iPhone Buying Guide Kenya 2026: Which Ex-UK iPhone Fits Your Budget

Buying an iPhone in Kenya used to mean choosing between an overpriced brand new unit or taking a chance on a random import. These days, Ex-UK iPhones have changed that. You get a phone that was used lightly, tested, and sold with a warranty, at a price that actually makes sense. The tricky part is knowing which model to pick once you are staring at a dozen options that all sound similar.

Here is how we would break it down depending on what you actually need the phone for.

If you just want a solid iPhone under 30k

The iPhone 11 Pro 256GB is still one of the best value picks on the market. At KES 29,999, you get the triple camera system, an OLED display, and Face ID, all specs that most budget Android phones twice the price still cannot match. If storage is not your main concern and you just want an iPhone that works well daily, this is where a lot of buyers land.

Slightly above it, the iPhone 12 128GB at KES 34,999 gets you into 5G territory and Apple's flatter, more modern design, if you want something a bit newer without stretching your budget much.

The mid-range sweet spot

This is where most people actually end up buying. The iPhone 12 Pro 256GB at KES 39,500 adds LiDAR and better low light photos over the base 12, while the iPhone 11 Pro Max 256GB at KES 38,500 is worth a look if screen size matters more to you than having the newest chip.

Stepping up again, the iPhone 12 Pro Max 128GB at KES 43,500 gives you the biggest battery and best cameras from that generation, and the iPhone 13 256GB at KES 47,500 brings a noticeably faster chip and improved battery life over anything in the 12 lineup.

If camera quality is the priority

The 13 Pro models are where the camera system really jumps, and if you want to see how they stack up against other flagships out there, our best camera phones in Kenya guide is worth a read. The iPhone 13 Pro 128GB at KES 49,999 and the iPhone 13 Pro 256GB at KES 54,999 both bring ProMotion displays, macro photography, and much better night mode shots than the standard 13. If you take a lot of photos or shoot video for content, this tier is genuinely worth the jump.

For the biggest screen and longest battery life in the lineup, the iPhone 13 Pro Max 256GB at KES 64,999 is as close to a flagship as you will get Ex-UK right now. If 256GB is more than you need, the iPhone 13 Pro Max 128GB at KES 62,999 gives you the same screen, chip, and battery for a bit less, as long as you are comfortable managing storage a little more carefully.

If you want the newest thing we stock

The Apple iPhone 15 128GB at KES 64,900 is our newest arrival, with USB-C, a better main camera, and the Dynamic Island. If longevity and getting the latest iOS updates for as long as possible matter to you more than saving a few thousand shillings, this is the one to go for. Worth noting too, given recent Apple chip price increases, Ex-UK stock at current prices may be the better time to buy rather than waiting for new units.

Our honest take

There is no single best iPhone, only the best one for your budget and how you use your phone. If you want our advice in one line: the 11 Pro is the smartest budget buy, the 13 Pro is the best all round pick, and the 15 is for anyone who wants to buy once and not think about upgrading again for a while.

You can browse the full lineup, including models we did not cover here, on our Apple phones page. Stock moves fast on the popular ones, so if a model above catches your eye, do not wait too long to grab it.

For more buying guides and phone news, check out our tech news blog, including our recent piece on what mAh really means for your battery life if you want to understand the battery specs mentioned above a bit better.