Brand new smartphones you can get in Zimbabwe for under $300

In the last couple of weeks, we have released both a list of the top 10 phones worldwide and a list of the best phones you can get in Zimbabwe for under $500.

Continuing on with our search we have decided to compile a list of phones that match the following criteria:

1. Network capabilities (LTE is a bonus)
2. Price (Up to $300 brand new in the local market)
3. Battery Life
4. Internal Storage
5. Expandable Memory (sd-card slot)
6. Camera (front and rear facing)

So here is our list, in no particular order, of smartphones locally available and under $300:

Samsung Galaxy S4 (i9500)

Network: GSM/HSPA | OS:  Android Lollipop | Screen: 5.0 inches AMOLED | Resolution: 1080 x 1920 | CPU: Octa-core 1.6 GHz | RAM: 2GB | Storage: up to 64GB | Battery: 2600 mAh | Rear camera: 13MP | Front camera: 2MP | SD-Card Slot: Yes, expandable to 64GB

Pros: Great camera for pictures, Stunning screen, Compact phone

Cons: No FM radio, plastic back cover gives it a cheap feel, no longer receiving OS updates

Local Price: $250-$300

Sony Xperia Z

Network: GSM / HSPA / LTE | OS:  Android Lollipop | Screen: 5.0 inches TFT capacitive touchscreen | Resolution: 1080 x 1920 | CPU: Quad-core 1.5 GHz | RAM: 2GB | Storage: up to 64GB | Battery: 2330 mAh | Rear camera: 13.1 MP | Front camera: 2.2MP | SD-Card Slot: Yes, expandable to 64GB

Pros: 1080p video recording, LTE connectivity, great design and build quality, water resistant

Cons: latest versions of Android not supported  

Local Price: $250-$300

Lumia 735

Network: GSM / HSPA / LTE | OS: Microsoft Windows 10| Screen: 4.7 inches OLED | Resolution: 720 x 1280 | CPU: Quad-core 1.2 GHz | RAM: 1GB | Storage: 8GB | Battery: 2600 mAh | Rear camera: 6.7MP | Front camera: 5MP | SD-Card Slot: Yes, expandable to 256GB

Pros: Excellent battery life, decent screen for the price, great build quality,

Cons: Photo and video quality, not that great, small internal storage

Local Price: $250-$300

Samsung J7

Network: GSM/HSPA/LTE | OS:  Android Marshmallow | Screen: 5.5 inches AMOLED | Resolution: 120 x 1280 | CPU: Octa-core 1.6 GHz | RAM: 2GB | Storage: 16GB | Battery: 2600 mAh | Rear camera: 13MP | Front camera: 5MP | SD-Card Slot: Yes, expandable to 256GB

Pros: Latest Android version, good battery life, expandable storage

Cons: Plastic casing makes it feel cheap, no 4K video option, sub-par call quality

Local Price: $250-$300

Sony Xperia c3 

Network: GSM/HSPA/LTE | OS:  Android Lollipop | Screen: 5.5 inches IPS LCD | Resolution: 720 x 1280 | CPU: Quad-core 1.2 GHz | RAM: 1GB | Storage: 8GB | Battery: 2500 mAh | Rear camera: 8MP | Front camera: 5MP | SD-Card Slot: Yes, expandable to 32GB

Pros: Camera has LED flash, front camera takes a good selfie, large, bright display, excellent battery life

Cons: bland design

Local Price: $250-$300

HTC Desire 820

Network: GSM/HSPA/LTE| OS:  Android Marshmallow | Screen: 5.5 inches LCD| Resolution: 720 x 1280 | CPU: Octa-core 1.6GHz | RAM: 2GB | Storage: 16GB | Battery: 2600 mAh | Rear camera: 13MP | Front camera: 8MP | SD-Card Slot: Yes, expandable to 32GB

Pros: lightweight, slim, and solidly constructed, excellent screen

Cons: operating performance not the best

Local Price: $250-$300

iPhone 4S

Network: GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO | OS: iOS 9.3.5 | Screen: 3,5 inches LED-backlit IPS LCD | Resolution: 640 x 960 | CPU: Dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 | RAM: 512mb | Storage: up to 64GB | Battery: 1432 mAh | Rear camera: 8MP | Front camera: VGA | SD-Card Slot: None  

Pros: 1080p HD video recording, excellent build quality, Siri

Cons: Small screen, no 4G, no longer supported by Apple

Local Price: $250-$300

So given the choice, which smartphone would you get with a budget of $300?