Ten 4G smartphones for less than R1,000

[Daniel Puchert]

4G smartphones under R1,000

South Africans have several options to choose from when looking for a 4G smartphone under R1,000, with prices starting as low as R499.

Mobile networks in South Africa are working to migrate customers off of 2G and 3G–only devices so they can switch off their older networks without cutting anyone off.

 

[Totempole]

Mobile networks in South Africa are working to migrate customers off of 2G and 3G–only devices so they can switch off their older networks without cutting anyone off.

They should seriously consider offering trade-in discounts in exchange for old 2G/3G devices.

A few hundred off a network locked 4G Smartphone in exchange for whatever they're using now would get far more users to scrap their old phones.

 

[G.A.S]

This also needed to list which have an NFC chip for tap-to-pay....

 

[Totempole]

This also needed to list which have an NFC chip for tap-to-pay....

None of those models would for sure.

I recall the cheapest phone to have NFC was the Nokia 3 back in 2018ish.

 

[zolly]

Does anyone have any recommendations for a sub R1500 phone that isn't slow AF and has Whatsapp? I'm basically looking at getting a phone that I can lose without it really affecting my life for when I go out.

 

[warwickw]

MyBroadband found ten 4G smartphones, between R500 and R1,000, from brands such as Hisense, Stylo, Mobicel, and Intel.

Intel ????

 

[elf_lord_ZC5]

Our Cell to Gate has already been "upgraded" yo a 4G unit.

 

[G.A.S]

None of those models would for sure.

I recall the cheapest phone to have NFC was the Nokia 3 back in 2018ish.

And I think that is key. And same regarding the WhatsApp question above. And same regarding trying to find manuals or detailed specifications for any of those.

Not all "smart phones" are equally smart.

 

[Bernoldus Niemand]

This also needed to list which have an NFC chip for tap-to-pay....

Cheapest tap-to-pay smartphones in South Africa

We scoured online stores in South Africa for the most affordable smartphones with NFC support.

mybroadband.co.za

 

[G.A.S]

Cheapest tap-to-pay smartphones in South Africa

We scoured online stores in South Africa for the most affordable smartphones with NFC support.

mybroadband.co.za

This one supposedly got NFC too at R599 ... https://www.imei.info/phonedatabase/mobicel-mx2/

 

[Bernoldus Niemand]

This one supposedly got NFC too at R599 ... https://www.imei.info/phonedatabase/mobicel-mx2/

 

[G.A.S]

View attachment 1755705

Main issue is ... with these no-name brands, it is impossible to find official specifications. And once you open them, it is too late.

 

[wizardofid]

No Hisense u70pro ?

Hisense U70 Pro | Cellular | PEP

Buy Hisense U70 Pro & Our Range of Cell phones and Accessories At PEP, South Africa's Largest Single Brand Retailer.

www.pepstores.com

To be fair the price range is from R999-1499 pending if it is network locked and which network.

Got my self one the other day, nothing to complain about, other than not having a light sensor.

It is a much better pick than the Hisense U963 mybb has listed.....

 

[Totempole]

This one supposedly got NFC too at R599 ... https://www.imei.info/phonedatabase/mobicel-mx2/

Well, I can tell you that although the Redmi 12C on that list does officially have NFC. On many versions, including the ones here in SA, it has been disabled or removed. Bummer.