Smartphones are no longer a want now, but a necessity. With its multifunctionality, we can do everything on a smartphone apart from calls and messages. You can take high-quality photos and videos and edit them. You can surf the internet and browse social media. You can read your news and updates online. You can even start and edit a Word or Excel file on your smartphone. Today’s topic will discuss The Top 11 Best Smartphone Malaysia.
In this day and age, if you don’t have a smartphone, you would overlook a lot of important things and updates on everything.
The smartphone’s timeline
Before we got our hands on the current smartphones with all their advanced technologies, there is a long history of mobile phones and improvement along the way. Read on to know more about the timeline of smartphones.
1994 – IBM invented the first-ever smartphone called SPC (Simon Personal Communicator). It came with a touch screen. It was also able to send out and receive emails and fax as well as the standard usage of calls and texts.
2001 – This year was when smartphones were connected to the internet or known as 3G. This allowed a standard where portable electronic devices can access the Internet anywhere and wirelessly too. This opened up the possibilities of videoconferencing and even sending emails with large attachments. However, back then, there weren’t any data plans so the cost to access 3G from your phone was quite expensive.
2007 – The revolutionary Steve Jobs came into the smartphone scene and introduced the first-ever iPhone. Instantly, it was the sleekest smartphone in the market and it offered the full internet experience for the users. It allowed users to surf the web on the iPhone, just the same way they would on a computer. They also introduced internal storages and longer battery life (which are still Apple’s current best-selling points).
2019 – This is where modern-day smartphones were designed and developed. At this point, users have the whole world right at their fingertips with unlimited browsing of the web and multiple functions in one small device. Since the beginning of the iPhone in 2007, we have seen 21 iPhones being released, the entrance of Android phones, an increasing rise in application development and monetization, wireless texting and more!
As you can see, the growth of smartphones over the years have improved and even now it still is changing and developing. The smartphones we have now in 2021 will be completely different from the ones that will release 10 years later.
What are the types of smartphones in Malaysia?
This question mainly refers to the type of system that runs on the phone and provides the applications and running software. Currently, there are two main types, iOS and Android.
iOS – This is the operating system exclusively for Apple devices only, whether they’re laptops, desktops or smartphones. This system includes features like FaceTime, a video-calling feature that is only usable between Apple devices. It also has Safari, a web browser for iOs and Siri, the virtual personal assistant for every Apple devices. Finally, there is Apple’s App Store where users can download free or paid apps for their usages.
The latest iOS is iOS 14 and it is updated now and then.
Android – This is the green robot that appears in most non-Apple smartphones. This system works alongside Google products such as Google Drive, Google search browser, email, etc. For Android smartphones, users can download their free and paid apps from Google Play Store. Some of the phones that use this system are Samsung, HTC, Sony and more.
The latest Android version is Android 11 and this is updated now and then.
Other than these two major types of smartphone system, there are other types such as Windows Phone, Amazon’s Fire phone and Huawei’s HarmonyOS phone. These are not as popularly known as iOS and Android but they are still widely used by some people.
Why do people need smartphones?
This question can be answered in multiple ways because it all depends on your need and usages. Here are some of the main reasons why people need their smartphones.
- To keep in touch – Usually, with mobile phones, you can use them to call and send text messages to communicate with people far away from you. With smartphones, you can video call, send voice messages, send pictures and videos, send animations and GIFs to anyone, regardless of where you are. All you need is to connect to the internet (either via data or wifi), then you’re good to go.
- For security purposes – When you need to call someone for emergencies or the authorities for safety, having a phone is essential. However, with a smartphone, you can improve your security by taking pictures and videos of the emergency or threat, immediately video calls someone, etc.
- For entertainment purposes – This is a common need for people nowadays to have a smartphone. You can’t bring a laptop everywhere, neither can you bring your TV too, so your best option is a smartphone. The possibilities are endless with it. You can watch a movie online, play normal games or online games, play music or listen to podcasts, scroll social media, post your content and more. This can keep not only a child but even an adult busy and happy.
- To remind you – Everyone is getting busier these days with multiple jobs and ventures. As life becomes more complicated, it is hard to keep track of what to do and when to do it. This is where smartphones come in with their calendar scheduling and reminders. You can easily input the time and dates for birthdays, assignment deadlines, meetings, presentations, etc. and it will remind you when it’s getting nearer. That way, you don’t have to carry a notebook or sticky pad everywhere you go.
- Others – There are other reasons as to why someone needs a smartphone. If you’re interested in photography or video editing, having a smartphone with a quality camera can help you take impromptu shots. If you interview people often, you can need a smartphone to record your conversation. If you’re a digital marketer, a smartphone is crucial for you to access social media.
What are the 11 best smartphones in Malaysia?
With these reasons on why people need smartphones, here are the top 11 best smartphone Malaysia that you can buy in the market.
Operating System: Apple iOS
Features
This iPhone is the latest release from Apple in 2020. It comes with a Super Retina XDR display screen of 6.7 inches. This allows users to experience an edge to edge vivid visuals. It is 5G enabled and uses the first 5-nanometre chip, A14 Bionic for faster and efficient performance. It is designed with three 12MP main cameras; Ultra Wide, Wide and Telephoto. The selfie camera is 12MP with an HDR feature.
It comes with a fast-charging built-in battery and can be charged using both wireless or cable. It comes in four exclusive colours of Graphite, Gold, Silver and Pacific Blue. Users can choose from 128GB, 256GB or 512GB of internal storage. Other features in this smartphone include Siri, compass, accelerometer, face ID and more.
Operating System: Android
Features
This smartphone is equipped with a large Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen of 6.9 inches for a bursting display of bright colours and visuals. It is also backed with Samsung’s 5G innovation for super-fast connection to the internet. With the S Pen and Samsung Notes, users can create documents on the phone and export them to Word or PowerPoint seamlessly. Furthermore, if you link your S20 to your Windows, you can easily network your apps from your PC.
This smartphone has three main cameras with different megapixels; 108MP, 12MP and 12MP. The single selfie camera is 10MP with an auto-HDR feature. It comes in three Mystic colours of Bronze, Black and White. Its internal memory options are 256GB and 512GB. Other features in it are Samsung Pay, Samsung Wireless DeX, fingerprint access and more.
Operating System: Android
Features
This is the world’s first foldable smartphone with a cutting-edge design, quality and performance. It comes with a foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X display screen of 7.6 inches. Even when it is folded, it showcases a large display of 6.2 inches. To enable the best folding experience with a smartphone, Samsung has designed the Hideaway Hinge for smooth folding.
It comes with three main cameras of 12MP and a selfie camera of 10MP, both with HDR feature. This smartphone comes in the colours of Mystic Bronze and Black and editions of Thom Browne and Aston Martin Racing. Users can also choose between 256GB or 512GB of internal memory. Other features include Samsung DeX, Samsung Pay, fingerprint, compass and more.
Operating System: Android
Features
This smartphone is the latest release from Google in 2020. It is equipped with an OLED display screen of 6 inches. It comes in two sleek colours of Sorta Sage and Just Black as well as an internal memory of 128GB. It also comes with a dual main camera of 12.2MP and 16MP with Pixel Shift and HDR. The selfie camera is 8MP with auto-HDR. Whether it’s day or night, the camera will be able to capture vivid images.
This smartphone is built with a metal body that is water-resistant. It also protects your data and device with the superhero-level security chip. Since it is a product of Google, the smartphone is set up with Google Assistant to help users with daily usage. Other features of it include wireless charging, compass, barometer, fingerprint and more.
Operating System: Android
Features
The ROG smartphone is well-known as one of the best gaming phones released just this year. It comes with an AMOLED display screen of 6.78 inches for the best visuals, especially when playing games. It is also equipped with the GameFX audio system that offers symmetrical dual speakers for the best sound effects and soundscapes. It is also designed with AirTrigger 5 that has different inputs for gaming control. This is the first-ever feature to be seen on a smartphone.
It has three main cameras with different megapixels; 64MP, 13MP and 5MP. The single selfie camera is 24MP with an HDR feature. It comes in two classic colours of Phantom Black and Storm White. As for the internal memory, users can choose between 128GB with 8GB RAM or 128GB with 12GB RAM. There is also an option for 256GB with 12GB RAM or 256GB with 16GB RAM. Other features include fingerprint, compass and more.
Operating System: Android
Features
This smartphone comes with a full-view display screen of 6.5 inches. This gives a burst of vivid colours and visuals for the users. It is 5G enabled for a faster connection for seamless performance. It is also dual-sim enabled with 5G plus 4G. It features a new Kirin 820 chipset to provide top-notch functioning of the smartphone.
This smartphone has four main cameras, each with its megapixels and HDR feature; 64MP, 8MP and two 2MP. The selfie camera is 16MP with HDR. It comes in four unique colours of Crush Green, Space Silver, Midnight Black and Purple. As for the internal memory, it is 128GB. Other features include fingerprint, accelerometer, and more.
Operating System: Android
Features
This 2020 released smartphone from Xiaomi is all about power and efficiency. It is equipped with a Xiaomi 2020 Flagship display screen of 6.67 inches. This will help in eye protection apart from vibrant visuals. It comes in two simplistic colours of Lunar Silver and Cosmic Black as well as an internal memory of 128GB with either 6GB RAM or 8GB RAM. It also has three main cameras of 64MP, 13MP and 5MP. The selfie camera is 20MP with HDR.
This smartphone is built-in with the latest 5G chip for improved performance. It can be used to create quality content, just like a movie with its high-resolution camera for images and videos. It is also invented with a Smart AdaptiveSync system where it automatically set the apps at the best battery usage for optimal experience and power-saving. Other features include a compass, fingerprint and more.
Operating System: Android
Features
It comes with a super AMOLED full display screen of 6.4 inches for that stunning visuals and experience. It is dual-SIM enabled with a coating of water repellent to protect the SIM cards. It is also equipped with dual stereo speakers of Dolby Atmos at high resolution. It is also installed with a gaming processor to allow a seamless gaming experience for the users.
This smartphone has four main cameras, each with its megapixels and HDR feature; 64MP, 8MP and two 2MP. The selfie camera is 32MP with HDR. It comes in two Mirror colours of Blue and Silver. As for the internal memory, there is an option between 128GB with 6GB RAM and 128GB with 8GB RAM. Other features of this smartphone include a gyro, accelerometer, fingerprint and more.
Operating System: Android
Features
This smartphone is equipped with an AMOLED screen of 6.44 inches for a stunning view of the display. It comes with dual-SIM enabled and a slot for external memory of micro SD card. It is designed with trendy and slim in mind. Its cover is built with smooth matte glass for comfortability when holding and to protect the phone from fingerprints. Whether you’re playing a game or shooting a video, its performance is always efficient and fast.
It has three main cameras with different megapixels; 64MP, 8MP and 2MP. The single selfie camera is 44MP with an HDR feature. It comes in three beautiful colours of Moonlight Sonata, Midnight Jazz and Sunset Melody. Its internal memory options are between 128GB or 256GB. Other features in it are a compass, fingerprint and more.
Operating System: Android
Features
This 2020 released smartphone from OPPO is all about innovation and experience. It comes with an OLED display screen of 6.4 inches. It comes in two vibrant colours of Space Black and Galactic Blue with an internal memory of 128GB. It has four main cameras of 48MP, 8MP and two 2MP. The selfie camera is 32MP with HDR.
This smartphone is designed with Smart AirControl where users can browse through the web, social media, answer calls without touching the screen. It also has Smart Spying Prevention. This automatically hides any pop-up messages when it detects that someone else is looking at your phone. It also has improved photo-taking features and quality video shooting features.
Operating System: Android
Features
This smartphone comes with a fluid AMOLED display screen of 6.55 inches. This provides not only bright colourful visuals but also a super smooth scrolling experience. It is 5G enabled for a faster connection for seamless performance. It is also designed with the best adjustment of brightness as to not hurt the users’ eyes. With the latest Warp Charge 65, this smartphone can undergo fast charging.
It has four main cameras, each with its megapixels; 48MP, 16MP, 5MP and 2MP. The selfie camera is 16MP with auto-HDR. It comes in two unique colours of Aquamarine Green and Lunar Silver. As for the internal memory, it is 256GB. Other features include an accelerometer, compass, fingerprint and more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I charge my smartphone the whole night?
Although it poses no harm but it is advisable not to.
When the smartphone’s battery is fully charged to 100%, it will automatically stop charging the phone. However, if the battery drops to 99%, it will start charging again. So, for the battery, it is not harmful but this may induce heat as the phone charges overnight. Avoid putting your phone under your pillow or on a stack of books and you should be good.
You can consider investing in a smart plug that can be scheduled to turn off once the smartphone is fully charged.
What should I do when I get a new smartphone?
Set up privacy, restore phone data, download apps and explore.
Unlike the old phones where you just put in the SIM card and turn it on, smartphones need a few steps to take. After turning on and following the instructions, set up your privacy settings first. Choose between PIN, face ID, pattern, etc. Then, restore your phone data like contacts, gallery, calendars, etc. Make sure you had done the backup on your old phone. After that, download the applications that you need and login into them. Finally, just explore your new smartphone freely and easily.
What happens if my storage is full?
There are two ways of storage getting full, online storage and device storage.
If it’s online storage like iCloud or Google Drive, then it’s easy. All you have to do is upgrade your capacity which is usually payable because the free capacity is limited. However, if it’s the device storage, then you have no choice but to delete some files or apps in it. If your smartphone has the option to insert an SD card, then you can have external storage up to the card’s capacity.
If you can afford it, buy a new smartphone with a large storage from our selection of the best smartphone Malaysia.
Should I get tempered glass for my smartphone?
Yes!
Protecting your smartphone is very important because it can be quite fragile with its sleek design and sensitive motherboard. Tempered glass avoids scratches and cracks on your screen if it falls (from a short height) or is kept in the pocket/bag. You should also consider getting a phone case to keep it safe and sturdy.
Buying Guide
Operating System
Always keep in mind what operating system are you going for and are comfortable with. If you’ve been using one type of OS all this while, then it is best to stick with that because you know how it works. However, there is no harm in wanting to try a new type. Do take note that if you change your operating system, there might be a possibility that you can’t back up your old phone and restore it to the new phone. For example, switching from Android to an Apple does not backup and restore your WhatsApp messages.
Storage
If you’re someone who likes saving things in your smartphone then it is best to get one with big storage like 256GB. You can also get a phone where you can insert an SD card for extra memory space. If you’re in designing and taking videos, then you would need more storage to store them for easy access. If you are comfortable in online storage, then no problem! You can easily get a phone with any memory storage because most of your items are stored online.
Price
There will be lots of new best smartphone Malaysia being released now and then but before you commit to buying one, always look at your budget first. If you can’t afford to buy one at full price, then you can either consider getting a cheaper one or go for a 2-year contract with your service provider. Don’t worry because there will always be smartphones in all the price range.
Conclusion
So, which one do you choose from our list of 11 best smartphone Malaysia? In a nutshell, smartphones are always needed by everyone, whether you’re a businessman, a student or a stay-at-home mother. With new release and updates every few months and years, the world of smartphones is evolving and there is always something new. Let’s wait and watch the upcoming generation of smartphones.