Finding a good smartphone for less than ₦150,000 in Nigeria is becoming increasingly difficult as device prices continue to change.

However, buyers can still find phones with large displays, capable processors, decent cameras and batteries designed to last through a full day.

Current Nigerian listings and recent 2026 smartphone comparisons show that brands including TECNO, Infinix, Xiaomi, Samsung, itel and POCO continue to compete heavily in the budget segment.

Here are some of the models worth checking if your budget is around ₦150,000.

1. Redmi 15C — around ₦147,000

The Redmi 15C is one of the more interesting options around the ₦150,000 mark.

Recent Nigerian listings have placed the 4GB/128GB version at approximately ₦146,851, although prices vary by seller and stock.

It comes with a large 6.9-inch display, Android 15 and a large battery, making it suitable for people who prioritise streaming, social media and general everyday use.

Best for: Battery life, large-screen entertainment and everyday use.

Watch out for: Prices can move above ₦150,000 depending on storage and seller.

2. Samsung Galaxy A07 — around ₦150,000

Samsung's Galaxy A07 is another option that occasionally sits around the ₦150,000 ceiling.

Current Nigerian listings have shown the 4GB/128GB model around ₦150,000–₦153,000, depending on the retailer and promotion.

For buyers who prefer Samsung's software ecosystem and brand support, the A07 is worth checking when a discounted listing brings it within budget.

Best for: Everyday use and buyers who prefer Samsung.

Watch out for: Some current listings already exceed ₦150,000.

3. Infinix Hot 60i — around ₦154,000–₦158,000

The Infinix Hot 60i is technically just above the ₦150,000 target in several current listings, but it is close enough to include if you can stretch the budget slightly.

Current listings have shown the 4GB/128GB model around ₦154,000–₦158,000.

The phone has a 6.7-inch 120Hz display, MediaTek Helio G81 Ultimate chipset, 50MP rear camera, 5,160mAh battery and support for up to 45W charging. It runs Android 15 with XOS.

Best for: Battery life, charging speed and smooth scrolling.

Watch out for: It may require a small budget increase.

4. TECNO Spark 40 — around ₦160,000 new

The TECNO Spark 40 is another phone worth watching, although current retail prices are generally above ₦150,000.

SLOT currently lists the 4GB/128GB model at ₦162,800, while a current Jumia listing shows the same storage configuration at about ₦160,232.

TECNO's official specifications include a 6.67-inch 120Hz display, 5,200mAh battery, 45W charging, 50MP main camera and IP64 dust/water resistance.

Best for: Display smoothness, battery and fast charging.

Watch out for: A new unit may now sit above the ₦150,000 budget.

5. POCO C71 — around ₦100,000

If ₦150,000 is your maximum rather than your target, the POCO C71 can leave you with considerable room in your budget.

A current Nigerian Jumia listing puts the 3GB/64GB model at roughly ₦99,999.

That makes it more appropriate for basic smartphone tasks rather than buyers looking for demanding gaming or heavy multitasking.

Best for: Basic everyday use and buyers trying to spend less.

Watch out for: The 3GB RAM/64GB storage configuration is modest.

6. Redmi A3 Pro — around ₦125,000

The Redmi A3 Pro is another budget option currently appearing below ₦150,000.

A current Jumia listing puts the 4GB/128GB version at approximately ₦124,926.

It offers more storage than some entry-level alternatives while staying comfortably below the budget ceiling.

Best for: Social media, browsing, calls, streaming and everyday tasks.

Watch out for: Don't expect flagship-level gaming or camera performance.

7. itel City 100 — around ₦123,000

The itel City 100 is another option for buyers looking for an inexpensive new smartphone.

A current Jumia listing shows the 4GB/128GB configuration at approximately ₦123,000.

It can make sense for users whose priorities are basic communication, social media, browsing and battery life rather than intensive gaming.

Best for: Basic everyday smartphone use.

Watch out for: More demanding users may benefit from spending closer to the ₦150,000 ceiling.

A quick comparison

Prices are snapshots from Nigerian listings and can change with seller, storage configuration, promotions and stock availability.

What should you check before buying?

Don't choose a phone based on the camera megapixel number alone.

Check the processor

The processor affects everyday speed, gaming and multitasking. Two phones with "8GB RAM" can perform very differently if their processors are different.

Check the actual RAM

Some manufacturers advertise extended or virtual RAM.

For example, a phone advertised as "8GB RAM" may combine physical RAM with storage-based extended memory. That isn't equivalent to having 8GB of physical RAM.

Check storage

At this price point, 128GB is preferable if you regularly download videos, install many apps or take lots of photos.

Check charging speed

A large battery is useful, but charging speed also determines how quickly you can get back to using the phone.

Check software support

A cheap phone isn't necessarily a bargain if it is already old or close to the end of its useful software-support period.

Check the seller

This is particularly important in Nigeria.

Before paying, verify the exact model, RAM/storage configuration, warranty and whether the device is new, used or refurbished.

Should you buy used to get better specifications?

Possibly, but understand the trade-off.

A used phone can give you significantly better hardware for ₦150,000 than a new entry-level device. However, you need to inspect the battery, display, cameras, charging port, fingerprint sensor, speakers, network connectivity and IMEI before paying.

A current Nigerian price tracker, for example, places used Redmi 14C units around ₦117,000 on average, while used TECNO Spark 40 units can also fall within or close to the budget depending on configuration and condition.

The bottom line

With ₦150,000, your options are becoming narrower, so don't focus only on the phone's name.

If your priority is a large screen and everyday use, look at the Redmi 15C.

If you prefer Samsung, watch for the Galaxy A07 around the ₦150,000 mark.

If you're willing to add a little more, the Infinix Hot 60i and TECNO Spark 40 become more interesting options.

And if you simply want to spend as little as possible, the POCO C71, Redmi A3 Pro or itel City 100 leave more money in your pocket.

Important: Smartphone prices in Nigeria change frequently. Always confirm the current price, exact RAM/storage variant and warranty immediately before purchasing.