Budget Smartphones Surge

The smartphone market is heating up as Nepal heads into the festive season where most people make their new purchases. The release of SEE results in June and Grade 12 results in August has also fueled a surge in demand for smartphones, particularly from students looking to upgrade their devices.

Last fiscal year was a record-breaker for Nepal’s smartphone industry. In 2024/25, the country imported more than 2.18 million units worth Rs 35.54 billion — the highest in four years. That represented a 19% jump in volume compared to the previous fiscal year, underscoring Nepal’s’ strong appetite for smartphones.

Smartphones now rank sixth among Nepal’s highest imports, after essential goods like diesel, soybean oil and petrol. Although Nepal imported smartphones from 66 countries during the year, China dominates the market, accounting for over 70% of the total smartphones imported into the country.

With brands like Xiaomi, Oppo, OnePlus, HMD, VIVO, Infinix and Realme competing fiercely, the focus is squarely on budget and mid-range devices catering to students and new buyers.

Premium models are still in demand as Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip7 saw brisk pre-orders in August. But beyond Samsung and Apple, high-end devices struggle in Nepal’s price-sensitive market. New launches by Chinese brands in August underscored this reality, with several models stretching the limits of what counts as “budget”.

Realme C71 – Budget-Friendly Powerhouse

Realme introduced the C71 in early August, positioning it as an affordable yet feature-rich device. It is powered by a 6,300mAh battery supporting 45W fast charging which lasts for up to two days when fully charged. Durability is another highlight in the device as its “Shock Resistance 5” technology protects against drops of up to 1.8 meters, while IP64 dust and water resistance and an armor shell design add toughness. The C71 also offers a 120Hz display, a 50MP AI camera, and a T7250 octa-core chipset that delivers smooth performance for gaming and multitasking. Other standout features include a 400% ultra-boom speaker and NFC support which are rare at this price point. Priced at Rs 15,999 (4+128GB) and available in White Swan and Forest Owl color options, the phone will soon launch in a 6+128GB variant.

Oppo A5x – Rugged and Long Lasting

Oppo’s new offering, A5x, emphasizes durability, with an IP65 rating, military-grade shock resistance and double-tempered glass certified with the SGS Gold Label. Even the USB-C port of the phone is waterproof. The phone packs a 6,000mAh battery designed for five years of use. It retains 80% capacity after 1,700 charge cycles, according to the company. With 45W SuperVOOC charging, it powers up to 30% in 21 minutes and reaches a full charge in 84 minutes. Running on ColorOS 15 with the Google Gemini AI Assistant, the A5x is powered by the Snapdragon 6s Gen 1 processor. It houses a 32MP main camera, a 2MP depth sensor and a 5MP front camera for selfies. Available in Midnight Blue and Laser White color options, the device is priced from Rs 14,999 (4GB + 64GB) to Rs 17,999 (4GB + 128GB).

Infinix Note 50s 5G+ – Premium Performance on a Budget

The Infinix Note 50s 5G+ enters the market as a premium mid-range option, priced at Rs 31,999 (8GB + 256GB). It features a 144Hz 3D-curved AMOLED display and runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultimate chipset, with RAM expansion up to 16GB. For photography, it packs a 64MP SONY IMX682 main camera with 4K recording, a 13MP front camera and dual JBL-tuned speakers for enhanced audio. The phone uses a 5,200mAh battery with 45W All-Round FastCharge 3.0 and comes with TÜV-certified drop protection. It balances performance and reliability. Available in Marine Blue, Titanium Grey and Burgundy Red color options, it blends premium looks with budget-friendly pricing. 

Honor Pad X9a – Sleek and Smart Tablet 

Global brand Honor has launched the Pad X9a, featuring an 11.5-inch LCD display (2,508 x 1,504 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate) and an 8,300mAh
battery with 35W fast charging, in the Nepali market. Powered by the Snapdragon 685 chipset with 6GB RAM (expandable), the tablet runs on Android 15 with MagicOS 9.0. It comes equipped with AI-powered Voice Notes, an 8MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera, and supports both a wireless keyboard and stylus. Available in gray with a dual-tone finish, the Pad
X9a is priced at Rs 25,999.

The article was published in New Business Age magazine, September 2025 issue.