Not everybody needs a high-end Smartphone. The best budget Smartphones in 2020 Malaysia may be just what you’re looking for!
We have listed the cheapest Smartphones under RM1,000 that serve functionality and style!
However, if you can afford to save up for one, go for these best Smartphones below RM2,000 instead. For higher performance and reliability!
11 Best Budget Smartphone Malaysia 2020
1. Realme C11 Smartphone
Only have a budget of RM500? Realme’s entry-level C11 Smartphone comes under RM400 and has a large screen of 6.5” with acceptable resolution.
Plus a dual camera (though limited to a f/2.2 max aperture)!
- Display: 6.5″ IPS LCD (720 x 1,560)
- Weight: 196g
- Dimensions: 164.4 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm
- OS: realme UI 1.0 / Android 10
- CPU & RAM: MediaTek Helio G35 Octa-Core; 2GB
- Storage: 32GB (Expandable Up to 256 GB via microSD)
- Battery Life: 5,000 mAh
- Rear Camera: 13MP (f/2.2) + 2MP (f/2.4)
- Front Camera: 5MP (f/2.4)
- IP Rating: n/a
- SIM Card: Dual Nano SIM
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Price: ~RM399
Pros:
- Solid build
- Good battery capacity
- 2 available colors (grey or mint)
- Dual-SIM
Cons:
- Slow if you’ve ever used a top-of-the-line Smartphone before
- No fingerprint sensor
- Not enough RAM to update to a higher Android version
- Charging 10W (Micro-USB)
- Bulky
2. Honor 9A
Another entry-level Smartphone under RM500:
The Honor 9A will be perfectly fine for anyone that just needs to stay connected to their families throughout the day (i.e. long battery life).
It’s definitely not going to cut it for photo enthusiasts or gamers though!
- Display: 6.3″ IPS LCD (720 x 1,600)
- Weight: 185g
- Dimensions: 159.1 x 74.1 x 9 mm
- OS: Magic UI 3.1 / Android 10
- CPU & RAM: Mediatek MT6762R Helio P22 Octa-Core; 3GB
- Storage: 64GB (Expandable via microSD)
- Battery Life: 5,000 mAh
- Rear Camera: 13MP (f/1.8) + 5MP (f/2.2) + 2MP (f/2.4)
- Front Camera: 8MP (f/2.0)
- IP Rating: n/a
- SIM Card: Hybrid Nano SIM
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Price: ~RM449
Pros:
- Large screen
- Does the basics sufficiently
- Slim profile (camera does not protrude out)
- Dual SIM support
- Extra slot for memory card
Cons:
- Poor camera performance
- Does not support Google Mobile Services (GMS)
- Case tends to attract fingerprints
- No fast charging capability
- Display quality is not as nice as other phones on this list
3. Xiaomi Redmi 9C
No budget Smartphone list is complete without mentioning this brand!
Released in the later end of 2020, together with the new version of the compatible Smartwatch (Mi Band 5):
Xiaomi Redmi 9C is the upgraded version of the 9A. It may have the same display and expandable memory.
But there is now a fingerprint sensor and a bigger battery. Plus, it’s powered by the MediaTek Helio G35 chip.
- Display: 6.53″ IPS LCD (720 x 1,600)
- Weight: 196g
- Dimensions: 164.9 x 77 x 9 mm
- OS: MIUI 12 / Android 10
- CPU & RAM: MediaTek Helio G35 Octa-Core; 3GB
- Storage: 64GB (Expandable Up to 256 GB via microSD)
- Battery Life: 5,000 mAh
- Rear Camera: 13MP (f/2.2) + 2MP (f/2.4) + 2MP (f/2.4)
- Front Camera: 5MP (f/2.2)
- IP Rating: n/a
- SIM Card: Dual Nano SIM
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Price: ~RM479
Pros:
- Triple cameras with satisfactory performance (considering the price of the phone)
- Dual-SIM
- Phone exterior does not smudge easily
- Solidly built
- Decent audio
- Affordable
Cons:
- Large sized and heavy phone with thick bezels
- Camera module protrudes out
- Charging is limited to 10W
- Screen is not bright enough for outdoors
4. Samsung Galaxy A11
Out of the box (i.e. no installation required):
Samsung Galaxy A11 runs on Android, version 10. And sports a fingerprint scanner and a proximity sensor! It turns off the screen when you’re using the phone close to your face while on a call!
There are 3 rear cameras – something you don’t often see on most budget Smartphones! As well as a punch-hole single front camera (for selfies with live focus!)
- Display: 6.4″ PLS TFT (720 x 1,560)
- Weight: 177g
- Dimensions: 161.4 x 76.3 x 8 mm
- OS: Android 10
- CPU & RAM: Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 450 Octa-Core; 3GB
- Storage: 32GB (Expandable Up to 512GB via microSD)
- Battery Life: 4,000 mAh
- Rear Camera: 13MP (f/1.8) + 5MP (f/2.2) + 2MP (f/2.4)
- Front Camera: 8MP (f/2.0)
- IP Rating: n/a
- SIM Card: Dual Nano SIM
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Price: ~RM529
Pros:
- Fast charging 15W
- Wide infinity style screen with bright display
- External memory slot
- Long battery life
- Light
- Dual-SIM
Cons:
- No NFC
- Inconsistent camera performance
- Plastic build
- Battery cannot be removed
- Samsung One UI takes some time to get used to
5. Huawei Y7P Smartphone
Overall performance (RAM is 4G) is fine for the Huawei Y7P Smartphone which sells for slightly over RM500.
With this phone, you have to find other ways of accessing Google apps since Google Play Store is not on it.
- Display: 6.39″ IPS LCD (720 x 1,560)
- Weight: 176g
- Dimensions: 159.8 x 76.1 x 8.1 mm
- OS: EMUI 9 / Android 9.0
- CPU & RAM: Kirin 710F Octa-Core; 4GB
- Storage: 64GB (Expandable via microSD)
- Battery Life: 4,000 mAh
- Rear Camera: 48MP (f/1.8) + 8MP (f/2.4) + 2MP (f/2.4)
- Front Camera: 8MP (f/2.0)
- IP Rating: n/a
- SIM Card: Hybrid Dual SIM (Nano SIM)
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Price: ~RM559
Pros:
- Smooth fingerprint unlock
- Large internal memory storage that is expandable
- Dual-SIM
- Beautiful design with slim bezels
- Sharp video quality
- Acceptable audio
- Triple cameras are not bad in daylight
Cons:
- Charging 10W (Full charge in 2 hours through micro-USB)
- Back is prone to fingerprints
- Can’t remove the battery
- No Google Play Services
- Low screen resolution
6. OPPO A53 Smartphone
Those hoping to upgrade their selfie game with the OPPO A53 Smartphone will be disappointed with the front camera.
That aside, the phone packs a large battery that will last you for most of the day. Even if you binge watch your favorite drama on that bright display!
- Display: 6.5″ IPS LCD (720 x 1,600)
- Weight: 186g
- Dimensions: 163.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm
- OS: ColorOS 7.2 / Android 9.0
- CPU & RAM: Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 Octa-Core; 4GB
- Storage: 64GB (Expandable via microSD)
- Battery Life: 5,000 mAh
- Rear Camera: 13MP (f/2.2) + 2MP (f/2.4) + 2MP (f/2.4)
- Front Camera: 16MP (f/2.0)
- IP Rating: n/a
- SIM Card: Dual Nano SIM
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Price: ~RM699
Pros:
- Fast charging in 2 hours (18W, USB C)
- Stereo speaker setup
- Fingerprint scanner works well
- Extra memory slot
- Screen features Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Cons:
- Rear panel catches fingerprints easily
- Camera pops out a bit from the back
- Camera performance is just average
- Processor lags at times
7. OPPO A91 Smartphone
And what about the older OPPO A91 Smartphone? It costs a bit more than the previous OPPO model on this list at ~RM779!
It has better specs (e.g. 8G RAM) all-round despite being an earlier release:
Including an AMOLED display and a MediaTek Helio P70 chipset instead of the somewhat sluggish Octa-Core in the A53.
- Display: 6.4″ AMOLED LCD (1,080 x 2,400)
- Weight: 172g
- Dimensions: 160.2 x 73.3 x 7.9 mm
- OS: ColorOS 6.1 / Android 9.0
- CPU & RAM: Mediatek MT6771V Helio P70 Octa-Core; 8GB
- Storage: 128GB (Expandable via microSD)
- Battery Life: 4,025 mAh
- Rear Camera: 48MP (f/1.8) + 8MP (f/2.3) + 2MP (f/2.4) + 2MP (f/2.4)
- Front Camera: 16MP (f/2.0)
- IP Rating: n/a
- SIM Card: Hybrid Dual SIM (Nano SIM)
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Price: ~RM779
Pros:
- Light for its size
- Fast charging 20W, 50% in 30 min
- Camera is good in daylight
- Battery life is long
- Extra memory slot
- Fingerprint scanner works with facial recognition lock
Cons:
- Can’t replace the battery (just like the A53)
- No NFC (wireless communication technology)
- Audio is below average (i.e. max volume isn’t very loud)
- Runs an old Android version (Android 9)
- Display is not very bright
8. Samsung Galaxy A31 Smartphone
Want a budget Smartphone that stands out with its design?
Samsung’s Galaxy A31 Smartphone does without skimping on the build quality! The solid phone has a brilliant Super AMOLED display and runs Android 10.
Compared to other competitors though, the performance speed can be much better! Which is why it’s not recommended for avid gamers!
- Display: 6.4″ Super AMOLED (1,080 x 2,400)
- Weight: 185g
- Dimensions: 159.3 x 73.1 x 8.6 mm
- OS: One UI 2.0 / Android 10
- CPU & RAM: Mediatek MT6768 Helio P65 Octa-Core; 6GB
- Storage: 128GB (Expandable Up to 512GB via microSD)
- Battery Life: 5,000 mAh
- Rear Camera: 48MP (f/2.0) + 8MP (f/2.2) + 5MP (f/2.4) + 5MP (f/2.4)
- Front Camera: 20MP (f/2.2)
- IP Rating: n/a
- SIM Card: Dual Nano SIM
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Price: ~RM818
Pros:
- Good for taking selfies and portraits
- Video capture quality is good too
- Fast charging 15W
- Long battery life
- Good speaker (but not very loud)
- Supports Samsung Pay (NFC)
- Doesn’t look cheap
Cons:
- Can’t shoot 4K videos
- Slow fingerprint reader
- No camera night mode
9. Huawei Nova 7i Smartphone
Huawei Nova 7i Smartphone misses out on the Google Play store. A shame considering that this is one of the best phones for under rm1000. Suitable for gaming and for taking clear photos!
So if you’re not up to learning how to use new apps, you may want to look at other phones!
- Display: 6.4″ IPS LCD (1,080 x 2,310)
- Weight: 183g
- Dimensions: 159.2 x 76.3 x 8.7 mm
- OS: EMUI 10 / Android 10
- CPU & RAM: Kirin 810 Octa-Core; 8GB
- Storage: 128GB (Expandable Up To 256GB via Nano Memory)
- Battery Life: 4,200 mAh
- Rear Camera: 48MP (f/1.8) + 8MP (f/2.4) + 2MP (f/2.4) + 2MP (f/2.4)
- Front Camera: 16MP (f/2.0)
- IP Rating: n/a
- SIM Card: Hybrid Dual SIM (Nano SIM)
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Price: ~RM850
Pros:
- Fast charging 40W, 70% in 30 min
- Fast processor
- Battery life is long
- Versatile camera
- 128GB of internal storage (and expandable)
- Nice display
- Has a fingerprint sensor
- Dual-SIM
Cons:
- Need to get used to not using Google
- Camera does not work well in dim situations
- Cannot remove the battery
10. Vivo Y50 Smartphone
Vivo Y50 Smartphone just makes it to this list of the best Smartphones under RM1000. So some may go ahead with other phones instead.
This mid-range model from Vivo highlights smooth performance (Qualcomm CPU and 8G RAM). With extensive battery power to match!
- Display: 6.53″ IPS LCD (1,080 x 2,400)
- Weight: 197g
- Dimensions: 162 x 76.5 x 9.1 mm
- OS: Funtouch 10.0 / Android 10
- CPU & RAM: Qualcomm SM6125 Snapdragon 665 Octa-Core; 6GB
- Storage: 128GB (Expandable Up to 256 GB via microSD)
- Battery Life: 5,000 mAh
- Rear Camera: 13MP (f/2.2) + 8MP (f/2.2) + 2MP (f/2.4) + 2MP (f/2.4)
- Front Camera: 16MP (f/2.0)
- IP Rating: n/a
- SIM Card: Hybrid Dual SIM (Nano SIM)
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Price: ~RM999
Pros:
- Fast charging 15W
- Has a fingerprint sensor (and face unlock feature)
Cons:
- Cameras don’t function well in low light
- Has bloatware (i.e. pre-installed software you don’t need)
11. Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC
Maybe you don’t need even a Smart TV when you have the Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC and its huge screen!
It’s powerful enough to handle games like Fortnite too!
- Display: 6.67″ IPS LCD (1,080 x 2,400)
- Weight: 215g
- Dimensions: 165.3 x 76.8 x 9.4 mm
- OS: MIUI 12 / Android 10
- CPU & RAM: Qualcomm SM7150-AC Snapdragon 732G Octa-Core; 6GB
- Storage: 64GB (Expandable Up to 256 GB via microSD)
- Battery Life: 5,160 mAh
- Rear Camera: 64MP (f/1.9) + 13MP (f/2.2) + 2MP (f/2.4) + 2MP (f/2.4)
- Front Camera: 20MP (f/2.2)
- IP Rating: IP53
- SIM Card: Hybrid Dual SIM (Nano SIM)
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Price: ~RM999
Pros:
- Fast charging 33W, 62% in 30 min, 100% in 65 min
- IP53 waterproof rating
- Display has wide color range
- Fingerprint sensor (side)
- Good battery life
- Dual stereo speakers
Cons:
- Camera is not great (e.g. purple fringing and reduced edge sharpness in photos)
- The backlight flickers occasionally
- Bulky and heavy
- Gets hot when playing games
Conclusion
The best budget Smartphones in Malaysia 2020 all have reliable battery. Although it’s not easy to find a phone that’s amazing at everything! Item 9 comes close but does not support Google apps!
To sum it up, item 2 wins if you just need a cheap practical phone. And if a good camera is our priority, then item 8 is worth a look. Lastly, gamers need to check out item 11!
