Smartphones are undeniably becoming a growing necessity in our fast-paced modern world, whether to capture our best moments or stay connected to the people and world around us.

Unfortunately, not everyone can fork out thousands of ringgits to buy a smartphone, so we've compiled a list of five budget models that don't skimp on quality. You can choose the smartphone that best suits your requirements and lifestyle based on the most important features to you.

Best Overall: Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro

Xiaomi is renowned for its low-cost, high-value smartphones, which is why we included two different Xiaomi models in this list. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro offers the most bang for your money and is an upgrade over its predecessor in almost every way. For this affordable price, you get a 90Hz AMOLED display with excellent battery life in a well-designed package. If you don't need 5G, it's a perfect choice for the price point.

Price: From 1,099 (according to DirectD)
Specifications:
Band: 4G / LTE
Dimension: 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm (6.30 x 2.91 x 0.32 in)
Processor Type: MediaTek Helio G96
CPU: Octa Core
RAM: 8 GB
Internal Storage: 128GB
Card Slot: Expandable storage up to 1TB
Display (inches): 6.67" FHD+ AMOLED DotDisplay
Resolution (px): 2400 x 1080
Rear Camera: QUAD 108MP +8MP+ 2MP+2MP
Front Camera: 16 MP
Operating System: Android 11
Battery Capacity: 5000mAh (typ) | 67W turbo charging | 67W adaptor

Best Performance: Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro

Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is one of the most economical smartphones for Android gamers. With a large display screen, good performance, and long battery life, this is Xiaomi's budget beast. What it lacks in camera and design, the phone compensates with a powerful processor.

Price: From RM 999 (according to DirectD)
Specifications:
Band: 4G / LTE
Dimension: 165.3mm (H) x 76.8mm (W) x 9.4mm (D)
Processor Type: Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 860
CPU: Octa Core
Card Slot: Yes, MicroSD up to 1TB
Display (inches): 6.67” FHD+ DotDisplay
Resolution (px): 2400x1080 | 120Hz Refresh Rate
Rear Camera: Quad Camera 48MP (main), 8MP (ultrawide), 2MP (macro), 2MP (depth)
Front Camera: 20 MP
Operating System: Android 11, MIUI 12 for POCO
Sim: Dual Sim Hybrid (2nd SIM or memory card slot)
Battery Capacity: 5160mAh | 33W fast charging

Best Quad Camera: Samsung Galaxy M32

Samsung's smartphones are often on the more expensive end of the spectrum, but affordable options are also available for its users. The Samsung Galaxy M32 is a compact, low-cost phone with a Super AMOLED display and a good battery life. The Galaxy M32 has quad rear cameras: a 64MP primary camera, an 8MP ultra-wide camera, a 2MP macro camera, and a 2MP depth camera. The Galaxy M32 is an excellent choice for those who don't need 5G!

Price: From RM999 (according to DirectD)
Specifications:
Band: 4G / LTE
Dimension: 159.3 x 74 x 8.4 mm
Processor Type: Mediatek Helio G80
CPU: Octa Core
RAM: 8 GB
Internal Storage: 128GB
Card Slot: microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Display: 6.4 inches
Resolution: 1080 x 2340 pixels | Super AMOLED
Rear Camera: QUAD Camera | 64MP (main) + 8MP (ultrawide) + 2MP (macro) + 2MP (depth)
Front Camera: 20MP
Operating System: Android 11
Sim: Dual SIM
Battery Capacity: 5000 mAh

Best Beginner: Realme 9i

The Realme 9i is a good smartphone with all the basics and a good design at a low price. The camera isn't particularly impressive, and the phone lacks 5G, but it's still a terrific deal if you want a decent phone with all the key features. This is a good starting point if you're new to using smartphones.

Price: From RM 869 (according to DirectD)
Specifications:
Band: 4G / LTE
Dimension: 164.4 x 75.7 x 8.4 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.33 in)
Processor Type: Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm)
CPU: Octa Core
RAM: 6 GB
Internal Storage: 128GB
Card Slot: Yes
Display: 6.6 inches
Resolution: FULL HD+1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)
Rear Camera: TRIPLE 50MP + 2MP + 2MP
Front Camera: 16 MP
Operating System: Android 11
Sim: Dual SIM
Battery Capacity: 5000 mAh

Best Design: Oppo A95

Despite fierce competition from the other smartphones on our list, notably in terms of camera and performance, the Oppo A95 is a fantastic phone with a sleek design that works with any outfit. If the phone's design and look are all that matters to you, the Oppo A95 is for you!

Price: From 1,099 (according to DirectD)
Specifications:
Band: 4G / LTE
Dimension: 160.1 x 73.4 x 7.8 mm
Processor Type: Snapdragon 662
CPU: Octa Core
RAM: 8GB + 5GB
Internal Storage: 128GB
Card Slot: Yes
Display: 6.43 inches
Resolution: 1080 x 2400 px
Rear Camera: TRIPLE 48MP + 2MP + 2MP
Front Camera: 16MP
Operating System: Android 11
Sim: Dual SIM
Battery Capacity: 5000 mAh | 33W Flash Charge

Source: GSM Arena & Direct D
Photo Credit: Popular Singapore. Komovil, Mi Store, Mainz Empire, Nasi Lemak Tech, Hardware Zone & Lowyat