Are you looking for a great smartphone in South Africa without shattering your wallet? You are in the right place with these best budget phones in South Africa! 2024 will bring a range of amazing budget-friendly phones to the market. In this guide, we will unveil the top 10 brands to watch out for and the key features to consider when choosing your perfect budget companion.
Contents
Top 10 Budget Phones in South Africa to Consider in 2024:
- Xiaomi Redmi: Known for excellent value, their Redmi line always delivers feature-packed phones at budget prices. Look out for their latest processors and generous RAM offerings.
- Samsung Galaxy A Series: Samsung offers incredibly affordable options within their ‘A’ series phones. Expect decent cameras, reliable performance, and Samsung’s signature user interface.
- Tecno: A rapidly growing brand in South Africa offering competitive features at low prices. They often focus on large batteries and multiple camera setups.
- Motorola: Sometimes has budget-friendly gems, especially their “Moto G” line. Look for solid battery life and Motorola’s near-stock Android experience.
- Realme: A rising brand focusing on value-for-money phones. Expect stylish designs, fast-charging capabilities, and competitive camera systems.
- Vivo: Offers strong competition in the budget and mid-range segments. Explore their range of phones with eye-catching designs and good camera performance.
- Nokia: While not as dominant as before, might have some budget-friendly contenders. Look for reliable build quality and Nokia’s focus on software updates.
- Oppo: Their ‘A’ series phones can be surprisingly affordable. Expect sleek designs and a focus on selfie cameras.
- Honor: Now independent from Huawei and known for affordable devices. Check for competitive specs and innovative camera technologies within their budget phones.
- Infinix: Gaining popularity in South Africa with feature-packed budget phones. Their strengths often include large, vibrant displays and long-lasting batteries.

Focus on These Features
- Decent Processor: Avoid super old processors, look for newer ones even in budget models.
- Enough RAM: At least 4GB for smooth everyday use.
- Expandable Storage: A microSD card slot gives you flexibility.
- Modern Display: Look for terms like AMOLED or Super AMOLED for better colors and power efficiency, even on budget phones.
- Camera: Don’t expect miracles, but a main camera and a decent selfie camera are a must.
Where to find the best deals in 2024
- Online retailers: Takealot, Makro, etc. often have great pricing.
- Cellular providers: Vodacom, MTN, etc. may offer bundle deals with the phone.
- Tech websites: MyBroadband frequently has roundups of the best budget smartphones in South Africa.
Remember:
- Specific models: These brands release new models frequently, so closer to 2024 it’ll be crucial to research which specific models from each brand offer the best bang for your buck.
- Your priorities: Think carefully about which features are most important to you (camera quality, long battery life, etc.), which will help narrow down the best options when you’re ready to buy.
Related: Best Processor Phones in South Africa in 2024.
Conclusion
The South African smartphone market is dynamic, so watch out for the latest releases and reviews as 2024 approaches. By prioritising the features that matter most to you and exploring these top brands, you will score the best budget phone deal in South Africa!