The Infinix Zero 4 Plus commanded a premium price range of Ksh 25,000 to Ksh 30,000 in the Kenyan market during its prime. This flagship device from Infinix was a statement piece, designed for the discerning mobile user who demanded top-tier performance without breaking the bank. Its arrival was met with significant excitement, quickly becoming a sought-after model for its impressive feature set.
Are you curious to discover what justified this investment and how it stacked up against the competition? We will reveal the exact factors that determined its cost, from its powerful camera system to its robust processing capabilities. Unlock a complete breakdown of its value proposition and see if this device still holds relevance in today’s market.
Current Market Price Range and Availability
It is crucial to understand that the Infinix Zero 4 Plus is a discontinued model, having been launched in 2016. Therefore, you will not find it on the shelves of official retail stores. Its current availability is exclusively on the second-hand or refurbished market, where its price is no longer fixed but highly dependent on the phone’s condition. You should approach any purchase with caution and thoroughly inspect the device.
The price you can expect to pay today falls into these general brackets:
- Heavily Used or Faulty Units: Ksh 5,000 – Ksh 8,000. These phones often have significant screen scratches, poor battery health, or other functional issues.
- Fair to Good Condition (Refurbished): Ksh 9,000 – Ksh 13,000. This is the most common range for a functional unit with a decent battery and a relatively clean exterior, often sold by smaller phone shops.
- Excellent/Mint Condition (Rare): Ksh 14,000 – Ksh 18,000. Finding a unit in near-perfect condition is very rare, and such specimens command a higher price from collectors or specific sellers.
Prices can see minor fluctuations based on supply, which is dwindling, and demand from buyers looking for a specific budget device. There are no seasonal variations for a phone this old; the price is purely a factor of its deteriorating condition over time.
Key Specifications and Build Quality
The Infinix Zero 4 Plus was a true flagship for its time, packing high-end specifications that were designed to compete with established global brands. Its construction and feature set were a significant step up from the budget devices common in the market, justifying its original price point for performance-hungry users and mobile photography enthusiasts.
- Display: It featured a large 5.98-inch Full HD (1080 x 1920 pixels) AMOLED display. This technology provided deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast ratios, making it perfect for media consumption and gaming.
- Processor and Performance: At its heart was the MediaTek Helio X20 (MT6797) deca-core processor, built on a 20nm process. This was paired with a substantial 4GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and capable handling of demanding applications and games.
- Storage: It offered 32GB of internal storage, which was expandable via a dedicated microSD card slot, allowing users to add up to 128GB more space for photos, videos, and music.
- Camera System (The Main Attraction): The rear camera was a powerhouse: a 21-megapixel Sony IMX230 sensor with laser autofocus, optical image stabilization (OIS), and a dual-tone LED flash. This combination was rare in its price segment and allowed for exceptional low-light photography and stable video recording. The front camera was a 8-megapixel sensor with a soft-light flash for selfies.
- Battery: It was equipped with a massive 4000mAh non-removable lithium-polymer battery, which provided exceptional battery life, easily lasting a full day of heavy use.
- Build and Materials: The phone featured a premium full-metal unibody design with a sleek, brushed aluminum finish. This gave it a solid, premium feel in the hand that was a clear quality indicator over plastic-bodied competitors.
- Software: It launched with Android 6.0 Marshmallow skinned with Infinix’s XOS Chakra UI. While official software updates have long ceased, this was a stable and feature-rich platform during its supported lifetime.
- Additional Features: It included a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor for security, support for 4G LTE networks in Kenya, and dual SIM capability.
Factors That Originally Influenced the Infinix Zero 4 Plus Price
The original retail price of the Infinix Zero 4 Plus, hovering between Ksh 25,000 and Ksh 30,000, was not arbitrary. It was a carefully calculated figure influenced by a complex interplay of local and global market forces. Understanding these factors reveals why it was positioned as a premium mid-range device and highlights the economic realities of importing consumer electronics into Kenya.
- Premium Components and Technology: The single largest cost driver was its high-end specifications. The Sony IMX230 camera sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) was a costly component typically found in more expensive phones. Similarly, the deca-core MediaTek Helio X20 processor and the vibrant AMOLED display were significantly more expensive to manufacture than the components used in budget devices.
- Brand Positioning and Marketing: Infinix strategically positioned the Zero series as its flagship line, competing directly with offerings from Tecno, Samsung, and Huawei. Substantial investment in marketing campaigns, celebrity endorsements, and retail presence was factored into the final price to build a reputation for quality and performance.
- Importation Costs and Taxes: As a device assembled overseas, the phone was subject to import duty, value-added tax (VAT), and other levies imposed by the Kenyan government. Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the US Dollar and the Kenyan Shilling directly impacted the landed cost for distributors, a cost passed on to consumers.
- Distribution and Retailer Markup: The supply chain involved multiple entities, including the official distributor and various retail stores across the country. Each link in this chain adds a margin to cover their operational costs, logistics, storage, and profit, progressively increasing the price from the factory gate to the shop shelf.
- After-Sales Service and Warranty: The price included the cost of establishing and maintaining a reliable after-sales service network. This encompasses warranty claims, spare parts inventory, and trained technicians, ensuring buyers had support, which is a crucial value-added service.
Where to Find the Infinix Zero 4 Plus in Kenya Today
Since the Infinix Zero 4 Plus is a discontinued model, finding a new unit is impossible. Your search will be confined to the pre-owned and refurbished market, which requires diligence and careful inspection to avoid purchasing a faulty device. Here are the most likely places to find it and crucial tips for each channel.
- Online Marketplaces (Jumia, Pigiame, Facebook Marketplace): These platforms are the most common source for such older models. You will find numerous listings from individual sellers and small shops. Tip: Scrutinize seller ratings, read reviews, and insist on meeting in a public place like a café to physically inspect the phone, test all functions (cameras, fingerprint sensor, Wi-Fi, calls), and check for signs of water damage before payment.
- Dedicated Refurbished Phone Shops: In tech hubs like Nairobi’s Tom Mboya Street, River Road, or Mombasa’s Digo Road, small electronics shops often specialize in refurbished phones. Tip: Buying from a physical shop can offer a slight advantage as you may be able to return a faulty device. Always ask about any short-term warranty they provide, even if it’s just for a week.
- Authorized Infinix Service Centers (For Parts): While they won’t sell the phone, authorized service centers can be a resource. If you already own a faulty unit, you can inquire about the availability and cost of genuine replacement parts like batteries, which are often the first component to degrade in an old device.
Regardless of where you look, prioritize testing the battery health above all else, as a replacement can be costly and difficult to source.
Modern Alternatives to the Infinix Zero 4 Plus
Considering the age and risks associated with the Infinix Zero 4 Plus, exploring modern alternatives is a far wiser decision. Today’s market offers significantly better performance, updated software, security patches, and a valid warranty for a similar or lower price. The technological advancements in mid-range phones mean you get far more value and longevity from a current-generation device.
| Brand & Model | Price Range (KES) | Key Features | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infinix Note 40 Series | 25,000 – 35,000 | 120Hz AMOLED Display, 108MP Camera, 5000mAh Battery with 70W Fast Charging, Android 14 | Widely available brand new from official stores and online retailers |
| Tecno Camon 30 Series | 26,000 – 38,000 | 50MP Sony Main Sensor, Sleek Design, High-Refresh-Rate Display, MediaTek Helio G99 Ultimate Chipset | Easily found new in all major retail outlets nationwide |
| Samsung Galaxy A15 | 23,999 – 28,999 | Super AMOLED Display, Samsung’s One UI with Long Software Support, Reliable Brand Reputation, 4-Year Security Updates | Available new at Samsung Experience Stores and authorized dealers |
| Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 | 27,000 – 32,000 | 108MP Pro-Grade Camera, IP54 Dust & Splash Resistance, Corning Gorilla Glass 3, Powerful Snapdragon Processor | Sold new through official Xiaomi distributors and select online platforms |
The value proposition is clear: these modern alternatives provide superior cameras with advanced computational photography, vastly more efficient processors, faster charging, modern software with years of support, and crucially, the peace of mind that comes with a manufacturer’s warranty. While brands like Infinix and Tecno are assembled for the African market, and Samsung and Xiaomi are imported, all offer official distribution networks in Kenya ensuring genuine products and reliable after-sales service.
Essential Buying Tips for a Used Infinix Zero 4 Plus
Purchasing a discontinued phone like the Infinix Zero 4 Plus demands a meticulous approach to avoid acquiring a faulty device. Since there is no official warranty, the entire burden of verification falls on you, the buyer. Follow these critical steps to protect your investment and ensure you get a functional device that meets your expectations.
- Thorough Physical Inspection: Meticulously check the device body for cracks, deep scratches, or signs of a previous repair job. Closely inspect the charging port and headphone jack for dirt, corrosion, or bent pins, which can indicate heavy use or liquid damage. Ensure all buttons (power, volume) are clicky and responsive, not mushy or stuck.
- Comprehensive Functionality Test: Do not complete the purchase without testing every core function. Insert your SIM card to make a call and test mobile data. Connect to a Wi-Fi network. Test the Bluetooth by pairing to another device. Check both speakers and the earpiece for clear sound. Most importantly, test the famed 21MP camera: take photos in bright and dim light, ensure autofocus works quickly, and check that Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is functional by recording a short video while moving your hand slightly.
- Battery Health Assessment: This is the most critical test. Check the battery health in the phone’s settings (if available) and observe the discharge rate. If the percentage drops rapidly (e.g., 5% in a few minutes of light use), the battery is likely degraded and will require an expensive and hard-to-find replacement.
- Ask Probing Questions: Demand a clear history. Ask why they are selling it, if it has ever been repaired, and if it has any known intermittent issues that might not appear during a brief test. A hesitant or vague seller is a major red flag.
- Major Red Flags: Immediately walk away from devices with an “Factory Reset Protection (FRP)” lock, a missing IMEI number, a price that seems too good to be true, or a seller who refuses to let you test the phone thoroughly before payment.
Final Verdict and Recommendation
While a used Infinix Zero 4 Plus can be found for Ksh 5,000 to Ksh 18,000, its age and associated risks make it a difficult recommendation. Only consider it if you are a tech enthusiast comfortable with troubleshooting. For everyone else, investing in a modern alternative from our comparison table offers superior performance, security, and peace of mind with a warranty. Always prioritize a thorough inspection to make an informed and safe purchase decision.
Frequently Asked Questions About Infinix Zero 4 Plus
Is the Infinix Zero 4 Plus still a good phone to buy today?
While its core hardware was flagship-grade in 2016, it is now severely outdated. You will face significant drawbacks like no software updates, poor security, and a likely degraded battery, making it a risky purchase compared to modern budget phones.
What is the most important thing to check before buying a used unit?
Absolutely prioritize testing the battery health. Check how quickly it drains during use and inspect for swelling. A replacement is costly and hard to find. Secondly, thoroughly test the camera’s autofocus and OIS functionality.
Can the Infinix Zero 4 Plus run popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
Yes, it can run most essential apps, but performance will be slow and laggy compared to new devices. You may also encounter compatibility issues with newer app versions that require a more recent Android operating system.
Where can I get it repaired if it develops a fault?
Finding genuine parts is very difficult. Your best option would be independent repair technicians in areas like Nairobi’s River Road, but success isn’t guaranteed. Official Infinix service centers will likely not support this obsolete model.