Oppo A18

Budget buyers get a Helio G85 chipset paired with 4GB RAM and 128GB of storage, enough for everyday apps and games without much fuss, though the eMMC 5.1 storage type means it won't feel as snappy as pricier phones with UFS storage. The 6.56-inch IPS LCD screen runs at 90Hz, which helps scrolling feel smoother than the typical 60Hz panel you'd expect at this price. Oppo A18 price in Malaysia starts from RM499.

Battery life is a strong point here: the 5000mAh cell should comfortably last a full day of moderate use. Camera-wise, it's kept simple with an 8MP main sensor and a 2MP depth sensor at the back, plus a 5MP front camera, nothing built for low-light shots but fine for casual snaps.

One detail worth noting is the IP54 rating, giving it some resistance to dust and light splashes, a feature not often found in phones under RM500. There's no NFC, so contactless payments aren't supported, but you do get a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and a 3.5mm headphone jack.