HMD Crest: A Good Budget Phone to Buy in Kenya
The HMD Crest delivers a surprising mix of features found in more expensive phones, making it a strong option for Kenyan buyers looking for value without breaking the bank.
Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.67-inch OLED, Full HD+ (1080 × 2400), ~395 ppi, 90Hz refresh rate (Gizmochina) |
| Processor / Chipset | Unisoc T760 (6nm) (Cellular Kenya) |
| RAM & Storage | 6 GB RAM + 128 GB internal storage; microSD support (Cellular Kenya) |
| Rear Cameras | Dual setup: 50 MP main + 2 MP depth sensor (Cellular Kenya) |
| Front Camera | 50 MP selfie shooter (Cellular Kenya) |
| Battery & Charging | 5000 mAh, user-replaceable battery, 33W wired fast charging (Cellular Kenya) |
| Build & Durability | IP52 dust & splash resistant; side fingerprint sensor; dual SIM; repair-it-yourself design (battery, back cover, charging port, etc.) (Starmac Kenya) |
| Software | Android 14 out of the box; up to 2 years of quarterly security updates promised (HMD – Human Mobile Devices) |
Strengths
- OLED screen gives richer colours, deep blacks, and overall better visual experience versus LCDs in the same price range. (Gizmochina)
- Strong cameras: both rear and front 50 MP sensors are generous, especially for selfies and social media posts. (Cellular Kenya)
- Battery: 5000 mAh is solid and with 33W fast charging, you don’t spend too long waiting to top up. (Xoom Digital Hub)
- Repairability: ability to replace battery, cover, port etc., is rare in phones at this price; reduces long-term maintenance cost. (Cellular Kenya)
- IP52 rating adds some protection against dust and light splashes; useful in Kenyan environments. (Cellular Kenya)
- Clean Android experience, with minimal bloatware. (Gizmochina)
Weaknesses / Trade-offs
- RAM is only 6 GB. For heavy multitasking or gaming, this may show limitations. (Cellular Kenya)
- Depth sensor is very basic (2 MP), adds limited value in low light or advanced photography. (Cellular Kenya)
- Display refresh rate or color tuning is less adjustable compared to higher-end phones; some users expect more options. (Gizmochina)
- Charging speed is decent but not extremely fast; some competitors offer higher wattage chargers. (Xoom Digital Hub)
- No NFC in most listings, which means no contactless payments or quick pairing in that manner. (digitalphones.co.ke)
Price in Kenya & Where to Buy
| Retailer | Price (KES) | Notes / Variant |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Phones Kenya | KSh 17,575 for 6 GB + 128 GB variant (digitalphones.co.ke) | |
| Xoom Digital Hub | KSh 15,000 for 6/128GB version (Xoom Digital Hub) | |
| Cellular Kenya | KSh 14,000 for same variant (Cellular Kenya) | |
| Gadgetopia Kenya | KSh 14,500 (gadgetopiahkenya.co.ke) | |
| Silkroom ICT’s | KSh 24,000 (silkroom.odoo.com) |
Purchase Links
- Digital Phones Kenya – HMD Crest (digitalphones.co.ke)
- Xoom Digital Hub – HMD Crest 5G 6GB/128GB (Xoom Digital Hub)
- Cellular Kenya – HMD Crest 5G (Cellular Kenya)
- Gadgetopia Kenya – HMD Crest 5G (gadgetopiahkenya.co.ke)
- Silkroom ICT’s – HMD Crest (silkroom.odoo.com)
Final Word
If you’re in Kenya and want a budget phone that delivers premium touches—OLED display, strong cameras, repairable design, and modern connectivity—without paying flagship prices, the HMD Crest gives very good value. It’s especially good for everyday users and those who value durability and style more than raw performance or fastest gaming frame rates.
GUNDUU KBC SEASON 2 EPISODE 3