We built this because the phone advice online was written for someone else.

Search "best phone under 30,000" from Nairobi and you get lists written for foreign markets, priced in dollars, recommending models that aren't in stock or don't carry a local warranty. Meanwhile, a first-time Kenyan buyer is upsold a phone that costs more than they need, or talked out of features that matter here — dual SIM, big battery, M-Pesa-ready apps.

Phonova exists to close that gap. Every guide here is written for someone who is paying in shillings, choosing between brands sold in Kenya, and reading on the phone they already own.

How we test

• We check real Kenyan retail prices, including promotions and import-duty markups.
• We confirm which retailers actually stock the model, and whether they take M-Pesa.
• We flag warranty and after-sales support available in Kenya.
• We compare specs that matter here — battery, dual SIM, network bands — not just benchmarks.
• We re-verify prices and stock every quarter and stamp the guide with the date.

Who this is for

Students, small business owners, parents, freelancers, and anyone who has been told "you need a new phone" and does not know where to start. We never sell phones — we point you to the retailers you can trust and the specs worth paying for.