You don’t have to spend RM5,000 to get a capable smartphone anymore. These days, even phones priced around RM1,500 offer bright displays, large batteries, and reliable everyday performance, all while looking more premium than their price suggests.
If you’re shopping in this sweet spot between budget and mid-range, here are five phones that deliver solid value for the price. Each one stands out for a different reason, whether it’s gaming, battery life, or overall durability.
Infinix GT 30 Pro – A gaming-focused phone that punches above its price
The Infinix GT 30 Pro is built with gamers in mind, offering hardware extras rarely seen at this price point. It features a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate and up to 4,500 nits peak brightness. Impressive for a phone that starts from RM1,299.
It runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 8350, paired with 12GB of RAM (expandable virtually to 24GB) and up to 512GB of storage. The shoulder triggers are a nice touch for gaming and can also double as customisable shortcuts for apps or media controls.
The 108MP main camera and ultra-wide lens deliver decent results in good lighting, while the 5,500mAh battery supports 45W wired and 30W wireless charging, the latter being a welcome bonus in this price range.
While it doesn’t deliver flagship-level power, the GT 30 Pro offers a fun, feature-packed experience that’s hard to fault for the price.
Realme 15 5G – Built to last with exceptional battery life
If endurance is your top priority, the Realme 15 5G stands out for its massive 7,000mAh battery (essentially a power bank disguised as a phone). It supports 80W fast charging and carries an IP69 rating, offering resistance against water, dust, and accidental spills.
It’s powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300+, paired with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The 6.78-inch 144Hz AMOLED display ensures smooth visuals, while the 50MP Sony IMX882 sensor performs admirably for casual photography.
At RM1,499, the Realme 15 5G is a great choice for those who value longevity and durability over raw performance.
Nothing Phone 3a – Clean design meets solid everyday performance
Technically priced above RM1,500, the Nothing Phone 3a often dips into the range during sales, and it’s worth keeping an eye out when it does. This phone caters to those who prefer a clean aesthetic and streamlined software experience.
It features a 6.77-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and runs on the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor, paired with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The triple 50MP rear camera setup includes a main sensor with OIS, an ultra-wide, and a telephoto with up to 30x zoom, plus a crisp 32MP selfie camera.
Running on Nothing OS, it offers one of the most refined Android experiences in this price bracket, free from unnecessary bloat and smooth in day-to-day use.
Honor X9d – Tough build, big battery
The Honor X9d is designed for those who tend to drop their phones a little too often. Priced at RM1,499, it’s built to handle rough use with six layers of impact protection, Gorilla Glass Victus 2, and claimed drop resistance from heights of up to 2.5 metres.
Inside, it’s powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 with 12GB of RAM (expandable to 24GB) and up to 512GB of storage. The 8,300mAh battery is one of the largest in its class, while the 108MP main camera and 5MP ultra-wide handle casual shots competently.
Running MagicOS 9 based on Android 15, it also includes AI-assisted photo tools such as reflection removal. The X9d might be the only phone that balances sleek design and durability well.
iQoo Neo 10 – Flagship-like performance without the flagship price
The iQoo Neo 10 sits just outside the RM1,500 bracket at retail (RM1,999), but during sales, we’ve seen its price drop to around RM1,400, which makes it an excellent value-for-money performer.
Powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 with up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, this device delivers strong performance for gaming, multitasking, and heavy use. Its 6.78-inch 144Hz AMOLED display and 120W fast charging complete the premium-like package.
A full charge takes roughly 36 minutes, which is remarkable in this price range. If you’re looking for speed and responsiveness without breaking the bank, the iQoo Neo 10 is the one to look out for when it’s on offer.
Conclusion
Each of these smartphones offers something distinct under RM1,500, or close to it.
The Infinix GT 30 Pro focuses on gaming features, the Realme 15 5G excels in battery life, and the Nothing Phone 3a brings clean design with capable cameras. Meanwhile, the Honor X9d impresses with its toughness and battery capacity, while the iQoo Neo 10 delivers standout performance when available on sale.
No single phone fits every need, but these five prove that you don’t have to spend premium money to get reliable performance and features that feel a step above their price tags.
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