Realme C21

Realme C21 price in Malaysia starts from RM218, putting it firmly in budget territory. The Helio G35 chipset paired with 3GB RAM and 32GB storage handles basic tasks fine, though you'll want to lean on the microSDXC slot if you're storing photos or apps long-term. The 6.5-inch IPS LCD runs at 720 x 1600 resolution, which is fine for everyday viewing but won't impress anyone used to sharper panels.

The 5000mAh battery is the standout here, especially at this price point. It'll comfortably get you through a full day, and reverse charging means you can top up other devices in a pinch, even if the 10W charging speed means you're waiting a while to refill it yourself.

Camera-wise, you get a 13MP main sensor backed by a 2MP telephoto and 2MP black-and-white lens, plus a 5MP front camera for selfies and video calls. There's no NFC, so contactless payments are out, but you do get a fingerprint sensor, dual SIM support and a 3.5mm jack, all reasonable trade-offs for a phone at this cost.