In the midst of a slowing smartphone market, in the region, Infinix has revealed plans to release more devices into the Kenyan Market

The Smartphone maker says the shifting market preferences have turned the tide as phones now have to be optimized for other functions such as gaming or videography while maintaining device price ranges.

To deal with the contracting market, phone makers and sellers switched from targeting buyers with the popular entry-level devices to the Sh12,000 to Sh25,000 mid-range smartphone price segment that offers better margins.

Speaking to The Star on the sidelines of the launch of the HOT 30 series Infinix Brand Manager Shane Liu revealed that battery efficiency, privacy and design have become an attraction to consumers who are currently spending an average of 18 hours every day on phones.

“We place great importance on understanding the needs of our young customers and are dedicated to incorporating innovative technologies into our mobile phone development. With the HOT 30 series, we've equipped these devices with powerful gaming processors, ample memory, lightning-fast charging capabilities, and the most vivid high-definition screens,” said Shane.

With 5G becoming the new norm the firm says from the next two years it will discontinue the production of 4G devices.

Kenya currently has nearly 300,000 5G phone users, according to the latest data from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), the telecommunications and communications industry regulator.

To tap into the premium smartphone market, the firm will be looking to introduce its foldable devices in the third quarter of the year as it races to increase its local share.

According to market intelligence firm IDC, Samsung led the way in Kenya's smartphone market in Q4 2022 with 31.7 percent unit share.

Tecno took second place with an 18.8 percent share, while third-placed Infinix accounted for 9.2 percent of shipments.

Shane says they will focus on the young people who often use mobile gaming to relieve stress, and photography to grow sales.