In South Africa, where affordability plays a major role in consumers’ purchasing decisions, getting a functional smartphone under R500 is not as difficult as it might sound. With a growing demand for budget-friendly devices, several brands have made it possible for individuals, especially those in lower-income groups or first-time smartphone users, to own a phone without breaking the bank. Brands like Tecno, Mobicel, Hisense, and Kicka have stepped up to provide affordable smartphones that cater to basic needs, from calling and messaging to light internet use.
If you’re looking for a cheap cellphone under R500, you can find several options with a variety of features. Here, we’ll explore the best of these budget-friendly phones available in South Africa, what they offer, and where you can get them.
1. Tecno Pop 2 Mini (R329)
The Tecno Pop 2 Mini is one of the most affordable smartphones you can find in South Africa, priced at just R329. For this price, you get a device that’s simple, yet functional enough for basic smartphone tasks.
Key Features:
Operating System: Android 8.1 Go
Display: 4-inch display
Memory: 512MB RAM, 8GB storage
Camera: 2MP rear camera, VGA front camera
Battery: 1500mAh battery
Connectivity: 3G support, single SIM (locked to Vodacom)
Although the screen size is relatively small, the Tecno Pop 2 Mini is an ideal phone for those who need a budget device for calling, texting, and light internet use. It’s locked to Vodacom, which is worth considering if you’re already using this network. Overall, this phone is a great choice if you need something super affordable.
2. Mobicel Star (R379)
The Mobicel Star is another fantastic choice for those looking for a budget phone under R500. Available for R379, this phone offers similar features to the Tecno Pop 2 Mini, but it adds a bit more versatility with dual SIM capabilities.
Key Features:
Operating System: Android 8.1 Go
Display: 4-inch display
Memory: 512MB RAM, 8GB storage
Camera: 2MP rear camera, VGA front camera
Battery: 1500mAh battery
Connectivity: 3G support, dual SIM (locked to Vodacom)
With the dual SIM feature, the Mobicel Star gives you the ability to switch between two different networks, which could be useful if you have more than one phone number or need to choose between network plans. For under R400, this is a great deal.
3. Mobicel Vibe Blue (R429)
If you’re willing to stretch your budget slightly, the Mobicel Vibe Blue is priced at R429. While the difference in price is not huge, you get an extra 512MB of RAM compared to some of the other phones in this range.
Key Features:
Operating System: Android R Go
Display: 4-inch display
Memory: 1GB RAM, 8GB storage
Camera: 2MP rear camera, VGA front camera
Battery: 1550mAh battery
Connectivity: 3G support, dual SIM (locked to MTN)
This phone offers a better memory capacity, which makes multitasking a little easier. The increased RAM allows for smoother performance when running apps like messaging services or light browsing. With dual SIM functionality and the improved battery life, the Mobicel Vibe Blue is a solid choice at this price point.
4. Mobicel Rave (R449)
The Mobicel Rave is another great option in this price category, priced at R449. For a little more, you get a phone with Android 11 Go, which is an updated version of the lightweight operating system designed to perform better on low-end devices.
Key Features:
Operating System: Android 11 Go
Display: 4-inch display
Memory: 512MB RAM, 8GB storage
Camera: 2MP rear camera, VGA front camera
Battery: 1500mAh battery
Connectivity: 3G support, dual SIM (locked to Cell C)
Android 11 Go provides a more efficient experience on lower-end phones, so the Mobicel Rave offers better app performance and a more modern software experience compared to older Android versions. It is locked to Cell C, so make sure this aligns with your preferred network.
5. Hisense U605 (R499)
If you’re looking for a phone that has a slightly better camera, the Hisense U605 is one of the better options under R500. Priced at R499, it offers a 5MP rear camera which is better than most other budget phones in this range.
Key Features:
Operating System: Android 8.1 Go
Display: 4-inch display
Memory: 1GB RAM, 8GB storage
Camera: 5MP rear camera, 2MP front camera
Battery: 1500mAh battery
Connectivity: 2G/3G support, dual SIM (locked to Vodacom)
With 1GB RAM and the 5MP camera, the Hisense U605 stands out among the other phones in the sub-R500 category. The camera is notably better for taking pictures, which could be a big selling point if photography is important to you. It is locked to Vodacom, so it’s worth considering if you are a Vodacom customer.
6. Kicka 5 (R499)
The Kicka 5 is a budget-friendly phone with a slightly larger display at 4.95 inches, making it more suitable for users who prefer a bigger screen without moving into a higher price range. This phone is also priced at R499.
Key Features:
Operating System: Android Go
Display: 4.95-inch display
Memory: 512MB RAM, 8GB storage
Camera: 2MP rear camera, VGA front camera
Battery: 1800mAh battery
Connectivity: 3G support, single SIM (locked to Vodacom)
While the Kicka 5 offers a slightly larger screen, it does come with the same limitations in terms of storage and camera quality compared to other models in this price range. However, for those who prefer a bigger display, the Kicka 5 could be a great option.
7. Mobicel Vibe (R499)
Another great option from Mobicel is the Mobicel Vibe, priced at R499. It features Android R Go, the latest version of the Android Go operating system, which provides a more efficient user experience.
Key Features:
Operating System: Android R Go
Display: 4-inch display
Memory: 1GB RAM, 8GB storage
Camera: 2MP rear camera, VGA front camera
Battery: 1500mAh battery
Connectivity: 3G support, dual SIM (locked to MTN)
With 1GB RAM and Android R Go, the Mobicel Vibe stands out as an excellent choice for users who need basic functionality with a bit more power and better multitasking performance. It’s locked to MTN, so it’s ideal for those who use this network.
Check also: Top 10 Budget-Friendly Smartphones Under R500 Supporting WhatsApp
If you’re looking for a budget phone under R500 in South Africa, you have plenty of great options. Tecno, Mobicel, Hisense, and Kicka all offer affordable smartphones with essential features that are more than enough for basic functions like calling, texting, and browsing the internet. The Tecno Pop 2 Mini and Mobicel Star are among the cheapest options, while the Hisense U605 offers a better camera experience.
These phones are available through retailers like Pep Cellular, Mr Price Cellular, and Ackermans Connect, and they are all locked to different networks, so be sure to consider your carrier preferences before purchasing.
In summary, these budget phones offer great value for the money and are perfect for those who need a simple device without the hefty price tag.
