Lipa Mdogo Mdogo: How to Buy an iPhone and Pay in Instalments

Not everyone can pay for an iPhone at once. Lipa Mdogo Mdogo is our instalment plan for iPhones. You choose a deposit, take a plan, and pay the balance over time. It is useful for many people, but it does cost more than paying cash. Here is how to think about it.

How it works

1. Choose an eligible iPhone on our Lipa Mdogo Mdogo listings.

2. Choose how much deposit to pay. The minimum deposit and the available range are shown in the calculator on the page.

3. Choose a weekly or monthly plan.

4. Complete an application with the required documents.

5. Pay your deposit, then make the instalments on schedule.

The calculator shows the deposit, instalment and total for the phone and plan you choose. Rely on those figures, since prices change.

What it costs

Instalments carry a markup over the cash price. Shorter plans cost less overall than longer ones. A larger deposit reduces the amount you still owe, which means smaller instalments.

Always compare two numbers: the cash price, and the total you will pay on the plan. The difference is the cost of spreading the payments. If that cost seems high, consider a less expensive phone, a longer savings period or a larger deposit.

Weekly or monthly?

Weekly payments suit people paid weekly or those with daily income, such as boda boda riders, small traders and casual workers. Monthly plans suit salaried workers, and you pick a pay day that fits around when you are paid.

Choose a payment you can sustain even in a difficult month. Do not plan around money you have not yet received.

A bonus for larger deposits

At the time of writing, deposits of 50% or more qualify for a free Apple 20W USB-C power adapter. The terms are shown during the application, and offers may change.

Choosing the right iPhone for a plan

An iPhone with healthy battery life and enough storage makes the most sense, because you will be paying it off for months. It would be frustrating to keep paying for a phone that has already become limiting.

The iPhone 13 is a popular balance. If you want a lower total cost, consider the iPhone 11 or iPhone 12. See also the cheapest iPhones worth buying.

Questions to ask yourself

• Can I afford this payment even if my income drops for a few weeks?
• Would it be cheaper to buy a less expensive phone outright?
• Do I understand what happens if I miss a payment?

Read the application terms in full before signing. Ask us about anything unclear. There is nothing wrong with taking a day to think it over.

Other ways to reduce the cost

A trade-in can reduce what you pay when buying outright. Compare that with instalments and choose what makes most sense for you.

Our plan is currently for iPhones only. If you want an Android phone, look at affordable new models in the phone buying guide, which may cost less than a deposit plan on a more expensive device.