Recent trends in the smartphone manufacturing industry have made it possible for average smartphone users to easily access smartphones with features and designs that would otherwise be beyond their budget.
According to the Communications Authority of Kenya, the current smartphone usage and penetration rate stands at 72.6%, representing 37.4 million devices in the country. Experts predict that more individuals will acquire smartphones due to their growing affordability and initiatives to enhance internet connectivity and digital literacy.
Traditionally, for one to access a phone that ticked all the right boxes with regard to smartphone performance, software, and hardware, one had to dig deep into their pockets to afford high-performing and durable devices—an ability once reserved for the elite in society.
Through the democratization of technology, flagship smartphone features such as 5G connectivity, Generative AI, AI LinkBoost, large battery capacities, IP69/68/67 water-resistant levels, and military-grade shock resistance are now available in midrange and budget smartphones. Smartphone manufacturers such as OPPO are introducing these features to their mid-range and budget devices, offering consumers a chance to access durable and high-performance smartphones at a reasonable cost.
This is evident in smartphones like the OPPO A3X series, A5 Pro series, and the Reno13 series, which feature generative AI and the highest smartphone IP rating in the A5 Pro and Reno13 series to enhance user experience.
While democratizing technology and AI continue to make smartphones more accessible, financial accessibility remains a key challenge for smartphone manufacturers. This is where Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL)/Lipa Pole Pole services assist consumers in acquiring smartphones. BNPL providers such as OnPhone Mobile, LOOP, among others, have partnered with smartphone manufacturers to offer flexible payment plans that allow users to pay for devices in installments rather than through upfront purchase.
The impact of BNPL services on smartphone adoption is undeniable. Currently, the sector has seen growth of 6.2% in 2024, up from 2.1% in 2021, according to the FinAccess survey. This growth trajectory is expected to continue at a CAGR of about 9%, and by 2030, the sector is projected to be valued at approximately USD 1.86 billion, according to Business Wire.
Recognizing the synergy between device innovation and financial inclusion, smartphone manufacturers such as OPPO Kenya have partnered with BNPL service providers such as LOOP and OnPhone to offer tailored device financing options for consumers—effectively lowering the entry barrier to reliable, durable, and innovative devices, and fostering digital transformation in the Kenyan market.
As smartphone manufacturers continue to develop the latest technology and BNPL service providers expand their services, OPPO’s mission to democratize AI and make technology accessible for all will become a reality by incorporating inclusive designs and features for different smartphone users.
Fredrique Achieng, PR Manager OPPO Kenya.
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