Gone are the days when budget phones meant sluggish screens and frustrating storage. In 2025, smartphone manufacturers—especially those targeting emerging markets—are competing aggressively to deliver value. Brands like Xiaomi, Infinix, Tecno, Samsung, and iTel are pushing boundaries, offering devices that cater to everyday Nigerian needs like WhatsApp, online banking, content creation, and even light gaming.

After combing through specs, user feedback, and performance tests, here are Top10.ng’s picks for the Best 10 Smartphones Under ₦150,000 in Nigeria this year.

1. Xiaomi Redmi 13C

Price: From ₦125,000
Why it stands out: The Redmi 13C brings an excellent 6.74” display, a 50MP main camera, and a 5000mAh battery with 18W fast charging. With MIUI’s clean interface and solid RAM/ROM combos, it feels more premium than its price tag.

2. Infinix Hot 40i

Price: From ₦112,000
Why it stands out: Infinix’s Hot series is a crowd favorite—and the 40i is no exception. It boasts a 90Hz display, Unisoc T606 processor, and 128GB storage. Great for social media lovers and multitaskers on a budget.

3. Tecno Spark 20

Price: From ₦130,000
Why it stands out: A well-rounded budget device. With a MediaTek Helio G85 chip and a 50MP AI camera, the Spark 20 delivers speed and style for casual users and photo enthusiasts alike.

4. Samsung Galaxy A04e

Price: From ₦119,000
Why it stands out: If you’re team Samsung, the A04e offers smooth performance for basic tasks, One UI core experience, and dependable brand support. It’s ideal for those seeking durability and simplicity.

5. iTel S24

Price: From ₦98,000
Why it stands out: Itel continues to surprise with budget brilliance. The S24 offers a 90Hz display and 128GB storage, with a surprisingly impressive 108MP camera for its price range. A great pick for students and young professionals.

6. Umidigi G5A

Price: From ₦87,000
Why it stands out: Lightweight, clean Android experience, and a decent 5000mAh battery make the G5A a contender. It may not be a household name, but it’s winning hearts in the sub-₦100k bracket.

7. Nokia C32

Price: From ₦145,000
Why it stands out: Nokia brings back its charm with a dual camera setup, IP52 splash resistance, and a secure UI. The clean Android interface appeals to users who prefer minimal bloatware and long-term OS support.

8. Itel P55 5G

Price: From ₦138,000
Why it stands out: Yes, 5G under ₦150k! The Itel P55 5G makes future-proofing affordable. With a Dimensity 6080 processor and 5000mAh battery, this phone is surprisingly powerful for its price tier.

9. Infinix Smart 8 Plus

Price: From ₦96,000
Why it stands out: Infinix’s budget-friendly Smart 8 Plus packs a 6000mAh battery that can last days on light use. The design is sleek, and it’s perfect for heavy users who hate frequent charging.

10. Oppo A18

Price: From ₦149,000
Why it stands out: A clean interface, IPX4 water resistance, and fast Helio G85 processor make this an ideal choice for users who want performance and durability. Oppo’s recent push into Nigeria’s mid-budget market is clearly paying off.

Final Thoughts

In 2025, you don’t have to spend ₦300,000+ to enjoy a decent smartphone. The devices listed above are proof that the Nigerian tech market is maturing, and brands are listening to what consumers really want: value, speed, and reliability.

Whether you’re a student looking to create content on a budget, a trader who needs reliable banking apps on the go, or just someone who wants WhatsApp and TikTok to run smoothly—there’s something solid for you under ₦150,000.

So before you buy, think smart. Literally.