Infinix Hot 50 Pro Plus: A Good Budget Option in Kenya

The Infinix Hot 50 Pro Plus gives a lot of value for its price in Kenya, balancing display quality, camera, battery and design. Here is a detailed look at its specs, strengths, weaknesses and where you can buy it.

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Specifications

• Display: 6.78-inch AMOLED / IPS LCD (depending on variant) with Full HD+ resolution (~1080×2436), 120Hz refresh rate. (phonescitykenya.co.ke)
• Processor: MediaTek Helio G100 (6nm) chipset. (phonescitykenya.co.ke)
• RAM & Storage: 8 GB RAM; versions with 128 GB or 256 GB internal storage, with microSD expansion possible. (phonescitykenya.co.ke)
• Rear Camera: 50 MP + secondary sensors (2 MP + auxiliary) (phonescitykenya.co.ke)
• Front Camera: 13 MP selfie camera. (phonescitykenya.co.ke)
• Battery & Charging: 5,000 mAh battery with 33W fast charging. (phonescitykenya.co.ke)
• OS & UI: Android 14 with XOS 14.5 skin. (phonescitykenya.co.ke)
• Other features: Dual SIM, 4G LTE, 3.5mm jack, fingerprint sensor, NFC on some variants. (Phone Hub Kenya)

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Strengths

• Smooth display: The 120Hz refresh rate delivers fluid scrolling and better responsiveness, which is rare in many phones in this price bracket.
• Big battery and fast charging: With 5,000 mAh and 33W fast charging, the phone gives decent endurance and reasonably quick top-ups.
• Good rear camera: A 50 MP main camera is solid for daytime shots, social media, etc.
• Storage options: Having both 128 GB and 256 GB variants gives buyers more flexibility depending on how much they store (apps, media).
• Reasonable design and extras: Dual SIM, NFC (on some), audio jack, etc. These little extras matter for many users.

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Weaknesses

• Processor limits: Helio G100 is good for everyday tasks but it’s not high performance; heavy gaming or graphics-intensive use will lag.
• Display variant inconsistency: Some variants use AMOLED, others LCD, and brightness / peak performance may differ; some users may prefer a more consistent panel.
• No 5G: The phone is limited to 4G LTE, so future-proofing is weaker in areas where 5G becomes standard.
• Charging speed is modest among fast-charging phones: 33W is fast compared to basic chargers, but there are competitors with 45W+ in this price range.
• Plastic frame / build: To keep cost down, the materials are not premium; durability might be lower.

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Price in Kenya & Where to Buy

Variant	Approx Price (KES)
8 GB RAM + 128 GB storage	KES 22,300 – 23,500 (avechi.co.ke)
8 GB RAM + 256 GB storage	KES 24,500 – 26,000 (Mighty Ape)

Where to buy:

• Phones City Kenya – around KES 22,500 for the 8/128 GB version. (phonescitykenya.co.ke)
• Phonetronics Kenya – listing both variants; ~ KES 21,500-23,500 depending on storage. (phonetronicskenya.co.ke)
• Mighty Ape – 256 GB/8 GB version for KES 26,000. (Mighty Ape)
• Avechi – around KES 22,399 for 8/128 GB version. (avechi.co.ke)

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Why It’s a Good Budget Phone to Buy in Kenya

Because it offers strong display quality, decent camera, and solid battery at a price that many people in Kenya can manage, the Hot 50 Pro Plus is good for daily use. It’s especially useful for social media, multimedia (videos etc.), casual gaming, and general apps. Buyers who don’t need top-end gaming or 5G but want good value get a lot here.

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Buying Tips

• Decide whether you need 128 GB or 256 GB version; storage matters if you take many photos or videos.
• Check whether the unit is AMOLED or LCD display; the difference in visual quality and brightness can be noticeable.
• Ensure the fast charger is included in the box.
• Buy from shops that give warranty and reliable after-sales support.

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The Infinix Hot 50 Pro Plus sits well in Kenya’s mid-budget market with good features for its cost, making it a worthy consideration for many buyers.

KINA MAISHA MAGIC EAST FRIDAY 17TH OCTOBER 2025 SEASON 5 EPISODE 120

Lava Champion C1: A Budget Feature Phone Choice for Kenya

Lava Champion C1 is a basic feature phone that appeals to users needing just voice, SMS, battery life and a few extras without the cost of a smartphone. Here are its specs, strengths, weaknesses and where you can buy it in Kenya.

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Specifications

Feature	Detail
Display	2.4-inch TFT, 240 × 320 pixels, 262K colours (Price in Kenya)
Dimensions	120.5 × 49 × 13.1 mm (Price in Kenya)
Network	Dual SIM, GSM / 2G only (Price in Kenya)
Battery	1,000 mAh Li-Ion (Price in Kenya)
Cameras	Rear camera 1.3 MP with LED flash, video recording; front camera (basic) (Price in Kenya)
Storage	microSD card support up to 32 GB (Price in Kenya)
Other features	FM radio, torch/flashlight, MP3/MP4 player, alarm, calendar, stopwatch, Bluetooth, USB connection (Price in Kenya)

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Strengths

• Low cost: It is one of the cheapest ways to get basic mobile communication in Kenya. (Price in Kenya)
• Long standby and simplicity: Without power-hungry apps or 4G demands, the battery lasts long for calls, SMS, radio. The simpler design means fewer things to break.
• Dual SIM: Helps if one wants to use two networks for coverage or cost savings.
• Useful extras for a feature phone: LED flash, torch, radio, MP3 support give value beyond just calls and texts.
• Expandable storage: Ability to put in microSD up to 32 GB allows storing some music or audio files.

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Weaknesses

• Only 2G networks: No 3G or 4G. In many places in Kenya, 2G coverage is fading or slow. Makes data use almost impossible.
• Very basic camera: 1.3 MP is low resolution; pictures are poor, especially in low light.
• Limited functionality: No modern apps, no good internet access, no GPS, no touchscreen. Not for social media or streaming video.
• Discontinued/out of stock risk: The phone is listed as discontinued in some Kenyan stores. That means hard to get, and support/spare parts may be limited. (Price in Kenya)
• Small battery by modern standards: Although for feature phone use it’s okay, heavy use (radio, flashlight, constant calls) will drain it faster.

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Why It’s a Good Budget Pick in Kenya

In many rural or low-income settings in Kenya, smartphone data and maintenance cost more relative to income. Many users only need voice calls, SMS, emergency contacts, and perhaps radio. In those circumstances a feature phone like the Challenger C1 gives almost all needed functions, good battery life, and low upfront cost. Also, dual SIM capability helps people manage costs by picking cheapest networks for calls or SMS. It can also serve as a backup phone or for kids without worry.

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Price & Where to Buy

• Price in Kenyan shops is about KES 2,500 for a new unit where still available. (Price in Kenya)
• One listing is at Price in Kenya site. (Price in Kenya)
• Another listing from Digital Store, Nairobi, which shows the Lava C1 phone (dual SIM, 2.4″, battery 1000 mAh). (digitalstore.co.ke)

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If you want I can check whether any Jumia or Masoko shops have stock now and link those.

KINA MAISHA MAGIC EAST THURSDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2025 SEASON 5 EPISODE 119

Why OPPO A3x Is a Solid Budget Phone Choice in Kenya

The OPPO A3x delivers enough for daily use—good battery life, solid design, and usable cameras—at a price many can afford. It fits those who need reliability without splurging.

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Specifications

• Display: 6.67-inch IPS LCD, 90Hz refresh rate, 720 × 1604 resolution. (Smartphone City Kenya)
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s Gen 1. (brixelectronics.co.ke)
• RAM & Storage: 4 GB RAM; options for 64 GB or 128 GB storage. (Avechi Kenya)
• Rear Camera: 8 MP main + auxiliary lens. (Phonetronics Kenya)
• Front Camera: 5 MP. (Phonetronics Kenya)
• Battery & Charging: 5,100 mAh battery with 45 W fast wired charging. (ocarekenya.co.ke)
• Build & Other Features: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor; Android 14 with ColorOS 14; dual SIM; 4G LTE; colors include Ocean Blue, Nebula Red. (Phonetronics Kenya)

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Strengths

• Large battery ensures you can go through a full day or more on moderate use.
• Fast charging at 45W means you don’t wait too long when charging.
• Slim & lightweight body for a 6.67-inch screen so it’s reasonably easy to handle.
• Enough storage (especially the 128 GB variant) is good for those who store many apps, photos.
• Modern OS (Android 14) keeps software fresh for basic security & features.

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Weaknesses / Trade-Offs

• Display resolution is only HD+ (720p), so sharpness is limited; not as crisp as FHD+ or higher phones.
• Only 4GB RAM which may struggle under heavy multitasking or more demanding apps.
• Camera setup is basic: 8MP rear and 5MP front are okay for daylight but won’t perform strongly in low light.
• No 5G: only 4G LTE which may matter in areas where 5G becomes more available.
• Build likely plastic; may not feel as premium and less durable vs glass/metal in some rivals.

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Price in Kenya & Where to Buy

Variant	Approx Price (KES)	Retailer / Notes
4 GB + 64 GB	KSh 12,999	Avechi Kenya. (Avechi Kenya)
4 GB + 128 GB	KSh 15,899	Avechi Kenya. (Avechi Kenya)
4 GB + 64 GB	KSh 14,000	Lipa Pole Pole / LipamDogomDogo. (Lipa Mdogo Mdogo Center)
4 GB + 128 GB	KSh 16,500	LipapolePole. (lipapolepole.co.ke)
64/128 GB options	~ KSh 12,700-15,700	Zenex Technologies. (Zenex)

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Where To Purchase

• Avechi – OPPO A3x 4GB/128GB (Avechi Kenya)
• Jumia Kenya – OPPO A3x 4GB/128GB (Jumia Kenya)
• Queens Mobile Store – OPPO A3x (queensmobile.co.ke)
• Ropem Phones – OPPO A3x 4G (ropemphones.co.ke)
• Zillia Electronics – OPPO A3x 4GB/64GB (Zillia)

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Why It’s a Good Buy for Kenya

If your budget is around KSh 12,000-16,000, OPPO A3x gives good value: long battery, fast charging, and enough storage. It’s especially useful as a daily driver for social media, messaging, video watching, and light apps. You give up sharpness, top-tier cameras, and future-proof features like 5G, but for its price the trade-offs are acceptable.

KINA MAISHA MAGIC EAST WEDNESDAY 15TH OCTOBER 2025 SEASON 5 EPISODE 118

Samsung Galaxy A14 5G: A Budget 5G Option for Kenya

Specs

• Display: 6.6-inch PLS LCD (FHD+ 1080 × 2408) with 90Hz refresh rate (Samsung Mobile Press)
• Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 700 (octa-core) (Phone Scoop)
• RAM / Storage options: commonly 4 GB + 64 GB, and 6 GB + 128 GB variants with microSD expansion (Accelerator)
• Rear Cameras: Triple – 50 MP main (f/1.8) + 2 MP macro + 2 MP depth (Samsung Mobile Press)
• Front Camera: 13 MP (f/2.0) (Samsung Mobile Press)
• Battery & Charging: 5,000 mAh battery, 15W wired charging (Samsung Mobile Press)
• Other Features: side-mounted fingerprint sensor, plastic frame & back, Android 13 / One UI Core, support for 5G bands n2, n5, n66, n77 etc. (UScellular for Business)

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Strengths

• 5G connectivity at lower cost: Having 5G in a relatively affordable phone makes it more future-proof as networks expand in Kenya.
• Decent display: The 90Hz refresh makes scrolling and UI transitions feel smoother compared to standard 60Hz screens.
• Good main camera: The 50MP main sensor captures decent detail in good lighting.
• Strong battery life: The 5,000 mAh battery is adequate for full day use or more under moderate usage.
• Expandable storage: With microSD slot, you can add extra space if internal storage fills up.
• Trusted brand and service support: Samsung’s brand presence in Kenya gives confidence for repairs, warranties and parts.

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Weaknesses

• Charging is slow: 15W is modest by modern standards; charging times will lag behind rivals with faster charging.
• Performance under heavy tasks is limited: Dimensity 700 and lower RAM variants may struggle when gaming or multitasking.
• Plastic build and lack of premium materials: less sturdy and less premium feel than glass/metal alternatives.
• Aux sensors are weak: Macro and depth lenses are low resolution and won’t produce strong results, especially in low light.
• No IP water/dust resistance rating: more vulnerable to elements.

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Price in Kenyan Shillings & Where to Buy

• On PhonePlace Kenya, the Galaxy A14 5G is listed around KSh 22,000 (Phone Place Kenya)
• On MobilePro Kenya, the 6 GB + 128 GB variant is priced at KSh 14,999 (Mobile Pro Kenya)
• On Badili Kenya (refurbished stock), listed for KSh 15,000 (Badili Kenya)
• Safaricom’s “Lipa Mdogo Mdogo” installment listing shows deposit KSh 7,000 for 128GB/6GB model (Fkay Smartphone)
• Zuricart shows a price (possibly mistaken) of ~ KSh 70,000 (likely error) (Zuricart)

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Purchase Links

• PhonePlace Kenya – Galaxy A14 5G (Phone Place Kenya)
• MobilePro Kenya – Galaxy A14 5G 6/128 (Mobile Pro Kenya)
• Badili Kenya – Galaxy A14 5G (refurbished) (Badili Kenya)
• Safaricom “Lipa Mdogo Mdogo” listing for A14 5G (Fkay Smartphone)

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Why It’s a Good Budget Buy in Kenya

For buyers with a budget in KSh 15,000–25,000, the Galaxy A14 5G offers a strong mix of specs: 5G support, decent camera, good battery, and smoother display. It suits everyday tasks like social media, streaming, chatting and light gaming. It won’t compete with premium phones in processing power or build quality, so for those needs you’ll want to look higher, but for a budget 5G phone it offers excellent value.

KINA MAISHA MAGIC EAST TUESDAY 14TH OCTOBER 2025 SEASON 5 EPISODE 117

Vivo Y16: Budget Phone Worth Buying in Kenya

Specs

Feature	Detail
Display	6.51-inch IPS LCD, HD+ (720×1600), Halo FullView display. (Vivo)
Processor / Chipset	MediaTek Helio P35 (12nm) octa-core. (Vivo)
RAM / Storage	4 GB RAM + 64 GB storage. Expandable via microSD. Some variants with lower RAM in some markets. (Vivo)
Rear Cameras	Dual rear: 13 MP main + 2 MP macro sensor. (Vivo)
Front Camera	5 MP selfie camera. (Vivo)
Battery & Charging	5000 mAh battery, standard (around 10W) charging. (Vivo)
Other Features	Dual SIM, side-fingerprint sensor, Drizzling Gold / Stellar Black colors, plastic body, running Funtouch OS 12 (Android 12) in many listings. (Vivo)

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Strengths

• Long battery life: 5000 mAh is strong for this price range, and users can usually get through a full day of moderate use without looking for a charger. (Mobile Hub)
• Reliable basic performance: Helio P35 chip handles everyday tasks (calls, messaging, social apps, video streaming) well enough. (Vivo)
• Sufficient storage: 64 GB built-in storage is decent for photos, apps, music; microSD expansion helps when needed. (Avechi)
• Low cost: among the cheaper new smartphones in Kenya with 4G, making it accessible for many buyers. (Digital Phones)
• Clean look and solid battery: design and display size make it usable for media, basic gaming, browsing. (Vivo)

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Weaknesses

• Display resolution is modest: HD+ (720p) rather than Full HD; content will not look as sharp as higher resolution rivals.
• Charging speed is slow: around 10W in many cases, which means charging takes longer than phones with fast-charging. (Phone Hub Kenya)
• RAM is limited: 4 GB RAM is okay for light use, but multitasking heavy apps or gaming can lead to lag.
• Camera performance under low light or for zoomed shots is weak: the secondary camera is low resolution, and no premium imaging features.
• Build materials are basic: plastic back and frame; durability may not match more premium phones.

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Price in Kenyan Shillings & Where to Buy

Retailer	Price (KES)	Notes / Variant	Link
Phone Hub Kenya	KSh 18,799	4 GB + 64 GB version. (Phone Hub Kenya)	Phone Hub Kenya – Vivo Y16 (Phone Hub Kenya)
Digital Phones Kenya	KSh 17,999	4 GB + 64 GB, discounted. (Digital Phones)	Digital Phones Kenya – Vivo Y16 (Digital Phones)
Mobitronics Kenya	KSh 17,000	4 GB + 64 GB; local store. (mobitronics.co.ke)	Mobitronics Kenya – Vivo Y16 (mobitronics.co.ke)
Phones & Tablets Kenya	KSh 18,499	4 GB + 64 GB, with warranty. (Phone Tablets)	Phones & Tablets Kenya – Vivo Y16 (Phone Tablets)
Queens Mobile Store	KSh 17,999	4 GB + 64 GB; two colour options. (queensmobile.co.ke)	Queens Mobile Store – Vivo Y16 (queensmobile.co.ke)

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Why It’s a Good Budget Buy in Kenya

If your budget is around KSh 17,000-19,500, the Vivo Y16 delivers the essentials well: large display, decent battery, enough storage, and a trusted brand. It’s ideal for users who need a phone for everyday apps, social media, video watching, light gaming, and WhatsApp without splurging. You won’t get premium features like high refresh rate displays, fast charging, or top-end cameras, but for its price the trade-offs are reasonable.

KINA MAISHA MAGIC EAST MONDAY 13TH OCTOBER 2025 SEASON 5 EPISODE 116

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Why the Lava Iris 505 Is Underrated — And Why It Still Offers Value

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What the Iris 505 Offers

• Basic but Useful Hardware
  The Iris 505 comes with a dual-core 1.2 GHz processor, ~512 MB RAM, and 4 GB internal storage. It supports microSD cards up to 32 GB. (Gizbot)
• Decent Display & Size
  A 5-inch TFT screen with 480 × 854 pixels resolution. It isn’t sharp by modern “Full HD” standards but for reading, video streaming in standard definition, messaging and simple apps it still works. (Reddit)
• Camera and Extras
  Rear camera is 5 MP with LED flash, plus a front camera (VGA / 0.3 MP). It includes features like LED flash, FM Radio, WiFi, Bluetooth, dual SIM support, and an OS around Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean) in many sources. (FoneArena)
• Decent Battery & Removable
  A 2,000 mAh battery (often removable) gives tolerable talk and standby times in its class. For people who don’t push the phone hard, battery life remains usable. (Reddit)

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Where It Falls Short

• Very limited RAM (512 MB) means multitasking is weak; many modern apps may struggle or not install.
• Outdated Android version; security updates or app compatibility issues likely.
• Low display resolution and modest camera details for those accustomed to sharper screens and higher MP sensors.
• No 4G LTE (in many variants), so mobile data speed may be constrained where 3G is slow or deprecated.

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Why It’s Underrated but Offers Value

• Many phones are evaluated by how many cores, how many megapixels, or whether they have high refresh-rate displays. The Iris 505 doesn’t compete in those specs. But for users whose main priorities are calls, messaging, social media, maybe some light web activity, it gives “just enough” at very low cost.
• Because hardware is simple, repair, battery replacement or getting spare parts might be cheaper and easier than for premium / flagship phones.
• As newer phones get more expensive, older budget phones like Iris 505 become attractive backups, or starter phones, especially for those who need essentials without spending much.

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What Its Market Price Would Likely Be in Kenya

• Regional launch / online listing: In India, for example, the Iris 505 was priced at Rs 8,999 (≈ USD ~110 or so at the time) for a new unit. (FoneArena)
• If importing or buying second-hand from overseas, add shipping, import duty, VAT, and seller markup.
• Rough estimation: converting Rs 8,999 to KES might give a base equivalent of KES 12,000-15,000 depending on forex and time. After importing/shipping/duty, a realistic price in Kenya for a working used / refurb unit might be in the region of KES 18,000-25,000, depending on condition.
• If one can find local stock (used/secondhand) the price might go lower (maybe KES 10,000-18,000) if all is well (battery, screen, functionality).

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Possible Stores or Channels to Buy From

• Online international marketplaces that handle older or refurbished phones (e.g. sites that ship from India, Southeast Asia).
• Second-hand phone shops or repair‐shops in Nairobi or other major Kenyan cities; sometimes they have imported older Android phones.
• Online classified platforms in Kenya: Jiji.co.ke, Facebook Marketplace Kenya.
• Importers or individuals who specialize in budget / legacy phones might list it occasionally.

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Conclusion

The Lava Iris 505 is underrated because it lacks modern flashy specs, but for users who need essentials (calls, basics apps, light use), it still delivers real value. If you can get one in Kenya for around KES 18,000-25,000 in good condition, it could be a smart purchase — especially as a low-cost secondary phone or for someone whose usage is moderate rather than demanding.

KINA MAISHA MAGIC EAST FRIDAY 10TH OCTOBER 2025 SEASON 5 EPISODE 115

Why the Evercoss GenPro Z Is Underrated — And Why It Still Offers Good Value

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What Makes the GenPro Z Stand Out

The Evercoss GenPro Z offers features that often get ignored because the phone is older or not from a major global brand. But for many everyday users, these features matter more than just flashy specs. Key strengths of the GenPro Z include:

• Solid Display – It comes with a 5.5-inch IPS display, with Full HD resolution (1920×1080) in several listings. (whatismyphone.net)
• Good Memory and Storage for Its Tier – The phone offers 4 GB RAM and 32 GB internal storage, which is generous compared to many budget phones in the same age range. Micro-SD expansion is supported. (whatismyphone.net)
• Decent Cameras – Rear camera is 13 MP, with LED flash. The selfie camera is also strong in some versions (13 MP) depending on market. (whatismyphone.net)
• Balanced Performance – It uses the MediaTek MT6750T chipset, which while not cutting edge, offers decent performance for tasks like social media, video playback, browsing and lighter apps. (whatismyphone.net)
• Everyday Essentials – Dual SIM support, 4G LTE connectivity, micro-USB, 3.5 mm jack, Fingerprint sensor in some variants. These are features many users rely on. (NGONOO)

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Where It Falls Short

To understand why it remains underrated, it’s helpful to see its limitations:

• Age & Software – It ships with Android 7.0 Nougat, which by many standards is outdated for today’s app demands and security updates. (IMEI Info)
• Battery Capacity – 3,000 mAh is decent, but with age the battery condition deteriorates, and newer phones often offer larger capacity or more efficient batteries. (IMEI Info)
• Camera Low-Light & Multimedia Limitations – While the cameras are good in daylight, performance in low light, video capture, or demanding apps tends to lag. Also lacks high-end video features.
• Market & Support Rarity – Because Evercoss is not a big brand in many countries outside its main markets, getting spare parts, firmware updates, or service might be harder in some places.

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Why It’s Underrated — But Valuable

Many buyers judge phones by how powerful the processor is, how much RAM they have compared to the latest models, or whether they have flashy features. GenPro Z loses in those comparisons. But for people who:

• Use their phones mostly for calls, messaging, social media, photos, video streaming,
• Don’t need cutting edge gaming or very high resolution cameras,
• Want a phone that’s usable, affordable, with decent build and features,

then GenPro Z gives more than many expect. Because the cost for features like 4 GB RAM, Full HD screen, dual cameras, fingerprint scanner and LTE is spread out over older stock or used units, the value can be very good.

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Current Price in Kenya

There are no reliable Kenyan-store listings found for brand new Evercoss GenPro Z units as of current searches. Imported or used units are more likely available via second-hand channels.

Based on international pricing and exchange estimates:

• In Indonesia, Blibli lists a GenPro Z (32 GB / 4 GB) around Rp 1,300,000 (~ USD 80-90 depending on promotions) in recent listings. (Blibli)
• Converting via approximate exchange rate (USD or Indonesian rupiah→KES) suggests a realistic landed cost in Kenya of KES 12,000 to KES 20,000 for used or refurbished units, depending on condition, battery health, seller margin, import/shipping and any taxes/duties.

If stock is brand new and imported, expect possibly higher, maybe KES 20,000-25,000, depending on rarity and condition.

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Where It Might Be Bought From

To get a GenPro Z in Kenya, these are possible channels:

• Online marketplaces with international sellers such as eBay, AliExpress, or sites that handle refurbished/used electronics, especially those shipping from Southeast Asia or Indonesia.
• Kenyan second-hand / used phone platforms like Jiji.co.ke, Facebook Marketplace, or local dealers in Nairobi who import older phones. Inspect the condition especially battery, screen, original parts.
• Refurbished phone shops in large cities that might carry obscure or older models. Ask about warranty / return if possible.
• Import specialists / groups that sometimes bring in stock from Indonesia or Asia. They may facilitate bringing in a GenPro Z on request.

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Conclusion

The Evercoss GenPro Z is underrated because it is not new, and its specs are modest relative to flagship or even mid-range phones of recent years. However, for moderate, everyday use—social apps, video streaming, decent photos, dual SIM, LTE—it offers more than what many expect, especially when bought used or refurbished at a good price. If you can find one in Kenya for around KES 12,000-20,000, it could be a smart value buy, especially for users who care more about functionality than prestige.

KINA MAISHA MAGIC EAST THURSDAY 9TH OCTOBER 2025 SEASON 5 EPISODE 114

Why the Cherry Mobile Omega HD Duo Is Underrated — And Why It Offers Nice Value

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Introduction
Cherry Mobile is a Philippine brand not often seen in Kenyan stores, and the Omega HD Duo is one of its budget offerings that many overlook. But despite modest specs, it delivers on many fronts for people who just need a functional smartphone without paying top dollar. This article looks at what the Omega HD Duo brings, its strengths and its limitations, its estimated price in Kenya, and where one might find it (or import it).

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What the Omega HD Duo Brings to the Table

• Balanced Everyday Hardware
  The Omega HD Duo runs on a MediaTek MT6737 quad-core 1.3 GHz processor with a Mali-T720 GPU, 2 GB of RAM, and 16 GB of internal storage. That may sound modest today, but for light usage (calls, messaging, social media, video playback, light apps) this is sufficient. (NoypiGeeks)
• Display & Design
  It has a 5.2-inch HD display (1280×720) giving a pixel density around ~282-300 ppi, which is crisp enough for many tasks. The device is somewhat thick (~9.2 mm) and makes use of a more solid frame compared to ultra-thin phones. It also features a fingerprint sensor at the back. (whatismyphone.net)
• Cameras That Do Their Job in Good Lighting
  A 13 MP rear camera (plus a secondary VGA/“depth” style lens) and an 8 MP front shooter with LED flash make for decent photo performance under daylight or well-lit environments. For someone not obsessing over night mode or ultra-high quality, these are usable. (NoypiGeeks)
• Software & Extras
  Android 8.1 Oreo comes out of the box, with fingerprint sensor, dual SIM, LTE connectivity, microSD expansion (up to at least 64 or 128 GB). Battery is removable, and the battery capacity (~2,650 mAh) is acceptable given the modest screen and processor. (whatismyphone.net)

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Where It Falls Short

• Low RAM & Modest Performance
  The 2 GB RAM is just enough for basic multitasking; heavier apps or many apps open at once will lead to lag. Gaming is possible only for lighter or “lite” versions of games; anything graphic intensive will struggle. (UNBOX PH)
• Battery & Charging Trade-Offs
  The 2,650 mAh battery is removable, which is good, but by today’s standards it’s only moderate. Also, charging is through older micro-USB and no fast charging is featured; so refilling the battery takes longer. (UNBOX PH)
• Aging Software & Support
  Released in mid-2018, it’s unlikely to receive further OS updates or security patches. Apps may outgrow the hardware sooner than with more recent budget phones.
• Low Storage Out of the Box
  16 GB internal storage means that once the Android system and preloaded apps take their share, usable storage may be limited. Users will almost certainly need a microSD card.

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Why It’s Underrated

Many people dismiss budget phones if they see low RAM or older processors. They compare them to newer models and assume they will feel slow. But for many users, speed for high-end gaming or constant multitasking is less important than reliability, a decent display, a camera good enough for photos with friends, and LTE connectivity. The Omega HD Duo balances many of those essentials at low cost. Also its removable battery and near-stock Android experience (relatively minimal bloat) give it some advantages that can matter over time.

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Estimated Price in Kenya

• The original price in the Philippines at launch was PHP 4,999. (GizGuide)
• As of current exchange rates (approx 1 PHP ≈ KES 2.30-2.50) that corresponds to about KES 11,500 to KES 12,500 before shipping and import duties.
• With shipping, import costs, taxes, and any markups by retailers, a realistic Kenyan landed price might be KES 15,000 to KES 20,000 for a new unit (if one is able to source one) assuming it is still available new or in good condition.

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Where It Can Be Bought / Imported From

• Cherry Mobile stores (Philippines) sell it via their official store (site occasionally shows it as sold out) in various colours. (Cherry Shop)
• Online marketplaces in the Philippines such as Shopee PH, Lazada PH and TikTok shops may have stock or used/refurbished units. (Cherry Shop)
• Importers or individuals in Kenya/other countries who bring in electronics from Asia or the Philippines. Because the model is older, most available units are likely refurbished or used.
• Kenyan second-hand / used phone marketplaces (Jiji, Facebook Marketplace, etc.) may occasionally list Cherry Mobile phones. These may lack warranty, so inspect condition, battery status, and inclusion of accessories carefully.

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Conclusion

If you’re looking for a phone that won’t cost much but can reliably handle basic tasks — messaging, social media, calls, occasional photos — the Cherry Mobile Omega HD Duo is underrated but solid. Its specs aren’t cutting-edge, but it delivers value where it counts: good camera in daylight, basic LTE, a fingerprint sensor, and Android out of the box. If you can get one for KES 15,000-20,000 in Kenya, even factoring in import costs or used condition, it can be a worthy purchase for someone on a tight budget or for a secondary phone.

KINA MAISHA MAGIC EAST WEDNESDAY 8TH OCTOBER 2025 SEASON 5 EPISODE 111

Why the Itel P55 5G Is Underrated But Offers Great Value

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Strong Value Where It Counts
The Itel P55 5G delivers many of the features people want—5G connectivity, a decent camera, large battery—at a price much lower than what many expect for a phone with those specs. For users who need reliable performance and modern features without paying premium prices, this model punches above its weight.

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Key Specs That Make It Stand Out

• The phone uses a MediaTek Dimensity 6080 chipset built on a 6nm process, which helps with power efficiency and gives decent everyday performance. (Nextechaccess)
• Display is a 6.6-inch IPS LCD with a 90Hz refresh rate. This gives smoother scrolling compared to older 60Hz panels in the same price range. (Nextechaccess)
• Camera setup includes a 50MP main sensor at the back and an 8MP front camera. Picture quality is good in well-lit environments. (GSMArena)
• Battery is 5,000mAh, which supports the phone through a full day of use easily. Charging is at 18W—not the fastest, but acceptable for its price point. (Sawa Gadgets)

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Current Price in Kenya & Where to Buy

Retailer	Price (KES)	Notes
SmartTech Phones Kenya	KSh 16,699	6GB + 128GB variant. (Smart Tech Phones)
Avechi	KSh 21,199	6GB + 128GB, with warranty. (Avechi Kenya)
Phone Shop Kenya	KSh 21,400	Includes 6GB RAM option. (Phone Shop Kenya)
Nextech Access	KSh 22,000	Standard variant. (Nextechaccess)
Sawa Gadgets	KSh 22,000	New stock, two color options. (Sawa Gadgets)
Itel P55 listings as low as KSh 15,500-17,200 are seen during promotions or less well-known outlets. (Starmac)

Prices vary depending on stock, color, RAM/storage configuration, and promotion offers. Usually, the 4GB/64GB version is cheaper, while 6GB/128GB versions cost a bit more.

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Where It’s Undervalued

• Many reviews and buyers tend to dismiss phones with “HD+” instead of “Full HD” displays. The P55 5G has HD+ resolution (720×1612) which is lower but still works well for everyday use and content browsing. (Nextechaccess)
• Charging isn’t ultra-fast, and itel tends to lag behind bigger brands in software update frequency. But for many users, those trade-offs are acceptable given the cost savings.
• The phone’s plastic build and modest audio / loudspeaker performance are weaker points compared to more premium devices. For use in outdoor or noisy places, that matters.

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Who Gets the Best Value

• Users who want to experience 5G without spending heavily. For areas where 5G is available, the P55 5G delivers future-proof connectivity.
• For people who don’t demand flagship specs but want a phone for social media, video, everyday apps. The 90Hz display helps in smooth user experience.
• Buyers who prefer larger battery capacity—you get good runtime from the 5,000mAh battery.
• Those who care more about storage and usable camera resolution than flashy extras. With 128GB and a 50MP camera, the P55 holds up for everyday photography and media.

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Final Thoughts

The Itel P55 5G is underrated because it gives many of the essentials people want—5G, large battery, decent camera, smoother display—at a mid-budget price. In Kenya, you can find it around KSh 16,000-22,000 depending on the seller, RAM/storage, and promotions. If you’re okay with compromises on charging speed, display resolution, and brand prestige, the P55 5G offers strong value for what it delivers. It’s a smart choice for budget-minded users who want more than basic 4G phones without overspending.

KINA MAISHA MAGIC EAST TUESDAY 7TH OCTOBER 2025 SEASON 5 EPISODE 110