iTel Phones: Affordable Smartphones and What to Expect

iTel exists to make technology affordable. Its phones often cost less than almost anything else on the shelf, and for many Kenyans they are the most accessible route to WhatsApp, M-Pesa apps and online services. Buying one is sensible, as long as you know what to expect.

The A series: basic smartphones

Models such as the A18s, A70, A100C and A200 are designed for simple use. Expect modest processors, limited memory and a straightforward set of features. They suit first-time smartphone users, older relatives, or anyone who wants a backup device.

If this is a phone for someone new to smartphones, set it up for them. Make the text larger, add important contacts, install WhatsApp, and remove anything distracting.

The P and S families: more power and display

iTel's P series generally emphasises battery capacity, and the iTel Power 55 is a good example of that thinking. The S series, including the S23 Plus, tends to focus on design and better screens. If you are spending a little more, these lines bring a noticeable improvement in daily comfort.

City and Vision

The City series, such as the City 200s, and Vision phones such as the Vision 5 aim for strong value with a large display. Check the memory and storage on the listing before you decide, because variants may differ.

The Flip 1 and keypad phones

iTel also has simple keypad and flip phones. The Flip 1 offers the familiar feel of a folding phone. Keypad models such as the it2160, it2163, it2165, it5033 and it8010 are made for calls and text messages and cost little. See our feature phone guide for how to choose one.

Getting the best from a low-cost phone

Manage storage. Limit automatic media downloads in WhatsApp under Settings, Storage and Data. This can save a lot of space. A microSD card helps where the phone supports one, and our memory card guide explains what to buy.

Use lighter apps. Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite and similar apps use less memory and data than their full versions.

Do not overload it. Budget phones slow down when many apps run at once. Close what you do not need and restart the phone occasionally.

Protect it. Screen damage on a cheap phone can make repair uneconomical, so a simple case and screen protector are worthwhile.

What to be cautious about

A very low price means limited memory, and that determines how the phone will feel after a few months. Where possible, avoid the smallest storage version. Also look carefully at advertised figures: "RAM expansion" is a software feature that borrows from storage and is not the same as physical RAM. Our guide to RAM and storage goes through this.

Updates on the cheapest Android phones are typically limited. That does not stop them from working, but some apps may eventually stop supporting very old Android versions.

Who should buy iTel

iTel suits buyers for whom low cost is the main priority, as well as those who want a backup phone or a phone for a child who may lose it. If you can spend somewhat more, look at Tecno or Infinix, which offer stronger performance in their mid-tier models.

We also carry the iTel VistaTab 11, a low-cost tablet. See our budget tablet guide if you would rather have a larger screen for school or video.