The M-KOPA X30 is a successor of the M-KOPA X20, both budget-friendly Android smartphones designed for Africa’s growing urban and rural consumer who want a smartphone experience via flexible payment options.
M-KOPA X30 is for everyday users who want big battery life, a large display, capable cameras, and smooth performance without paying cash. The brand is retailing in phones and motorcycles in Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Nigeria and a number of other African countries with flexible payment options.
What We Like
Strong Cameras for the Price
- The 50MP rear camera with OIS (optical image stabilization) captures clear and steady shots, especially in daylight.
- The 8MP ultra-wide lens adds flexibility for landscapes or group photos.
- A 50MP AI-powered front camera gives very good selfies in good lighting — impressive on a phone in this price range.
Spacious Screen
- The 6.72-inch Full HD+ display is large and crisp, making it great for videos, browsing, and social apps.
- While the 60Hz refresh rate isn’t the fastest, it’s smooth enough for everyday use.
Battery That Lasts All Day
- A 5000mAh battery easily lasts through a full day of use — up to two days if you’re light with gaming and video.
- 10W charging isn’t super fast by today’s standards, but it’s reliable.
Practical Security & Features
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor (on the power button) unlocks the phone quickly.
- Face unlock adds another convenient option.
- Extras like an LED notification light, custom button, and OTG support make everyday use more enjoyable.
Where It’s Average
- The Unisoc Tiger T615 processor performs well for everyday tasks — messaging, social apps, video streaming — but it isn’t meant for heavy gaming or intensive multitasking.
- 4G connectivity is widely used and dependable, though no 5G support means it’s not future-proof for high-speed networks.
- 60Hz refresh rate is fine but not as smooth as higher-refresh phones.
Comparison With Other Mid-Range Phones
Here’s how the M-KOPA X30 stacks up against similar mid-range phones in the market:
| Feature | M-KOPA X30 | Samsung Galaxy A05/A06 | M-KOPA X20 |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 15 with AI enhancements | Android 14/15 | Android 14 |
| Processor | Unisoc Tiger T615 | Entry-level Exynos | Similar Unisoc |
| RAM | 6GB (up to 10GB extended) | 4GB | 6GB |
| Storage | 256GB + microSD | 64-128GB + microSD | 256GB + memory support |
| Display | 6.72″ Full HD+ | 6.6-6.7″ HD+/FHD+ | 6.56″ HD+ |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60-90Hz | 90Hz |
| Rear Camera | 50MP OIS + 8MP Ultra-Wide | ~50MP | 50MP |
| Front Camera | 50MP AI | 8-13MP | 50MP |
| Battery | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | 5000mAh |
| Charging | 10W | 15-25W | 20W |
| Network | 4G | 4G/5G (varies) | 4G |
| Security | Side fingerprint & face unlock | Fingerprint & face unlock | Fingerprint & face unlock |
Key Takeaways
- M-KOPA X30 shines in camera quality, storage, and display size — making it ideal for social media, media viewing, and everyday apps.
- Samsung A05/A06 offers brand reliability and software support, but cameras and storage are more basic.
- M-KOPA X20 is good for smooth display refresh and affordability, but the X30 offers better cameras and modern Android features.
Verdict
The M-KOPA X30 is a value-packed smartphone with a good battery life, reliable performance, solid cameras, and a large display. It’s best for students, everyday users, and anyone who wants a dependable phone without breaking the bank.
If you’re moving up from a basic or feature phone, or want a capable everyday Android device, the M-KOPA X30 is worth considering if you can pay KES 4,000 deposit and a daily amount of like KES 100 for a whole year or more.
M-KOPA X30 Full Phone Specifications
Platform
- OS: Android™ 15 with AI enhancements
- Certification: Android Enterprise Recommended
- Processor: Unisoc Tiger T615
Design & Dimensions
- Size: 169.2 × 78 × 8.6 mm
- Fingerprint Sensor: Side-mounted (Power Key)
Display
- Type: 6.72″ Full HD+
- Resolution: 2400 × 1080 pixels
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz
Cameras
- Rear: 50MP OIS + 8MP Ultra-Wide
- Front: 50MP AI
Memory & Storage
- RAM: 6GB (expandable up to 10GB)
- Internal Storage: 256GB ROM
- Expandable: microSD
- SIM: Dual Nano SIM
Battery
- Capacity: 5000mAh
- Charging: 10W
Connectivity
- Network: 4G / 3G / 2G
- Bluetooth: v5.0
- NFC: Yes
- GPS: GPS/AGPS/Galileo
- USB: USB Type-C
- Headphone Jack: 3.5mm
Security
- Side fingerprint sensor & Face Unlock
Sensors
- Accelerometer, G-sensor, Ambient light sensor
Special Features
- Custom button, LED notifications, OTG support
In the Box
- M-KOPA X30 handset
- 10W Charger
- USB Type-C Cable
- Earphones
- SIM ejector tool
- Screen protector
- Free phone cover