3 High-Spec Smartphones Under R1,500

Smartphones have come a long way over the last couple of years. It’s incredible what you can get in the sub-R1,500 smartphone category these days. Whether you’re looking for a secondary smartphone for secure mobile banking at home or need an affordable smartphone option for a family member or employee, these high-spec options are sure to impress. Here are 3 high-spec smartphones under R1,500 that are worth investing in.

Tecno Spark Go 2S

Designed with value for money, performance, and style in mind, the Tecno Spark Go 2S brings together smart technology and sleek design.

Some of the key features of the new device include the 128GB storage; the large 5,000mAh battery (complemented by 10W fast charging); and the phone’s 6.67” screen with 120Hz refresh rate that translates into a smooth and uninterrupted visual experience.

Photo fans and video vloggers will delight in a 13MP dual camera setup on the rear of SPARK Go 2S and an 8MP selfie camera. Furthermore, the device’s IP64 rating, highlights the dust and water resistance of the phone.

The box also comes loaded with free extras, including a protective cover, charging brick, USB charging cable, and card pin for convenience.

Availability: The Tecno Spark Go 2S is available from TFG stores for a recommended retail price of R1,399.

itel A90

Designed with the needs of budget-conscious consumers in mind, the itel A90 offers smart solutions at a great price, without compromising on quality. A durable choice, the itel A90 combines a robust build, AI-efficient functionality, and eye-catching aesthetics for a high-spec, cost-effective option.

The smartphone boasts a 6.6″ dynamic display accompanied by a 90Hz refresh rate and up to 180Hz touch sampling. Powering the device is an octa-core chipset, paired with Android 14-based itel OS 14 and up to 8GB RAM. The device offers 64GB of internal storage (expandable via microSD). A side-mounted fingerprint sensor adds secure convenience.

An IP54 rating ensures your device is protected from dust and light splashes while a 5,000 mAh battery with 15W fast-charging rounds up the specs. The device offers a 13MP main sensor on the back plus a 5 MP front camera for selfies and video calls.

The itel A90 breaks expectations for entry-level devices by integrating easy-access AI features, such as AI Search to help with instant answers and smarter browsing. AI features also include AI Translate to break language barriers on the go and Reading Assistant to help users summarise articles with one tap.

Added extras in the box include a free protective cover, earphones and charger.

Availability: The itel A90 is available from PEP for a recommended retail price of R999.

itel A06

This interesting option offers a reliable and user-friendly experience tailored for budget-conscious mobile users. Boasting a sizable 6.5″ IPS HD display, The itel A06s provides crisp visuals ideal for social media, streaming, and casual gaming. A quad-core processor is paired with 4GB RAM (with virtual extended RAM capability) and 32GB of internal storage (expandable via microSD for users needing more space).

The device runs Android 14 Go edition, ensuring a lean, performance-optimised operating system that complements the hardware setup. Powering the itel A06s is a 4,000mAh battery that supports non-fast charging via USB-C, offering dependable all-day use.

In the box, the phone also comes with a free protective cover, earphones and charger, so no need to pay extra for any of the essentials.

Availability: The itel A06s is available from Ackermans, PEP, and TFG for a recommended retail price of R799.