When we are looking for smartphones, we may not always be looking for one with the newest technology or with a futuristic cool design. We may be searching for a smartphone just because we need it for work, to communicate with our loved ones, or to snap some simple photos when you’re travelling instead of carrying a clunky camera.
A simple device to get the basic tasks done right, huh? Well, here are some of the best smartphones under RM 700 in Malaysia that you can consider.
Why It’s Our Top Pick
The Samsung Galaxy A Series is the brand’s entry-level smartphone lineup, comprising affordable yet quality smartphones. The newest in this line, the Samsung Galaxy A04 is a simply designed smartphone that can power all your daily tasks.
Overview
Along with the 6.5” Infinity-V Display, the Galaxy A04 is powered by an octa-core processor, which allows it to provide a mid-range performance for a smoother performance.
Besides that, the device is supported with up to 4GB RAM and 128GB ROM. You can also expand the internal storage via an additional microSD card should you wish to do so.
The best part of the smartphone is the 5000 mAh batter capacity, which is truly impressive for a phone in its price range. As for cameras, the Galaxy A04 is equipped with dual cameras spearheaded by a 50MP Main Camera, and a 5MP selfies camera.
Samsung Galaxy A04 Specs
- Processor (CPU): Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz & 4x1.8 GHz)
- Display: 6.5” PLS LCD
- Memory: Up to 4GB RAM + Up to 128 GB ROM
- Rear Camera: Dual camera, 50MP + 2 MP
- Front Camera: 5MP
- Battery: 5000mAh
- Operating System: Android 12, One UI Core 4.1
- Weight: 192g
- Dimensions: 64.4 x 76.3 x 9.1 mm
Who Is This For?
This is the best deal you can get on a smartphone. If you’re looking for a daily driver that can perform well but don’t want to break the bank, the Samsung Galaxy A04 is a great choice.
Overview
vivo is a brand known for its more affordable and budget smartphones, so it’s no surprise that the vivo Y12A is one of the best options from the Y series to consider.
The vivo Y12A utilises 3GB RAM + 32GB ROM and a Snapdragon 439 chipset which is optimised for fast downloads. It also showcases stunning graphics and photos as well as a good power-saving performance.
For camera features, the vivo Y12A has an AI Dual Camera setup; a 13MP rear camera and a 2MP Bokeh camera.
As if the vivo Y12A isn’t beefed up already when it comes to battery saving; it has a 5,000mAh battery. Together with the AI power-saving technology on the phone, users can carry out their tasks or enjoy entertainment features seamlessly.
vivo Y21A Specs
- Processor (CPU): Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm)
- Display: 6.51” IPS LCD
- Memory: 4GB Extended RAM + 64 GB ROM
- Rear Camera: Dual camera, 13MP + 2 MP
- Front Camera: 8MP
- Battery: 5000mAh
- Operating System: Android 12, ColorOS 12.1
- Weight: 182 g
- Dimensions: 164.3 x 76.1 x 8 mm
Who Is This For?
Reviewers have valued this smartphone for its price, decent camera, and battery life. However, users do think that the vivo Y12A may not handle gaming the best as several have experienced frequent crashes and lagging. Keep in mind as well that this smartphone has a smaller memory space compared to other models of its line.
Overview
Nokia has always been synonymous with good-for-value basic smartphones, and the G10 is no exception. With its 6.5” screen and triple rear camera setup, it can certainly keep up to your daily activities.
Even though it doesn’t run on the most recent processors, it’s still powerful enough for daily communication and media consumption. The 5050mAh battery capacity is also one of the largest for its price range, so rest assured that your phone will not run out of juice when you need it.
Nokia G10 Specs
- Processor (CPU): Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz & 4x1.8 GHz)
- Display: 6.5” IPS LCD
- Memory: Up to 4GB RAM + Up to 128 GB ROM
- Rear Camera: Dual camera, 50MP + 2 MP
- Front Camera: 5MP
- Battery: 5000mAh
- Operating System: Android 12, One UI Core 4.1
- Weight: 192g
- Dimensions: 64.4 x 76.3 x 9.1 mm
Who Is This For?
The Nokia G10 is good value for its price and would bode well as a daily-usage basic smartphone. Aside from its battery life, it has decent camera quality and good in-call quality too. It’s a great phone for work and business use.
Overview
Xiaomi’s Redmi lineup is also another known budget smartphone series, with phone prices ranging from budget to the low mid-range. This particular model, the Xiaomi Redmi 10, has garnered positive reviews for its big battery capacity and advanced features relative to its price.
With its 6.43” Super AMOLED screen, the display is one of the best in this price range. Under the hood, it sports Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 678 processor with the Adreno GPU, so gaming wouldn’t be a problem on the Xiaomi Redmi 10.
The quad camera system on the rear is made up of a 48MP main camera, with an 8MP ultrawide + 2MP macro + 2 MP depth. Amazingly, this sub-RM700 phone can even record 4K videos at 30fps!
Xiaomi Redmi 10 Specs
- Processor (CPU): Qualcomm SDM678 Snapdragon 678 (11 nm)
- Display: 6.43” Super AMOLED
- Memory: 4GB RAM + 64GB ROM
- Rear Camera: Quad camera, 48MP + + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP
- Front Camera: 13MP
- Battery: 5000mAh
- Operating System: Android 11
- Weight: 178.8 g
- Dimensions: 160.5 x 74.5 x 8.3 mm
Who Is This For?
The Redmi 10 is yet another really good-for-value budget smartphone. Most notably, the Super AMOLED and decent processor make it a good phone for gamers on a budget!
Overview
realme C25Y is powered by the Unisoc T618 octa-core processor, helping users to multitask easily and have a smooth user experience performance. It also has a 6.5-inch Mini-Drop colour display screen, which translates to colourful visuals and great touch control that allows users to do their tasks seamlessly.
Although it comes with only 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, users can make use of the option to expand storage space up to 256GB. This smartphone has an AI triple camera, which comprises a 50MP primary camera, 2MP B&W lens, and 2MP Macro lens. It’s equipped with an 8MP AI selfie camera for all your selfies and group photos!
Other notable features include a 5,000mAh battery which is also fast-charging (18W Quick Charge technology). Want to beef the battery up? There’s also a “Super Power Saving Mode” feature which will have your smartphone set on standby to sustain the battery life.
realme C35Y Specs
- Processor (CPU): Qualcomm SDM678 Snapdragon 678 (11 nm)
- Display: 6.43” Super AMOLED
- Memory: 4GB RAM + 64GB ROM
- Rear Camera: Quad camera, 48MP + + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP
- Front Camera: 13MP
- Battery: 5000mAh
- Operating System: Android 11
- Weight: 178.8 g
- Dimensions: 160.5 x 74.5 x 8.3 mm
Who Is This For?
If you’re looking for an inexpensive, fast-charging smartphone, the realme C25Y may be the best contender! Plus, its high computing power and lasting battery have also been commended extensively by users.
Overview
The POCO M4 5G is one of the most affordable 5G smartphones you can get currently on the market. Apart from the 5G capabilities, it sports a MediaTek Dimensity 700 processor that also offers smooth performance and decent power for your daily tasks, including some light gaming.
Supported by a 5000mAh battery, the POCO M4 5G can last the entire day. And if you run out of juice, you don’t have to wait too long for it to charge up — the POCO M4 5G also has 18W fast-charging!
POCO M4 5G Specs
- Processor (CPU): MediaTek MT6833 Dimensity 700 (7 nm)
- Display: 6.58” IPS LCD, 90Hz
- Memory: 4GB RAM + 64GB ROM
- Rear Camera: Dual camera, 13MP + 2MP
- Front Camera: 51MP
- Battery: 5000mAh
- Operating System: Android 12, MIUI 13
- Weight: 200 g
- Dimensions: 164 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm
Who Is This For?
The POCO M4 5G is available in bright colours like Cool Blue and the brand’s signature POCO Yellow, so it’s great for youngsters who like to stand out from the crowd. Plus, the elevated performance and spacious screen allow users to entertain themselves with the phone, whether it be gaming or watching Netflix!
Overview
The A17 sports a 6.56” screen and is powered by the MediaTek MT6765 Helio G35 chipset, a fast entry-level chipset that helps sustain a stable performance and even some gaming. The Premium leather-feel design also helps make the phone look and feel more expensive than it actually is, with the added benefit of being resistant to fingerprints and dust.
It has a dual rear camera setup consisting of a 50MP AI main camera and a 2MP depth camera, while the selfie camera is a 5MP shooter. You can also extend the RAM virtually using unused ROM to further enhance the performance.
OPPO A17 Specs
- Processor (CPU): MediaTek MT6765 Helio G35 (12 nm)
- Display: 6.56” IPS LCD
- Memory: Up to 4GB Extended RAM + 64 GB ROM
- Rear Camera: Dual camera, 50MP + 2 MP
- Front Camera: 5MP
- Battery: 5000mAh
- Operating System: Android 12, ColorOS 12.1
- Weight: 189g
- Dimensions: 164.2 x 75.6 x 8.3 mm
Who Is This For?
Overall, the OPPO A17 is a decent entry-level smartphone, highlighted for its display and battery life. This smartphone lacks the bells and whistles of some other phones, which is expected from its price, but it’s still a decent phone that’s good for the less demanding.
Overview
The Motorola Moto e40 is a sleek, well-designed smartphone that’s powered by the octa-core Unisoc T700 processor, clocking up to 1.5 Ghz. The 5000 mAh battery capacity is also impressively large for its price point.
Sporting a 6.5” Max Vision HD+ Display with a 90Hz refresh rate, this phone is also capable of providing a great viewing experience. The triple camera setup also allows the phone to take amazing pictures.
Motorola Moto e40 Specs
- Processor (CPU): Unisoc T700 Octa-core 1.8 GHz
- Display: 6.5” IPS LCD
- Memory: 4GB RAM + 64 GB ROM
- Rear Camera: Triple camera, 48MP + 2MP + 2MP
- Front Camera: 8MP
- Battery: 5000mAh
- Operating System: Android 11
- Weight: 198g
- Dimensions: 165.1 x 75.7 x 9.1 mm
Who Is This For?
While the internal storage capacity of this phone is a little subpar, it makes up for a decent screen and long battery life. Those who love consuming content on their smartphones can consider the Motorola Moto e40.
Should You Buy a Phone or Pay Monthly?
When buying a smartphone, there are two common options that come to mind. You’re either:
- Buying your smartphone outright, or
- Paying for your smartphone on a monthly plan
Let’s go through the pros and cons of each option.
Buying:
The main benefit of buying it upfront is that the smartphone is immediately yours. You would no longer have to worry about paying for the phone (other than your phone bills). Not only that, but you wouldn’t have to keep track of monthly payments to be made to your smartphone dealer, so there are no ongoing costs.
Additionally, you wouldn’t be restricted in terms of phone plan options.
The downside of getting a smartphone outright is its cost. Depending on the model, brand and type of smartphone you are getting; it’s costly to pay all in one go.
Monthly Plan:
For smartphones on a plan, the advantage is that costs are only incurred for the agreed time stipulated in your contract with the seller or provider. Another factor to take into account is how important you view needing the latest or most updated technology. Some brands of smartphones focus on upgrading pretty consistently. So if this is a priority to you, a monthly plan may be what you prefer.
A small downside to going with a monthly plan means you will be on contract for a specified period of time. You will have to remember to make your payments on time to your network provider for the usage of your smartphone.
Keep in mind that if you hold on to your smartphone long enough to pay it off, you could have spent more money in comparison to buying it on the spot.
Additionally, you will be responsible (and there may be fees) for any damage that occurs to your smartphone. Aside from limited options of phone plans, there may also be a limited selection of phone models/designs to choose from.