The name Philips is synonymous with quality electronics, but it has made a remarkable shift by introducing its line of smartphones into the Nigerian market.
The Philips brand, more popularly associated with products ranging from home appliances to healthcare technology, is now eyeing the rapidly-growing demand for mobile devices in Nigeria with its first two smartphones, the Essence 10 (S6210) and Essence 20 (S6310).
Philips was founded in 1891 in the Netherlands. Over the decades, the Dutch company has expanded into sectors such as audio equipment, home appliances, and medical technology, becoming a trusted name for consumer electronics.Â
With over 200 million people, a large portion of whom are young, tech-savvy, and rapidly embracing digital services, Nigeria is an attractive market for mobile phone manufacturers.Â
The Philips S6210 and S6310: Specifications
The Philips S6210 rolls in with a 6.56-inch HD+ display, capable of providing real life colors and sharp images. This big screen will make it easier for web browsing, streaming of videos, and playing games. Powering the S6210 is a 1.6GHz octa-core processor supported by 3GB of RAM. For storage, the phone comes with 64GB of internal memory, expandable up to 512GB via a microSD card.
For photography enthusiasts, the S6210 has a 13MP rear camera coupled with a 2MP bokeh lens and quad-flash setup, allowing users to capture detailed images even in low-light conditions. Selfies are handled by an 8MP front camera equipped with a flash.
Stepping up to the Philips S6310, users can expect a device with slightly enhanced features. The S6310 retains the 6.56-inch HD+ display but upgrades the rear camera to a 50MP primary sensor, offering a significant boost for photography, supported by a 2MP bokeh lens for better portrait shots. The front 8MP camera with flash remains consistent with the S6210, providing a reliable option for selfies. The S6310 offers 4GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, which, like the S6210, can be expanded up to 512GB via microSD.
Both models run on Android 14 and they also feature UNISOC’S T606 8 core chipset which was first introduced in 2021. One of the standout features of both smartphones is their 5000mAh battery. Philips has also included side-mounted fingerprint scanners on these devices for security.
In terms of connectivity, both variants support 4G LTE. The phones also feature dual SIM slots to let users easily switch between carriers.
Pricing and Availability
As of the time of writing, these smartphones are not yet available on popular online platforms like Jumia or Konga. However, they can be found at M Chris Communication, an electronics retailer in Nigeria.
The current prices for the Essence 20 (S6310) are:
- 4GB RAM / 128GB ROM: ₦129,000
- 8GB RAM / 256GB ROM: ₦173,000
Meanwhile, the Essence 10 (S6210) is priced at:
- 3GB RAM / 64GB ROM: ₦103,500
With established brands such as Samsung, Xiaomi, and Tecno already dominating the smartphone market in Nigeria, Philips is not exactly off to an easy start. However, an advantage Philips has is its long-established brand presence in Nigeria. The brand was part of a household in most Nigerian homes, with its products lasting for years.
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