How To Buy Phone Cheaper: 7 Ways To Buy Phone Cheaper Compared To The Market Price In Nigeria
The situation of the country has made the price of gadgets keep increasing as the days go on. Some Android phones are now up to ₦1,000,000. We have to find other alternatives to get all these necessities while cutting cost — in this guide, you will learn how to get your next new phone cheaper.
What Is the Best Way To Buy a Phone Cheaper?
The cheapest way to buy a phone in Nigeria is to go directly to wholesalers (Those who sell to other smaller retailers), buy UK used (tokunbo) devices from verified sellers, or import directly from China via AliExpress or eBay. Each method can save you between 30% and 50% compared to standard retail prices at roadside retailers, Slot, or Jumia.
Method 1: Buy and Import From China
Can you buy a phone from China while in Nigeria?
Yes, you can buy a phone from China while in Nigeria through eBay and AliExpress. Buying phones from China is very cheap. You can buy a phone from China through eBay and AliExpress — it is easy and seamless. You can also have a verified and trusted vendor or company in China to buy from.
If you are buying from China, you shouldn't buy iPhone or Samsung brands. China builds the refurbished version of these two brands. Rather, you should buy Android phones like Tecno, Infinix, and Xiaomi.
What to check when buying from China through eBay or AliExpress:
• Seller's ratings
•Network band compatibility: check if your local network works on the phone. For a phone to work in Nigeria, it must support the 900/1800 MHz band for GSM and the 2100 MHz band for 3G WCDMA. Always confirm the supported bands with the seller before paying.
• Customers' product reviews: go through previous buyers' reviews about the product.
• Check return policy: sellers who accept returns are more genuine.
Make your first China purchase today: eBay, AliExpress
Method 2: UK Used Phones (Tokunbo)
What are UK used phones?
UK used phones, also known as tokunbo, are mobile phones that have been fairly used by first-hand owners, originally used and sold in the United Kingdom or Europe, then imported to Nigeria for resale. A clean UK used iPhone 13 or Samsung Galaxy S23 can cost 40–60% less than a brand-new equivalent while still performing like new.
This is the single biggest money-saving opportunity for anyone who wants a premium phone without a premium price.
What to check before paying for a UK used phone:
• Battery health should be 80% or above
• Check camera, speaker, and charging port
• Check if your local SIM card works in the phone
• No colour lines on the screen– change to black and white wallpaper to observe well
• Get the IMEI number from settings and check if the phone was stolen
Method 3: Buy During Konga/Jumia Flash Sales or Discount Events
What is a Jumia/Konga flash sale?
This is a periodic event on Jumia and Konga where gadgets and some other stock are offered at a discounted price.
These events include the Black Friday event (usually in November), Jumia Anniversary sales (in July), and the weekly Friday deals. During these events, discounts of 20–40% off standard retail prices are common on brands like Tecno, Infinix, Samsung, and Xiaomi.
During these events, stock finishes in minutes. To be able to catch up, you have to add the phone to your cart and wait for the sale to go live, which usually occurs at midnight or early morning.
Method 4: Swapping With an Old Phone
What is phone swapping?
Phone swapping is a way of getting a new phone by giving out your old phone to the seller and adding an agreed amount of money to buy a better one.
This is common in Nigeria and is one of the easiest ways to get a new phone.
What do you need to swap your phone?
To swap your phone you need:
• Proof of ownership
• Some amount of money to add
What to check when swapping a phone:
• How long the battery lasts
• Camera and speaker
• If the SIM card is working (make a call)
• RAM and storage capacity
• Check the IMEI to confirm the phone was not stolen
Request for a receipt after paying.
Method 5: Easy Buy / Installment (Pay Small Small)
Can I buy a phone and pay small small?
Yes, you can buy a phone through Easy Buy and have the time to pay in installments until you complete the full phone price. The best part is that you can take the phone home while still paying for it.
Consequences of Easy Buy:
1. Higher total cost: the total price is higher compared to the phone's actual price due to charges.
2. Charges keep accumulating: the amount to pay keeps increasing each time you miss a payment.
3. Phone locking: an Easy Buy phone will be locked if the buyer refuses to keep to the payment policy.
Method 6: Buying From Verified Social Media Resellers
There are young tech entrepreneurs on TikTok, Facebook, and Telegram who import smartphones and resell at a lower price compared to the Nigerian market price.
To buy a phone from online importers:
• Check how regularly they post
• Check if they have real customers
• Request to use a middleman if you don't feel comfortable
• Request to meet at a public place where you will make payment on delivery
• Ask if the phone is original or refurbished
Method 7: Buying Refurbished Phones
What are refurbished phones?
Refurbished phones are phones that are pre-owned, used, returned, cleaned (repaired), and restored to good condition.
Some refurbished phones are smaller-version phones that were manually upgraded.
Buying a refurbished phone is cheaper than buying the original version. Refurbished phones are usually in good condition.
Where can I buy refurbished phone at lower price?
You can buy refurbished phones from:
Back market refurbished phones
What Are the Red Flags When Buying Cheap Phones in Nigeria?
Red flags when buying phones below market price in Nigeria include sellers who refuse to let you test the device before payment, prices that seem impossibly low (more than 60% below retail), requests to pay before the phone is waybilled to you, and sellers who cannot provide an IMEI number. Always test the phone fully, confirm the IMEI, and never transfer money before physically inspecting the device.
Other signs of danger:
• Seller rushing you to decide quickly
• No physical address or verifiable location
• Phone is "sealed in box" and seller refuses to open it before purchase
• Payment is demanded via transfer to a personal account with no receipt
• Seller urging you to send money and claiming the phone is not a problem
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the cheapest way to buy a new phone?
The cheapest way to buy a new phone in Nigeria is by buying from China, taking advantage of Jumia flash sales, or buying tokunbo or refurbished phones.
Which phone is the cheapest in Nigeria?
In Nigeria, the absolute cheapest smartphones — which are fully functional for browsing, WhatsApp, and basic apps — start at around ₦75,000 to ₦100,000. If you just need a device for making calls and basic texting, you can find ultra-budget feature phones for as low as ₦15,000.
Where can I buy cheap phones online?
You can buy cheap phones online from:
eBay
Which phone can I get for ₦90,000 in Nigeria?
With ₦90,000, you can get smart Android phones like the Redmi A3x, Tecno Spark 8, and Itel A50.
Does Easy Buy sell Samsung?
Yes, Easy Buy offers a wide selection of Samsung smartphones available for purchase on a buy-now, pay-later installment plan.
Can I pay monthly for a new phone?
Yes, if you don't want to pay the full price upfront, you can pay in monthly installments on Easy Buy.
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