Not everybody needs a high-end Smartphone. The best budget Smartphones in 2021 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 2021
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 A93 Smartphone
From first impressions:
The OPPO A93 Smartphone will surprise you with its sleek build (7.48mm) and light weight (164g). And there are 4 cameras at the back. And 2 front cameras. Photo and video performance is very good!
This phone will serve you well if you love to be active on social media. And if you are not much of a gamer!
- Display: 6.4″ Super AMOLED (1,080 x 2,400)
- Weight: 164g
- Dimensions: 160.1 x 73.8 x 7.5 mm
- OS: ColorOS 7.2 / Android 10
- CPU & RAM: Mediatek MT6779V Helio P95 Octa-Core; 8GB
- Storage: 128GB (Expandable via microSD)
- Battery Life: 4,000 mAh
- Rear Camera: 48MP (f/1.7) + 8MP (f/2.2) + 2MP (f/2.4) + 2MP (f/2.4)
- Front Camera: 16MP (f/2.4) + 2MP (f/2.4)
- IP Rating: n/a
- SIM Card: Hybrid Dual SIM (Nano SIM)
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Price: ~RM1,199
Pros:
- Fast charging 18W
- Dual selfie camera (with good autofocus)
- Has a fingerprint sensor
- Memory can be expanded (microSD)
- Dual sim capability
- Bright and sharp screen that supports multitouch
- Still has space for a 3.5mm audio jack
- Doesn’t look cheap
Cons:
- Slightly above RM1000
- Battery is not removable
- Fingerprints are easily seen on the black cover
- Plastic build
8. Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro
Accept the fact that it does not have an AMOLED screen:
And you have yourself a good-looking phone with a glossy back and a large 6.67” display!
It has a well-balanced weight so it’s still comfortable to use with one hand! The battery holds up well too!
- Display: 6.67″ IPS LCD (1,080 x 2,400)
- Weight: 209g
- Dimensions: 165.8 x 76.7 x 8.8 mm
- OS: MIUI 11 / Android 10
- CPU: Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G Octa-Core
- RAM: 6GB / 8GB
- Storage: 64GB / 128GB (Expandable Up To 512GB via microSD)
- Battery Life: 5,020 mAh
- Rear Camera: 64MP (f/1.9) + 8MP (f/2.2) + 5MP (f/2.4) + 2MP (f/2.4)
- Front Camera: 16MP (f/2.5)
- IP Rating: n/a
- SIM Card: Hybrid Dual SIM (Nano SIM)
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Price: ~RM889
Pros:
- Supports NFC
- Fast charging 30W
- Decent photo capture (including portraits and night shots)
- Bright display (and colors)
- Able to shoot videos at 4K 30fps
- Responsive fingerprint lock and software
- Affordable
Cons:
- Speaker is not very loud
- May be frustrating if it’s your first time using the Xiaomi's MIUI software
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 for long hours
Conclusion
When it comes to watching movies and gaming, the best smartphone under RM1000 in Malaysia 2021 is none other than the Xiaomi POCO X3 NFC!
However, if you require better-than-average camera performance, then get the Samsung Galaxy A31 Smartphone (not so much for videos). Add another RM100+, and you can get the OPPO A93 Smartphone!
