Samsung’s most recent flagship, the Galaxy S5, has not event hit the stores but is the source of chatter in the tech world since it was announced last month at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. The Galaxy S5 is the only device available on pre-order in Kenya with other flagships from other manufacturers still using the traditional methods of product introduction and selling. The Galaxy S5 has seen a number of companies allowing customers to place pre-orders and get the device delivered when it is officially available in retail stores.
Before you get all excited and pre-order your Galaxy S5 from your preferred retailer, I advise you to go through the list I have prepared to see what each retailer offers, what it will cost you and when you will get it if you pre-order from each specific retailer.
Jumia Kenya
Jumia Kenya was the first companies to open up and allow pre-orders for the Galaxy S5. Jumia is selling the device for Kshs. 69,999 and promises to deliver it to you in April with no specified date. The company had promised to deliver the pre-ordered Galaxy S5 devices to customers on April 28 but they have taken that down and now we do not know when exactly they will deliver.
Verdict: I would not advice you to go with Jumia as they have no official delivery date. The main point of pre-ordering the Galaxy S5 is to be among the first people to have it. Ordering it from Jumia may get it delivered to you on April 28 (later than April 11, the expected launch date in Kenya), so you may not be among the first to have it after all.
Duka1
Duka1 is another online retailer accepting pre-orders for the Galaxy S5 is Duka1. The company is selling the device for Kshs 69,948 and promises to deliver it to you on April 14. It only offers the device in electric blue and shimmery white.
Verdict: Am somewhat 50/50 with this deal. It is a good one offering you a slightly lower price compared to other pre-orders in the Kenya. At Kshs. 69,948 it’s insignificantly lower than what Jumia is offering (69,999). This may not be a big deal to many but considering they are delivering the device to you on April 14 (3 days after official launch in Kenya), I think it’s a good deal.
Airtel Kenya
Airtel Kenya is currently the only telecommunication company that is taking pre-orders for the Galaxy S5. The company has two pre-order deals; one involves coupling the Galaxy S5 with the Gear fit while the other offers the Galaxy S5 alone. Both these offers will see you get free 1.75GB of data that you can use for 3 months. Pre-ordering the Galaxy S5 with the Gear fit will cost you Kshs. 89,999 while taking the Galaxy S5 alone will cost you Kshs. 69,999. Paying for either of these two deals using Airtel Money cost Kshs. 5,000 less. The Offer closes on April 7 and shipping is expected on April 11 or a few days later.
Verdict: This is by far the best deal for me as they give you an option to add the cool new device from Samsung, the Gear fit. Airtel is also throwing 1.75 GB of data to every purchase. There is also an option of paying using Airtel money which guarantees you a discount of Kshs. 5000.
One of the companies missing from this list is Safaricom. The company has not announced anything regarding the Galaxy S5 so far. Last year, Safaricom was among the first companies to announce the Galaxy S4 pre-orders but this year they are nowhere to be seen.
Will you be pre-ordering the Galaxy S5 or are you waiting for the devices to hit the stores? Share with us in the comment section below.
[Update] safaricom is now allowing pre-orders on the Galaxy S5 inclusive of the Gear fit for Kshs. 74,999. This might be just the best deal yet as with each purchase you will be getting the Gear fit for free. Safaricom will also be giving you free 3GB of data with each purchase.
