Archives October 2022

You’re hunting for the best mid-range smartphones in Kenya and want something suitable for your needs without paying through the nose. But what’s worse than paying for a lame phone is getting ripped off. And that’s where this compilation comes in.

We’ve taken the time to analyze the Kenyan market and compile the five best contenders for mid-range smartphones worth your money. These options have everything from incredible cameras to FHD screens to long battery life, so no matter what you’re looking for, there’s something on this list that will catch your eye. After all, a capable yet affordable piece of technology is the kind of luxury a techie can’t resist.

So, grab a cup of coffee and enjoy the show—you’re in for a treat!

5 Best Mid-Range Smartphones in Kenya in 2022

1. Xiaomi Redmi Note 10s

Price: Ksh 25,699

Xiaomi Redmi 10s is a conversation starter that your friends will idolize. It has a lot going for it, delivering an impressive display experience paired with an excellent design that reminds us of its sibling, the Poco X3 GT. Its color options are broader, ranging from Onyx gray, Oceanic blue, Pebble white, and Starlight purple. A responsive edge-mounted fingerprint scanner backed up by face unlock allows quick and secure access to your phone.

The AMOLED is a welcome addition for buyers looking for something brighter or crystal clear than most LCD panels. Plus, it’s a 6.43-inch dot display, meaning you’re getting an edge-to-edge screen without any annoying water-drop notch. Full HD+ resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels offers a pixel density of 409 PPI, so you benefit from better viewing angles and crisper images. 

The lack of a pre-installed screen protector is disappointing, but we appreciate that Xiaomi included Corning Gorilla glass which should keep your screen safe from everyday wear and tear.

The Redmi 10S device runs on Android 11 with Xiaomi’s MIUI 12 launcher out of the box. And while you don’t expect an ultimate powerhouse at this price point, the MediaTek Helio G95 chipset backed by 6 GB or 8 GB RAM makes it a joy to use. The 64GB or 128 GB internal memory will let you store all your photos, videos, and apps with little to worry about running out of space.

Another notable feature is the inclusion of a quad-lens camera setup on the rear panel of this best smartphone in Kenya. You can expect the 64MP primary sensor to perform well in most lighting conditions. And you can also take advantage of AI image processing for better results in difficult lighting conditions or when shooting fast-moving objects. Plus, it can record 1080P videos at 60fps with the option to add a slow-motion effect. There’s also a 13MP front camera that tops out at 1080p@30fps videos. 

Xiaomi packed plenty of features and toggles into the comprehensive control center on this device. Plus, you can customize your experience with various themes available in the Mi Theme Store.

The stereo speakers churn out superb audio quality, and the 5000mAh battery (paired with 33W fast charging) should keep you going all day long.

Tagline: Best pixel density

Specs:

• Dimensions: 16.1 x 7.5 x 0.8 cm
• Display: 6.43-inch, 1080 x 2400 pixels, 409 PPI, Corning Gorilla Glass 3, AMOLED
• OS: Android 11, MIUI 12.5
• Processor: MediaTek Helio G95, octa-core, Mali-G76 GPU
• Camera: 64MP main, 13 MP selfie, 1080p@30/60fps
• Storage: 6/8GB RAM, 64/128 GB ROM
• Battery: 5,000mAh, non-removable, Li-Po, 33W fast charging
• Water resistance: IP53
• Extras: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, stereo speakers, 3.5mm audio jack, Bluetooth 5.1, USB type-C, NFC

2. Tecno POVA Neo

Price: Ksh 16,298

POVA Neo is a more budget-friendly version of the POVA 2, but it still packs all the bells and whistles to keep up with your everyday needs. It’s sleek and stylish, but don’t let its looks fool you: it packs some serious hardware to keep your game on point.

In terms of design, it’s pretty much like most 2021-22 smartphones out there—a rectangular block with rounded corners. You’ll find the power button and volume keys on the right side of the device, while the SIM card tray is nestled on the left. The bottom houses a USB Type-C port, microphone hole, speaker grille, and 3.5mm audio jack. It sports a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner. Plus, it’s available in three colors: Powehi black, Obsidian, or Geek blue—each is a sleek and sophisticated standout that adds flair to your style. 

Based on Android 11 with HIOS 7.6, the POVA Neo is ready to deliver an unmatched experience right out of the box. And with an Octa-core 2.0 GHz processor and an ET Engine powering its high-refresh-rate graphics and dynamic control adjustments, you can expect it to handle demanding games like Call of Duty and PUBG seamlessly. 

With this best mid-range smartphone in Kenya, you get a 6,000mAh Li-Po battery replenishable in two hrs with the stock 18W fast charger. That’s good music to the ears of impatient, heavy users. 

A 4GB RAM + 64GB ROM combo means you’ll never have to worry about slow responses or running out of space for files or apps. And if that’s not enough for your needs, this best smartphone in Kenya supports memory cards up to 256 GB in size. Plus, the integrated phone cloner will let you move data from an old phone onto a new one hassle-free.

POVA Neo has a 6.8-inch dot-notch display with 720 x 1640 resolution, 263-pixel density, and 83% screen-to-body ratio. That’s pretty enough to give you an immersive experience, but it might be dimmer in direct sunlight. The notch houses an 8MP single-lens, dual-flash camera backed by a 13MP dual-lens, quad-flash rear camera.

And did we mention this best mid-budget smartphone in Kenya has an integrated voice changer? Yes, that’s right. And whether you want to sound more like an alien or a chipmunk, we won’t judge.

Tagline: Best battery, largest display

Specs:

• Dimensions: 17.1 x 7.7 x 0.9 cm
• Display: 6.8-inch, 720 x 1640p, 263 PPI, 480 nits, 120Hz, IPS LCD
• OS: Android 11, HIOS 7.6
• Processor: MediaTek Helio G25, octa-core, PowerVR GPU, ET Engine
• Camera: 13MP quad-flash main, 8MP dual-flash selfie, 1080p@30fps
• Storage: 4GB RAM + 64GB ROM
• Battery: 6000mAh, non-removable, Li-Po, 18W fast charging
• Extras: Rear fingerprint scanner, Bluetooth 5.0, 3.5mm audio jack, USB type-C, OTG, 

3. Xiaomi Redmi 10C

Price: Ksh 19,599

If you’re looking for something that’s incredible value for money, the Xiaomi Redmi 10C is right up your alley. 

Available in Ocean blue, Mint green, and Graphite gray, this best smartphone in Kenya has everything you need to stay connected and entertained. Its rear-mounted fingerprint scanner is rear-mount can be hard to reach, and that’s where face unlock comes in handy. The textured back casing feels fantastic in hand and makes it easier to grip the phone. 

Redmi 9C’s successor features a 6.7” IPS LCD with a water-drop notch and a resolution of 720 x 1650 pixels which isn’t as bright outdoors as flagships but still decent enough to get your work done indoors without straining your eyes. 

A 60Hz screen refresh rate is standard at this price point but ensures the phone handles typical tasks just fine. A 5000mAh battery will last through hours of binge-watching, and the powerful speaker brings life to every sound. All these work together to bring you an immersive entertainment experience without breaking the bank.

Read Mode safeguards your eyes against harmful, sleep-depriving rays while reading or watching videos at night. And then there’s that 3rd Gen Corning Gorilla Glass that keeps the screen clear of scratches and scuffs. 

The camera module isn’t as striking. But looks can be deceiving as it houses a 50MP rear camera with Night Mode, HDR, Panorama technology, and 1080P video recording capability. The selfie camera is subpar at 5MP, but you could improve the results with GCam.

Redmi 10C runs on Android 11 and MIUI 13 platforms powered by a Snapdragon 680 processor, offering similar performance as Redmi Note 11 but at a lesser price. The RAM is 4GB, which means faster typing speed and loading times across demanding apps like inventory management apps. An integrated extension feature can boost its size up to 5GB if needed. You get two options for internal storage: 64 GB or 128 GB. 

Tagline: Best processor

Specs:

• Dimensions: 16.9 x 7.7 x 0.8 cm
• Display: 6.7-inch, 720 x 1650 pixels, 268 PPI, Corning Gorilla glass protection, IPS LCD
• OS: Android 11, MIUI 13
• Processor: Snapdragon 680, octa-core, Adreno 610 GPU
• Storage: 4GB RAM( expandable to 5GB), 64GB ROM
• Camera: 50MP main, 5MP front, 1080p@30fps
• Battery: 5000 mAh, Li-Po, non-removable, 18W fast charging
• Extras: 3.5mm audio jack, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, rear-mounted fingerprints, USB type-C

4. Samsung Galaxy A03s

Price: Ksh 14,249

Galaxy A03s is an excellent choice if you’re gasping for an affordable yet solid Samsung phone. It comes in black, white, red, or blue, so choose whatever works best for your style.

Its design is decent, with an all-black tapered plastic casing. At the front sits a 6.5-inch, 1600 x 720 IPS LCD panel surrounded by quite a chunky black border and packs around 270 pixels per inch (PPI). That definitely won’t blow you away with its clarity, but it’s a decent viewing experience overall. The water-drop notch and higher screen “chin” leave you with ample screen real estate.

A03s is among the few best smartphones in Kenya under 15k with a power button that also serves as the fingerprint scanner. It’s fast, accurate, and a welcome leap from the rear-mounted scanners synonymous with many rivals in this price range.

Samsung crammed a 3GB Ram and Mediatek Helio P35 processor into this little guy. It’s fast enough to handle anything you throw at it while still being efficient enough to keep battery life high. Plus, you get 32 gigabytes of internal storage—about 19 GB of which is usable, which is still sufficient to keep all your favorite files close by. There’s also a 4GB model with 64GB RAM if you want more space! 

This best mid-range smartphone in Kenya packs a triple-lens rear camera setup comprising a 13MP primary camera, a 2MP depth camera, and a 2MP macro camera. And if you want to take more than just photos, the A03s’ 5000mAh battery gives you plenty of juice to keep going all day. Plus, it supports 18W fast charging. Unfortunately, it comes with a 5W charger that takes 4 hrs to refill the battery. 

Tagline: Most affordable

Specs:

• Dimensions: 16.4 x 7.6 x 0.9 cm
• Display: 6.5-inch, 720 x 1600 pixels, 270 PPI
• OS: Android 11 (Upgradable to Android 12)
• Processor: Mediatek Helio P35, octa-core
• Storage: 3/4 GB RAM, 32/64 GB ROM
• Camera: 13MP main, 5MP front, 1080p@30fps
• Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable, 15W fast charging
• Charging duration: 4 hrs (with the 5W stock charger)
• Extras: USB type-C, NFC, Bluetooth 5.0, side-mounted fingerprint sensor, 3.5mm audio jack, dual sim, 4G 

5. Tecno CAMON 19 Pro

Price: Ksh 35,399

The new kid on the block, Tecno Camon 19 Pro, is a big chunk of awesomeness, standing out with a flat body design and tempered glass, silk matte finish back. But don’t mistake the slimmer profile for a lack of power. Running on Android 11, Mediatek Helio G96 chipset, and HIOS 8.6, this best smartphone in Kenya is as fast and reliable as you’d expect from a premium product.

It comes with a 6.8-inch AMOLED dot display with a 120Hz refresh rate, making scrolling and swiping through websites or apps noticeably smoother. And with 1080 x 2460p resolution, you can better stream 4K content from Amazon Prime, Netflix, or YouTube (just ensure your internet connection is fast enough).

Something else stands out: the versatile camera setup. It includes a 64MP primary camera rated for 60X zoom, which works well for distant objects. And while the detail isn’t as impressive, that shouldn’t compromise your experience.

OIS+EIS stabilization on the 50MP portrait lens makes for more refined videos. Sure, you don’t expect to get away without some shaky movements here and there, but that’s preferable to software-based stabilization techniques that may introduce artifacts into your recordings. Completing the arrangement is a 32MP punch-hole front camera that captures skin tone with plenty of contrast. Video recording tops out at 1080p on both rear and front cameras.

Audio-wise, you get FM radio, the old-school 3.5 mm headphone jack, and a loud mono speaker with no bass. BT 5.0 ensures distortion-free connections with Bluetooth home theater receivers and other BT-enabled devices.

The battery life is respectable: 5,000 milliamperes hours gives you 6-7 hours of gameplay between charges. And when it gets drained? No worries—the provided 33W fast charger should refill it within 65 minutes. Last and undoubtedly not least, you get a staggering 256 Gigabytes of internal storage. 

Tagline: Best internal storage, highest refresh rate

Specs:

• Dimensions: 16.7 x 7.5 x 0.85 cm
• Display: 6.8-inch, AMOLED, 1080 x 2460p, 395 PPI
• OS: Android 11, HIOS 8.6
• Processor: Mediatek Helio G96, octa-core
• Storage: 8GB RAM, 128/256GB ROM
• Camera: 64MP main, 32MP front
• Battery: 5,000 mAh, non-detachable, Li-Po, 33W fast charging
• Charging duration: 65 mins
• Extras: Side-mounted fingerprint scanner, NFC, GPS, USB type-C 2.0

So, you want to invest in Newbury Park, CA, real estate but don’t know where to begin. This blog should get you started.

Newbury Park is a charming community in Ventura County, California, and the next-door neighbor of Westlake Village and Thousand Oaks. With a wide range of properties available at different price points, the city’s housing market harbors several opportunities for your dream home or property investment. But that extends beyond exploring buildings. You also want a safe, supportive, and sustainable community you can afford and is close to the necessary amenities.

Keep reading for more on Newbury Park, including:

• Real estate market
• Amenities
• Weather
• Dining and shopping scenes
• Leisure spots
• Cost of living

Overview of Newbury Park, CA

If you’re looking for a welcoming suburb where the sun shines 273 days a year and where you can enjoy breathtaking views of rolling hills, Newbury Park is your place! It sits in the southeastern part of Ventura County, most of which touches the western section of Thousand Oaks.

Egbert Starr Newbury established the modern Newbury Park as a ranch in the 1870s. He’s considered the Conejo Valley’s first postmaster, and his ranch was a lush green grassland supporting cattle pastures and wheat. The rolling hills and breathtaking views are a luxury nature lovers can’t resist. 

Newbury Park is home to about 45,000 residents and has grown into one of the most affluent communities in California without sacrificing its friendly atmosphere. It’s about 35 miles from downtown Los Angeles, 26 miles from Oxnard Beach,  and 22 miles from Malibu (the closest coastal city). It’s accessible from outside via U.S. Route 101, and Rancho Conejo Airport is also within its borders. 

Newbury Park, CA, is a paradise for sun worshippers, offering 273 days of sunshine annually, 68 more than the US average. Hardly ever snows here either—and if you’re coming from somewhere else where there are regular snowstorms, that’ll be such a tremendous change.

Newbury Park real estate market offers diverse options for potential buyers: from luxury homes on sprawling estates to cozy starter homes to condos that provide stunning views of the mountains.

Newbury Park, CA, Real Estate Market Trends

Newbury Park real estate comes in many shapes and sizes but mainly comprises owner-occupied single-family homes. The bulk dates between 1970 and 1999, but you’ll find options built between 1940 and 1960.

It’s not just about the numbers—it’s about finding a place where your family feels at home. With 65% of houses for sale in Newbury Park being single-family homes, there are plenty of options for families looking for more space or a larger yard.

Newbury Park, CA, real estate prices

Real estate market prices in Newbury Park have been trending upward since the recession and are unlikely to slow down anytime soon. As of February 2023 (the most recent data available), Newbury Park homes for sale record a median list price of $995K, representing a gain of 4.5% compared to February 2023. That makes it one of the more expensive neighborhoods in Ventura County. However, it’s still affordable compared to other areas in California, such as San Francisco, where the median home price is 1.3 million dollars.

Newbury Park real estate is still much in the seller’s territory, where the inventory is substantially less than the potential buyers. But a sale-to-list price ratio of 90.45% means that buyers are getting good deals on most occasions. On average, it takes 55 days for houses to sell in Newbury Park.

Single-family homes for sale in Newbury Park, CA, range between $699K and $16.5m. In comparison, the same units in Hollywood Beach, Oxnard, vary from $1.4 to $4.4m.

     Newbury Park rental market trends

The rental market in Newbury Park has been stable over the past few years, with Apartments.com estimating an increase of 7.8% in prices within the past 12 months. As of October 2022, rent in Newbury Park averages $2,691, meaning you’ll likely be paying about $195 more rent than you would have in the same month last year.

Apartments for rent in Newbury Park, CA, offer different options for varying budgets. From luxury apartments with pools and gyms to more affordable options with basic amenities like laundry facilities and parking. The average square footage is 899, and prices range from $1,950-$16,500 per month.

While a studio apartment will set you back an average of $2,221 per month, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom options average $2,379, $2,485, and $3,229, respectively. Newbury Park houses for rent ($3K-$6.9K per month) perfectly suit families looking for added privacy and larger yards.

Things to Do in Newbury Park, CA 

If nature is your thing or you’re looking for a day trip that’s a little more off-the-beaten-path, check out Point Mugu State Park, a 70-mile stretch of scenic trails through towering peaks and 5 miles of ocean. The park is open year-round and offers excellent hiking, camping, and swimming opportunities. Else, embark on some scenic strolls at Knoll Open Space, better known as Rabbit Hill. 

Stagecoach Inn Museum in Thousand Oaks is an excellent bet for individuals looking for something more historical. This museum was established in 1876 and is also home to one of the largest and oldest California Sycamores trees—Ventura County Historical Landmark #44. Also present in this site is a Chumash Village, Newbury Pioneer House, and a replica of Timber School.

Horseback riding at Rancho Potrero Community Equestrian Center is an excellent way to spend an afternoon with your family or friends. You’ll have access to around 100 horses at this 20-acre facility, where you can enjoy an hour-long guided trail ride for just $65 per person.

Lake Eleanor Dam along Westlake Boulevard is another excellent choice for some sightseeing. It’s considered among the earliest concrete arc dams ever built and surrounds an 8-acre lake in 529 acres of open space.

While still in Thousand Oak, please visit the Hunt Olive Tree. It’s a living link to Conejo Valley history lauded as the only surviving olive tree from Richard Orville’s orchard—not to mention that this 140+ years old jewel is Thousand Oaks’s Historical Landmark #4. 

Hillcrest Drive Civic Center is a pleasant walk through history. It was home to Thousand Oaks’ first permanent City Hall and is currently occupied by the National Park Service, Conejo Recreation and Park District, and Hillcrest Center for the Arts. 

More Leisure Opportunities?

Additional places to visit near Newbury Park, CA:

• Case Study House No. 28
• Janss House
• Historic Norwegian Grade
• Pederson House and Water Tower
• Angel Vista Peak
• Mike Malamut Vintage Car Museum
• Thousand Oaks Community Gallery

Cost of Living in Newbury Park, CA

According to LivingCost.org, the cost of living in Newbury Park, CA, is about $1,938 per month, making it among the top 16% of the most expensive cities worldwide. However, a median monthly salary after tax of $3,716 should cater to the basics for about 1.9 months. The average hourly wage is $33, more than double California’s minimum limit. 

The cost of groceries depends on where you shop and how much time you spend shopping around for deals—but if we stick with local markets, the bill should be about $1,381 per month for a family of four. Utilities for a family of four will run around $165 per month, while a monthly ticket for local transport costs about $56 per individual. 

Other costs that might pique your interest:

• Daycare: $942
• International primary school: $13,245 (per year)
• Simple haircut: $16.5
• Cinema ticket: $11.5
• Gym membership: $38.2

Shopping and Dining

Shopping and dining in Newbury Park, CA, is a dream come true, with plenty of options from grocery to clothing stores and everything in between. 

If you’re gasping for some indoor retail therapy—or maybe even something more specific like electronics or home goods—you can always try malls like Kimber Plaza or Hillcrest Plaza (and if these aren’t enough, Times Square has you covered).

For an impressive selection of name brands and high-quality clothing options, check out Ross Dress for Less, Kohl’s, or T.J. Max. You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to where to pick up your weekly groceries, but the following come highly recommended: 

• Ralphs
• Trader Joe’s
• Albertsons
• Smart & Final Extra
• Village Trade

Dining options are equally varied—some places serve up casual fare like burgers and fries, while others offer more upscale meals with an international flair. There’s a Chinese place called Sesame Inn with amazing crispy shrimp, moo shu pork, and Kung Pao chicken, as well as a sushi place called Sushi Oaks that serves up some tasty rolls.  The list of other best restaurants in Newbury Park, CA, is inexhaustible, but these are worth mentioning:

• The Local Table
• Stella’s Gourmet Restaurant
• Sumo Japanese Restaurant
• Baba’s Kitchen Mediterranean
• Mama’s Hummus
• Holdren’s Steaks & Seafood

Newbury Park, CA, Neighborhoods

Below are the four popular neighborhoods in Newbury Park, CA: 

• Rancho Conejo: You’ve heard of Rancho Conejo, right? The one with above-average schools and more affordable condos and 2-bedroom apartments in Newbury Park, California? And you know what else is true? Its higher sales-to-list-price ratio means homes sell at or above the asking price. The median list price is $1m. 

• Dos Vientos: If you want to live in a neighborhood with low crime risk and great schools, this neighborhood fits the bill. Houses for sale in Dos Viento, Newbury Park, have a median list price of $1.5m, with a square foot selling for around $493. 

• Potrero Valley: This neighborhood boasts below-average crime rates, average high school scores, and a 100%+ sales-to-list-price ratio. The median list price and cost per square foot are $1.3m and $544, respectively. 

• Ventu Park: If over-the-average education, a larger yard, and low crime risk matter to you most when choosing a Newbury Park, CA, neighborhood, Ventu Park may be right up your alley. Plus, homes sell fast here. It has a median list price of $980K. 

Newbury Park Schools

No doubt, the prices of Newbury Park, CA homes for sale are sky-high, but what about education? Will your child get an excellent education in this beautiful community? Let’s find out.

Newbury Park schools fall under the Conejo Valley Unified School District (CVUSD), hailed for its strong academics and college readiness. Based on GreatSchools Org’s analysis, 95% of CVUSD students graduate from high school on time, and the ACT score averages 26 out of 36. Not to mention that 80% of high-school graduates pursue college or a vocational program, 16% higher than the national average. 

There are several top-rated elementary schools in Newbury Park: 

• Sycamore Canyon School
• Cypress Elementary School
• Environmental Academy of Research Technology and Earth Sciences
• Banyan Elementary School
• Madrona Elementary School

There are three primary choices for middle schools in Newbury Park: Sycamore Canyon School, Redwood Middle School, and Sequoia Middle School. Newbury Park High School and Thousand Oaks High School are two of the best high schools in the area.

Bottom Line

The city of Newbury Park is a great choice to make your California home. Not only is it a nice place, but it’s also safe and family-friendly, with a lot to offer in every area of your life and family. 

The real estate here is attractive enough to lure prospective investors, new residents, retirees, and young families alike, with a wide variety of housing options. Its sense of community is strong, and schools have greatly improved. 

Outdoors, you’ll have plenty to explore in the area’s acres of parks and open space, from equestrian trails to hiking and mountain biking. Or, if you prefer, you can visit nearby beaches or embark on a shopping spree in the numerous outlets in and near the city. 

And with travel times averaging 45 minutes to downtown Los Angeles and 38 minutes to Hollywood, it turns out that Newbury Park is an excellent option for those who want a suburban feel while still enjoying all that nearby bustling locations have to offer.