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

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

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
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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

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

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