Malaysia’s smartphone market has always been vibrant, with consumers having a keen interest in devices that offer the best camera capabilities. Older flagship phones often present a great value proposition, combining high-end specs with a reduced price. Here, we explore five Old but still Gold flagship phones available in Malaysia known for their excellent camera performance, including notable models from HUAWEI and HONOR.
Bear in mind, since there are so many worthwhile former flagship cameraphones we are looking at "hidden gems" released from 2019 and 2020 in Malaysia for now. We'll be covering more such cameraphones soon so do stay tuned to this space, but for now, do read on.
HUAWEI P30 Pro - Worth the search
Released in 2019, the HUAWEI P30 Pro remains a strong contender in the camera phone segment. It features a quad-camera setup co-engineered with Leica, consisting of a 40 MP (f/1.6) wide sensor, a 20 MP (f/2.2) ultra-wide sensor, an 8 MP (f/3.4) periscope telephoto sensor with 5x optical zoom, and a TOF 3D depth sensor. The P30 Pro's ability to capture stunning low-light photos and its impressive zoom capabilities make it a favourite among photography enthusiasts.
The downside? It can be quite hard to find this model these days. But if you do, you can expect the price to be around RM1599 to RM1899. So, good luck looking for it.
Selfie Camera: 32 MP (f/2.0) sensor, ensuring clear and detailed selfies.
Key Features:
- SuperSpectrum sensor for better low-light performance.
- 50x digital zoom.
- AIS (AI Image Stabilization) for steady shots.
- 4K video recording.
HONOR 20 Pro - A bargain alternative
The HONOR 20 Pro, launched in 2019, is another excellent choice for camera lovers. It sports a quad-camera setup with a 48 MP (f/1.4) main sensor, an 8 MP (f/2.4) telephoto sensor, a 16 MP (f/2.2) ultra-wide sensor, and a 2 MP (f/2.4) macro sensor. This combination provides versatility, allowing users to capture a wide range of scenes from vast landscapes to detailed close-ups. We believe mobile photography enthusiasts will appreciate these specs.
Moreover, you can expect this device to be priced around RM1700 to RM2000. For a phone in this price range, that's quite good.
Selfie Camera: 32 MP (f/2.0) sensor for high-quality selfies.
Key Features:
- Super Night Mode for enhanced low-light photography.
- 3x optical zoom and 30x digital zoom.
- AI-assisted image processing.
- 4K video recording.
Google Pixel 4 XL - The mid-range beast
The Google Pixel 4 XL, released in 2019, is renowned for its computational photography. Despite having a dual-camera setup, it excels with a 12.2 MP (f/1.7) main sensor and a 16 MP (f/2.4) telephoto sensor. Google's software prowess, especially with features like Night Sight and Super Res Zoom. These specs makes it a standout among other smartphones in the market.
For RM2300, this model is a quite a catch. But, you might have to browse through the web properly for this one. After all, it can be quite difficult to get these days.
Selfie Camera: 8 MP (f/2.0) sensor, supported by an additional TOF sensor for improved depth sensing.
Key Features:
- Night Sight for remarkable low-light photos.
- Astrophotography mode.
- Dual exposure controls for better HDR.
- 4K video recording.
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra - The Ol' reliable
Samsung's Galaxy S20 Ultra, launched in 2020, is a powerhouse in the camera department. It features a quad-camera setup with a massive 108 MP (f/1.8) main sensor, a 48 MP (f/3.5) periscope telephoto sensor, a 12 MP (f/2.2) ultra-wide sensor, and a 0.3 MP TOF sensor. Its 100x Space Zoom and advanced video recording capabilities set it apart from most smartphones on the market.
However, it can be very hard to find this model these days. So, you might want to check your local retail store. Price-wise, you can expect the phone to be around RM3400 and above.
Selfie Camera: 40 MP (f/2.2) sensor, providing highly detailed selfies.
Key Features:
- 100x Space Zoom.
- 8K video recording.
- Single Take mode for capturing multiple types of content with one shot.
- Night mode and Super Steady video stabilization.
Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max - A classic and proven choice
The iPhone 11 Pro Max, released in 2019, was Apple's response to the growing demand for superior mobile photography. It features a triple-camera system with a 12 MP (f/1.8) wide sensor, a 12 MP (f/2.0) telephoto sensor, and a 12 MP (f/2.4) ultra-wide sensor. This setup allows for a wide range of photographic possibilities, from expansive landscapes to portrait shots with bokeh effects.
Given that Apple is a popular brand, you are expected to fork out some money. However, you might be in luck for this one. Reportedly, the price for this model starts from RM2499 for some retailers. So, have a good time hunting it.
Selfie Camera: 12 MP (f/2.2) sensor, with support for 4K video recording and slo-mo selfies.
Key Features:
- Night mode for enhanced low-light performance.
- Deep Fusion for better detail and texture.
- 4K video recording at 60fps.
- Smart HDR for improved dynamic range.
Conclusion
In Malaysia, these older flagship phones continue to offer excellent camera capabilities at a more affordable price. The HUAWEI P30 Pro and HONOR 20 Pro provide versatile and powerful photography options, while the Google Pixel 4 XL excels in computational photography. The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra offers an all-around premium experience with its advanced zoom and video features, and the iPhone 11 Pro Max delivers reliable and high-quality performance.
These devices are ideal for photography enthusiasts looking for flagship-level camera specs without the flagship price tag. Our personal pick? The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra for its all-rounder reliability. What are your thoughts about this article? Stay tuned for more articles like this at TechNave!
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