Your guide to the year's best Kenya smartphones.
If you prefer Google's OS, then ourbest Android phoneroundup should be right up your alley. The best phone in Kenya doesn't always mean it has to be a flagship phone.The finest of phones in Kenya can also be those that offer the most significant value-for-money.
Year-on-year, the options in the market increase and choosing the best phone in Kenya gets more and more complicated.
Aspects deviate with respect to power, specifications, features, design and obviously, the price. The options on this list range from Android to the iOS, so that you can find a phone in Kenya that best suits your requirements.
Some prefer a smaller, more compact phone while others need a bigger screen so that they can immerse themselves in the user experience.
This list only gives you the cream of the crop, phones that deserve to be bought. Choose wisely!
Apple iPhone X
Apple's first handset with an OLED Display
Weight:174g
|Dimensions:143.6 x70.9 x 7.7mm |OS:iOS 11
|Screen size:5.8-inch |Resolution:2436 x 1125 |CPU:A11 Bionic |RAM:3GB|Storage:64/256GB |Battery:2716mAh |Rear camera:12MP + 12MP |Front camera:7MP
Great screenPremium, strong Design. The most expensive flagship phone aroundMetal rim can scuff without a case.
Apple celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2017. On this occasion, it launched iPhone X with beautiful OLED display and curved edges. Basically, Apple followed the most trending feature of 2017, that is, the bezel-less display. It is, in fact, the first iPhone with an OLED display and no home button. The all-glass body with surgical stainless steel edges makes it lookpremium and feels even better once in your hands.Under the hood, lies the latest A11 Bionic processor along with a 3GB RAM. The memory may seem a little small but it's the most that Apple's ever put into a phone. It runs on the latest iOS 11, which essentially why the home button has been replaced by gestures. So, the bottom of the screen will take to the control center instead.Apple also replaced the Touch ID with the Face ID unlock which is flawless. It also introduced Animojiwhich allow users to create and record the message with different facial expressions.Despite having big display and bunch of features, the battery lasts for 2 hours longer than it does for theiPhone 7.
Google Pixel 2
XLA really impressive smartphone with an absolutely killer camera.
Weight:175g |Dimensions:157.9 x76.7 x 7.9mm |OS:Android 8.0 Oreo |Screen size:6-inch |Resolution:1440 x 2880 |CPU:Snapdragon 835 |RAM:4GB |Storage:64GB |Battery:3520mAh |Rear camera:12.2MP |Front camera:8MP
One of the best camera. Confident designLacks headphone Jack.
ExpensiveThe Pixel 2 XL is the successor of Google Pixel XL which the company launched in 2016.
The phone is taller, wider and thinner than its predecessor giving more space to the screen. It is not a bezel-less phone, the material that separates your screen from the phone's body, but has slimmer bezels as compared to the previous version. The 6-inch LG-made pOLED displayis perfect for those who love virtualreality.
The most impressive feature of the phone is its camera performance. While most of the phones these days come with a dual camera set up, the Pixel 2 XL delivers magical results with its single 12.2-megapixel lens at the back.
Like Apple's 'live mode' photos, Google has introduced Motion which records few secondsbefore the image is clicked. The phone lacks the 3.5mm headphone jack and the microSD card slot which means you cannot expand the storage of the phone. This is something you should keep in mind when you are weighing your options.
Samsung Galaxy Note 8
A new dual-lens camera with incredible screen and performance
Weight:195g |Dimensions:162.5 x74.8 x 8.6 mm |OS:Android 7.1.1 Nougat |Screen size:6.3-inch |Resolution:1440 x 2630 |CPU:Exynos 8895 |RAM:6GB |Storage:64GB/128GB/256GB |Battery:3300mAh |Rear camera:Dual 12MP |Front camera:8MP
Amazing performance
Impressive camera
Expensive
Weak speaker
If you're worried about whether the new Galaxy Note 8 will be any good, don't be - it's an excellent handset that rivals the best on the list, despite being 'productivity-focused'.The large Infinity Display on the front slots in far more screen than you'd expect from a phone this compact, the S Pen is something not a lot of other phones can offer and the all-round speed is almost breathtaking at times.
The new dual camera is really what separates it from the Galaxy S8 duo (if you're not bothered by the stylus features) and while it's expensive, it's certainly worth looking at if you want a brilliant smartphone.
Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus
The first smartphone camera with dual aperture
OS:Android 8 Oreo |Screen size:6.2-inch |Resolution:1440 x 2960 |RAM:4GB |Storage:64/128/256GB |Battery:3000mAh |Rear camera:12MP |Front camera:8MP
Dependable, fast Performance Excellent Display
Dual aperture Camera
Loud stereo Speakers
Not that different from the S8 PlusAR Emoji mode Overrated
Pricey
In all honesty, the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus isn't all that different from theSamsung Galaxy S8 Plus. The only new feature that stands out is the dual aperture camera. Even that doesn't impress since it falls short of what thePixel 2is capableof doing. Albeit, that doesn't take from the fact that the S9 Plus is a powerful phone. The S9 Plus is a little more rectangular than its predecessor, but it's pretty compact considering the big screen.
The phone is also a little heavier than the S8 Plus and Note 8. Aside from the that, the design is more or less the same as the Galaxy S8 Plus.The 6.2-inch Super AMOLED display can take on most of the other flagship models in the market today, aside from, perhaps, theiPhone X.
The phones runs on the Exynos 9801, which as capable as any other flagship chipset. The battery life is very good being able to power the next generation of mobile VR games, and it has software that rivalsstock Android.
Huawei P20 Pro
Pros:
*.Fantastic tri-camera
*.128GB of storage to boot
*.Solid performance
*.Stunning design
*.EMUI interface has come a long way
Cons:
*.No 3.5mm headphone port
*.Screen needs some fine-tuning
*.No wireless charging
TheHuawei P20 Prois the first smartphone on the market to feature a tri-camera – a 40MP f/1.8 sensor, a 20MPf/1.6 monochrome sensor for depth and texture, and an 8MP f/2.4 telephoto sensor. But that isn’t its only claim to fame: it’s also equipped with a top-of-the-line processor, 6GB of RAM and a 4000mAh battery.That means that the P20 Pro is a smartphone that can tickle everyone’s fancy.
Whether you’re an aspiring or seasoned photographer, a power-hungry specs maniac or quite simply someone who’s after a handset that can last for 48 hours on a single charge, Huawei’s flagship has you covered. But it doesn’t come cheap.
OnePlus 5T
Pros:
*.Good OLED screen
*.Slick software experience
*.Excellent value
*.3Seriously Fast
Cons
*.No water-resistance
*.Average Camera
The One Plus 5Tis a fantastic choice for those looking for a high-end handset on a budget. It sports a 6-inch FHD+ screen, a Snapdragon 835 CPU, 6/8GB of RAM, 64/128GB of internal storage, a dual-camera (16MP + 16MP) and a 3300mAh cell – an incredible amount of tech for a smartphone.
The best smartphone of 2018 in Kenya : Top phones tested and ranked
Tecno Phantom 8 Full Specifications
Tecno Phantom 8 was unveiled at theDubai event after so much speculations, the device sure has some eye-catching features especially in the optics aspects.Some of the highlights are dual back camera setup, 6GB RAM and astounding body design. We didn’t see the unveiling ofTecno Phantom 8Plusat the event which literally means; no Phantom 8 Plus this time around.
Tecno Phantom 8 Key features
*.OS: Android 7.0 Nougat with HiOS 3.0*.SIM Type: Dual SIM (Micro)*.4G LTE: YES, LTE*.Screen Size : 5.7 Inches FHD IPS Touchscreen*.Screen Resolution: 1080 x 1920 pixels (403 PPI)*.Processor Type: Octa-core 2.60 GHzCortex, Mediatek chipset*.RAM: 6GB*.Internal Storage: 64GB.*.External Storage: microSD, up to 2TB*.Back / Rear Camera: 12MP + 13MP camera & LED Flash*.Front Camera: 20MP with LED flash*.Battery: 3500 mAh (non-removable)
Tecno Phantom 8 Features Overview
Techno Phantom 8uses a 5.7 inches screen with Full HD display, thanks to its 1080 by 1920 pixels resolution and403 Pixels Per-square Inch (PPI). The device will surely deliver quality display just as theInfinix Note 4that has the same screen size and resolution.Octa-core processor that clocks at 2.6 GHz sits on the inside, with a MediaTek Helio P25 chipset.
The Phantom 8 is equipped with a whooping 6GB RAM to see to all your multi-tasking needs, this is the first Tecno device to come with that RAM capacity.Tecno Phantom 8 boasts Android 7.0 Nougat out of the box with HiOS 3.0 from TECNO Mobile on top, the HiOS promises more optimized and sleekeruser interface. There are also news offuture OS update to Android 8.0 Oreo for the device.On-board storage for the Phantom 8 is 64GB with option to expand to up to 2TB using a micro SD card, just in case you require more storage space.
The smartphone is a dual Micro SIM Android device and supports dual standby with 4G network option as expected.Camera quality is one of the major selling points of the Tecno Phantom 8, Just as the last year’s Phantom 6, the Phantom 8 uses a dual camera setup that sees the combination of 12megapixels and 13 megapixels at the back with a single LED flash, the cameras are of Sony IMX 386 like those of iPhone flagships.With it’s 10x Super Zoom capacity, you are bound to capture professional looking images with the device. The front hosts a 20 megapixels camera with smart dual LED flash for bright selfies.Tecno Phantom 8 sports a 3,500 mAhbattery at the powerhouse, most people believe Tecno could have done better with at least 4,000 mAh ormore but all the same, the capacity onthe device is still not bad.
Another highlight of the device is its unique ‘Diamond Fire Design’ that leaves the device glossy and attractive, it is available in three different colors: Champagne Gold, Phantom Black and Galaxy Blue colors.
The Tecno Phantom 8 has three basic navigation keys in the lower front bezel while the fingerprint scanner is centrally placed at the back below the camera region.The Phantom 8 price is Ksh 11,599 in Kenya. The device will be available for purchase through various online and offline stores around the country.
Tecno Phantom 8 Best Alternatives
Another good alternative of the Phantom 8 could its predecessor: the Phantom 6 phones, you may also also consider other good camera focused devices Like Nokia 8andInfinix Note 4with shiny body design.Tecno also has the Camon CX,Spark K7andSpark Plus K9which are all good camera-focused devices in the mid-range category.
Shea Butter Hair and Skin Review
1. SHEA BUTTER
shea butter is a buttery plant oil extracted from the shea nut tree.
There are two types of shea butter
A.west african shea butter
B. nilotica shea butter (east african)
The diffrence between the two ?
East African shea butter is higher in oleic acid making it softer smoother and creamier than its west african counter part . More olwic acid is also equals to better skin rejuvenating qualities. Its also richer in vitamin A and E
How to use Shea Butter ?
Shea butter is great for both skin and hair .
Below ill outline the benefits of shea butter for skin and hair respectively . Then ill take you through some ways you can use it .
For skin .
Dry skin ,acne , blemishes,wrinkles ,sunburn,psoriasis ,eczema,stretch marks ?? If you have any of these conditions shea butter is the way to go . The oleic acidand vitamin A in shea butter helps repair the skin from the inside . It is easily absorbed into skin and does not clog pores .
Its also great to treat allergies ,insect bites and wounds
How does it do all this ? Shea butter aids the skin cells to produce more collagen . More collagen is equals smoother softer and wrinkle free skin .
Shea butter is also a great sunscreen . It has a spf of 6 .
Do you suffer from pains and aches . Massages with shea butter help relax the muscles and aid in healing the symptoms of arthritis.
For hair
Shea butter for hair can be used for in many ways
1. Its a great sealant for moisture . Use it after using your leave in conditioner to seal in that moisture for longer
2. Remember all those dry skin eczema and psoriasis issues we talked about under skin . Well your hair grows from skin (scalp) and also the scalp can be affected by those skin conditions . If you have ever had eczema then you know how bad it can itch . You scratch till you bleed ( from experience ) Now if its on your scalp and ypu scratch that bad you end up having several bald spots that never grow hair since the skin around is damaged by all the scratching and lesions . Enter Shea butter and bye bye skin condition ....and suddenly the bald spots start growing hair back .
3. Shea butter works on your hair follicles making sure they are healthy and well nourished . This results in better hair growth
4.Softer hair . Shea butter is a natural hair softener . When implemented as part of your LOC/LCO/LOCO method as as part of your deep conditioning it helps keep your hair softer .
Best way to use shea butter
The easiest way to use shea butter is to whip it up into a soft fluffy butterry yummy cakelike butter . ( till it looks soo good you can eat it ) .
To do this put some in a bowl . Add any other oils of your liking . Use the double boiler method over low heat to melt them all up . Cover the bowl with saran wrap (cling film) and place in the freezer for about 30 min ...till it starts to partly solidify . Take it out and use a hand mixer or electric mixer to whipp it up for 15 min till fluffy . Store in containers and happy using .
Remember to add some to your deep conditioner😄
Motivation: Growing Long Hair After Chopping
This is to encourage anyone struggling with bad hair and is scared of doing a big chop.
Sometimes use of chemicals and excessive heat can damage your hair. That's what happened to me. Av always had full and thick hair, but years of using relaxers, weaving and braiding made my hair thin, brownish and too weak with different lengths on each side of the head.
I was not happy with my hair at all. When i started doing some research on hair, the only best solution I saw was starting all over again. I was scared. I was not five anymore. I believed that only kids can get long hair and that hair only grows faster when you are a kid.
This is not true. Hair grows. African hair grows. Its not about your age. Its about the work you put it. Give your hair some TLC. Get the best products that suit you. Invest in your hair. Invest your time. Invest your knowledge. Invest your money. Yes ladies and gentlemen. Good hair does not come by luck. It takes work.
You might be wondering what products av used or what my haircare routine is. Before I get to that. Let me tell you the truth. There's no secret. I do things you've probably heard of and use products you've probably heard of before. Nothing new.
It all boils down to nourishing your hair and finding out what really works for you. My routine keeps changing. I experiment. Try this and that. Essentially, I make a blend at home for use. I have used this DIY blend since I started my natural hair journey and I just love it. Am not changing it any time soon.
Shea Butter + Castor oil + Argan Oil + Jojoba oil + Virgin Coconut oil.
Make sure all these products are pure without additives, fragrances, colorants and fillers. Get raw shea butter. It has a nutty smell and dirty white or creamish yellowish color. The most important part is the oils. Read the list of ingredients. If it's not 100% pure Argan oil, Jojoba oil and Castor oil, don't go mixing it in your DIYs. Be informed. Educate yourself. Its your hair. Your head.
For all time moisturizing I mix
Aloe Vera gel + Peppermint essential oil + Rosemary essential oil + Lavender essential oil + Distilled water.
Pure aloe Vera gel is not green in color. It has no smell. Don't use aloe vera with synthetic additives and fragrances. But make sure it has a safe preservative. Aloe Vera must have a presevative to stay fresh for long.
I officially cut my hair in January 2016. Then i cut it again on March 2016 to level it well. I really love the progress as of July 2016.
I do protective styles. Mostly very large lines to minimize manipulation which I keep for a week. Don't disturb your hair with frequent combing and styling. Let it be.
I wash my hair at home. I do ayurvedic treatments (henna and amla) every month and deep condition every other week using ingredients in my kitchen like egg, avocado and extra virgin olive oil.
I use a sulphate free shampoo and conditioner. It doesn't matter what brand you use. It does not matter if it costs 300/= or 3000/=. If it works for you and it's sulphate free and parabens free, keep it.
For now am using Creme of Nature argan oil sulphate free shampoo and the controversial Tresemme Naturals conditioner.
Whenever I undo my hair, I pre-shampoo with hot oil then leave it overnight and wash the following day. I mix Virgin coconut oil + extra virgin olive oil + Raw Shea butter.
Warm the oil a little, apply on scalp and hair and massage my scalp for 3-5 minutes then do some large matutas like the ones you see in these pictures.
I don't have the so called satin scarf. I just use a shiffon scarf at night. I never skip a scarf when going to bed and I use any scarf I find even if its made of lace.
This hairstyle was a simple wash and go. I applied a little oil and used those rounded thin black hairbands to pull my hair up.
Start today darling. Your hair will grow.
Good luck to all the big choppers out there!
How to Make Home Made Body Butter
My home made body butter.
Cocoa butter -1/2 cup
Coconut oil -1/2 cup
Olive oil -1/4 cup
Sesame oil -2tbls
Shea butter -1/2 cup
Lavender oil -1 bottle cap
Sweet almond oil- 1 bottle cap
Argan oil -1 bottle cap
Glycerin - 1/4 of the bottle