The Infinix Note 5 Stylus 32GB is available in Kenya for a budget-friendly price range of Ksh 12,000 to Ksh 16,000. This smartphone carved a significant niche for itself by offering a unique feature at an accessible cost. Its combination of a large display and a built-in stylus made it a standout choice for students and young professionals.
Discover how this device delivers exceptional value, blending productivity tools with everyday smartphone essentials. We will reveal where to find the best deals and what exactly you get for your investment, ensuring you make a perfectly informed purchase decision.
Current Price Range
The Infinix Note 5 Stylus 32GB occupies a very specific budget-friendly segment in Kenya’s vibrant smartphone market. Its price is not a single figure but a range influenced by the seller’s location, warranty offered, and included accessories. You can expect to find it within the following brackets:
- Budget Range (Ksh 12,000 – Ksh 13,500): This is typically found with online vendors or smaller physical shops. Phones here may be sourced from the grey market and often come with a shorter store warranty rather than a full manufacturer’s guarantee.
- Standard Retail Range (Ksh 14,000 – Ksh 16,000): This is the most common price point from established retailers and official Infinix stores. You pay a premium for the assurance of a genuine product, a full warranty, and immediate after-sales support.
Prices have remained relatively stable, as this is a slightly older model. However, you might discover occasional dips during major sales events like Black Friday or end-of-year clearances as retailers make space for newer inventory.
Key Specifications
Understanding the Infinix Note 5 Stylus’s technical DNA is crucial to appreciating its value proposition. It was engineered specifically for productivity and media consumption on a budget, a combination highly sought after in the Kenyan market. Its specifications reveal a device focused on core functionality rather than flashy, high-end features.
- Display: A large 6.0-inch Full HD+ (1080 x 2160 pixels) IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen. This IPS panel technology ensures wide viewing angles and vibrant color reproduction, making it excellent for reading documents, watching videos, and sketching with the stylus.
- Stylus: The defining feature is the X-Pen, an active stylus that offers 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity for precise input, note-taking, and creative work. It is stored and charged within the phone’s body itself.
- Performance: Powered by a MediaTek Helio P23 (MT6763T) octa-core processor clocked at 2.0GHz, paired with 3GB of RAM. This chipset, built on a 16nm process, balances decent performance with power efficiency for all-day use.
- Storage: Comes with 32GB of internal storage (eMMC 5.1), which is expandable via a dedicated microSD card slot, allowing you to add up to 128GB more for your media files and documents.
- Operating System: Launched with Android 8.1 (Oreo) but, critically, it was part of the Android One program. This guaranteed a clean, bloatware-free user interface and timely security updates directly from Google, a significant quality and security certification.
- Battery: A substantial non-removable 4500mAh Li-Ion battery supports long hours of use, which is essential in regions with unreliable power. It features 10W charging via a standard microUSB port.
- Build: The chassis is constructed from durable polycarbonate (high-grade plastic) with a smooth, minimalist finish. It is designed to be lightweight and comfortable to hold for extended periods despite its large screen.
- Camera: A single 12MP rear camera with phase detection autofocus and an LED flash, complemented by a 16MP front-facing camera for selfies, both capable of recording 1080p video.
Factors Affecting Price
The final price tag you see on the Infinix Note 5 Stylus 32GB is not arbitrary; it is the culmination of several complex economic and market forces. Understanding these factors empowers you to shop smarter and identify the best possible deal, ensuring your money is well spent.
- Import Duties and Currency Fluctuations: As an imported device, its cost is heavily influenced by Kenyan government tariffs on electronics and the volatile exchange rate between the Kenyan Shilling (KES) and the US Dollar (USD). A weaker shilling directly translates to higher consumer prices.
- Distribution Channel and Retailer Markup: Official distributors and large retail chains incur costs for marketing, physical storefronts, and certified after-sales service, which is reflected in a higher price. Smaller vendors or grey market imports bypass some of these costs but offer less buyer protection.
- Product Availability and Age: Being an older, discontinued model, its availability is now limited to remaining stock. This can cause prices to drop in a clearance sale or, conversely, to rise slightly if a specific vendor has the last few “new old stock” units in high demand.
- Included Accessories and Warranty: A box that includes original accessories like headphones and a protective case, coupled with a valid, long-term manufacturer’s warranty, will command a premium over a barebones package with only a charger and a short-term shop warranty.
- Condition and Seller Reputation: A brand new, sealed unit from an authorized seller is priced at the top of the range. Refurbished or “like-new” units, often with a shorter warranty, will be significantly cheaper. The seller’s reputation for authenticity and customer service also carries a value.
Where to Buy in Kenya
Finding the Infinix Note 5 Stylus requires knowing where to look, as its availability has shifted since its launch. Your choice of retailer will significantly impact the price you pay, the warranty you receive, and your overall purchasing experience.
- Major Online Marketplaces (Jumia, Kilimall): These platforms are your best bet for competitive prices and occasional flash sales. You can easily compare offers from multiple vendors. However, exercise extreme caution: meticulously check seller ratings, read customer reviews for that specific product, and confirm whether the phone is new, refurbished, or comes with an official Infinix warranty to avoid grey market imports.
- Official Infinix Brand Stores and Authorized Dealers: Located in major malls across Nairobi (like TRM, Galleria), Mombasa, Kisumu, and other cities, these outlets offer guaranteed genuine products with a full manufacturer’s warranty. While prices may be slightly higher, you pay for absolute peace of mind, immediate after-sales support, and the ability to physically inspect the device before purchase.
- Established Physical Retail Chains (Phone Place, Oppo Shop, Simba Corp): These reputable stores provide a middle ground. They often have a strong physical presence, offer legitimate products with store warranties, and have knowledgeable staff. It’s advisable to call ahead to confirm stock availability for this specific model before visiting.
- Local Mobile Phone Shops and Electronics Bazaars: Smaller independent shops, particularly in hubs like Nairobi’s Tom Mboya Street or Mombasa’s Digo Road, may have stock. Negotiation is expected here, but you must be highly vigilant. Insist on seeing the sealed box, verify the IMEI number to check authenticity, and be very clear on the terms of the warranty provided.
Popular Brands and Alternatives
While the Infinix Note 5 Stylus offers a unique stylus feature, it is wise to consider the competitive landscape. Several other brands provide compelling alternatives in a similar budget range, each with its own strengths, whether it’s camera performance, battery life, or pure processing power. Your decision should be guided by which features matter most to your daily use.
Brand & Model | Price Range (KES) | Key Features | Availability |
---|---|---|---|
Infinix Note 5 Stylus 32GB | 12,000 – 16,000 | Built-in X-Pen stylus, Android One software, large 6.0″ FHD+ display | Limited stock online and in select stores |
Tecno Spark Series (e.g., Spark 10) | 14,000 – 19,000 | High-resolution selfie cameras (e.g., 32MP), stylish design, large batteries, HIOS software | Widely available online and in physical stores nationwide |
Samsung Galaxy A04 Core | 11,500 – 14,500 | Strong brand reputation, reliable One UI software experience, durable build quality | Excellent availability at major retailers and Samsung shops |
Nokia G Series (e.g., G21) | 15,000 – 20,000 | Clean Android experience (Android One), renowned for durability and build, multi-day battery life | Available at larger retail chains and online |
The key trade-off is the stylus versus newer hardware. Tecno and Samsung alternatives will likely offer more modern processors, better main cameras, and current software, but they lack the precision input tool. Nokia provides a similar clean software experience but often at a slightly higher price point for comparable specs. All major brands sold in Kenya are assembled locally or imported through official channels, ensuring warranty support and genuine parts.
Buying Tips
Purchasing a smartphone, especially a model that may be out of production, requires a vigilant approach to ensure you receive a genuine, functional product and not a counterfeit or faulty unit. These actionable tips will guide you through a thorough inspection and negotiation process, protecting your investment.
- Physical Inspection is Non-Negotiable: If buying physically, insist on unsealing the box in your presence. Examine the device for any micro-scratches on the screen or body, signs of dust in the ports or camera lens, and check that the stylus inserts, ejects, and charges correctly. This indicates if the unit is truly new or has been used as a display model.
- Verify Authenticity and Functionality: Dial *#06# to get the IMEI number. Cross-check this number on the box and on a sticker inside the SIM tray slot—all three must match. Then, visit the official Infinix warranty check website or a third-party IMEI info site to confirm the device’s authenticity and warranty status.
- Interrogate the Warranty Details: Do not accept a vague promise. Ask specifically: “Is this an official Infinix international warranty or a store warranty?” For a store warranty, get the exact duration in writing on your receipt, the store’s physical address, and a clear explanation of what is covered (e.g., manufacturing defects only, or includes accidental damage?).
- Test Everything Before Payment: Insert a SIM card to test network connectivity and make a test call. Connect to the store’s Wi-Fi to test internet functionality. Open the camera app and take test photos with both front and rear cameras. Check all ports (charging, headphone) and buttons for responsiveness.
- Recognize Major Red Flags: Walk away immediately if the price is inexplicably low, the seller refuses to let you inspect the phone, the packaging looks tampered with or of poor quality, the software feels sluggish or has unfamiliar pre-installed apps (bloatware), or the seller pressures you for a quick cash payment without providing a detailed receipt.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the Infinix Note 5 Stylus 32GB, priced between Ksh 12,000 and 16,000, remains a unique budget option for stylus enthusiasts. For students and note-takers, it’s a solid choice; for others seeking newer specs, consider the alternatives. Always verify authenticity and warranty to ensure your purchase is secure and meets your needs perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Infinix Note 5 Stylus 32GB Price in Kenya
Is the Infinix Note 5 Stylus still a good buy in Kenya today?
For its specific price point, it remains a compelling option if your primary need is a built-in stylus for note-taking and sketching. However, competing phones in this range now offer more modern processors and cameras, making it a niche rather than a general recommendation.
Where can I get a genuine unit with a valid warranty?
Your safest bet is to purchase from official Infinix brand stores or large, authorized retailers like Phone Place Kenya. Always insist on checking the IMEI number on the device against the box to confirm authenticity before payment.
Does the phone still receive software and security updates?
As an Android One device, it received guaranteed updates for two years. Since its launch was in 2018, it no longer receives official Android version upgrades, though occasional critical security patches might have been released later.
What is the most common issue with this model I should check for?
The most critical thing to inspect is the X-Pen stylus. Ensure it ejects smoothly, charges when inserted, and registers pressure-sensitive input accurately on the screen, as replacing it separately can be difficult and costly.
Why is there such a big price difference between sellers?
The variance stems from warranty coverage (official vs. store), included accessories, and the seller’s overheads. Grey market imports without a valid Infinix warranty are always cheaper but come with significant risk.