Redmi 12

Budget buyers get a 90Hz display here, which isn't a given at this price point. The 6.79-inch FHD+ IPS LCD panel hits 550 nits peak brightness, and the Helio G88 chipset paired with 4GB RAM and 128GB storage handles everyday apps and scrolling without much fuss. There's room to expand storage up to 1TB if 128GB feels tight down the line.

The camera setup leads with a 50MP main sensor at f/1.8 with PDAF, backed by an 8MP ultrawide and a 2MP macro lens for close-up shots. Battery life is handled by a 5000mAh cell with 18W wired charging, enough for a full day without hunting for a plug. Redmi 12 price in Malaysia starts from RM403, which puts it firmly in entry-level territory.

Build quality includes a glass front and back with a plastic frame, plus IP53 splash resistance, a nice touch not every phone in this range bothers with. It ships on Android 13 with MIUI 14 on top, and comes in Midnight Black, Sky Blue, or Polar Silver.