Samsung remains the most popular smartphone brand in Kenya, according to the latest mobile vendor market share data by StatCounter.
The data showed Samsung accounted for 26.09 percent of Kenya’s smartphone market in June 2026, maintaining its lead over other brands in the country.
Tecno ranked second with 13.14 percent, followed by OPPO at 8.63 percent, Apple at 7.26 percent and Infinix at 6.56 percent.
According to the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), more Kenyans are buying smartphones as access to 4G and 5G networks continues to expand across the country.
The regulator said smartphones made up 63.7 percent of all mobile phones connected to Kenyan networks during the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year.
Samsung Maintains Top Spot in Kenya’s Smartphone Market
According to Sumcon Limited, Samsung’s popularity in Kenya is driven by its reputation for reliability.
The company noted that consumers are drawn to the brand because of its long-term software support, durable devices, quality cameras, and extensive network of service centres.
In its review, the tech retail company notes that some of the Samsung smartphones currently popular among Kenyan consumers include:
- Samsung Galaxy A17 4G – An entry-level smartphone priced between KSh22,000 and KSh29,000, featuring a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display, a 50MP main camera and a 5,000mAh battery.
- Samsung Galaxy A36 5G – A mid-range device retailing for KSh35,000 to KSh39,000, offering a 120Hz Super AMOLED display, IP67 water resistance, a 50MP camera and 5G connectivity.
- Samsung Galaxy A56 5G – Priced between KSh50,000 and KSh60,000, the phone features a 6.7-inch AMOLED display, a 50MP triple-camera system, a 5,000mAh battery and Samsung DeX support for enhanced productivity.
Tecno Brand
According to Sumcon Limited, Tecno remains one of the most popular smartphone brands in Kenya, offering devices across the budget and mid-range segments.
Among its popular models is the Tecno Spark 20 Pro, which retails for between KSh11,000 and KSh14,000. The device features 8GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, a 6.78-inch display, a 5,000mAh battery and a 50MP AI camera.
Additionally, the retailer also highlighted the Tecno Camon 40 Pro 5G, priced between KSh28,000 and KSh36,000.
The smartphone comes with a 50MP triple-camera system, a curved AMOLED display, 16GB of RAM, 256GB of storage and 5G connectivity.
Also Read: Why Many Kenyans Prefer Android Over iPhone
Infinix
The company adds that Infinix continues to attract young consumers in Kenya by offering smartphones with high-end features at relatively affordable prices.
Among the brand’s popular models is the Infinix Hot 60 Pro, which retails for between KSh15,000 and KSh40,000. The smartphone features 12GB of RAM, a 120Hz display and a 5,000mAh battery, making it suitable for gaming and everyday use.
The retailer also highlighted the Infinix Note 40 Pro, priced between KSh25,000 and KSh32,000. The device comes with 45W fast charging, a 108MP camera, 16GB of RAM and a curved AMOLED display.
In comparison the tech company notes the following:
| Brand | Position in Kenya (2026) | Why Kenyans Buy It |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung | Market leader with over a quarter of the smartphone market | Reliable performance, long software support, quality cameras and wide service network |
| Tecno | One of the leading affordable Android brands | Budget-friendly pricing, large batteries and features tailored for everyday users |
| OPPO | Strong player in the mid-range segment | Good cameras, sleek design and balanced performance |
| Apple (iPhone) | Popular among premium smartphone buyers | Premium build quality, iOS ecosystem, strong security and long-term software updates |
| Infinix | Popular among young and budget-conscious buyers | High specifications, gaming features and competitive pricing |
Also Read: The Most Common Phone Scams Affecting Kenyans
Global Market Outlook
According to the International Data Corporation (IDC), Samsung was the world’s largest smartphone vendor in the first quarter of 2026, narrowly ahead of Apple.
Both companies accounted for more than 42 per cent of global smartphone shipments during the period.
“Despite the current market challenges, Samsung and Apple – the two leading companies, were also the only two companies in the global top 5 to register a YoY growth. Their strong focus on premium and higher leverage with memory suppliers has them better positioned them to manage this crisis and gain market share,” read part of the report.
| Company | Q1 2026 Shipments (Million Units) | Market Share | Year-on-Year Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung | 62.4 | 21.2% | +2.9% |
| Apple | 61.8 | 21.0% | +4.4% |
| Xiaomi | 33.8 | 11.5% | -19.1% |
| OPPO | 30.7 | 10.5% | -9.9% |
| vivo | 21.2 | 7.2% | -6.9% |
| Others | 84.0 | 28.6% | -0.3% |
| Total | 293.8 | 100% | -2.9% |
How to Choose a Smartphone in Kenya
According to Sumcon Limited, buyers should choose a smartphone based on their budget and the features they need.
For those with a budget of below KSh8,000, the retailer recommends the Itel A Series for basic tasks such as calling, texting, browsing the internet and using mobile money services.
Buyers spending between KSh8,000 and KSh15,000 may consider the Tecno Spark Series, which offers modern smartphone features at an affordable price.
Those with a budget of KSh15,000 to KSh22,000 can choose between the Samsung Galaxy A17 4G and the Infinix Hot 60 Pro, depending on whether they prioritise brand reliability or higher performance.
For a budget of KSh22,000 to KSh35,000, Tecno Camon 40 Pro 5G and Infinix Note 40 Pro are among the recommended options, offering improved cameras, larger storage and faster performance.
Consumers looking to spend between KSh35,000 and KSh60,000 can consider the Samsung Galaxy A36 5G or Galaxy A56 5G, which come with 5G connectivity, premium features and extended software support.
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