Best first smartphone for Malaysian teenagers

Smartphones are essential for education, communication, and entertainment today. For parents, buying a teenager’s first smartphone is a significant decision. You want to ensure the device is safe, affordable, and useful while providing your child the right amount of freedom. This article will help Malaysian parents choose the best first smartphone for their teens, focusing on features that are important for both teens and parents.

What should you look for in a first smartphone?

1. ‍Affordability: Avoid expensive, high-end models. Teens are still learning responsibility and might lose or damage the phone. So, a budget-friendly model with good features is ideal.‍
2. Durability:  Look for sturdy, water-resistant phones with strong screens. ‍
3. Security: Opt for phones with parental controls and security features like fingerprint or face recognition to keep your teen safe online.‍
4. Camera: As parents, you might not prioritise the camera, but teens often use it to capture moments with friends or for school projects. A decent camera is a good feature, even if it doesn’t need to be top-quality.‍
5. Storage capacity: Teens use apps, take photos, and download media, which fills up storage fast. Pick a phone with at least 64GB of storage.

Top smartphone options for Malaysian teenagers

Here are some of the best first smartphones available in Malaysia, balancing price, performance, and features:

1. HONOR 200 5G

The HONOR 200 5G is perfect for those seeking a fast, feature-packed phone, with a great camera, at an affordable price, ideal for teens who enjoy photography and social media. With the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset, it offers strong performance for apps, casual gaming, and multitasking.

Pros

• Triple camera setup - 50MP main camera, 50MP telephoto camera, and a 12MP ultrawide camera – offers great photo quality.
• 5G-ready - allowing for fast internet speeds.
• 512GB storage - ample space for apps, videos, and photos.
• DSlim and stylish design, perfect for teenagers.
• Affordable price point.

Cons

• 6.7-inch display might be too large for teens who prefer small phones.
• The Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset is good for everyday use but may have trouble with more intensive gaming apps.

2. Oppo Reno12 F 5G

The Oppo Reno12 F 5G has a sleek design and solid performance. It features a 50MP triple camera and a long battery life, great for teens who love photography and are always on the go.

Pros

• 50MP camera offers excellent photo capabilities.
• 5000mAh battery ensures long-lasting performance for your active teen’s busy day.
• 33W fast charging so no long waits for a full battery.
• Light and stylish, appealing to younger users.

Cons

• Lacks AMOLED display, which some teens mightprefer for better visuals

3. Samsung Galaxy A55

The Samsung Galaxy A55 is a well-rounded mid-range phone that offers great value. It has a high-quality camera system and a vibrant display, making it ideal for capturing photos and videos. With good battery life, it’s a reliable all-day device for teens.

Pros

• Super AMOLED display delivers high-quality visuals.‍
• 50MP camera ensures great photos in various lighting conditions.‍
• 5000mAh battery with 25W fast charging for long-lasting usage.‍
• Samsung’s One UI provides a user-friendly experience, with built-in features like parental controls.

Cons

• The base model with 6GB of RAM might be limiting for teens who multitask or use resource-heavy apps.

4. realme 12 5G

The realme 12 5G has a high-quality camera and a long-lasting battery, making it perfect for taking photos, staying connected on social media, and handling moderate gaming. The phone ensures a smooth and responsive user experience for teens.

Pros

• Affordable yet equipped with 5G connectivity.
• 108MP main camera for high-quality photos.‍
• 5000mAh battery ensures long-lasting use throughout the day.
• Good performance for general use and light gaming.

Cons

• LCD  display lacks the vibrancy of AMOLED.
• The design may feel a bit basic compared to higher-end phones.

5. Vivo Y100 5G

The Vivo Y100 5G offers a sleek design and solid performance, making it a great entry-level 5G phone for teenagers. It has a high-quality camera, perfect for social media snapshots, and a smooth, vibrant display. The phone is also equipped with quick charging to keep it ready to go.

Pros

• 50MP camera for clear, vibrant photos.‍
• 90Hz AMOLED display provides smooth visuals and vivid colours.‍
• 44W fast charging means quick power-ups, ideal for teens on the go.
• Sleek and lightweight design, ideal for younger users.

Cons

• The Dimensity 900 chipset may not handle heavy multitasking or gaming as efficiently as higher-end processors.
• No ultra-wide lens, which limits photography options for teens who want more versatility.

Get these phones from only RM1/month!‍

With CelcomDigi’s Easy360 plan, you can get these smartphones for your teens starting at just RM1 per month. The plan spreads the cost over 36 months with 0% interest and no upfront payment, making these phones highly affordable. Additionally, you may also add-on a Phone Care subscription, which covers accidental damage, ensuring peace of mind for parents.‍

Conclusion

Choosing the right first smartphone for your teenager doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By focusing on affordability, durability, and the right features, parents can find a device that suits both their child’s needs and their own concerns.

Paired with CelcomDigi’s affordable and flexible mobile plan package, designed specifically for students, the Pakej Rahmah Siswa, you can ensure yourteen stays connected, safe, and responsible without exceeding your budget.