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BUYING GUIDE

Best Phones to Buy in Ghana in 2027

The best phones to buy in Ghana in 2027 at every level: what to look for, how long each brand keeps phones updated, and when a UK used iPhone is the smart buy.

MachineWura Team
October 27, 20267 min read
Best Phones to Buy in Ghana in 2027

The best phone to buy in Ghana in 2027 is the one that will still get software updates in 2030, has a battery that lasts a full day, and fits how you use it. In practice that points to an iPhone from the iPhone 13 onwards, a recent Samsung Galaxy S or upper A-series model, or a Google Pixel 8 or newer, because Apple, Samsung and Google now support their recent phones for many years. Budget brands such as Tecno and Infinix give you more hardware for the money but usually fewer years of updates. This guide explains how to choose at each level, why update length matters more than ever, and when a UK used iPhone beats a new budget phone.

Updated October 2026. We update this guide as new phones launch.

What matters most in a phone in 2027?

1. Years of software updates. Updates fix security holes that criminals use to steal Mobile Money PINs, banking details and WhatsApp accounts. A phone that stops getting updates becomes riskier every month. In 2027 the leading brands support phones for a long time:

BrandTypical support for recent modelsWhat it means
AppleMany years of iOS updates; iOS 26 runs on iPhone 11 and newerEven UK used iPhones from several years ago still get updates
SamsungUp to seven years of Android and security updates for Galaxy S24 and newer flagships; six years for some recent A-series modelsRecent Galaxy phones last as long as iPhones; older A-series models get fewer years
GoogleSeven years for Pixel 8 and newerLong support, but Pixels are less common in Ghana
Tecno, Infinix, itel and similarUsually fewer years of updatesMore hardware for the money; check the update promise for the exact model

Always check the update promise for the exact model you are buying. Older models of the same brand often have shorter support.

2. Battery life and battery health. A phone that dies by 4pm is no good during long days or outages. On a used phone, battery health matters as much as the model. Apple rates iPhone 15 and newer batteries to keep about 80% of their capacity at 1,000 full charge cycles, and earlier models at 500 cycles, so an older used iPhone's battery health tells you a lot. Read our iPhone battery health guide.

3. Storage. WhatsApp media, photos and videos fill phones quickly. 128GB is comfortable for most people; 64GB fills up fast.

4. Camera, if it matters to you. For social media, small businesses and content creators, the camera is often the deciding feature. Pro iPhones and Galaxy S Ultra models lead here.

Which phone should you buy in 2027, by need?

If you want the best camera and performance

Choose a recent Pro iPhone (such as the iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max, or a UK used iPhone 15 Pro or 16 Pro) or a recent Galaxy S Ultra. These have the strongest cameras, the brightest screens and the longest update runways. See our guides to the iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone 16 Pro Max and Galaxy S25 Ultra.

If you want an iPhone without paying flagship prices

A UK used iPhone 13, 14 or 15 gives you years of iOS updates, a good camera and strong resale value for much less than a new flagship. The iPhone 15 and later have USB-C charging, which means one cable for your phone and many laptops. Our iPhone 2027 guide and best used iPhones for 2027 compare the models.

If you prefer Android and want it to last

A recent Galaxy S model or an upper A-series model (the A5x line) with a long update promise. Samsung's long support makes recent Galaxy phones a sensible four-to-six-year purchase. Read is the Samsung A series worth it.

If you are on a tight budget

You have two good routes:

  • A UK used iPhone 12 or 13 with healthy battery: years of updates, good camera, strong resale value.
  • A new budget Android from Samsung's lower A-series, Tecno or Infinix: a new battery, a big screen and a large battery capacity, but usually fewer years of updates.

Our budget phones guide and Tecno vs Infinix comparison cover this level in more detail.

If you are choosing between iPhone and Samsung

The deciding factors are usually which system you already use, what your family and friends use, and resale value. Read iPhone vs Samsung in Ghana.

A worked example: new budget Android or UK used iPhone?

Esi has a fixed budget and wants a phone for four years: WhatsApp, Mobile Money, Instagram for her small business, and photos of products.

  • Option A: a new budget Android with a large battery and 128GB, with a shorter update promise.
  • Option B: a UK used iPhone 13 with 128GB and 88% battery health.

Option A gives her a brand new battery and a bigger screen. Option B gives her a better camera for product photos, years more of iOS updates, and a phone she can sell for a good price later, but she may need a battery replacement in two to three years. For a small business that depends on photos and security, Option B usually wins. For someone who mostly calls, chats and watches videos, Option A is a reasonable choice. The point is to compare years of updates and battery health, not just specifications.

Which phones should you avoid in 2027?

  • iPhones older than the iPhone 11. iOS 26 does not support the iPhone XS, XS Max or XR.
  • Any phone that no longer receives security updates, whatever the brand.
  • 64GB phones unless your use is very light.
  • Used phones with poor battery health (below about 80%) unless the price includes a replacement.
  • iPhones with Activation Lock or locked to a network, and Android phones with Google account lock (FRP) still on. Read how to check if an iPhone is stolen and how to know if an iPhone is original.

Brand new or UK used in 2027?

Brand new gives you a full battery, the longest update runway and no history. UK used gives you a better model for your budget. For used phones, check battery health, Activation Lock or Google account lock, network lock, and whether parts have been replaced. At MachineWura every pre-owned device passes a 30-point inspection with at least 85% battery health before it is listed. Read UK used vs refurbished vs brand new iPhones.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best phone to buy in Ghana in 2027?

For most people, an iPhone from the iPhone 13 onwards or a recent Samsung Galaxy with a long update promise. Choose by camera needs, budget and which system you already use.

Which phones get the longest updates in 2027?

Apple iPhones, Samsung Galaxy S24 and newer flagships (up to seven years), some recent Galaxy A models (six years) and Google Pixel 8 and newer (seven years).

Is a UK used iPhone a good buy in 2027?

Yes, if it is an iPhone 11 or newer with healthy battery, no Activation Lock and no network lock. An iPhone 13 or newer gives the longest remaining runway.

Are Tecno and Infinix phones good in 2027?

They offer large batteries and screens for the money. They usually get fewer years of updates than Apple, Samsung's recent models or Google, so check the exact model's update promise.

How much storage should a phone have in 2027?

128GB for most people. Choose 256GB if you shoot a lot of video or keep years of WhatsApp media.

Can I trade in my old phone?

At MachineWura you can trade in your current phone and pay the difference. Each device is valued individually. See the trade-in page.

Looking for a phone? Ask us on WhatsApp on 0550 314 351, or browse phones on MachineWura.

Thanks for reading!

Published October 27, 2026 · 7 min read

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