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
- Best For Gaming – Huawei Nova 7i Smartphone (Under RM1,000), Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC (RM1,000)
- Best For Recording 4K Videos – Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC
- Best For Taking Photos – OPPO A93
- Best For Movies – OPPO A53 Smartphone, Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC
- Largest Screen – Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC
- Best Battery Life – Xiaomi Redmi 9T
- Best Overall Performance (Under RM600) – Huawei Y7P
- Best Overall Performance (Under RM1,000) – Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC
- Best Screen – OPPO A93
1. Realme C11 Smartphone
Only have a budget of RM500? Realme’s entry-level C11 Smartphone comes around 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)!
For the specs that you get, this is one of the most cost-effective smartphones in the market! Great if you just need a phone with basic functions.
Hopefully, you don’t need it for taking clear photos either! And you will definitely find it slow if you’ve ever used a top-of-the-line Smartphone before!
- 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: MediaTek Helio G35 Octa-Core
- GPU: PowerVR GE8320
- RAM: 2GB / 3GB
- 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: ~RM399-449
Pros:
- Solid build
- Good battery capacity
- 2 available colors (grey or mint)
- Dual-SIM
- Inexpensive
- Large screen size
Cons:
- No fingerprint sensor
- Not enough RAM to update to a higher Android version
- Charging 10W (Micro-USB)
- Bulky
- Only has 32GB internal storage
- eMMC 5.1 storage interface
- No ultra-wide rear camera lens
- Font camera only 5MP
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!
And if you compare this to another phone in the same price range (like the Realme C11), you’ll find that this phone has the superior cameras (both front and rear)! There is expandable storage as well.
But, you’ll have to settle for a chipset that isn’t as fast or efficient!
The short of it is that this phone has all the perks that the Realme C11 does not. All except for the performance level!
- 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: Mediatek MT6762R Helio P22 Octa-Core
- GPU: PowerVR GE8320
- RAM: 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: Dual Nano SIM
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Price: ~RM449
Pros:
- Large screen
- Does the basics sufficiently
- With a fingerprint scanner
- 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
- eMMC 5.1 storage interface
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. Plus, it’s powered by the MediaTek Helio G35 chip.
If you have the Redmi 9A and want to know how it compares to the Redmi 9C, there are 2 things you can look forward to in the newer model. The first is a better overall performance, and the second is the addition of 2 more lens for the rear camera!
Other comparable budget smartphones that are in the same price bracket include the Realme C11. And the Honor 9A!
In fact, the Xiaomi Redmi 9C actually runs on the same CPU and GPU present in the Realme C11.
Now you may be wondering if you should get the Realme C11 then:
On the contrary, the Xiaomi Redmi 9C is more worth your money (even if it costs a little more)! Because this model has a fingerprint scanner and more internal storage. Don’t forget that improved rear camera!
- 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: MediaTek Helio G35 Octa-Core
- GPU: PowerVR GE8320
- RAM: 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
- eMMC 5.1 storage interface
4. Samsung Galaxy A12
Alright, now this is one of the newest budget phones under Samsung:
The impressive thing about it is hefty internal storage (128GB)! Paired with a RAM of 6GB.
Unfortunately, this is undermined by the eMMC 5.1 storage interface. A UFS 2.1 would have been preferable at this price range!
So this budget phone is not the best but still offers better camera performance compared to cheaper models.
Plus the back of the phone makes it very comfortable to hold. And it doesn’t pick up fingerprints or scratches so easily either!
Looking back at the previous model Galaxy A11:
The thicker (by 1mm) Galaxy A12 has noticeable improvements in its processing performance, battery life (a bump up from 4000 to 5000mAh), and 2 additional lens at the back.
- Display: 6.5″ IPS LCD (720 x 1600)
- Weight: 205g
- Dimensions: 164 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm
- OS: One UI 3.1 / Android 10
- CPU: Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35, Octa-Core
- GPU: PowerVR GE8320
- RAM: 6GB
- Storage: 128GB (Expandable Up To 512GB via microSD)
- Battery Life: 5,000 mAh
- Rear Camera: 48MP (f/2.0) + 5MP (f/2.2) + 2MP (f/2.4) + 2MP (f/2.4)
- Front Camera: 8MP (f/2.2)
- IP Rating: n/a
- SIM Card: Dual SIM (Nano SIM)
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Price: ~RM609
Pros:
- The main camera takes satisfactory pictures
- Battery life is long
- Looks and feels good
- Fast charging 15W capability
- Sports a fingerprint scanner
Cons:
- We would not recommend the Galaxy A12 for gamers
- With old flash technology (eMMC 5.1)
5. Huawei Y7P Smartphone
Best Overall Performance (Under RM600)
Overall performance (RAM is 4GB) is fine for the Huawei Y7P Smartphone which sells for slightly over RM500. This is actually the last budget Smartphone in our list which is still under RM600.
We like that it has a better chipset (Kirin 710F) & GPU than all of the best budget phone under RM600. And it happens to be the lightest too!
The rear camera is decent and so is the main lens (with 48MP).
However, the main drawback is the battery life – this phone only has 4000mAh capacity! And 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: Kirin 710F Octa-Core
- GPU: Mali-G51 MP4
- RAM: 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
- Relatively low battery capacity
- Does not have fast charging capability
- Low screen resolution
- eMMC 5.1 storage interface
6. OPPO A53 Smartphone
Those hoping to upgrade their selfie game with the OPPO A53 Smartphone will be disappointed with the front camera. It’s far from amazing but does the job.
Best For Movies
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!
There’s no denying that this phone was made for people who like selfies though. The front camera is relatively good for the low price tag.
But for a better main camera, and bigger internal storage and RAM, it’s more worth your money to pick up the Xiaomi Redmi 9T instead!
- 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: Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 Octa-Core
- GPU: Adreno 610
- RAM: 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. Xiaomi Redmi 9T
Best Battery Life
The most affordable 5G phone:
Xiaomi’s Redmi 9T has an all-plastic exterior but packs a big battery. And this is also a budget Smartphone with 1080p screen resolution! Better than the OPPO A53 (same price)!
It’s suitable for you if you prefer to take high resolution photos with the main camera rather than the front camera (just 8MP):
Other notable features of this phone is the fingerprint scanner – which is quick and reliable. It runs a UFS 2.2 (exclusive to the 128GB model). This has a direct impact on the start up times for apps!
- Display: 6.53″ IPS LCD (1080 x 2340)
- Weight: 198g
- Dimensions: 162.3 x 77.3 x 9.6 mm
- OS: MIUI 12 / Android 10
- CPU: Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662, Octa-Core
- GPU: Adreno 610
- RAM: 4GB / 6GB
- Storage: 64GB / 128GB (Expandable Up To 512GB via microSD)
- Battery Life: 6,000 mAh
- Rear Camera: 48MP (f/1.8) + 8MP (f/2.2) + 2MP (f/2.4) + 2MP (f/2.4)
- Front Camera: 8MP (f/2.1)
- IP Rating: n/a
- SIM Card: Dual SIM (Nano SIM)
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Price: ~RM599-699
Pros:
- The stereo speakers are better than average
- Plastic build is nice to hold
- Supports NFC
- Rear cameras are decent
- Still affordable
- Great battery life
Cons:
- UI experience is occasionally laggy
- The ultrawide camera fails to impress
- Unsuitable for heavy gaming
- Video recording is limited to 1080p at 30fps
8. Huawei Nova 7i Smartphone
Huawei Nova 7i Smartphone misses out on the Google Play store.
But the good news is you that you still have access to popular apps (Facebook, Twitter, Grab, Lazada, Shopee, WhatsApp, etc) from the HUAWEI AppGalery.
For the apps that you can’t find, you can use a third-party APK downloading website like APKMonk or APKPure.
Best For Gaming (Under RM1,000)
That aside, this budget Smartphone can take on games and high res photos with its top performance chipset (Kirin 810 & Mali-G52 MP6)! Which is a sweet deal for its price!
Speaking of the cameras, the front camera is 16MP, while the main camera is 48MP. There’s 128GB of internal storage and a pleasant 8GB RAM. And let’s not forget that 1080p screen!
But for all its better-than-average specifications. However, the battery capacity of this smartphone is a mere 4,200mAh.
- 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: Kirin 810 Octa-Core
- GPU: Mali-G52 MP6
- RAM: 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
Cons:
- Need to get used to not using Google
- Camera does not work well in dim situations
- Cannot remove the battery
9. Realme Narzo 20 Pro
Except for its lower chipset performance, the RealMe Narzo 20 Pro is almost an equal to the Huawei Nova7i. In price, screen resolution, and camera performance! The latter works for low light as well!
And while this phone looks snazzy with its glossy mirror-like back, it attracts fingerprints like crazy! You may drop it too!
You might think this phone lacks a fingerprint scanner. But the location of the snappy and accurate fingerprint scanner is actually at the side of the phone.
One other advantage of this phone is its superb fast charging capability!
- Display: 6.5″ IPS LCD, 90Hz (1,080 x 2,400)
- Weight: 191g
- Dimensions: 162.3 x 75.4 x 9.4 mm
- OS: Realme UI / Android 10
- CPU: Mediatek Helio G95 Octa-Core
- GPU: Mali-G76 MC4
- RAM: 6GB / 8GB
- Storage: 64GB / 128GB (Expandable Up To 512GB via microSD)
- Battery Life: 4,500 mAh
- Rear Camera: 48MP (f/1.8) + 8MP (f/2.3) + 2MP (f/2.4) + 2MP (f/2.4)
- Front Camera: 16MP (f/2.1)
- IP Rating: n/a
- SIM Card: Dual SIM (Nano SIM)
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Price: ~RM849
Pros:
- High resolution display of 1080p
- The screen is bright enough for use outdoors
- Expandable memory
- Fast charging at 65W
- Has a 3.5mm audio jack
Cons:
- Back attracts fingerprint
- Quite thick
- Battery life is average
10. Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC
Best For Largest Screen
Maybe you don’t need even a Smart TV when you have the Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC and its huge screen!
Best Overall Performance (Under RM1,000)
This solidly built phone has very high overall score. It’s our personal pick for the best smartphone under RM1000!
Best For Gaming (RM1,000)
It’s powerful enough to handle games like Fortnite! Thanks to the Qualcomm SM7150-AC Snapdragon 732G chipset. Together with the super sensitive 240Hz touch sensor!
For Movies
You’ll be watching your videos on a crispy 1080p resolution screen (with 120Hz refresh rate) too!
Best For Recording 4K Videos
And it doesn’t stop there! The cameras themselves are better than all others on this list. There’s ample battery for substantial gameplay. If not, then you can just fast charge the phone at 33W!
The phone’s IP53 rating is a wonder because you don’t often see this on a budget Smartphone!
It’s almost perfect, if not for the 6GB RAM that is also on the 128GB model of this phone.
- 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: Qualcomm SM7150-AC Snapdragon 732G Octa-Core
- GPU: Adreno 618
- RAM: 6GB / 8GB
- 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: ~RM899
Pros:
- Fast charging 33W, 62% in 30 min, 100% in 65 min
- IP53 waterproof rating
- Display has wide color range
- Capable of recording 4K videos
- 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
11. 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!
Best Screen
Surprisingly for a phone under RM1,000, the OPPO A93 has a Super AMOLED 1080p display!
Best For Taking Photos
This phone will serve you well if you love to take photos and be active on social media. And if you are not much of a gamer!
Because the battery capacity is just 4000mAh. For light use, that can still last you the whole day!
- 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: Mediatek MT6779V Helio P95 Octa-Core
- GPU: PowerVR GM9446
- RAM: 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: ~RM999
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
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 screen, add another RM100+, and you can get the OPPO A93 Smartphone!
