Best smartphones in Malaysia priced under RM1,000 (Feb 2026)
It’s perhaps no surprise that the RM1,000 budget category of smartphones is one of the most segments in Malaysia. For most people, they really only need a device for basic day-to-day usage, such as calls, texts, scrolling social media, watching videos and getting directions while travelling. And while a flagship smartphone will offer nice-to-have features like wireless charging, better cameras and brighter screens, those will command a significantly higher price tag that many rakyat just won’t be able to afford.
That’s why we’ve curated a list of some of the better options you can consider at the sub-RM1,000 price point. These are midrange devices that pack plenty of features with rock solid performance so that you know you’re getting the best bang for your buck.
With that out of the way then, let’s start with the first smartphone on our list:
Redmi Note 15 5G
Starting off with perhaps one of the most popular options for this price category, the Redmi Note 15 5G continues on with its tradition of midrange value. Starting at RM849 for the base model with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage and priced at RM949 for one with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, if you get one before the end of February 2026 you’ll snag a free Xiaomi Sound Pocket worth RM69 too with the 256GB model.
Specs-wise, the Redmi Note 15 5G comes with a 6.77-inch FHD+ AMOLED display that has a 120Hz refresh rate as well as a peak brightness of 3200nits. It’s powered by a Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 system-on-chip, with up to 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of storage. It also comes with Android 15 out of the box skinned with HyperOS 2 over it, with Xiaomi guaranteeing at least 4 years of major OS upgrades and 6 years of security patches.
As for the cameras, the Redmi Note 15 5G comes with a main 108MP camera, an 8MP ultrawide and a 20MP selfie shooter. Keeping the lights on meanwhile is a 5,520mAh battery with 45W wired charging and 18W reverse wired charging. Other features of note include stereo speakers and an IP66 dust and water resistance rating. It’s also worth noting that you shouldn’t get the Redmi Note 15 5G confused with the 4G-only Redmi Note 15, as that’s a much more entry-level device.
Samsung Galaxy A17 5G
Another great option in this category, if a bit boring, has always been the Samsung Galaxy A series. The current Galaxy A from Samsung that’s priced just shy of the RM1,000 mark is the Galaxy A17 5G. It starts at RM899 for the base model with 128GB of storage and RM999 for 256GB of storage.
It packs a 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display, with a 90Hz refresh rate and 800nits of peak brightness, along with a layer of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus over it for scratch resistance. The Galaxy A17 5G also gets an IP54 dust and water resistance rating for extra durability. As for cameras, it comes with a 50MP main camera, a 5MP ultrawide and a 2MP macro sensor, while a 13MP camera up front takes care of your selfies.
Powering the Galaxy A17 5G is the Exynos 1330 system-on-chip, with 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of storage. A 5,000mAh battery meanwhile keeps the lights on, with 25W wired fast charging. It comes with Android 15 out of the box, skinned with One UI 7 over it. Samsung has always been one of the best at long term support, and it shows again here as they’re guaranteeing at least 6 major OS upgrades on the Galaxy A17 5G.
Tecno Pova 7 5G
This choice may be a bit out of left field, but trust us when we say that at least in terms of design, the Tecno Pova 7 5G is worth a shoutout. Priced from RM899 for the 128GB base model and RM999 for the 256GB variant, the Pova 7 5G comes with a unique, futuristic look complete with an LED light strip around the camera bump, reminiscent of Nothing’s Glyph Lights.
The Tecno Pova 7 5G comes with a 6.78-inch FHD+ IPS display capable of a 144Hz refresh rate, while under the hood is a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultimate system-on-chip, making it one of the more powerful options on this list in terms of raw performance. That gets paired with 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of storage. It runs Android 15 out of the box, skinned with their own HiOS 15 over it, though no mention of how long it’ll get in terms of software support.
As for cameras, there’s a 50MP main camera on the back flanked by a light sensor, while in front is a 13MP selfie shooter. There’s also a 6,000mAh battery keeping the lights on with support for not only 45W wired fast charging but 30W wireless charging too. There’s also stereo speakers and an IP64 dust and water resistance rating as well.
Infinix Note Edge
The Infinix Note Edge is the latest device on this list at time of writing, having been launched just days before. Priced at RM999, it comes with a 7.2mm thin design, housing a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 2644 x 1208p resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 4500nits. The screen also gets curved edges on the side, with a layer of Gorilla Glass 7i over it for scratch resistance.
Powering the Note Edge is a MediaTek Dimensity 7100 chipset, with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. It runs Android 16 out of the box with XOS 16 skinned over it. Infinix is also guaranteeing 3 major Android OS updates and 5 years of security patches for the Note Edge. Elsewhere, the Infinix Note Edge gets a 50MP main camera with a 1/2-inch sensor, along with a 13MP selfie shooter. There’s also a 6,500mAh battery with support for 45W fast charging as well as stereo speakers.
Poco M8 5G
The Poco M8 5G just about makes this list, thanks to its base model being priced at RM999 for 256GB of storage, while the variant with 512GB of storage is priced at RM1,199, though on sale you can still find the higher end model just shy of the RM1,000 mark.
You’ll find a 6.77-inch FHD+ AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 3,200nits, while under the hood is a Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 system-on-chip mated to 8GB of RAM and up to 512GB of storage. It comes with Android 15 out of the box with HyperOS 2 skinned over it, with 4 years of major Android OS updates. In case you’re wondering, these are pretty similar specs to the aforementioned Redmi Note 15 5G, which makes sense considering they’re both Xiaomi sub-brands.
The Poco M8 also gets a 50MP main camera flanked by a 2MP depth sensor, while for selfies you get a 20MP, f/2.2 front camera on the M8. Keeping the lights on is a 5,520mAh battery with support for 45W fast charging, along with stereo speakers and an IP66 dust and water resistance rating.
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