

Make no mistake, other than the naming of the Redmi Note 11 Pro, it bears no resemblance to the Infinix Note 11 Pro. Okay, other than the Mediatek Helio G96, the Redmi Note 11 Pro isn't similar to the Infinix Note 11 Pro. Wait, they both have similar display resolution and are backed by a 5000mah battery too.

Here is where the Redmi Note 11 Pro starts to cut out a path for itself. The Redmi Note 11 Pro is fitted with a super AMOLED panel, 6.67inch display, 120hz refresh rate, and corning gorilla glass 5 protection. You are allowed to say, "finally, a budget device that is complete".

It gets even better, the Redmi Note 11 Pro though equipped with a 5000mah battery comes with support for a 67watts fast charger.

Are you not impressed yet? The 108mp main camera, 8mp, 2mp macro, and 2mp depth sensor makes up the quad-camera configuration. A 16mp front camera takes care of the selfies, unlike the Infinix Note 11 Pro, there isn't any front flash here sadly.

Though the Redmi Note 11 Pro was released in February this year, it ships out of the box with android 11 based on miui 13.

You get 6GB ram/64GB ROM, 6GB ram/128Gb rom, and 8Gb ram/128GB of rom as storage options for the Redmi Note 11 pro. These storage variants comes with a micro sd slot for storage expansion.

Redmi Note 11 Pro selling points.

• 6.67 inch, FHD+ display, super Amoled, 120hz, corning gorilla glass 5 protection.
• Mediatek Helio G96. [12nm]
• Quad rear camera setup of 108mp, 8mp pdaf, 2mp macro and 2mp depth.
• 16mp front snapper.
• Dual stereo speakers.
• 3.5mm earphone jack.
• Android 11 based on miui 13.
• IR blaster [remote control sensor]
• Dual sim support.
• Dedicated sd card slot.
• 5000mah battery.
• 67 Watts fast charge.
• USB C charging port.
• Side mounted fingerprint.
• Antutu benchmark score: 261,309.

Reviewer's Note.

With regards to built quality, despite the large 5000mah battery present under its hood, the Redmi Note 11 Pro does not look bulky, there is a balance of weight to it too.

The front and back of the Redmi Note 11 Pro are made of glass, with the front having a corning gorilla glass 5 protection, which makes it feel and look more premium. The frames are made of plastic though. Let's not forget that noticeable bump that houses the 108mp camera lens.

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Photo Credit: GSMArena

The Redmi Note 11 Pro is also ip53 rated which makes it dust and splash-resistant. Don't drown it though, the device is not your enemy.

The top of the Redmi Note 11 Pro houses its secondary speaker grills, secondary mic, and its primary ir blaster. I had to say primary ir blaster because the top seemed to be getting too many secondaries there. The main and only earphone port is located at the top too.

On the left side is the sim tray and dedicated sd card slot section. The right side houses the volume rocker and power button that doubles as the fingerprint scanner. The bottom is where the main speaker, type c charging port, and primary mic are located.

Thanks to the 67watts fast charge support, the Redmi Note 11 Pro charges from 0-78% within 30 minutes [GSMArena], blazing-fast if you consider the Infinix Note 11 Pro, lightning-fast if you remember the Gionee m15.

The Redmi Note 11 Pro comes in a nice white box, with the image of the Redmi Note 11 Pro printed on the top and a few specs highlighted around it too.

When you open the box, you get a transparent tpu case, user manual, 67-watt charging brick, USB C cable, and the device. No earphones here and no, that pocket knife isn't part of the deal. Izzi, no dey add knife join phone unboxing na.

If your target device is a budget phone within the ₦180,000 price range, that gives you good photos, a solid build, and a display worthy of admiration, then the Redmi Note 11 Pro which is currently selling for ₦157,000 for the 6/128GB or ₦167,000 on jumia for its 8/128GB storage version, should take your money.

Source: GSMArena, GSMArena, Izziboye.

Second, on our Top 5 list is the Realme 9 Pro.

Please note that Realme devices are not currently available in Nigeria, so if you are looking to get the Realme 9 Pro you may not have aftersales service like you will find for the previous 3 on this list.

Talking about the Realme 9, this is the first phone on this list that comes with 5G support and Android 12 out of the box. If you want a future-proof device that doesn't cost an arm or leg, the Realme 9 Pro should definitely be in your shopping cart.

Other than being 5G ready, the Realme 9 is powered by the mid-range Snapdragon 695 chipset manufactured using a 6nm NANO node process. That is half the node size of the Mediatek Helio G90 and G96's 12nm.

The Realme 9 is also very compact with a 6.6inch display size, FHD+, 120Hz refresh rate, and an IPS LCD panel. The Realme 9 Pro keeps the light on through a 5000mah battery. Disappointingly, the Realme 9 Pro ships with a 33watts fast charge support.

Sacrifices had to be made somewhere right? Already too many if you consider the IPS LCD panel, but again, you have not seen the price yet, and don't forget that the Realme 9 Pro comes with 5G support.

For optics, the Realme 9 Pro has a 64mp main camera lens, an 8mp pdaf, and a 2mp macro lens completing its triple camera lineup.

You only get one ROM option of 128Gb and either 6 or 8Gb of ram. There is an expansion slot through an SD card too.

Unlike the Redmi Note 11 Pro, the Realme 9 Pro does not have any form of glass protection for its screen, and it's an overall plastic device. Coming at a weight of 195 grams (6.88 oz), it is fairly lightweight compared to the Redmi Note 11 pro at 202 grams.

Realme 9 Pro specs sheet.

• 6.6 inch, FHD+ display, LCD IPS, 120hz,
• Snapdragon 695 5G [6nm]
• 5G support.
• Triple rear camera setup of 64mp, 8mp pdaf and 2mp macro.
• 16mp front snapper.
• 3.5mm earphone jack.
• Android 12 based on Realme Ui.
• Dual sim support.
• Dedicated sd card slot.
• 5000mah battery.
• 33 Watts fast charge.
• USB C charging port.
• Side-mounted fingerprint.
• Antutu benchmark score: 401,894.

Reviewer's Take on the Realme 9 Pro.

One of the upsides of being a plastic-built device is, that it keeps the weight to a minimum. The Realme 9 Pro is comfortably a one hand device for a normal sized palm person.

The first thing you notice when you pick up the Realme 9 Pro, is the simplistic build. Nothing extraordinary.

Unlike the others before it on this list, its front camera is shifted to the left side of the screen, similar to what you will find on the Redmi Note 9.

Though I prefer devices with this front camera position, many smartphone users prefer a center punch hole.

Still on the cutbacks, the Realme 9 Pro has just a single bottom-firing speaker, a 3.5mm earphone port, a USB C port and a mic.

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Photo Credit: YugaTech

There is a secondary mic at the top of the device, volume rockers, and a Sim tray and sd slot takes the left. The embedded fingerprint and power button are located on the right. There is a protruding rear camera bump on the Realme 9 Pro too, but not as bold as on the Redmi Note 11 Pro or the Infinix Note 11 Pro.

Performance-wise, thanks to its snapdragon 695 5G chipset and its small node of 6nm, multitasking and power management shouldn't be a problem. In fact, judging by users' experience, the Realme 9 Pro battery management is definitely a great selling point.

I don't see a budget device as a good gaming companion, but the Realme 9 Pro should give you an average gaming experience which is acceptable for its price range.

For charge speed, the Realme 9 Pro charges from 0-50% in 30 minutes, and 100% in 1.14hours [GSMArena YouTube] through its 33 Watts fast charge. Not as fast as the Redmi note 11 pro, but it's 6minutes faster than the Infinix Note 11 Pro.

The Realme 9 Pro is presented in a yellow box with the inscription 9 Pro boldly written, and you get similar accessories to the Redmi Note 11 pro, but a 33 Watts charger instead of the 67 Watts on the Redmi Note 11 Pro.

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Photo Credit: YugaTech

Like I earlier said, if you are in the market for a budget device with usable cameras, good battery backup and future proof. The Realme 9 Pro will fit in well. You can get the Realme 9 Pro at 30% price cut for ₦113,702.34 on Aliexpress for its 8/128 storage version.

Sources: GSMArena, YugaTech.

Number 1 on this list, The Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G.

I feel like Redmi actually created the Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G to topple any budget smartphone comparison it appears in.

From its 6.67inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display, Mediatek Dimensity 920 [6nm] chipset to its 4500mah battery with support for 120watts fast charge. The Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus duly deserves to be number 1 here.

Though originally launched for the Chinese market, the Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus has managed to stroll into some major markets. Sadly, it's not currently available in Nigeria. Maybe that will change in the future.

If you notice, the Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G is the only device in this list that houses a smaller 4500mah battery, but it is also the only device with an unbelievable 120watts fast charge support.

Still, on recording breaking, The Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus has a storage option of 8/256Gb. If you want plenty of internal storage, the Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G is the one for you.

No device is perfect, here are some downsides to the Redmi note 11 Pro Plus. You don't get a dedicated memory expansion slot[shared slot with sim 2]. Though it runs on Android 11 out of the box, it's based on miui 12.5 instead of the more recent miui 13 on the Redmi Note 11 Pro.

Its design language is similar to the Redmi Note 11 Pro, glass front and back, ip53 certified, 108mp quad camera setup. Its dual speakers are tuned by JBL, making it a fantastic media consumption buddy.

Top specifications of Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus.

• Super AMOLED panel, FHD+, Corning gorilla glass 5 protection.
• Mediatek Dimensity 920 5G [6nm] chipset.
• 5G support.
• Good build quality for its price.
• 4500mah, 120watts fast charge support via Quick charge 3.0+.
• 108mp quad rear camera setup.
• Dual jbl tuned speakers.
• Antutu benchmark score: 375,528.

Reviewer's Commentary.

Let's talk about the build quality of the Redmi Note 11 pro plus, though it is similar to the Redmi Note 11 pro.

Design-wise, you get a plastic frame, front and back glass fitting, with the AMOLED FHD+ display having an extra layer of protection from corning gorilla glass 5.

The top houses the secondary mic, an earphone port, IR blaster, and secondary speaker.

At the back, you get a similar camera bump for its 108mp quad-camera lens and a flash. Volume rockers, a power button that doubles as a fingerprint scanner is located at the right.

SIM tray is located on the left, remember the sim slot also doubles as the SD card slot.

Looks like we just re-narrated the design of the Redmi Note 11 Pro right? Internally is where the Redmi Note 11 pro plus differs from the Note 11 Pro.

If you pitch the Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus against the Realme 9 Pro, both are equipped with a capable 5G chipset, a similar 6nm process, though from different manufacturers. I will pick the Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus over the Realme 9 Pro, why?

Better build, faster-charging equipment, better rear camera configuration, better AMOLED display, and it's a good media consumption companion. The dual speakers on the Redmi Note 11 pro plus apart from being JBL tuned, both support Dolby atmos. The Redmi Note 11 pro plus also supports windvine R1, which means you get 1080 video reproduction for your Netflix, Amazon, and other streaming services.

Talking about the fast charge, according to GSMArena YouTube the Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G 120watts fast charge is able to charge the 4500mah battery from 0-100% in 16minutes, with boost-mode on. And boost-mode off gets the device from 0-100% in 22 minutes.

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Photo Credit: GSMArena

As a Nigerian living in an area with an epileptic power supply, the Redmi Note 11 pro plus is a great choice. Even if you are living in an area with 24hours of electricity, with Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus, you are sure your device won't be on the charging station for more than 30minutes.

For the unboxing, you get similar accessories and packaging as on the Redmi Note 11 Pro, with the exception of the 67watts charger brick being replaced by a 120watts charging brick here on the Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G.

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Photo Credit: Tech Spurt

I only have a few words as a recommendation for users looking to get the Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus 5G, GET IT. It's currently selling on Aliexpress for ₦124,162.74 and ₦144,925.74 both at %20 off for its 6/128 and 8/256 storage versions, but you can as well look to jumia which will increase the price to a staggering ₦262,000 for its 8/256GB version.

Sources: GSMArena YouTube, Tech Spurt.

Reviewer's Conclusion.

There you have it, our top 5 Android Smartphones under ₦200,000. What do you think of this list? Did we miss your favorite device or was any device unduly placed? well, let us know what your takes are in the comment section below, or tweet us @Allroundreview1.

Until the next one, zesushv here, thanks for reading, have a blessed one.