Three great 5G smartphones you can buy for under R3,000 in South Africa

South Africa is busy considering options for switching off 2G and 3G networks in the country, which will require encouraging all cellular users still using old devices to upgrade.

While final deadlines have not yet been decided, mobile network operators have raised concerns over the pricing of 4G and 5G devices, which make them unaffordable for many South Africans.

They fear that switching off the networks prematurely could leave many of the country’s residents without access to cellular communication.

In August 2024, the Association of Communications and Technology (ACT) called for the South African government to lift the previous proposed deadline of 31 December 2027.

ACT CEO Nomvuyiso Batyi said it was critical that South Africans are aligned regarding the phasing out of older technologies.

“South Africans do not want to be left behind, but in doing that, we have to make sure that all the stakeholders that are supposed to be part of that journey are aware of the consequences,” she said.

“We are saying it should be led by industry and overseen by the regulator, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa.”

“In making sure that no one is left behind, let us not have a set deadline and cause unnecessary panic. Let us make sure South Africans have affordable devices in terms of 4G,” she added.

Communications Minister Solly Malatsi agrees. In an interview with MyBroadband, he said he wants to discuss enhancing universal access to smartphones with 4G and 5G connectivity.

“We enhance universal access by tackling two things. One of them is making smart devices affordable. They are not a luxury. They are a basic necessity,” said Malatsi.

“One of my obsessions is looking at the declassification of smart devices as luxury items because they carry an additional tax.”

He added that while eliminating the tax entirely may not be possible, implementing a threshold for the tax could reduce device prices.

The good news is that three great 5G devices are available in the country for less than R3,000.

5G smartphones under R3,000

MyBroadband found three 5G-enabled smartphones available in South Africa for less than R3,000, with the most expensive option costing R200 less than that price limit.

These include the ZTE Blade A72 5G, MTN’s recently launched Icon 5G, and the Samsung Galaxy A13 5G.

It should be noted that these devices do not boast flagship specs. However, they still offer impressive features and specifications.

All the devices feature 4GB of RAM, 720p displays, and refresh rates higher than 90Hz.

The most affordable option is the ZTE Blade A72 5G, available from Ackermans in-store for R1,499. However, you can get one for R1,899 from Bob Shop if you’d prefer to order it.

It has a 6.52-inch display and packs a Mediatek Dimensity 700 SoC and 64GB of internal storage.

Camera-wise, it has a 13MP primary shooter combined with two 2MP sensors on the rear and a 5MP selfie camera. It also has a 4,000mAh battery.

MTN launched the Icon 5G, effectively a rebranded ZTE Blade A75 5G, in late November 2024, with a price tag of R2,499.

“We are excited to bring this affordable 5G smartphone to the South African market,” said MTN South Africa’s general manager of devices, Thando Gabela.

The smartphone’s 6.6-inch display has the highest refresh rate of the three at 120Hz. It is powered by a Unisoc T760 SoC and packs 128GB of internal storage.

Its rear camera setup comprises a 50MP primary shooter and a 2MP depth sensor. For selfies, it features an 8MP front-facing camera. The MTN Icon 5G packs a 5,000mAh battery.

South Africans can buy the Samsung Galaxy A13 5G from Takealot for R2,799. The smartphone has a 6.5-inch, 90Hz display, 64GB of internal storage, and a Mediatek Dimensity 700.

Its triple rear camera setup combines a 50MP primary shooter with two 2MP sensors, while selfies are shot using the 5MP front-facing camera. The Galaxy A13 5G also has a 5,000mAh battery.

The table below compares specifications for the ZTE Blade A72 5G, MTN Icon 5G, and Samsung Galaxy A13 5G.