Smartphones have become an indispensable tool of the 21st century, giving us quick access to friends and family, the Internet, and a plethora of helpful applications. Ever wonder which are the best? Using a variety of reputable websites for smartphone reviews, combined with our insights on availability, and pricing in Malaysia, here is a list of the 6 best smartphones in Malaysia you can buy with a contract plan.
Without further ado, and listed in no particular order, here are the best smartphones you can purchase in Malaysia.
SEE ALSO: Top Smartphones in Malaysia You Can Buy Without Contracts
1. Samsung Galaxy Note 3
For those who like it big
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is an incredibly popular smartphone that runs Google’s Android operating system. (It also qualifies as a phablet – a smartphone with a screen that typically measures between 5 and 7 inches). It has an awesome battery life, which according to Laptop Magazine will last you over 11 hours. The 5.7-inch, full-HD resolution screen is absolutely beautiful too. The downside of such a large screen is that the phone can be difficult to operate with one hand and be too bulky for your pocket.
Prices in Malaysia for Samsung Galaxy Note 3:
Maxis: Starting from RM 1,999 = RM 1,199 (device) + RM 800 (advance payment*) with a postpaid contract. Learn more here.
Celcom: Starting from RM 2,238 = RM 1,538 (device) + RM 700 (advance payment*) with a postpaid contract. Learn more here.
DiGi: Starting from RM 2,067 = RM 1,769 (device) + RM 298 (advance payment*) with a postpaid contract. Learn more here.
U Mobile: Starting from: RM 1,911 = RM 999 (device) + RM 912 (advance payment*) with a postpaid contract. Learn more here.
RRP (Recommended Retail Price) for 32GB LTE: RM 2,399 (Buy on Lazada.com.my for RM 2,069).
2. Apple iPhone 5s
For the fans
Apple turned the smartphone industry upside down with the release of the original iPhone. Several iterations later, the iPhone 5s is one of the most popular smartphones in the world. This phone sports a high quality camera, an incredibly fast processor, a slim aluminium design, and a smaller screen size (4 inches across) than many of the top Android phones. Its size emphasizes on one-handed functionality, and of course it fits comfortably in your pocket. Additionally, the iOS operating system remains one of the most intuitive mobile platforms in the world. One key downside with the iPhone 5s is the reported battery life for daily use, which clocks in at only about 5+ hours worth on a single charge.
Prices in Malaysia for iPhone 5s
Maxis: Starting from RM 2,349 = RM 2,249 (device) + RM 100 (advance payment*) with a postpaid contract. Learn more here.
Celcom: Starting from RM 2,188 = RM 1,738 (device) + RM 450 (advance payment*) with a postpaid contract. Learn more here.
DiGi: Starting from RM 2,165 = RM 1,493 (device) + RM672 (advance payment*) with a postpaid contract. Learn more here.
RRP (Recommended Retail Price) for 16GB: RM 2,399 (Buy on Lazada.com.my for RM2,370)
3. Samsung Galaxy S4
For the gadgeter
Samsung’s Galaxy S4 is the Korean company’s flagship phonem and it’s a clear response to the iPhone. This Samsung smartphone has been extremely successful in its own right, and some of its key features include an excellent 13-megapixel camera, a software that places an emphasis on hand gestures, a vivid 5″ HD screen, and a plastic polycarbonate shell design. Note that the S4 comes in both 3G and LTE versions. While it is currently Samsung’s latest iteration available for sale, the Galaxy S5 was just announced and will likely arrive in Malaysia in April 2014 .
Prices in Malaysia for Samsung Galaxy S4
DiGi: Starts from: RM1,737 = RM 1,439 (device) + RM 298 (advance payment*) for the 3G model. Learn more here.
U Mobile: Starts from: RM1,397 = RM 1,049 (device) + RM348 (advance payment*) for the 3G model. Learn more here.
RRP (Recommended Retail Price) for 16GB 3G: RM 2,199 (Buy on Lazada.com.my for RM1,668)
RRP (Recommended Retail Price) for 32GB 4G LTE: RM 2,499 (Buy on Lazada.com.my for RM1,756)
SEE ALSO: 4G LTE in Malaysia: The Fast Wireless Broadband Connection
4. HTC ONE
For the audiophile
The HTC One is another go-to choice for those sitting in the Android camp. Housed in a sleek aluminum unibody with a 4.7-inch display, it offers a premium feel that resembles that of the iPhone 5S. With a decent camera, intriguing user interface, and a fast processor, it is arguably one of the top Android phones out there.
Prices in Malaysia for HTC One
Maxis: Starting from: RM 1,599 = RM 799 (device) + RM 800 (advance payment*) with the cheapest postpaid plan. Learn more here.
Celcom: Starting from: RM 2,128 = RM 1,428 (device) + RM 700 (advance payment*) with the cheapest postpaid plan. Learn more here.
DiGi: Starting from: RM 1,787 = RM 1,489 (device) + RM 298 (advance payment*) with a postpaid contract. Learn more here.
U Mobile: Starting from: RM 2,068 = RM1,828 (device) + RM 240 (advance payment*) with the cheapest postpaid plan. Learn more here.
RRP (Recommended Retail Price) for HTC One: RM 2,299 (Buy on Lazada.com.my for RM1,659)
5. Sony Xperia Z1
For the rugged
With a high-end camera, waterproof chassis, powerful engine under the hood, and a full HD 5-inch screen, Sony aims to give the rest of the pack a run for their money with the Z1. While it runs Google’s Android OS, Sony provides its own spin on the user interface by making things pervasively Sony-like, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It provides a nice, smooth experience and sits on par with Samsung’s and HTC’s high-end user interfaces. Additionally, its 20-megapixel camera resolution seems like gold on paper, and it does take amazingly detailed pictures. It wouldn’t replace a compact camera, but it certainly comes close.
Prices in Malaysia for Sony Xperia Z1
Maxis: Starting from: RM 1749 = RM 1,499 (device) + RM 250/800 (12/24 month contract for advance payment*) with the cheapest postpaid plan. Learn more here.
Celcom: Starting from: RM 2,238 = RM 1,538 (device) + RM 700 (advance payment*) with the cheapest postpaid plan. Learn more here.
DiGi: Starting from RM 2,147 = RM 1,199 (device) + RM 948 (advance payment*) with a postpaid contract. Learn more here.
U Mobile: Starting from RM 2,120 = RM 1,828 (device)+ RM 240 (advance payment*) with the cheapest postpaid plan. Learn more here.
RRP (Recommended Retail Price) for Xperia Z1: RM 2,399 (Buy on Lazada.com.my for RM2,159)
6. Nokia Lumia 1020
For the photographer
One main feature draws a certain group of people to the Lumia 1020: its 41-megapixel camera. It was designed to be a cross between a smartphone and a reliable compact camera, and somewhat surprisingly, it actually pulls it off quite well. It doesn’t feel like you’re carrying a bulky camera, it comes equipped with a bevy of camera apps for more creative control, and it features a decent processor and screen. In essence, it is a very capable Windows smart-camera-phone.
Prices in Malaysia for Nokia Lumia 1020
Celcom: Starting from: RM 2,338 = RM 1,638 (device)+ RM 700 (advance payment*) with the cheapest postpaid plan. Learn more here.
DiGi: Starting from RM 1,908 = RM 1,199 (device) + RM 948 (advance payment*) with a postpaid contract. Learn more here.
RRP (Recommended Retail Price) for Lumia 1020: RM 2,499 (Buy on Lazada.com.my for RM1,908).
The smartphone market has exploded in recent years, and there are many quality phones to choose from to suit your tastes. Whether you want the iPhone’s insanely intuitively platform, the Samsung’s gadget packed features, Nokia’s incredibly detailed camera, or Sony’s waterproof chassis, you’ll find something in each to carry you through the day. Which smartphone do you prefer? Post a thought in the comments below.
*”Advance Payment” typically means that new users have to pay a fee upfront, which will then be rebated through your monthly bill. Different mobile providers have different rebate policies, so be sure to check carefully.
MORE SMARTPHONE STORIES:
- 6 Cheap Smartphones in Malaysia
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- Top Smartphones in Malaysia You Can Buy Without Contracts
- Best iPhone 5s Plans and Prices in Malaysia
- Smartphone Plans in Malaysia: Who Offers the Best Perks?
- How to Choose the Best Smartphone in Malaysia
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Honor has come up with another Smartphone with amazing specifications – Honor 6 & it is officially available in Malaysia now.
You can Pre Book Here: http://goo.gl/86RUCF
I pre booked my Honor 6 successfully
Full list of new smartphones in malaysia 2014 http://www.unitedmy.com/2014/07/list-of-new-smartphones-in-malaysia-2014.html