If you have a budget of ₦100,000 or less and need a reliable smartphone in Nigeria, there are still several options worth considering in 2026.
While smartphone prices have increased significantly, budget-focused brands such as Redmi, itel and TECNO continue to offer entry-level Android phones with features such as large displays, 4G connectivity, decent cameras and batteries capable of lasting through much of the day.
However, you should not expect flagship-level performance at this price. Most phones in this category are designed primarily for WhatsApp, calls, social media, browsing, online classes, mobile banking, YouTube and other everyday tasks.
Based on current Nigerian retail listings and manufacturers’ specifications, here are some of the best phones you can consider under ₦100,000 in 2026.
Best Phones Under ₦100,000 in Nigeria
| Phone | Approx. Price | RAM/Storage | Battery | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi A5 | ₦96,700–₦99,700 | 3GB/64GB | 5,200mAh | Best overall |
| Redmi A3x | About ₦89,900 | 3GB/64GB | 5,000mAh | Display & everyday use |
| itel A90 | About ₦84,900 | 3GB/64GB | 5,000mAh | Best value |
| TECNO POP 8 | About ₦94,600 | 2GB/64GB* | 5,000mAh | Basic everyday use |
| itel A50 | About ₦99,900 | 2GB/64GB | — | Very tight budgets |
| itel A50C | About ₦92,900 | 2GB/32GB | — | Basic smartphone use |
| itel A06 | About ₦75,300 | 2GB/32GB | — | Cheapest option |
*RAM configurations can vary by market and retailer.
Prices are based on current Nigerian listings and should be treated as guides rather than fixed prices. For example, one Nigerian retailer currently lists the Redmi A5 3GB/64GB at ₦96,700, Redmi A3x 3GB/64GB at ₦89,900, itel A90 at ₦84,900 and TECNO POP 8 at ₦94,600.
1. Redmi A5 — Best Overall Phone Under ₦100,000
If you can find the Redmi A5 3GB/64GB within your ₦100,000 budget, it is one of the strongest choices in this category.
Current Nigerian pricing puts the 3GB/64GB version around ₦96,700–₦99,700, depending on the retailer. The 4GB/128GB version is generally above ₦100,000.
The Redmi A5 comes with a large 6.88-inch display and supports a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, making scrolling and everyday navigation feel smoother than many basic entry-level phones.
It also packs a 5,200mAh battery with support for 15W charging. Xiaomi lists a 32MP main camera and an 8MP front camera, although camera performance should still be viewed in the context of its budget positioning.
Key features
- 6.88-inch display
- Up to 120Hz refresh rate
- 3GB RAM + 64GB storage option
- 5,200mAh battery
- 15W charging
- 32MP main camera
- 8MP selfie camera
- 4G connectivity
- Android 15 Go Edition
Why buy it?
The Redmi A5 is a good choice if you want the largest screen and strongest overall feature set you can get close to ₦100,000.
2. Redmi A3x — Great Budget Alternative
The Redmi A3x is another phone worth considering if you want to spend less than ₦100,000.
The 3GB/64GB version is currently listed by a Nigerian retailer at around ₦89,900.
Xiaomi’s official specifications show that the A3x has a 6.71-inch HD+ display with up to a 90Hz refresh rate, a 5,000mAh battery and 3GB/64GB or 4GB/128GB configurations depending on the market.
The phone also supports expandable storage through a microSD card, which can be useful if you regularly download videos, music, photos or documents.
Key features
- 6.71-inch HD+ display
- Up to 90Hz refresh rate
- 3GB/64GB option
- 5,000mAh battery
- 8MP rear camera
- 5MP front camera
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor
- USB Type-C
- 4G connectivity
Why buy it?
The Redmi A3x is a good option for students, first-time smartphone users and people who mainly need WhatsApp, browsing, calls and social media.
3. itel A90 — Best Value for Money
The itel A90 is another strong option for buyers working with a strict ₦100,000 budget.
A current Nigerian retail listing puts the 3GB/64GB model at about ₦84,900.
According to itel’s Nigerian specifications, the A90 has a 6.6-inch display with up to 90Hz refresh rate, a 5,000mAh battery and a 13MP rear camera. It also supports 15W charging and has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
The A90 is particularly interesting because it offers features that are not always common on phones in the lower end of the budget market.
Key features
- 6.6-inch display
- Up to 90Hz refresh rate
- 3GB/64GB configuration
- 5,000mAh battery
- 15W fast charging
- 13MP rear camera
- 5MP front camera
- Side fingerprint sensor
- 4G connectivity
- itel OS 14
Why buy it?
Choose the itel A90 if your priority is getting as many useful features as possible while spending around ₦85,000.
4. TECNO POP 8 — Good for Basic Everyday Use
The TECNO POP 8 remains another affordable option for Nigerians looking for a basic Android smartphone.
A Nigerian retail listing currently places the 2GB/64GB model around ₦94,600.
TECNO’s official specifications list a 6.6-inch HD+ display, T606 processor, 13MP rear camera, 8MP front camera and a 5,000mAh battery. The phone also supports 4G and has dual speakers.
The POP 8 is therefore suitable for users who need a phone primarily for communication and light entertainment.
Key features
- 6.6-inch HD+ display
- T606 processor
- 4G connectivity
- 13MP rear camera
- 8MP front camera
- 5,000mAh battery
- USB Type-C
- Side fingerprint sensor
- Dual speakers
Why buy it?
The POP 8 is worth considering if you want a large-screen TECNO phone with a big battery and basic everyday performance.
5. itel A50 — Affordable 4G Smartphone
The itel A50 is aimed at buyers who want a smartphone without spending their entire ₦100,000 budget.
A current Nigerian listing puts the 2GB RAM + 64GB storage version at approximately ₦99,900.
With 64GB of storage, it gives you more room for applications, photos, videos and documents than some cheaper 32GB models.
It is better suited to relatively light smartphone use rather than demanding gaming or heavy multitasking.
Best for
- TikTok
- Calls
- Browsing
- Mobile banking
- Online learning
- Light entertainment
6. itel A50C — One of the Cheaper Options
If you simply need an affordable smartphone for basic communication, the itel A50C can be considered.
A current Nigerian listing puts the 2GB/32GB version at about ₦92,900.
Its 32GB storage means that you may need to manage your apps, photos and videos more carefully than you would on a 64GB phone.
For someone who primarily needs WhatsApp, calls, SMS, browsing and mobile banking, however, it can still serve as an entry-level smartphone.
7. itel A06 — Cheapest Option on This List
For buyers who want to spend as little as possible, the itel A06 is one of the options to investigate.
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A current Nigerian listing shows the 2GB/32GB model at approximately ₦75,300.
This is the type of phone that makes sense when the main goal is simply to get a functional Android smartphone without crossing the ₦100,000 mark.
However, because it has only 32GB of storage, buyers should consider adding a compatible memory card if the phone supports expandable storage.
Which Phone Should You Buy Under ₦100,000?
The best choice depends on what you expect from your phone.
Best overall: Redmi A5
The Redmi A5 is my top pick if you can get the 3GB/64GB version for ₦100,000 or less. Its large 6.88-inch display, 120Hz refresh rate and 5,200mAh battery make it particularly attractive at this price.
Best value: itel A90
If you want to spend closer to ₦85,000, the itel A90 offers a good balance of display, battery, camera and charging features.
Best alternative: Redmi A3x
The Redmi A3x is another excellent choice for buyers who prefer Xiaomi and want a 90Hz display, 5,000mAh battery and expandable storage.
Best TECNO option: TECNO POP 8
If you specifically prefer TECNO, the POP 8 offers a large 6.6-inch screen, 5,000mAh battery, dual speakers and 4G connectivity.
What to Look for When Buying a Phone Under ₦100,000
Buying a very cheap smartphone requires more attention to specifications because manufacturers have to make compromises to keep prices low.
1. Check the RAM
Try to get at least 3GB of actual RAM if possible.
A phone with more RAM generally handles multitasking better, although software optimisation and the processor also affect performance.
Be careful with marketing terms such as “8GB RAM” when part of that figure comes from virtual or extended memory.
2. Choose 64GB Storage If Possible
For a smartphone you intend to use for more than a few months, 64GB is preferable to 32GB.
Android system files, applications, photos, WhatsApp media and videos can quickly consume available storage.
3. Look for a Large Battery
A 5,000mAh or larger battery is a major advantage for budget smartphone users.
Several phones in this price range, including the Redmi A5, Redmi A3x, itel A90 and TECNO POP 8, offer batteries around 5,000mAh or above.
4. Make Sure It Supports 4G
If you are buying a phone in 2026, it is generally better to choose a 4G smartphone rather than an older 3G-only device.
This is particularly important if you depend on mobile data for work, school, social media or online services.
5. Check the Warranty
Before paying, confirm whether the phone is new, refurbished or used and whether it comes with a valid warranty.
Buying from an established retailer can also make it easier to deal with problems if the device develops a fault.
Can You Get a Good Gaming Phone Under ₦100,000?
You can play simple and less demanding games on many phones in this category, but you should manage your expectations.
Phones under ₦100,000 generally use entry-level processors and limited RAM configurations. They are better suited to games such as casual puzzle games and lighter titles than demanding 3D games at high graphics settings.
If gaming is your main priority, increasing your budget to around ₦120,000–₦150,000 or more can give you considerably more choices.
Should You Buy a New or Used Phone With ₦100,000?
A new entry-level Android phone is usually the safer choice if you want a warranty and predictable battery condition.
However, the used-phone market can provide older mid-range models within the same budget.
The important thing is to inspect a used phone carefully. Check the battery, screen, charging port, cameras, speakers, network connectivity, fingerprint sensor and IMEI before making payment.
For buyers who do not have experience checking used phones, a new budget smartphone may be the less risky option.
Final Verdict
There are still several smartphones you can buy for under ₦100,000 in Nigeria in 2026, but the best option depends on your priorities.
The Redmi A5 stands out as the best overall choice if you can find the 3GB/64GB model below ₦100,000. The itel A90 is an excellent value option for buyers who want to spend less, while the Redmi A3x provides a good combination of display, battery life and expandable storage.
TECNO fans can consider the POP 8, while the itel A50C and A06 are better suited to buyers whose requirements are limited to basic smartphone activities.
Remember that Nigerian smartphone prices can change quickly, so check the current price, storage configuration and warranty before paying. A phone listed at ₦90,000 today may cost more or less depending on the retailer and available promotion.
Quick Recommendations
- 🏆 Best overall: Redmi A5
- 💰 Best value: itel A90
- 📱 Best display: Redmi A5
- 🔋 Best battery-focused options: Redmi A5, Redmi A3x, itel A90 and TECNO POP 8
- 🎵 Best for basic entertainment: TECNO POP 8
- 💵 Cheapest option: itel A06
- 🎓 Best for students on a tight budget: Redmi A3x or itel A90
Note: Prices mentioned in this article are approximate Nigerian retail prices and can change based on retailer, location, storage/RAM configuration and promotions. Always confirm the final price and specifications before purchasing.
