These Are Our 5 Best Budget 5G Phones in Malaysia (2026)

With a wide variety of smartphones available in the market and the rise in popularity of 5G technology, picking the right one that suits your needs and lifestyle can be a bit challenging. But the biggest challenge of all may be choosing the best budget smartphone that meets all your needs without breaking your bank.

If you are not looking to splurge but still want the best features on your smartphone, don’t worry, this guide will help you discover some of the best budget mobile phone options available. If you're an Android lover, you're in luck! Here is a list of some of the best budget 5G Android phones now available at Maxis in 2026.

1. Samsung Galaxy A26 5G

The Samsung Galaxy A26 5G stands out as an excellent budget phone, delivering flagship-quality features without a premium price tag. With its stunning 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display featuring a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, this budget phone offers an immersive viewing experience that rivals more expensive models.

Powered by the capable Exynos 1380 processor, the Galaxy A26 5G handles multitasking with ease and provides smooth performance for both daily tasks and gaming. The device boasts a versatile triple-camera setup, with a 50MP main camera featuring OIS (Optical Image Stabilisation), perfect for capturing sharp, stable photos even in challenging conditions. The 13MP front camera ensures your selfies always look their best.

One of the standout features is the long-lasting 5,000mAh battery that keeps you connected throughout the day, with support for 25W fast charging to quickly power up when needed. Running on Android 15 with One UI 7, the Galaxy A26 5G also comes with Samsung's commitment to up to 6 major Android upgrades, ensuring your device stays relevant for years to come.

2. Realme 14x 5G

For those seeking a durable, feature-packed best budget smartphone, the Realme 14x 5G is an outstanding choice that won't disappoint. This rugged device comes with Military-Grade Shock Resistance (MIL-STD-810H certification), making it perfect for users who need a phone that can withstand drops and daily wear and tear.

Equipped with the efficient MediaTek Dimensity 6300 5G chipset and up to 18GB of dynamic RAM (8GB physical + 10GB extended), the realme 14x 5G delivers smooth performance for gaming, multitasking and everyday use. The 6.67-inch Eye Comfort Display with 120Hz refresh rate provides fluid scrolling and an enjoyable viewing experience, while reaching up to 625 nits of peak brightness for excellent outdoor visibility.

The device features a capable 50MP AI camera that captures stunning photos in various lighting conditions, complemented by an 8MP front camera for quality selfies and video calls. With a substantial 5,000 mAh battery, you can enjoy all-day use without worrying about running out of power. Running on Android 15 with realme UI 6.0, this budget phone offers modern software features alongside impressive hardware durability.

3. HONOR 400 Smart 5G

The HONOR 400 Smart 5G truly lives up to its name with intelligent features and exceptional battery life, making it one of the best budget mobile phones available today. This device is built for users who demand endurance, featuring a massive 6,500mAh dual-cell battery that easily lasts multiple days on a single charge. When you do need to power up, the 35W HONOR SuperCharge technology gets you back to full battery quickly.

What sets this Malaysia budget phone apart is the innovative Instant AI Button, which provides quick access to AI-powered features like Circle to Search and smart app launches with just a press. The phone features a large 6.77-inch TFT LCD with a 120Hz refresh rate, perfect for streaming videos and gaming. Despite its massive battery, the device maintains a comfortable design at just 8.2mm in thickness.

The HONOR 400 Smart 5G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 chipset, offering reliable 5G connectivity and smooth performance for everyday tasks. The camera system includes a 50MP main sensor that captures detailed photos, while the device comes with 8GB RAM and a generous 256GB of storage. With its 5-star SGS Premium Drop Resistance rating and IP65 water resistance, this best budget smartphone is built to last.

4. OPPO A5 5G

The OPPO A5 5G is a remarkable budget phone that doesn't compromise on essential features. This device stands out with its enormous 6,000mAh battery, providing exceptional battery life that keeps you powered through the longest days. The phone sports a bright 6.67-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering smooth visuals for gaming, video streaming and everyday browsing.

Built to withstand the rigours of daily life, the OPPO A5 5G features MIL-STD-810H-grade durability, ensuring it can withstand accidental drops and tough conditions. The device is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 5G chipset, offering efficient 5G connectivity and reliable performance for multitasking and entertainment.

Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the 50MP ultra-clear main camera that works in tandem with a 2MP depth sensor to create stunning, studio-style portraits with beautiful bokeh effects. The camera system intelligently detects depth and separates subjects from backgrounds, producing professional-looking photos with ease. With 8GB RAM and 256GB of storage, this budget phone in Malaysia provides ample space for all your apps, photos and media.

5. Xiaomi Redmi 15C 5G

Rounding out our list of the best budget smartphones is the Xiaomi Redmi 15C 5G, a device that offers impressive value with its well-rounded feature set. This phone comes equipped with a substantial 6,000mAh battery that keeps you connected throughout your busy day, ensuring you're never caught without power at crucial moments.

The Redmi 15C 5G features a large 6.9-inch display, making it perfect for watching videos, browsing social media and mobile gaming. Under the hood, the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset with its efficient 6nm process delivers smooth multitasking and excellent energy efficiency, handling everything from casual gaming to productivity apps with ease.

The photography capabilities are powered by a 50MP AI dual camera system that captures sharp, true-to-life photos in various lighting conditions, from bright sunlight to dimly lit environments. The AI-enhanced camera intelligently optimises settings to ensure your photos always look their best. The device also includes an 8MP front camera for quality selfies and video calls. With up to 16GB of dynamic RAM (8GB physical + 8GB extended) and ample storage, this budget phone provides a premium experience at an accessible price point.

Discover the Best Budget 5G Phones in Malaysia With Maxis in 2026

There are many excellent budget-friendly smartphones on the market today that offer impressive features and specifications at an affordable price. From the durable Realme 14x 5G to the long-lasting HONOR 400 Smart 5G, there is a range of best budget smartphones to choose from that cater to different needs and preferences.

When selecting your ideal budget phone in Malaysia, consider the features that matter most to you, such as camera quality, battery life, display technology and processor performance. Each of the devices we've featured offers exceptional value in the best budget mobile phone category, with Maxis making these premium 5G smartphones accessible through flexible postpaid plans starting from RM0 upfront.

Whether you prioritise photography capabilities, marathon battery life, military-grade durability, or smooth high-refresh-rate displays, these best budget 5G phones deliver flagship-level features without the premium price tag. If you're still unsure which budget phone to choose, you may want to check out our product recommender to find the ideal device that fits your requirements perfectly.

Visit your nearest Maxis store or explore our online store today to discover amazing deals on these best budget smartphones and start enjoying blazing-fast 5G connectivity in 2026!