Old but still Gold: 5 budget phones with solid camera specs in Malaysia

In recent years, the smartphone market has seen significant advancements, even in the entry-level segment. For budget-conscious consumers in Malaysia, finding a phone with a great camera without breaking the bank has become increasingly feasible. That said, here are our picks for Old but still Gold: 5 budget phones with solid camera specs. Who knows? One of these phones might pique your interest.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 - The jack of all trades

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 was a game-changer in the budget segment, offering a quad-camera setup that rivalled mid-range devices. Its standout feature was the 48MP primary sensor, which delivered decent images even in low-light conditions. Moreover, the 13MP front camera was equally solid for selfies and video calls. Thanks to features like Night Mode and AI scene detection, the Redmi Note 10 became a favourite among photography enthusiasts on a budget.

Additionally, the phone was priced around RM599 when it was first launched. So, you might get a lower price from your local retailers. However, its availability could be a challenge to tackle. So, you might want to keep that in mind if you are interested.

Tech specs and features

• Qualcomm Snapdragon 678
• RAM: 4GB / 6GB
• Storage: 64GB / 128GB (expandable via microSD)
• Rear Cameras:48MP (main, f/1.8), 8MP (ultra-wide, f/2.2), 2MP (macro, f/2.4), 2MP (depth, f/2.4)
• Front Camera: 13MP (f/2.5)
• Battery: 5,000mAh, 33W fast charging
• OS: MIUI 12 based on Android 11

realme 8 - The stylish one

realme has consistently delivered value-for-money smartphones, and the realme 8 was no exception. It featured a 64MP primary camera, which was exceptional for its price range. The phone also included an 8MP ultra-wide lens, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. While the realme 8's camera software offers features like Starry Mode, AI Color Portrait, and HDR, the 16MP front camera ensures high-quality selfies.

If this device catches your attention, it would cost you around RM899 at most. While the phone is one of the priciest phones on the list, its availability is quite widespread nationwide. That's a positive in our books.

Tech specs and features

• MediaTek Helio G95
• RAM: 8GB
• Storage: 128GB (expandable via microSD)
• Rear Cameras:64MP (main, f/1.8), 8MP (ultra-wide, f/2.3), 2MP (macro, f/2.4), 2MP (depth, f/2.4)
• Front Camera: 16MP (f/2.5)
• Battery: 5,000mAh, 30W fast charging
• OS: Realme UI 2.0 based on Android 11

Samsung Galaxy A12 - The safe option

Samsung Galaxy A12 was a reliable budget option with a quad-camera setup with a 48MP main sensor, a 5MP ultra-wide lens, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. While it lacked some of the advanced features found in more expensive models, the Galaxy A12 delivered consistent performance in well-lit conditions. Its 8MP front camera was decent for selfies. So, it's no surprise the phone's overall build quality and software experience made it a popular choice in Malaysia.

Unlike the realme 8, it could be difficult to get this device from the official or local retailers. So, you might want to consider third-party platforms such as Shopee, Lazada and AliExpress. For RM599, this device could be worth your time.

Tech specs and features

• MediaTek Helio P35
• RAM: 4GB
• Storage: 64GB / 128GB (expandable via microSD)
• Rear Cameras: 48MP (main, f/2.0), 5MP (ultra-wide, f/2.2), 2MP (macro, f/2.4),2MP (depth, f/2.4)
• Front Camera: 8MP (f/2.2)
• Battery: 5,000mAh, 15W fast charging
• OS: One UI Core 2.5 based on Android 10

OPPO A54 - The unconventional alternative

The OPPO A54 stood out in Malaysia's entry-level smartphone market with its great camera capabilities, especially for its price range. It featured a 13MP main camera (f/2.2) that captured detailed and vibrant photos in good lighting conditions, supported by a 2MP macro camera for close-up shots and a 2MP depth sensor for portrait mode with bokeh effects. It also featured a 16MP front camera (f/2.0), which delivered decent selfies with OPPO's signature AI Beautification technology. While it lacked an ultra-wide lens, the A54's camera software included features like Night Mode and AI Scene.

Furthermore, the phone was released in 2021 at RM699. So, it could be very difficult to find this model in the market. Unless you are a huge OPPO fan, this device might be your cup of tea.

Tech specs and features

• MediaTek Helio P35
• RAM: 4GB / 6GB
• Storage: 64GB / 128GB (expandable via microSD)
• Rear Cameras: 13MP (main, f/2.2), 2MP (macro, f/2.4), 2MP (depth, f/2.4)
• Front Camera: 16MP (f/2.0)
• Battery: 5,000mAh, 18W fast charging
• OS: ColorOS 11.1 based on Android 10

POCO M3 Pro 5G - The dark horse

The POCO M3 Pro 5G was a budget-friendly device that didn't compromise on camera quality. It featured a 48MP primary sensor, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. While it lacked an ultra-wide lens, the primary camera delivered impressive results, especially in daylight. The 8MP front camera was more than capable of capturing detailed selfies.

For RM699, we feel this is a great bargain for those wanting a reliable device that is easy on the pockets. While the model might not be as common as Samsung, realme or Xiaomi's counterpart, you might find some success with local retailers or third-party platforms like Shopee and Lazada.

Tech specs and features

• MediaTek Dimensity 700 5G
• RAM: 4GB / 6GB
• Storage: 64GB / 128GB (expandable via microSD)
• Rear camera: 48MP (main, f/1.8), 2MP (macro, f/2.4), 2MP (depth, f/2.4)
• Front Camera: 8MP (f/2.0)
• Battery: 5,000mAh, 18W fast charging
• OS: MIUI 12 based on Android 11

Conclusion

These phones offered a mix of high-resolution sensors, versatile lenses, and advanced software features, making them ideal for photography enthusiasts on a budget. Phones like the Realme 8, Samsung Galaxy A12 and POCO M3 Pro 5G proved that great camera performance doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag.

Our verdict? Go for the POCO M3 Pro 5G. Given its price, availability and specs, we believe this model is the best pick on the list.

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