HTC Desire 526

Budget hardware defines this one. The Snapdragon 210 chipset and 1.5GB RAM are built for basic tasks, not multitasking or gaming, and 8GB of internal storage means you'll want that microSD slot from day one since it only stretches to 32GB. The 4.7-inch screen runs at 540 x 960 pixels, which is modest even by 2015 standards, but it's paired with HTC Sense 7 on top of Android 5.1 Lollipop for a cleaner interface than stock budget Android usually offers.

Camera-wise, you get an 8MP rear shooter with autofocus and LED flash, plus a 2MP front camera for basic selfies and video calls. The 2000mAh battery is on the smaller side, so heavy users will likely need a midday top-up. HTC Desire 526 price in Malaysia starts from RM388, positioning it firmly as an entry-level pick for buyers who just need calls, messaging, and light browsing without spending much.

Connectivity covers the basics too: HSPA and LTE data, Wi-Fi b/g/n with hotspot support, Bluetooth 4.1, and A-GPS for navigation. It's a straightforward phone for straightforward needs.