Jason SmashPop
The smartphone market just gets competitive every year. It is now saturated with phones being able to hold a candle to class-of-its-own Apple iPhone models, thanks to the sea of choices when it comes to Android phone brands. The few notable brands and models out there are the popular Samsung Galaxy series, Xiaomi and Vivo, all of which offers value-for-money specs and features.
Let’s not forget about popular camera phones either. Today, many offer various shooting modes like ultra-wide-angle and telephoto lenses to rival results similar to a DSLR. Then, there are budget-friendly Android smartphones targeted at casual users or anyone who doesn’t want to spend a fortune.
Whatever it is that you are looking for, know that there’s one for you. Today, our list of the best Android phones in Malaysia is recommended by seasoned tech reviewer - Jason of Smashpop. Each phone on our list is researched and suggested to fit the typical Malaysian’s respective needs and budget.
List of 10 Best Android Phones in Malaysia 2024
Table of Contents
As the latest addition to the Galaxy S series, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G is an interesting smartphone. It's the first S series to have parts of Samsung's popular Galaxy Note features. Some highlights about it include a powerful processor, incredible display, and most notably a built-in ultra-fast S Pen.
Overview:
For the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, the Galaxy S Pen has 3x improved pen latency as opposed to its predecessor in the Note series. Its latency has been shortened to an astounding 2.8ms, making it the perfect device for digital note-taking.
Aside from the shiny S Pen feature; this device comes with a classy signature design that's equal parts bold and simplified, giving it a premium feel. With a 6.7-inch dynamic AMOLED display, an Octa-core SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, and running on the latest Android OS, the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G is Samsung’s 2022 phone to own.
What’s really exciting is the sophisticated camera on the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G. Featuring a rear camera with a quad setup of 108MP + 10MP + 10MP + 12MP and a 40MP front-facing camera, you can expect crystal clear photos.
Performance:
The S22 Ultra 5G is equipped with a 5,000 mAh battery and up to 1TB + 12GB of RAM. This makes it extremely powerful, setting it apart from other Samsung devices.
Expect a premium, breakthrough experience with this device!
Specs:
- Year: 2022
- Processor: Octa-core SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
- GPU: Adreno 730
- Display: 6.7-inch, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz
- Memory: 128GB+8GB RAM / 256GB+12GB RAM / 512GB+12GB RAM / 1TB+12GB RAM
- Rear Camera: 108MP +10MP +10MP +12MP
- Selfie: 40MP
- Battery: 5,000mAh
- OS: Android 12, One UI 4.1
If budget is not an issue, here’s our pick for an all-rounder Android smartphone from one of Xiaomi’s flagship model lines. And yes, it comes with awesome cameras too.
Features:
True to its name, the Mi 11 Ultra doesn’t skimp on its features. While the phone weighs more on the heavier side at 234g, it features a whopping 6.81-inch 120Hz display with 1440 x 3200 resolution. The Mi 11 Ultra’s screen also utilises AMOLED technology for better display quality and has a max brightness of up to 1,700 nits.
Powered by Snapdragon 888 processor, the phone offers a starting 8GB RAM and 256GB storage capacity, with higher-tier models offering a 12GB+512GB combo. Other highlights include a scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass Victus screen, a dual wired + wireless charging capability and Harman Kardon-certified dual stereo speakers.
But its biggest selling point is the triple-camera setup of a 50MP main, 48MP ultra-wide and 48MP telephoto lenses. The latter features three zoom functions including 5x optical, 10 hybrid and 120x digital. On the front, you will find a 20MP selfie camera.
Performance:
With the Snapdragon 888 processor, the phone is capable of handling multitasking which includes gaming as well as photo and video editing. However, the phone tends to overheat if you are using it for a long period even with a built-in three-phase cooling technology.
As for the display, the phone’s WQHD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rate makes everything look fluid and vibrant, particularly when you are streaming high-definition videos. The cameras are great too, whereby its large sensor size (1/1.12”-1/2.0”) gives you great image quality no matter if you are shooting in wide or telephoto mode. And they also work reasonably well even in low-light conditions.
The phone’s otherwise large 5,000mAh battery is rather a mixed bag, where it’s been reviewed to last barely a day. This will especially be true when using its power-draining WQHD+ resolution at 120Hz display.
As Jason's best Android phone pick:
Xiaomi's Mi 11 Ultra 5G is a top pick for a simple reason; it offers the best hardware possible for a premium smartphone at such a price point.
The phone has also got a great camera performance, above-average results with its Snapdragon 888 processor, satisfactory battery performance and such. For those who aren't looking to game heavily, this is one of the best flagship phones you can get.
Sure, the Oppo Find X3 Pro may come with a hefty price tag. But those who have deep pockets might appreciate the brand’s flagship’s top-of-the-line specs.
Features:
Looking into its specs, you get a powerful Snapdragon 888 processor with 12GB of RAM and 256GB storage. It features a large 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a QHD+ resolution and has a max brightness of 1,300 nits.
The phone is reasonably light at 193g, making it comfortable enough to use for long hours even with just one hand. It even has an IP68 rating that protects your phone from the likes of accidental spills and dust.
Camera-wise, the Oppo Find X3 Pro has four lenses on the rearm consisting a 50MP main, 50MP ultra-wide, 13MP telephoto and 3MP microlens. One the front, in the meantime, you get a 32MP selfie camera.
Performance:
Thanks to its Snapdragon 888 processor, you get to enjoy a speedy and efficient performance regardless of heavy daily use, playing mobile games or streaming movies. It also helps that the phone’s ColorOS is well-optimised in terms of its responsiveness, CPU stability and RAM management.
The phone’s display looks vibrant overall, with good colour reproduction, brightness and contrast. Also worth mentioning is the performance of its quad-camera setup, offering amazing details that maintain sharp yet natural-looking visuals. There’s a night mode feature too, which comes in handy for photographing in dimly lit or dark settings.
When it comes to battery life, the phone’s 4,500mAh capacity is able to last a day through medium-to-heavy use. Another nice feature is the phone’s Dolby Atmos supported dual stereo speakers which sound rich and crisp.
If you are looking for a good camera smartphone minus the expensive price tag, you might want to consider the reasonably-priced Mi 11 Lite.
Features:
Don’t let the word “Lite” fool you; this phone offers specs that look just as good as its price tag. The Mi 11 Lite runs on a Snapdragon 732G processor with 8GB of RAM and 128GB storage. It has a large 6.55” AMOLED bezel-less screen with a 20:9 display ratio, offering enough viewing screen regardless of gaming or streaming videos.
Given the name of the phone, the phone weighs just 159g. It comes with a side-mounted fingerprint sensor that functions mainly as a power button. In terms of its cameras, we have three of them at the back (64MP main + 8MP ultra-wide + 5MP tele-macro) and a 16MP front-facing shooter for selfies.
Performance:
Even though this phone has quite a low price point, the Snapdragon 732G as well as its 8GB + 128GB combo is quite fast and responsive even for multitasking. The display looks punchy too, thanks to its 90Hz FHD+ AMOLED display which can support 10-bit colour (i.e. capable of showing up to 1 billion colours).
For the phone’s 4,250mAh battery life, it can last up to 9-10 hours, depending on how you use it. If that’s not enough, it also supports 33W fast charging. As for cameras, results look satisfactory but not mind-blowing. Luckily, low-light photos are good enough, thanks to its reliable Night Mode.
The mid-range beauty Vivo X60 sports a classy design with nice curves on all sides and measures just 7.36mm thin. Plus, it feels premium when you hold it in your hand.
Features:
Powered by Snapdragon 870 processor, the Vivo X60 comes equipped with a 12GB+256GB combo and has a large 6.56-inch FHD+ AMOLED display at a 120Hz refresh rate.
The biggest highlight of them all? It has to be its Zeiss-engineered camera lenses which are a trio of a 48MP main shooter, 13MP ultra-wide-angle and 13MP portrait lens with 2x optical zoom. Finally, there’s a 32MP front-facing selfie camera.
Performance:
Blessed with a powerful processor as well as high RAM and storage capacity, it’s snappy to use and capable of handling multitasking just fine. Mobile gamers can look forward to the phone’s smooth-looking 120Hz refresh rate too.
The Vivo X60’s display looks magnificent, complete with around 93% screen-to-body ratio thanks to its thin bezels that maximise your viewing pleasure. Colours are vibrant too, coupled with optimal brightness and contrast. Battery life, however, is middling.
And of course, the phone’s Zeiss triple-camera setup lives up to its expectation as it captures superb photos with enough details and colour accuracy. Night shots are just as exceptional, all looking reasonably sharp with minimum noise.
Here’s a value-for-money smartphone from Vivo that you can own at a reasonable price. It sports a sleek, curve-shaped design and is just 7.38mm thin. The Vivo V21e also feels comfortable to hold even for long hours, thanks to its lightweight body at a mere 171g.
Features:
Looking at the specs, the Vivo V21e features a combination of a Snapdragon 720G chipset with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage. It sports a 6.44-inch FHD+ AMOLED screen with a 20:9 display ratio.
The phone comes with a triple-camera setup including a 64MP main, 8MP ultra-wide angle and 2MP macro while it has a 44MP front-facing shooter with an autofocus function.
Performance:
The Vivo V21e packs sufficient processing power for those who love to multitask between opening different apps. You don’t have to worry much about lack of space since it comes with a microSD slot that is expandable up to 1TB.
Blessed with an AMOLED display, it looks fantastic with all the colours, brightness and contrast. The Vivo V21e’s triple-camera setup produces fine-looking, yet detail-oriented photos especially when they’re taken in well-lit situations. Even in low-light, the camera performs well with the help of either Super Night Mode or Ultra-Wide Night feature.
Battery life, which has a 4,000mAh capacity is decent while it supports 33W FlashCharge for faster and efficient charging.
Looking for a budget-friendly phone that’ll only cost you below RM 1,000? Well, we have one for you: the entry-level Realme 8 5G.
Features:
The Realme 8 5G operates on a MediaTek MT6833 Dimensity 700 chipset and comes with 8GB of RAM and 128GB ROM. It sports a large 6.50-inch display with FHD+ resolution at a 90Hz refresh rate.
Not only is the Realme 8 5G lightweight at 185g but it also great for those who can’t live without a good old 3.5mm headphone jack as the Realme 8 5G has it! Camera-wise, the phone features a triple rear shooter setup which is a 48MP main, 2MP macro and 2MP depth sensor lenses as well as a 16MP selfie on the front.
Performance:
Despite being an entry-level smartphone, it performs reasonably well even if you multitask between different apps and open multiple tabs on Google Chrome. Realme 8 5G is generous enough to offer a MicroSD slot, which allows you to expand your internal storage up to 1TB. The display, in the meantime, looks decent enough for its price point.
In terms of its camera performance, it shoots good photos in a well-lit environment, as long as you are not fussy or expect a flagship-like performance. For low-light photos, the details are sufficient even if you have to make do with some of its noise levels.
The Realme 8 5G boasts a huge 5,000mAh battery, which turns out to be the phone’s major highlight. It can last around a day even after heavy use of web browsing, streaming videos and taking photos.
At RM 3,000+ for a gaming phone, the Lenovo Legion Duel’s steep price might be a stretch for most people. But it sure comes with all the essential specs to make your mobile gaming a worthy experience.
Features:
Now for the specs, we have a Snapdragon 865 Plus that is well-optimised for your gaming needs, with models coming in either the 12GB+256GB or 16GB+512GB combo. The Lenovo Legion Duel also sports a large 6.65-inch FHD+ AMOLED display at a 144Hz refresh rate for the best gaming visuals possible.
Not to forget the phone features two rear cameras including a 64MP main and 16MP ultra-wide angle and a pop-up 20MP front-facing selfie shooter.
Performance:
Performance-wise, the Lenovo Legion Duel scores well when it comes to running even graphic-intensive games with no noticeable lag. Despite its big size, the phone is ergonomically designed to be comfortably used in a landscape position upon gaming. The display also reportedly looks amazing regardless of gaming or streaming videos.
Gamers can look forward to its intuitive virtual joystick and dual ultrasonic trigger buttons, making one’s mobile experience all the more immersive.
Moreover, the phone boasts a 5,000mAh battery which has been reviewed to last about a day between charges. It also supports fast charging speed at 65W (12GB) and 90W (16GB). The dual speakers, in the meantime, sound robust.
Camera performances are fine but not spectacular since Lenovo Legion Duel prioritises more on the gaming side.
Dreaming of owning a gaming phone at an affordable price? The Realme Narzo 30A happens to be one of them, which only cost you below RM600.
Features:
Despite its price point, you get a large 6.5-inch mini-drop HD+ display with thin bezels, sporting an 88.7% screen-to-body ratio. It features MediaTek’s mid-range Helio G85 chipset with 4GB of RAM and 64GB ROM.
For camera functions, it has two of them on the rear side including a 13MP main and a secondary portrait lens as well as an 8MP selfie shooter on the front.
Performance:
Made suitable for casual gaming, the overall processing power can sustain multitasking (e.g. opening multiple browser tabs, switching different apps) as well.
You can play some intensive games too, namely Call of Duty Mobile but only if you do some tweaking to the graphics settings. And if you are prone to long-hour of gaming, the phone tends to overheat since it doesn’t come with a built-in cooling system.
The Realme Narzo 30A is blessed with a whopping 6,000mAh battery, which can last around a day or even two, depending on your usage. Camera performances are decent when photos are captured in a brightly lit environment. Unfortunately, this result is not the same when in low-light conditions, with images looking average with lacklustre details.
If look matters to you a lot, then you might want to consider getting the Vivo V21. From its classy and curve-shaped design to its gradient-style Sunset Dazzle’s reflective matte finish, the Vivo V21 is a winner in terms of its aesthetics.
Even if you opt for a more professional-looking Dusk Blue, it still scores for its overall premium and stunning appearance.
Features:
Boasting a large 6.44-inch AMOLED FHD+ display, the Vivo V21 is powered by MediaTek Dimensity 800U with 8GB of RAM and 128GB ROM, whereby the latter two features can be expanded. It has a triple-camera setup that includes a 64MP main, 8MP wide-angle and 2MP macro lens while the front camera setup features a 44MP selfie shooter complete with portrait mode.
Performance:
For a mid-range smartphone, the phone performs well as expected where it is able to handle multitasking from web browsing to social media and gaming. The display looks vivid and bright too, with the 90Hz refresh rate feature offering a smooth-looking screen performance.
Equipped with a 4,000mAh battery, it is able to sustain about 9-10 hours of screen time. Best of all, it supports 33W fast charging as well.
As for the camera, the 64MP primary shooter produces good photo quality while the added OIS comes in handy for minimising camera shake and image blur. Both the wide-angle and front-facing cameras are just as commendable. But the 2MP macro lens is rather subpar, lacking both details and colour reproduction in the final results.