realme has brought a remarkable shift to the Nigerian smartphone market since it officially launched in October 2024. The launch was well received by tech enthusiasts who were happy to try out a new brand and Nigerians scouring for affordable smartphones with top-notch quality.
With a commitment to delivering quality tech at pocket-friendly prices, realme is positioning itself as a formidable contender in the competitive Nigerian smartphone market for 2025. But is that enough to tackle the leading brands in Nigeria?
realme’s official entry into Nigeria
Known globally for its value-for-money smartphones, realme debuted in Nigeria with the realme Note 50 and realme C61 in Q4, 2024. The company’s marketing strategy highlighted its focus on young, tech-savvy consumers constantly demanding high-performance devices without straining their finances.
The realme C61 swears by marketing phrases like “Hard to break” and “4 years of lag-free use”, promising a reliable device that’s worth every penny. Its top features include an IP54 rating, a 90Hz display, 256GB storage, 24GB Dynamic RAM, a 5,000mAh battery, and a 50MP camera. By focusing on these core values, realme aims to attract a diverse audience, from tech-savvy youths to budget-conscious consumers. This commitment is particularly relevant in a market where economic factors heavily influence purchasing decisions.
A game-changer for Nigeria’s smartphone market
Popular brands like TECNO, Infinix, and Samsung have long dominated Nigeria’s smartphone market. A 2024 statistic by StatCounter shows that TECNO holds about 24.4% of the market share, followed by Infinix at 22.3% and Samsung at 12.2%. While contending with these brands is no small feat for a newcomer, realme’s strategic entry has the potential to change Nigeria’s smartphone market.
It’s not new that the country’s fluctuating economy has pumped up smartphone prices by over 86%, making even mid-range devices unattainable for most people. With a new player ready to offer quality tech at cheap prices, Nigerians are open to getting more value for their hard-earned money.
With what we’ve seen with the realme C61 and Note 50, realme is not offering cheap, poor-performing devices. For instance, the realme C61 offers a sturdy build quality with IP54 dust and water resistance. The device sports a massive 256GB storage, up to 24GB Dynamic RAM and expertly tuned software to match their “4 years of lag-free use” claim.
That aside, realme’s foray also means increased competition in pricing and quality. The dominating brands will need to innovate further to maintain their market share. This increased competition is a win for Nigerian consumers, who now have access to better devices. And since realme is offering its devices at competitive prices, it has an edge in disrupting Nigeria’s market in 2025.
Users’ feedback for realme Note 50 and realme C61
Early user feedback for the realme Note 50 and C61 has been largely positive, reflecting the brand’s alignment with consumer expectations. To separate gimmicks from real marketing, realme’s bold claim of the realme C61 as “Hard to break” has aroused many to put it to the test.
@kagan, a top Nigerian tech content creator, shared on Instagram page how the phone remained in pristine condition after trying to damage it in various ways.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DDLAvfrMX_V/
He first simulated a casual accident by dropping it from eye level to a tiled floor. He then proceeded by smashing it with a hammer, which resulted in zero damage to the phone. Driving a 3-ton truck on the phone was his next move, but all his efforts proved abortive as the realme C61 remained unbreakable.
Besides the sturdy build quality, many users have praised the realme Note 50 and realme C61 for their sleek design, camera capabilities, performance, long-lasting battery, and software features streamlined for daily activities. All these positive reviews will help attract more customers who may have been disappointed by other brands.
After-sales support
realme’s after-sales support is another aspect that could contribute to its rapid growth in Nigeria. While the brand promises rugged smartphones, most people still cherish the assurance that their phones can be easily repaired.
In November 2024, realme announced its first official service centre in Lagos to provide quality after-sales services and offer fans exclusive access to their latest devices. With plans to recreate this in other Nigerian states in 2025, realme is projecting itself as a trustworthy brand that Nigerians can bank on.
Can realme reshape Nigeria’s smartphone market in 2025?
realme’s entry into the Nigerian smartphone market marks a significant milestone for the industry. With its commitment to delivering quality technology at affordable prices, realme is well-positioned to challenge established players and capture a substantial share of the market in 2025.
While there are hurdles to overcome, realme’s commitment to keep innovating and meeting consumers’ needs could indeed make it a top contender in the nation’s smartphone market by 2025.