5 Best Productivity Apps for Android in 2022

5 Best Productivity Apps for Android in 2022

In general, productivity apps refer to software that aids users to produce or create information such as documents, images, digital paintings, images, audio, and video clips. They are usually applications and are called productivity apps because they aid users to complete work effectively and efficiently. Productivity apps can be used on most devices, some are completely free and others while free to download, have premium offers that allow you to pay for certain features on the app.

It’s a universal desire to stay on top of things and to be efficient in all areas of everyday life. To help you achieve this, here are five of the best productivity apps on android;

Google Keep

Google Keep notes have a post-it note appearance, but you can add sketches, images, and lists to them as well as do a lot more. Everything is saved in the cloud, like the majority of Google Apps, and a web browser on a PC may be used to access it with ease.

However, Keep isn’t properly connected with other Google apps in a way that fully utilizes Keep. You may also schedule reminders, either by time or place. An interface with Google Maps, for instance, may make it possible to set location reminders to any grocery store rather than just one particular one. Even more shocking is the inability to set Google Assistant to take and keep notes in Keep.

Microsoft Word

If you need to open and edit Word documents on the move, the official Microsoft Word for Android app is the best option. It has a simple interface that intuitively gives access to the most important features for creating and editing documents, and you can even write complex equations in the mobile app, provided you can write in LaTex. A common use for Word for Android is to review documents received by email. This is where the app has some issues; Although it has a Track Changes option, it doesn’t always work reliably.

Google Workspace

The productivity suite from Google now goes by the moniker Google Workspace and has an array of tools and programs that takes productivity to the next level. All Android devices’ operating systems are intimately connected with these programs. Some important programs include:

  • Google Docs

This is a word document program that allows you to write texts, insert images and use multiple features typical of Microsoft Word. You can access your docs and create new documents directly from your browser as well.

  • Google Sheets

If you’re familiar with Microsoft Excel, then you’ll feel at home with this. It has all the features that make Excel the best data management tool in the world. Except that, as with Google Docs, you don’t need to always be on the app, as you can also access it with your browser. Data is also automatically saved to your Google Drive.

  • Google Slides

This allows you to create presentation slides on the go. It has all the features of Microsoft PowerPoint.

  • Google Forms

As its name suggests, it allows you to create all kinds of forms or questionnaires for surveys. It’s useful to gather information online since you can share the form directly with participants through a link. You can also embed the forms on your websites.

  • Google Drive

This is a cloud storage service by Google that allows you to save all files and documents, either through manual upload or automatically. Anything you create with any of the aforementioned programs is automatically saved and synced to your Google Drive, giving lifetime access to these files, as long as you have access to your Google Drive.

Trello

Trello is one of the most popular, user-friendly work management apps in the market. It allows users to manage projects, organize tasks, and build team collaboration—all in one place. Simple projects benefit most from it. Additionally, it supports several connectors, making it simple to add the programs and apps you already use.

It’s as simple as they come, making it a terrific choice for tiny teams searching for a straightforward answer. The platform is intuitive and simple to use, yet sophisticated enough to expedite your project management procedures for non-technical people as well. Every step, from beginning a new project to onboarding new team members, is simple and just requires a few clicks.

There is also a free option that offers limitless cards, storage, automation, integrations, up to 10 boards, and other features. If you have little money to spend and want something straightforward with lots of potential for expansion, the free plan is ideal.

OneNote

You can’t make a list of productivity apps without adding a note-taking app. The stock Notes apps on most phones are not great. While I have an article detailing how great WhatsApp can be as a Notes App, OneNote is one of the best free notes Android apps I’ve used. My experience with OneNote began with my first Microsoft Lumia Phone in 2016. In 2022, I have all my notes from back then because the OneNote app saves your notes in the cloud. So regardless of the number of times you change devices, once you log in to your Microsoft account, you’ll have access to all your notes.

You can attach pictures, locations, music, and voice notes to a document with little to no issues. This app includes a handwriting feature that allows you to make notes with a stylus or your finger (not ideal). This is rare in most Android apps. This feature mimics traditional note-making and will suit people who cherish writing with their hands.

One perk this note has over other Note Apps is the synchronization across devices concurrently. If you have a Windows PC, you most likely have the Microsoft Office apps, which include OneNote. This means you can switch from your phone to PC seamlessly.

Other great productivity apps on Android

All these apps one way or the other (as explained) help to improve your productivity drastically. Look through them and make sure to download the ones that you find that you need. Are the other productivity apps you use that I missed? Let us know in the comments.

Check out this article: Top 5 Android Apps to Improve your Life/Phone Experience

All Phones in the EU will require USB-C, including all Apple Products- New EU Mandate.

All Phones in the EU will require USB-C, including all Apple Products- New EU Mandate.

All Phones in the EU will require USB-C, including all Apple Products- New EU Mandate.

Legislators in the European Union have struck an agreement on legislation that will require all future cell phones sold in the EU to feature the universal USB-C connection for wired charging by the fall of 2024. This goes for the iPhone, which has been using the lightning port. Other electronic gadgets, including tablets, digital cameras, headphones, handheld video game consoles, and e-readers, will be subject to the ban. Laptops will be required to comply with the rule at some point in the future.

Parliament’s rapporteur Alex Agius Saliba (S&D, MT) said: “Today we have made the common charger a reality in Europe! European consumers were frustrated long with multiple chargers piling up with every new device. Now they will be able to use a single charger for all their portable electronics. We are proud that laptops, e-readers, earbuds, keyboards, computer mice, and portable navigation devices are also included in addition to smartphones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones and headsets, handheld video game consoles, and portable speakers. We have also added provisions on wireless charging being the next evolution in the charging technology and improved information and labeling for consumers”.

The EU’s implementation of a “common charger” is an attempt to reduce e-waste while also making life easier for customers. Lawmakers anticipate that in the future, phones and other electronic devices will not need to come with a charger because purchasers will already have the necessary components at home. According to the EU, the regulation may save customers millions of euros a year on “unnecessary charger purchases” and reduce e-waste by 11,000 tons each year.

Apple, which is the only major smartphone manufacturer that still uses a proprietary port (the lightning port) instead of USB-C, will be the most affected by the accord. Apple sold 241 million iPhones worldwide in 2021, with roughly 56 million shipped in Europe. Some of their lineups use USB-C though, like the iPad, iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad Mini. This mandate will only be in effect in European countries, but will Apple switch to the USB-C on iPhone units outside of the EU? Apple hasn’t revealed its plans.

According to the mandate, all phone manufacturers have 24-months to switch fully to the USB-C chargers for all the phone lineups being shipped to the EU.

According to the Verge, “Critics say the new legislation will stifle innovation by de-incentivizing manufacturers from developing improved charging standards. The EU denies this will be the case, and says it will update the legislation as new technology is developed.”

The next few months should be interesting, with the announcement of the new iPhone lineups on the horizon (iPhone 14, 14 Pro, and 14 Pro Max). Are they going to switch to the USB-C globally or are they going to ship different units with USB-C to only the EU while retaining the lightning port in other regions? We’ll find out soon enough.

Apple Launched iOS 16 this week. What’s in it for iPhone Users?

Apple Launched iOS 16 this week. What’s in it for iPhone Users?

Apple Launched iOS 16 this week. What’s in it for iPhone Users?

 

Earlier this week, Apple launched the new iOS 16, which is chock full of customization features. Apple in the past has never been forthcoming with personalization features, but for iOS, this may be the breaking of a new dawn.

The lock screen received an update in this iOS version; a complete overhaul of what used to be the standard lock screen on the iPhone over the last decade. In iOS 16, you can change the wallpaper, clock style, color, and font as you wish. There’s also an option to add and customize widgets. The personalization options are vast, and the revamped Wallpaper Gallery comes with the option to create and save multiple preset lock screens. You can easily switch to a different lock screen you desire at any point in time.

The lock screen can be linked to Focus mode, which means you can have a different preset lock screen for the different focus modes. You can have one each for Sleep mode or Work mode.

Notifications now do not take up the lock screen like in previous iOS versions. They are hidden and will only show when you swipe up on the lock screen. You can also swipe down to hide the notifications after viewing them.

iMessage Updates

iMessage also received major updates and overall quality of life improvements in iOS 16. You can now edit sent messages in iOS 16. There’s no need to panic after realizing you made a mistake in an already-sent message. I wonder how it is going to work out. Hopefully, there will be an indication that a message has been edited. You can also “unsend” a message, which will be deleted on both devices. This should come in handy when you text the wrong person.
You can also mark messages as read without scrolling through hundreds of group chat messages.

Dictation

The new iOS saw a massive improvement in the on-device dictation system. The dictation app will type out everything you say with incredible accuracy. The biggest plus is that the app will fix punctuations where the AI thinks it needs one using machine learning. You can also switch between typing and talking seamlessly in one document. These changes overall take text-to-speech to another level.

Other Updates

  • Live Texts is now available for video formats. Users can now copy texts that are seen in videos.
  • Ability to select objects from pictures to use as stickers. It does a good job of cutting the object from the background. The object can now be copied and pasted in chats, documents, etc.
  • The in-built keyboard now has a haptic touch.
  • General Apple Maps improvements
  • Quick Search on the home screen to search apps on your phone.
  • Newly revamped Wallpaper Gallery


Apple finally embracing and including more personalization options is good to see. That was one knock Android users never forgot to remind iPhone users. It’s still not to the level of Android 12 or even older versions, but I think Apple will gradually get there.

Top 5 Android Apps to Improve your Life/Phone Experience

Top 5 Android Apps to Improve your Life/Phone Experience

Top 5 Android Apps to improve your Life/Phone Experience

 

There are numerous Android apps in the Play Store and thousand more not listed in the store. In this article, I’ll talk about three apps that will improve your Android experience and enhance your life. I’ve personally used these apps for extended periods, so what I’ll write is based on my experience with said apps.

 

Samsung Health

As is said often, health is wealth. No app encapsulates that better than the Samsung Health app. Other Android health apps like Google Fit and Huawei do a great job, but personally, I can confidently say Samsung Health has more features and is consistent. First off, the Samsung Health app tracks the number of steps taken in a day. You can set a personal daily goal to try to hit intentionally, improving your general health. You can also compete with other users with the app.

 If you’re trying to monitor how you eat, then this app is the best for you. You can set a calorie daily limit and log your meals for the day. Based on calculated calories for different food items, the app will state your calorie intake at the end of each day. It is not accurate, but it will give you an idea of the ballpark your calorie intake is in. The Samsung Health app tracks your sleep and summarises your sleep stats over any desired period. 

 As an added bonus, if you’re using the Samsung S8/S8 plus, which came with the heart rate sensor, you can use the app to check your heart rate and stress levels. If your stress level is high, there are breathing exercises you can do.

Do you want to keep fit through exercises? The Samsung Health app has many exercise videos with timers, simulating the experience with an actual trainer. It’ll keep a calendar of your rest and workout days, monitor days you completed workouts, and remind you to start your exercise on scheduled days. When it comes to Android apps in this field, Samsung Health blows the rest out of the water.

 

OneNote

The stock Notes apps on most phones are not great. While I have an article detailing how great WhatsApp can be as a Notes App, OneNote is one of the best free notes Android apps I’ve used. My experience with OneNote began with my first Microsoft Lumia Phone in 2016. In 2022, I have all my notes from back then because the OneNote app saves your notes in the cloud. So regardless of the number of times you change devices, once you log in to your Microsoft account, you’ll have access to all your notes. You can attach pictures, locations, music, and voice notes to a document with little to no issues. This app includes a handwriting feature that allows you to make notes with a stylus or your finger (not ideal). This is rare in most Android apps. This feature mimics traditional note-making and will suit people who cherish writing with their hands. One perk this note has over other Note Apps is the synchronisation across devices concurrently. If you have a Windows PC, you most likely have the Microsoft Office apps, which include OneNote. This means you can switch from your phone to PC seamlessly.

 

expressPay Android App

ExpressPay is a finance app on the Play store that caters for all payment needs in Ghana. It links with all viable payment methods in Ghana like Vodafone cash, MTN Mobile Money, AirtelTigo Money, VISA cards, etc. You can send money and airtime credits to friends and family. The catch here is that you can save the contact information of people you usually send money to. In that case, the next time you send money, you save yourself a few clicks and having to temporarily memorize the number. You can also send money to and from your VISA card without any issues. You can save your visa card information on the app, therefore only needing your fingerprint to confirm payment without typing out the card details every single time. 

 You can also pay all bills under the Ghana sun. You can pay light and water bills, DSTV and GOTV subscriptions, and top up your Shell Card. You can make payments for reservations in popular hotels in Ghana and even pay tithes in listed churches in Ghana. I think expressPay is the best fin-tech Android app in Ghana.

 

ForceLTE Only

As the name suggests, the ForceLTE app will let you keep your phone network on LTE or 4G at all times. In Ghana, we don’t get a stable network from these Internet Service Providers, like Vodafone Ghana or MTN Ghana. This, therefore, makes working online stressful, especially in the afternoons. Thus, this app is a god-sent. It works perfectly for all android phones, even phones with Android 12. The disadvantage to this is that you won’t be able to make or receive calls when the 4G only mode is on. So you have to use it wisely. If you know for sure you may be receiving important or urgent calls, don’t turn it on. Also, don’t forget to turn it off when you’re done. This app improves your browsing experience massively and I recommend it to people who live in areas where a sustainable 4G network is a myth.

 

Download Twitter Videos

How many times have you seen a video on either Twitter or Instagram that you would’ve loved to save on your phone? Because this function doesn’t exist, people resort to Save Video bots on Twitter to get a download link. Well, you don’t have to do that anymore. With this app, all you need to do is tap on the Share button, and select this app. Once the app opens, you would be asked to choose the video resolution you want and the app will automatically begin downloading the video. This app is such a hassle-free experience, and you get to download any video on Twitter. Works for Instagram too despite the name, but you have to log in every time, so I wouldn’t recommend it for Instagram. 

Give these apps a shot. These Android apps make life easier and generally better. If you have any app recommendations, please let us know in the comments.

Check out these articles:
Apple Launched iOS 16 this week. What’s in it for iPhone Users?

Google Meet and Duo are Merging. What Does This Mean For Users?

How to Use The Find My Device App for your Android

How to Use The Find My Device App for your Android

How to Use The Find My Device App for your Android.

If you’ve had your phone stolen, you know how helpless it feels knowing you can never trace its location. You begin to worry about your important data like documents, IDs, pictures and videos falling into the wrong hands. Not to worry. The Find My Phone app is just the solution for you. I’ll be discussing how to set it up and explore the app in detail.

The Find Device app is an expansive app that allows you to view your phone’s location on another device or PC. The only caveat is it must be online for it to work. If it is off with no internet connection, Google cannot have access to your phone to affect changes. However, Google will take action as soon as the phone comes back online.

Check out this Article: WhatsApp as Notes App?—More Than A Messaging App

For Android:

  • Go to the Play Store and download the Find Device app
  • Sign in to the primary Google account registered to your phone. That is how Google will have access to your phone.
  • You may need to accept all permissions and turn on “Location” on your phone for it to work fully.

For PC:

All you need to do is, visit The Google Find Device website here, and sign in (using your Google Account). 

The interface displays your phone name with the model and IMEI. It also shows the network carrier and battery percentage. There are three options you can use: Play Sound, Secure Device and Erase Device. The Play Sound option is useful when you cannot recall where you put your phone, but it’s around you. Google will set your phone to ring (your ringtone) as it would receiving a regular phone call. Secure Device and Erase Device are more useful in theft situations, and I’ll talk about them later.

As soon as you sign in to Find Device, Google will initiate a location search for your phone. If the device is online, you should receive a notification saying, “Find My Device located this device.” It will zone in on your location on the map where you can zoom in for the detailed place.

When your phone gets missing, you first need to open the Find Device app or website from another phone or computer and sign in. Once you’re in, check the location and see if you can get there quickly. If not, you may want to secure the device. This will lock the phone and log you out of all app sessions connected to your Google accounts, such as Gmail, Drive and other apps. Google will also display a message or your phone number on the lock screen when someone finds it. If the phone is off, Google will secure your device as soon as it comes back online.

The last and drastic option is the Erase Device option. You can use this option in the case of theft, and you know for sure you are not getting the device back, or Google couldn’t locate it. This will erase everything, including your Google account on that device. When you choose this option, that’s the end. You won’t be able to locate your device ever again. Again, if the device is off, erasure will still occur as soon as it is turned on.

It’s comforting to know that you have a shot at finding your phone. You will never have to worry about losing your information to someone when your phone gets missing. Let us know what you think of this in the comments section.

 

 

WhatsApp as Notes App?—More Than A Messaging App

WhatsApp as Notes App?—More Than A Messaging App

WhatsApp as Notes App?—More Than A Messaging App

WhatsApp is a messaging app. Let me get that out the way. What if I told you WhatsApp could be better than, hear me out, the default Notes app on your phone? In this article, I’ll talk about setting it up and the pros of WhatsApp over your Notes app.

Using WhatsApp as your Notes app may sound Ludacris, but it makes perfect sense. Basically, all you’ll be doing is messaging yourself, which feels like a waste of time. WhatsApp doesn’t have this as a feature as of 2022, but there are ways around it.

Things WhatsApp can do that your default Note apps can’t

  • You can keep media pictures and videos, etc.
  • You can record information you need to keep but wouldn’t be able to type.
  • Save important voice notes.
  • Your notes are encrypted by WhatsApp. Your regular Notes app can save your data, but they are not encrypted. Some notepad apps can do this but at a fee.
  • You can access it on any device WhatsApp is compatible with, as long as you regularly back up your chats.

How to Create A Chat with yourself.

  • Creating a New Contact

The trick here is to create a contact with your mobile phone number and save it. Allow WhatsApp to re-sync your contacts and check for your phone number. Tap on the floating button to create a new chat and select the new contact. From here, you don’t have to do this every time you need to start a note. You can view the chat from the chat screen

  • Creating a Group Chat

So this method will create a group chat with yourself as the only member. WhatsApp won’t allow you to create a group chat with just you, so you can add at least one of your contacts and then remove them quickly. Once they’re gone, the group will still stand with you being the only participant. You can repeat this method severally if you want to have your notes themed. You can have Reminders, Important, Memes, Recipes, etc., as different groups and use them accordingly. If you want to share a particular theme group with another person, you can add them as a participant.

  • Using a Chat Link

As of 2020, WhatsApp added a chat link feature that allowed users to start chats with other users. You do not have to have their contact information on your phone to message someone. You can use that to create a chat with yourself. The format for the link is wa.me/phonenumber. Replace the “phone number” with your phone number with your country code. Type this in your browser, and within seconds, WhatsApp will open, creating a new chat with yourself.

WhatsApp can be a free notes app with advantages over many default Note apps and many others in the Store. Be sure to give this a try and let us know in the comments what you think.

WhatsApp Finally Has Reactions- What Implications Does it Have for Messaging?

WhatsApp Finally Has Reactions- What Implications Does it Have for Messaging?

WhatsApp Finally Has Reactions- What Implications Does it Have for Messaging?

The global number one messaging app WhatsApp is rolling out a new feature that will allow users to react to messages in individual and group chats. This feature had already been rolled out in other Meta apps like Facebook and Instagram, and it doesn’t come as a surprise we’re seeing this feature on WhatsApp.

Reactions have become huge in other social media apps over the past few years. Why use words or type emojis to express love for a cute video of a baby your partner sent when you can choose that expression among the list of reactions. This will change how we use WhatsApp from now on.

All you need to do to use a reaction is to long-tap on a message. Six reaction emojis will pop up, and then you can tap on the reaction you want to use. In group chats, there is a reaction count that displays at the bottom of the message bubble. It’ll save time in typing out words to react to messages. You can respond to a funny message with the laughter emoji or agree to vacation plans with a thumbs-up emoji.

The reactions can also serve as a poll tool in group chats. Say a group of friends are having trouble choosing a vacation destination. The group can express their opinion by reacting to messages with positive reactions. Since there’s a count on reactions used, the organizer can then go with what the majority wants.

This modification allows anyone to see precise reactions to each image or video in a gallery without opening the album, in case you missed it in previews. Instead of only displaying the emojis that each user has used, WhatsApp will display a thumbnail for each piece of media that has been liked — all on a single page that exists outside of the gallery.

This wouldn’t be the first time Meta is crossing over features from another of their apps and definitely wouldn’t be the last. The Reactions is a welcome feature on WhatsApp though and I’m looking forward to seeing what more WhatsApp can do with this.

Using a 2018 Flagship in 2022- Should you buy old flagships over a 2022 mid-range phone?

Using a 2018 Flagship in 2022- Should you buy old flagships over a 2022 mid-range phone?

Using a 2018 Flagship in 2022- Should you buy old flagships over a 2022 mid-range phone?

I’ve been using the Galaxy S8 Plus, Samsung headlining 2018 flagship phone 2018, for a few months now. This phone was a big brother to the Galaxy S8 with a slightly bigger screen and better hardware. In this article, I’ll be reviewing this phone in 2022, explaining how it holds up in 2022 and whether you should get it over a 2022 budget phone.

 

Premium Features

One of the biggest perks is having premium features at the price of a budget phone in 2022. You get a glass screen and glass back that give the phone a premium feel. Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus comes with a Super AMOLED 1440p 6.2-inch display that makes media viewing and gaming worthwhile. It is updated to Android 9 with One UI 1.0, which works fine, and the UI holds up in 2022. Premium One UI features like Secure Folder and Edge Lighting are present in this phone, which you won’t find in any of Samsung’s budget lineup (the A-series). This phone has IP68 dust or water-resistant rating. Wireless and fast charging are present in this phone, although budget phones are catching up.

The AMOLED screen burns in over a period leaving white screens looking reddish and navigation buttons imprinted on the phone. You can manage it by setting the brightness to mid or low throughout your use. The lack of OS updates is a drawback. Using the Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus means you are stuck on Android 9 as you watch the world passes. You’ll be fine; unless you’re super into tech, you will not even notice.

 

Performance

The chip powering this phone is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835, which is not as fast as current flagship chipsets but can compete with midrange phones in 2022. I’ve barely had any app hanging issues, and apps load quickly with the 4GB RAM (I got the 4GB/64GB variant) installed. It handles multitasking smoothly, and the split-screen mode works to perfection. It works better than most budget phones on the market, including the Infinix Hot 12 and some phones in the A-series lineup. I get the best speeds Ghana networks can offer, which is not great, to be honest.

The Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus heats with less than 30 minutes of intense use. I’ve had instances where it would get boiling hot and shut down completely.

Gaming

The Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus is mid when it comes to gaming. The graphics chip powering this device is the Mali-G71 MP20, which at that time was a top-of-the-line GPU. Over the years, mobile gaming has jetted off, and graphics have improved massively. I’ve never had any issues running some of the top games. PUBG and Call of Duty Mobile run smoothly at 60 FPS on low to mid graphics settings and Game mode enabled. I downloaded the newly-launched eFootball 2022 on mobile phones, and it plays at 60 FPS on High settings, with occasional stuttering, but that may be due to the network. Apex Legends ran at 30-40 FPS on medium settings at 720p. Overall, the gaming performance on this phone is on par or even better than most phones in its price range.

Cameras

The Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus was the best-in-class in the camera department. Packing a 12MP-sensor camera, this phone takes good photos. The camera, I will go on a limb to say they hold up in 2022. Compared to other budget phones at this current price, the S8 Plus camera blows them out of the water. This phone can shoot videos at 4k/30FPS and 1080/60FPS with optical and electronic image stabilization, a feature not present in budget phones in 2022. The front-facing camera is a different story; poor pictures in low lighting, lack of detail, dynamic range, and dull colors. To be fair, most midrange budget phones have selfie cameras slightly better than the S8 Plus. Don’t buy the S8 Plus if you’re looking for great cameras.

 

Battery.

The battery is the weakest part of my case for buying the Galaxy S8 plus in 2022. It is slowly deteriorating, and I have to charge the phone every 3-4 hours of use. The already small 3500mAh battery is showing its age in 2022. This is only tolerable because of the 18W fast charger and wireless charging this phone comes with. It can charge from 0-100% within a little over an hour.

 

So should you buy a flagship in 2018 over a budget phone in 2022? That depends on what you can stomach. If you want an awesome display with great performance and all the premium features a flagship would give you, at the cost of a bad battery, then go for it. You won’t regret it at all. However, if you want to stay current with Android OS and a better battery, cop a good midrange phone. Personally, after using a premium phone, it’ll be hard going back to budget phones.

What are your thoughts? Are you using an old flagship? Let us know in the comments your experience.

Four Budget Phones to Consider in Ghana, 2022

Four Budget Phones to Consider in Ghana, 2022

Four Budget Phones to Consider in Ghana, 2022

Over the past few years, budget phones have gotten better and better with specs and providing value for money. A few years ago, phones with 1080p AMOLED or FHD+ display, big batteries and fast charging were considered flagship features reserved for high-end premium phones. There’s an argument that can be made about whether it’s better to buy an older flagship (2-3 years old) or a current mid-range phone. This article will be looking at my top five budget phones you can buy in 2015. Bear in mind that budget phones have increased in price over the last few years. I’ll be looking at phones between GHC 900 and GHC 1400. If you’re looking for a brand-new budget iPhone in this price range, this article isn’t for you.

Samsung A13 (2022)

This phone is my favourite budget phone of the year so far. Samsung with the A13 gives a beautiful and glossy outer casing design. I love that it doesn’t have a camera bump. Albeit a plastic casing, it looks and feels premium in hand. It comes with a 6.6” IPS LCD Display and a Corning Gorilla Glass protection. It is a vibrant display that handles media colours with perfection. The cameras are decent for a phone in this price range. It has a 50MP primary camera and an 8MP selfie camera. The colours are true-to-life, and the portrait photos are decent. The Samsung A13 packs Android 12 with One UI 4.1 and the promise of 2 years of OS updates. The only features missing from the One UI 4.1 in this version are edge lighting and Secret Folder. Otherwise, you get a flagship feeling when using this phone. I think it’s great for a phone at this price, considering it also comes with a 15W fast charger.

Infinix Note 11 (2021)

It may look like I’m biased to design. However, a phone that looks good in the hand will always win over my heart. Infinix Note 12 was released recently, but it is shocking how similar these phones are in the hardware department. I wouldn’t advise paying extra for a slightly improved design and Android 12. The flat design of this phone makes this phone look incredible. It has a 6.8” 1080p AMOLED display draped over the front part of the phone with a fingerprint sensor that doubles as the power button. The software is an Android 11 skinned with XOS 10. I’ve never been a fan of the XOS for the numerous ads and bloatware that plague this phone.

Camon 18 (2021)

I’ve never been a fan of Tecno, even though they produce phones that will give you value for the money you’re paying for them. Phones like Tecno and Infinix do not roll out OS updates, and you’re stuck with the native OS version of their phones. This remains the same for the Tecno 18, which comes with Android 11. You can be assured of an exquisite media-viewing experience as the Camon 18 has a 1080p 90 Hz display. This phone packs a 5000mAh battery, which can last a day of heavy use before charging. The Camon series is known for its camera prowess, but that goes as far as what budget means. It isn’t going to blow any flagship phone camera out of the water. The primary 48MP camera churns out pictures with vibrant colours and sharp edges, but selfie pictures in insufficient lighting are awful. This phone can play some big phone titles at low to mid graphics settings and smooth frame rates. Overall it is a good phone.

Infinix Hot 12 Play (2022)

Infinix swears this phone is made for gaming, but looking at the chip it comes with, I have my doubt. However, for that price, you can’t complain, can you? If you’re an avid gamer with no flagship money, you can cop this phone. It comes in two variants; 4GB RAM/64GB ROM or 4GB RAM/128GB, which means you won’t have too many issues with multitasking or running most games. The Hot 12 Play is shipped with Android 12 (XOS 10), and as pointed out earlier, you may have to deal with ads and bloatware. A whopping 6000mAh battery means this phone can run through a whole day of heavy use or gaming without charging. I guess I may have been too harsh on this gaming phone. Again, you aren’t getting any OS updates, although this phone will get about 5 years of security patch updates. Check out the full specifications here.

What do you think of these phones? Do you have any other phones you would recommend? Let us know in the comments.