In today’s fast-paced world, staying connected is essential, but it doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Whether you’re a student on a budget, a parent purchasing a starter phone for your child, or an older adult seeking a simple, reliable mobile device, there’s a solution for everyone. In this smart shopper’s guide, we’ll highlight the best phones under R300 in South Africa, available this weekend (17–19 October), from major retailers like Pep, Makro, and Shoprite.
These budget-friendly phones may not have all the high-tech features of the latest smartphones, but they excel at basic functionality—calls, SMS, and essential connectivity. Read on to discover the top picks for value-for-money devices and where to find them.
The Top 10 Phones Under R300 in South Africa
Here are the best mobile phones under R300 you can grab this weekend, offering outstanding value for money.
1. Itel it2163D – R149
Where to Buy: Available at Makro.
Display: 1.8-inch, 320 x 240 pixels
Battery: 1000 mAh with Super Battery Mode
Memory: 32 MB RAM, 32 MB ROM (expandable via microSD up to 32 GB)
Connectivity: Bluetooth V2.0, Dual SIM (Micro SIM)
Network: 2G (GSM)
Features: VGA camera, powerful torch, multilingual support, stores up to 2000 contacts
Why Buy: Ideal for budget-conscious users seeking a reliable feature phone for essential calls and texts.
Pro Tip: Always check if the phone is dual-SIM and unlocked for network flexibility.
2. Nokia 105 VOX – R249
Where to Buy: Available at Pep.
Display: 1.8-inch color screen
Battery: Long-lasting, specific capacity not mentioned
Memory: Limited internal storage
Connectivity: Dual SIM
Network: 2G (GSM)
Features: FM radio, flashlight, classic design
Why Buy: Known for its durability and simple functionality, this is a great phone for anyone needing a basic, durable device.
Pro Tip: Look for long-lasting battery life and easy-to-use features.
3. Stylo Carbon – R199
Where to Buy: Available at Pep.
Display: 1.77-inch color display
Battery: 800 mAh
Memory: 32 MB RAM, 32 MB ROM
Connectivity: Dual SIM, FM radio, Bluetooth, torch
Network: 2G (GSM)
Why Buy: A colourful and affordable choice for users who want a simple phone with the essential features.
Pro Tip: Expandable memory is perfect for storing contacts and messages.
4. Stylo Indigo – R139
Where to Buy: Available at Pep.
Display: 1.77-inch color display
Battery: 800 mAh
Memory: 32 MB RAM, 32 MB ROM
Connectivity: Dual SIM, FM radio, Bluetooth, torch
Network: 2G (GSM)
Why Buy: One of the most affordable feature phones that still offers essential connectivity.
Pro Tip: Perfect for those who need a budget-friendly phone that lasts.
5. Stylo Iron – R229
Where to Buy: Available at Pep.
Display: 1.77-inch color display
Battery: 1000 mAh
Memory: 32 MB RAM, 32 MB ROM
Connectivity: Dual SIM, FM radio, Bluetooth, torch
Network: 2G (GSM)
Why Buy: A solid phone for those seeking Bluetooth connectivity and good battery life.
Pro Tip: Check if the device is dual-SIM for convenience.
6. Stylo Fresh – R179
Where to Buy: Available at Pep.
Display: 2.4-inch color display
Battery: 1000 mAh
Memory: 32 MB RAM, 32 MB ROM
Connectivity: Dual SIM, FM radio, Bluetooth, torch
Network: 2G (GSM)
Why Buy: A larger screen and expanded functionality make this a great option for a slightly more advanced feature phone.
Pro Tip: Larger screens are perfect for users who want a bit more visibility for calls and texts.
7. Stylo Helium – R249
Where to Buy: Available at Pep.
Display: 2.4-inch color display
Battery: 1000 mAh
Memory: 32 MB RAM, 32 MB ROM
Connectivity: Dual SIM, FM radio, Bluetooth, torch
Network: 2G (GSM)
Why Buy: Perfect for users who need a larger display and basic features for communication and entertainment.
Pro Tip: Bluetooth connectivity allows you to listen to music or make hands-free calls.
8. Stylo Phezulu – R139
Where to Buy: Available at Pep.
Display: 1.77-inch color display
Battery: 800 mAh
Memory: 32 MB RAM, 32 MB ROM
Connectivity: Dual SIM, FM radio, Bluetooth, torch
Network: 2G (GSM)
Why Buy: Compact and affordable, this phone is great for those who just need a reliable and simple device.
Pro Tip: A great starter phone for anyone new to mobile technology.
9. Mobicel C2-1 – R149
Where to Buy: Available at Pep.
Display: 1.8-inch color display
Battery: 800 mAh
Memory: Limited internal storage
Connectivity: Dual SIM, FM radio
Network: 2G (GSM)
Why Buy: A basic, no-frills phone that is perfect for users seeking simplicity and value.
Pro Tip: Always double-check for dual-SIM functionality before purchasing.
10. Mobicel MX2 – R299
Where to Buy: Available at Pep.
Display: 2.4-inch color display
Battery: 1000 mAh
Memory: Expandable storage via microSD
Connectivity: Dual SIM, FM radio, Bluetooth
Network: 2G (GSM)
Why Buy: A slightly more advanced feature phone for users looking for better connectivity and storage.
Pro Tip: Expandable memory gives you more space for storing pictures, music, and apps.
Read more: How to Do a Sim Swap on Cell C: A Step-by-Step Guide
Why Choose a Budget Phone?
Before diving into the best deals, here’s why a basic phone still offers incredible value:
Battery Life: One of the major advantages of feature phones is their long battery life. With basic functionalities, these phones can last for days on a single charge, making them ideal for emergencies or simple day-to-day use.
Durability: Budget phones tend to be more robust than their expensive counterparts. If dropped, they are less likely to crack or break, offering peace of mind for users who need a reliable phone.
Simple Functionality: Basic phones are intuitive and straightforward. They are perfect for users who need no-frills communication—making calls and sending text messages without distractions.
Affordability: These phones are incredibly cost-effective. Many cost under R300, making them an ideal choice for budget-conscious individuals.
Also check: How to Recover Your Facebook Account Without Your Old Phone Number
With these top 10 phones under R300, you’ll find excellent value for money without compromising on essential functionality. Whether you’re buying for a child, as a backup phone, or for someone new to mobile tech, these devices offer reliable calls, SMS, and basic features. Don’t miss out on the weekend promotions (17–19 October) at Pep, Makro, and Shoprite—you’ll be sure to find a budget-friendly mobile that fits your needs.
Smart shopping tip: Be sure to check if the phone is dual-SIM and unlocked for the best flexibility with networks.
