Plan to upgrade your phone to one of the best Smartphones in Malaysia 2021?
Smartphones have come a long way in terms of multi-tasking capabilities, screen resolution, cameras, etc. Even some of the best budget Smartphones in Malaysia are worth looking into!
So whether you want a premium, mid-range or budget Smartphone, you’ll find a selection of solid options here!
How To Choose The Best Smartphone
1. Operating System: Android Or Iphone
A phone’s operating system is the built-in software that drives and manages the functions of the phone.
There are 2 main operating systems that dominate the market, iPhone and Android.
What is the difference between these 2 operating systems?
iPhone (aka iOS):
- Arguably more intuitive and thus, easier to use
- Better security
- Work well with other Apple devices
- Regular software updates
Android:
- Can be much cheaper than an iPhone
- Customize-able
- Meant to integrate with Google services
So if you already have many Apple devices, it makes sense to go with an iPhone.
While an Android would be best if you frequently use Google services and Microsoft Office.
And if you have wireless earphones, you should check which operating system works better with them!
2. App Support
Don’t forget to list down the apps you use often! Chances are, there will be a similar version available regardless if you choose iPhone or Android!
Take a peek at the respective app stores to see if they have the apps you use!
- Android – playstore
- iPhone – appstore
3. Screen Size
Firstly, screen size is measured from corner to corner. Rather than from top to bottom.
If you’d like to carry your phone around in your pocket, a smaller screen size (<5.5 inches) will do. And you will be able to use it comfortably with one hand.
4K resolution is overrated:
And you can always connect to a Smart TV or use a TV box if you want a bigger screen than what’s available in the Smartphone market!
4. Built-In Storage Space
Go for a Smartphone that has a minimum of 32GB of storage. To keep apps, music, photos and videos.
Something to note:
With iPhone, there’s no option to increase the built-in memory (i.e. they don’t have microSD slots). Models with bigger memory storage cost more.
5. Cameras
There is a saying that the best camera is the one that you have in your hand! And Smartphones are definitely more portable than conventional cameras.
Look for wide aperture for better low light performance, night mode, noise reduction and optical image stabilization.
iPhones have particularly great cameras compared to other Smartphones!
6. Battery Life
Apps (especially games), phone calls, etc can use up battery fast!
As a rule of thumb, do not accept a Smartphone that only lasts for less than 10 hours on full charge.
The average battery life of Smartphones is between 8 to 18 hours. Which is plenty to use anywhere! Including on the best treadmill or when you’re outside!
Quick charge is a handy feature to have! So you don’t have to wait long to use your phone again!
7. Budget
Everyone knows that iPhones are the most expensive! Followed by Samsung!
And at the other end of the spectrum, there is Huawei, Realme and Xiaomi with their more affordable phones. Although Huawei has high range phones too!
8. Other Features To Consider
- Fingerprint or face scanning (for security) – Some of the best laptops have a fingerprint scanner too
- Personal assistant
- Cloud support (external memory backup)
- Availability of third-party apps
- NFC (Near Field Communication) – New technology where compatible devices can exchange data, photos, etc just by being next to each other
- 5G compatibility
Best Premium Smartphone Malaysia 2021
1. Apple iPhone 12
Meant to support upcoming 5G networks:
The 6.1-inch Apple iPhone 12 includes the newest A14 chip. Along with a better dual-lens cameras and the new Super Retina XDR OLED display!
It’s also packaged in a smaller 5.4-inch frame (Apple iPhone 12 Mini) than its predecessor, iPhone 11!
Though both iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini phones are virtually the same. Aside from screen size and battery capacity.
And if you’re familiar with the iPad Pro, these phones now have similar flat edges rather than rounded.
- Apple will no longer provide a charger or headphones together with the phone (applicable for all iphone models); the cable will be a USB-C to Lightning cable
- The Pro version of this phone has even better camera performance
- Display: 6.1″ Super Retina XDR OLED (1,170 x 2,532)
- Weight: 164g
- Dimensions: 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm
- OS: iOS 14
- CPU & RAM: Apple A14 Bionic; 4GB
- Storage: 64 / 128 / 256GB (Not Expandable)
- Battery: 2,815 mAh
- Rear Camera: 12MP (ƒ/2.4) + 12MP (ƒ/1.6)
- Front Camera: 12MP (ƒ/2.2)
- IP Rating: IP68
- SIM Card: Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM)
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Price: From RM3,899 – RM4,599
Pros:
- Multiple colors to choose from
- Better display compared to its predecessor
- HD 1080p FaceTime calls
- Construction is premium (e.g. glass back)
- Very light
- 4x better drop performance (Ceramic Shield)
- Improved IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 minutes)
- Wireless charging up to 15W
- Compatible with MagSafe charger (sold separately)
Cons:
- No 3.5mm jack
- Fast charging is only up to 20W
- 64GB built-in storage (base model)
2. Apple iPhone 11
While not an incredible leap from the previous and already impressive, iPhone XR:
Apple’s iPhone 11 firmly secures Apple on the top of best Smartphone lists around. Its price makes it undeniably tempting to anyone considering the more costly iPhone 11 Pro!
- Display: 6.1″ IPS LCD (828 x 1,792)
- Weight: 194g
- Dimensions: 150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm
- OS: iOS 13
- CPU & RAM: Apple A13 Bionic; 4GB
- Storage: 64 / 128 / 256GB (Not Expandable)
- Battery: 3,110 mAh
- Rear Camera: 12MP (ƒ/2.4) + 12MP (ƒ/1.8)
- Front Camera: 12MP (ƒ/2.2)
- IP Rating: IP68
- SIM Card: Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM)
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Price:
RM3,399~RM2,899
Pros:
- Ultra wide camera
- Great night mode (doesn’t work at ultra wide)
- Excellent as a video camera
- Comparable performance to the iPhone 11 Pro
- Pairs with the best Smartwatch in Malaysia!
- Comes in new colors
- Long battery life
Cons:
- Not worth upgrading from iPhone XR
- Does not come with a fast charger or headphone dongle!
- Still expensive
- No USB-C
- Not an OLED display
3. OnePlus 8T 5G
Even though its biggest disappointing feature is the lack of wireless charging capability:
The OnePlus 8T 5G excels at other things (charging speed of up to 65W, camera, battery life, etc)!
And there’s no ignoring that 120 Hz Fluid display! That fast refresh rate equates to smooth scrolling through websites and social media feeds!
- Display: 6.55″ Fluid AMOLED (1,080 x 2,400)
- Weight: 188g
- Dimensions: 160.7 x 74.1 x 8.4 mm
- OS: OxygenOS 11 / Android 11
- CPU & RAM: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865; 8GB / 12GB
- Storage: 128GB / 256GB (Not Expandable)
- Battery Life: 4,500 mAh
- Rear Camera: 48MP (f/1.78) + 16MP (f/2.2) + 5MP (f/2.4) + 2MP (f/2.4)
- Front Camera: 16MP (f/2.4)
- IP Rating: n/a
- SIM Card: Dual Nano SIMs
- Warranty: 2 Years
- Price: From RM2,699 – RM2,999
Pros:
- Affordable for a high-powered Android phone
- Sufficient processing speed for gaming
- Supports 5G - future-proof
- Main camera is good
- Accurate fingerprint scanner
- New Aquamarine Green color
Cons:
- Low light and macro photography is not good
- No IP rating (not rated for waterproof ability)
- Only slightly better than the OnePlus 8 (Looks very similar too)
4. Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G
Make no mistake, Samsung’s latest 5G model, Galaxy S20 FE 5G prioritizes on its 120Hz display and fast performance! Compromising on things like the build, battery and RAM (6Gb) instead.
In doing so, this model is cheaper than the Galaxy S20. Which buyers can definitely appreciate! As it’s still a very powerful phone (Snapdragon 865 processor)!
- Display: 6.5″ Super AMOLED HDR10+ (1,080 x 2,400)
- Weight: 190g
- Dimensions: 159.8 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm
- OS: One UI 2.5 / Android 10
- CPU & RAM: Snapdragon 865; 8GB
- Storage: 256GB (Expandable via MicroSD Up to 1TB)
- Battery Life: 4,500 mAh
- Rear Camera: 12MP (f/1.8) + 8MP (f/2.4) + 12MP (f/2.2)
- Front Camera: 32MP (f/2.2)
- IP Rating: IP68
- SIM Card: Nano-SIM 1 + Hybrid (SIM or MicroSD)
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Price: RM3,399
Pros:
- 6 colors to choose from
- Fast charging up to 25W
- Impressive telephoto zoom
- IP68 rated
- Reverse wireless charging 4.5W
- USB Power Delivery 3.0
- Large storage (Expandable to 1TB with microSD)
- Great for selfies
Cons:
- Fast charger costs more
- Plastic back
- Bulkier than Galaxy S20
- Optical sensor instead of ultrasonic sensor (i.e. less accurate)
- Average camera performance
- OneUI not that great to use
5. Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
It’s difficult to find an equal for the Samsung Galaxy S21’s astounding camera performance! It can even take photos at 12-bit color RAW (at 108MP)! That certainly explains that enormous price tag!
And with this phone, you’ll be ready for the next generation of Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi 6E!
- Display: 6.8″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz (1,440 x 3,200)
- Weight: 227g
- Dimensions: 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm
- OS: One UI 3.1 / Android 11
- CPU: Exynos 2100 (5 nm) Octa-core
- RAM: 12GB / 16GB
- Storage: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB (Not Expandable)
- Battery Life: 5,000 mAh
- Rear Camera: 108MP (f/1.8) + 10MP (f/4.9) + 10MP (f/2.4) + 12MP (f/2.2)
- Front Camera: 40MP (f/2.2)
- Dust/Water Resistant: IP68
- SIM Card: Dual Nano SIMs
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Price: ~RM5,299 – RM5,899
Pros:
- 50% charge in just 30 minutes with the 25W travel adapter
- Lovely design
- Great battery life (5,000mAh)
- Excellent optical telephoto performance (up to 100x)
- Supports S Pen stylus
Cons:
- No charger provided
- No microSD card slot
- May be too bulky for your pockets
- Ultrasonic finger scanner can be improved (new technology)
Best Smartphone Malaysia Below RM2,000
6. Apple iPhone SE (2020)
Apple iPhone SE is a great deal considering it’s an iPhone with a decent camera and power. But for less than RM2,000 (64GB)!
With just a few things to compromise on!
- Display: 4.7″ IPS LCD (750 x 1,334)
- Weight: 148g
- Dimensions: 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm
- OS: iOS 13
- CPU & RAM: Apple A13 Bionic; 3GB
- Storage: 64 / 128 / 256GB (Not Expandable)
- Battery: 1,821 mAh
- Rear Camera: 12MP (ƒ/1.8)
- Front Camera: 7 MP (f/2.2)
- IP Rating: IP67
- SIM Card: Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM)
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Price: From RM1,999
Pros:
- Lightweight but quality build
- Cheap for an iPhone
- Great performance (i.e. powerful processor)
- Capable of 4K videos
- Waterproof (IP67)
- Good size
Cons:
- Camera has no night mode
- No headphone jack
- Bezel takes up a lot of the screen
- Older screen technology
7. HUAWEI Nova 7 5G
More than just 5G-compatible:
HUAWEI’s Nova 7 5G brings a crisp and clear 6.53” OLED display with rich colors to the table!
It may be wide, but you should still be able to grip and use it in one hand.
- Display: 6.53″ OLED (1,080 x 2,400)
- Weight: 180g
- Dimensions: 160.6 x 74.3 x 8 mm
- OS: EMUI 10.1 / Android 10
- CPU & Ram: Kirin 985 5G (7 nm) Octa-Core; 8GB
- Storage: 128GB / 256GB (Not Expandable)
- Battery Life: 4,000 mAh
- Rear Camera: 64MP (f/1.8) + 8MP (f/2.4) + 8MP (f/2.4) + 2MP (f/2.4)
- Front Camera: 32MP (f/2.2)
- IP Rating: n/a
- SIM Card: Dual Nano SIMs
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Price: RM1,999
Pros:
- Nice selfies, even in low light
- Main camera (64MP) performs well
- Overall performance is good
- Fast charging 40W, 75% in 30 min
- Security features include Face Unlock and a fingerprint scanner
- Amazing battery life
Cons:
- No microSD slot
- Average/ standard refresh rate for the screen (60Hz refresh rate)
- No 3.5mm jack (there is an Type-C to 3.5mm jack adapter instead)
8. Samsung Galaxy A71
It doesn’t look its price (i.e. looks cheap) but the Samsung Galaxy A71 has an adaptable camera, a vibrant OLED display (and a large one, at that) and long battery life!
- Display: 6.7″ Super AMOLED Plus (1,080 x 2,400)
- Weight: 179g
- Dimensions: 163.6 x 76 x 7.7 mm
- OS: One UI 2 / Android 10
- CPU & RAM: Qualcomm SDM730 Snapdragon 730 Octa-Core; 8GB
- Storage: 128GB (Expandable via MicroSD up to 512GB)
- Battery: 4,500 mAh
- Rear Camera: 64MP (f/1.8) + 12MP (f/2.2) + 5MP (f/2.2) + 5MP (f/2.4)
- Front Camera: 32MP (f/2.2)
- IP Rating: n/a
- SIM Card: Dual Nano SIMs
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Price: RM1,599
Pros:
- Supports NFC
- Fast charging 25W
Cons:
- Not waterproof
- No wireless charging capacity
Best Smartphone Malaysia Below RM1,500
9. Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro
Stylish and functional, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro meets basic expectations at an attractive price tag!
Having great battery life does not hurt either!
- Display: 6.67″ IPS LCD (2,400 x 1,080)
- Weight: 209g
- Dimensions: 165.8 x 76.7 x 8.8 mm
- OS: MIUI 11 / Android 10
- CPU & RAM: Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G Octa-Core; 6GB
- Storage: 128GB (Expandable via MicroSD up to 512GB)
- Battery: 5,020 mAh
- Rear Camera: 64MP (f/1.89) + 8MP (f/2.2) + 5MP (f/2.4) + 2MP (f/2.4)
- Front Camera: 16MP (f/2.48)
- IP Rating: n/a
- SIM Card: Dual Nano SIMs
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Price: RM1,099
Pros:
- Supports Google Pay
- Supports 30W wired fast charging
- Performs well
Cons:
- Camera does not deliver in dim light situations
10. Samsung Galaxy M31
At the RM1,000 price point, you get a brilliant AMOLED display with the Samsung Galaxy M31.
It can record videos in 4K. And the battery life is remarkable!
- Display: 6.4″ Super AMOLED (2,340 x 1,080)
- Weight: 191g
- Dimensions: 159.2 x 75.1 x 8.9 mm
- OS: One UI 2.0 / Android 10
- CPU & RAM: Exynos 9611 Octa-Core; 6GB
- Storage: 128GB (Expandable via MicroSD up to 512GB)
- Battery: 6,000 mAh
- Rear Camera: 64MP (f/1.8) + 8MP (f/2.2) + 5MP (f/2.2) + 5MP (f/2.4)
- Front Camera: 32MP (f/2.0)
- IP Rating: n/a
- SIM Card: Dual Nano SIMs
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Price: RM1,099
Pros:
- Fast charging 15W
- Good camera performance (in good light)
- Fingerprint reader works
Cons:
- Cannot adjust shutter speed for the camera
- Pretty large bezels
- Not scratch proof
11. Samsung Galaxy M51
At its price, the Samsung Galaxy M51 is here on this list because of its substantial battery life (7,000 mAh)! That gives you lots of time to binge on your favorite series!
Which does add up to the weight (213g) and final bulk of the phone! Not a big issue if you’re mainly using the phone to watch movies on that vivid AMOLED screen!
- Display: 6.7″ Super AMOLED Plus (1,080 x 2,400)
- Weight: 213g
- Dimensions: 163.9 x 76.3 x 9.5 mm
- OS: One UI 2.5 / Android 10
- CPU & RAM: Qualcomm SDM730 Snapdragon 730G Octa-Core; 8GB
- Storage: 128GB (Expandable via microSD up to 512GB)
- Battery Life: 7,000 mAh
- Rear Camera: 64MP (f/1.8) + 12MP (f/2.2) + 5MP (f/2.4) + 5MP (f/2.4)
- Front Camera: 32MP (f/2.0)
- IP Rating: n/a
- SIM Card: Dual Nano SIMs
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Price: ~RM1599
Pros:
- NFC-compatible
- Fast charging 25W, 100% in 115 minutes
- Camera does not protrude out
- Decent camera performance in good light
- Fast fingerprint scanner
- Slim bezels
- Fluid performance
Cons:
- Plastic-y build
- Refresh rate is 60Hz only
- Uncomfortable for single-hand use
- Underwhelming camera performance in low light
Best Budget Smartphone Malaysia Below RM1,000
12. Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S
Hard to ignore the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S with its appealing price! It doesn’t look cheap either!
Performance is fine enough for gaming as long as you don’t have too many apps open (i.e. multi-tasking)!
- Display: 6.67″ IPS LCD (2,400 x 1,080)
- Weight: 209g
- Dimensions: 165.8 x 76.7 x 8.8 mm
- OS: MIUI 11 / Android 10
- CPU & RAM: Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G Octa-Core; 6GB / 4GB
- Storage: 64GB / 128GB (Expandable via microSD up to 512GB)
- Battery: 5,020 mAh
- Rear Camera: 48MP (f/1.79) + 8MP (f/2.2) + 5MP (f/2.4) + 2MP (f/2.4)
- Front Camera: 16MP (f/2.48)
- IP Rating: n/a
- SIM Card: Dual Nano SIMs
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Price: RM749
Pros:
- Supports 18W wired fast charging
- Large display
- Macro mode has great auto-focus
- Astounding battery capacity (up to 20 hours)
Cons:
- Bad image quality in low light
13. Realme 6 (4GB + 128GB)
It’s a wonder that the Realme 6 can cost less than a RM1,000 when it offers a 90Hz display, 4 rear cameras and battery that lasts!
- Display: 6.5″ IPS LCD (2,400 x 1,080)
- Weight: 191g
- Dimensions: 162.1 x 74.8 x 8.9 mm
- OS: Realme UI / Android 10
- CPU & RAM: MediaTek Helio G90T Octa-Core; 4GB / 6GB / 8GB
- Storage: 128GB (Expandable via microSD up to 512GB)
- Battery: 4,300 mAh
- Rear Camera: 64MP (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: Dual Nano SIMs
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Price: RM999
Pros:
- 30W Flash Charge
- Supports NFC
- Build quality is not the best (i.e. plastic back)
Cons:
- Night mode is bad
14. Xiaomi POCO M3
Xiaomi POCO M3 has a beast of a battery! It can last for 2 days even with more than 7 hours’ of screen time!
And that’s not all:
Its audio performance (stereo speakers) stands out from competitors in the same price range! Furthermore, at low light, the camera is not too shabby!
So you can imagine how much better it is in daylight!
- Display: 6.53″ IPS LCD (1,080 x 2,340)
- Weight: 198g
- Dimensions: 162.3 x 77.3 x 9.6 mm
- OS: EMUI 12 / Android 10
- CPU & RAM: Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 Octa-Core; 4GB
- Storage: 64GB / 128GB (Expandable via microSD up to 512GB)
- Battery Life: 6,000 mAh
- Rear Camera: 48MP (f/1.8) + 2MP (f/2.4) + 2MP (f/2.4)
- Front Camera: 8MP (f/2.1)
- IP Rating: n/a
- SIM Card: Dual Nano SIMs
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Price: ~RM699
Pros:
- Fast charging 18W (within 3 hours)
- Supports reverse charging too (works as a powerbank)
- Tall profile but well-balanced weight
- Can handle graphic-intensive games
- Very affordable
- Dual sim slots
Cons:
- Occasionally slow performance
- Not the best display in the market
- Does not support NFC
15. Honor 9X Lite
Sporting a clean design, the Honor 9X Lite has ample memory space (4GB RAM and 128GB internal storage).
And a borderless LCD display of maximum 1080p!
- Display: 6.5″ IPS LCD (1,080 x 2,340)
- Weight: 188g
- Dimensions: 160.4 x 76.6 x 7.8 mm
- OS: EMUI 9.1 / Android 9.0
- CPU & RAM: Kirin 710F Octa-Core; 4GB
- Storage: 128GB (Expandable via microSD up to 512GB)
- Battery: 3,750 mAh
- Rear Camera: 48MP (f/1.8) + 2MP (f/2.4)
- Front Camera: 8MP (f/2.0)
- IP Rating: n/a
- SIM Card: Dual Nano SIMs
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Price: RM699
Pros:
- More than acceptable all-round performance
- Camera works (in good light)
- Supports Google services and apps
- Dual rear cameras
- Good entry-level Smartphone
Cons:
- MicroUSB charging port
- Bad sound quality
- Fingerprint magnet is at the back
- Limited colors
More choices of the best budget smartphones.
Conclusion
Of the best smartphones in Malaysia 2021:
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and iPhone 12 pro max have the best camera performance (with telephoto lens)! Both are ~6.7” phones with comparable processing speed!
And if you just want a premium phone with great performance and a relatively decent camera, go for the iPhone 12!
For smartphones under RM2,000, consider the Apple IPhone SE or HUAWEI Nova 7 5G. Or the value-for-money Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro (for gaming) or Xiaomi POCO M3 (for social media addicts)!
