Entry-Level Foldables: Budget 5G Phones Launch in West Africa This Quarter

West Africa’s smartphone market is folding into a new era, with entry-level foldables and budget 5G devices making premium innovation accessible to the masses. As 5G networks expand in urban hubs like Lagos and Accra, Q3 2025 has seen a wave of affordable launches, blending clamshell designs with high-speed connectivity to fuel digital inclusion. Shipments of ultra-low-cost 5G phones under $100 surged 7% year-on-year in Q2, setting the stage for foldables to follow suit.

Leading the charge, Samsung partnered with Globacom to roll out the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 in Nigeria on July 16, 2025. The slimmest foldables yet—at 4.2mm unfolded—these 5G powerhouses feature AI-driven tools like real-time translation and object search. The Z Flip7 starts at ₦1,571,000 (~$950), a dip from prior models, while the new Z Flip7 FE variant targets budget buyers with enhanced durability and 18GB free data bonuses via Glo outlets. Pre-order perks, including ₦1.2 million in gifts and Samsung Care+, sweetened the deal, drawing crowds to Lagos masterclasses.

Complementing this, Motorola’s Razr 2025 emerged as the true entry-level star, priced globally at $430 and now hitting Nigerian shelves. This clamshell 5G foldable boasts a 3.6-inch external display for quick tasks, Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chip, and vegan leather back—ideal for young professionals on the go. It’s hailed as a “steal” under $700, outpacing rivals in value. Meanwhile, Infinix’s Zero Flip (updated for 2025) lingers at ₦1,056,000, offering MediaTek Dimensity 8020 and a 4720mAh battery for vlogging enthusiasts.

These launches align with West Africa’s 50% mobile penetration milestone, where e-commerce and content creation demand versatile devices. Though foldables remain pricier than slab phones, falling prices—down 20% from 2024—signal broader adoption by 2026. For aspiring creators and commuters, Q3’s drops aren’t just gadgets; they’re gateways to a folded future.