The end of 2025 marks a surprising shift in the smartphone market. Phones priced around $135 now offer features that were once exclusive to $270 devices. This change is driven by intense competition among brands aiming to provide the best specs at lower prices.
For budget-conscious buyers wanting maximum value, seven standout phones in the 2 million IDR range ($135) offer impressive features. These models outperform many 4 million IDR (~$270) smartphones from previous years.
1. Nubia Neo 3 GT
The Nubia Neo 3 GT targets hardcore gamers on a budget. It sports a cyber-gaming design and a vibrant 120 Hz AMOLED screen. Powered by the Unisoc T9100 chipset, it runs PUBG Mobile smoothly at extreme settings. The device includes physical shoulder triggers, a 6000 mAh battery, 80W fast charging, and a dedicated cooling system for long gaming sessions.
2. Tecno Camon 40
Great for photography enthusiasts, the Tecno Camon 40 boasts a 50 MP Sony sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS). Its AMOLED Full HD+ display runs at 120 Hz with high brightness. The Helio G100 Ultimate chipset handles light video editing and casual gaming, although it is limited to 4G connectivity and lacks a headphone jack.
3. Infinix Note 50s 5G Plus
This phone delivers balanced performance with no major weaknesses. The Dimensity 7300 Ultimate chipset supports moderate to heavy gaming efficiently. It has a curved 144 Hz AMOLED display with thin bezels and stereo JBL-tuned speakers. The 64 MP Sony IMX682 camera delivers solid daily photos but lacks an ultrawide lens.
4. iQOO Z9X
The iQOO Z9X offers stable performance with the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset. It scores over 550,000 on AnTuTu benchmarks, making it competitive in its class. Its 6000 mAh battery lasts through heavy daily use and supports expandable storage up to 1TB. However, it doesn’t offer bypass charging like some rivals.
5. Tecno Pova 7 5G
One of the most complete options, the Tecno Pova 7 comes with a Dimensity 7300 Ultimate chipset, UFS 2.2 storage, and a large 6000 mAh battery. It supports fast charging, bypass charging, and even wireless charging—rare features in this price category. While camera quality is average, it is sufficient for social media content.
6. Infinix Hot 60 Pro
This phone shines in display quality with a super-bright 1.5K AMOLED panel supporting 144 Hz refresh rates. Its peak brightness reaches 4,500 nits, ideal for outdoor use. Suitable for light gaming and multimedia, its chipset handles daily tasks well, though camera performance is modest.
7. Poco M7 Pro 5G
Featuring a subtle design, the Poco M7 Pro packs a Dimensity 7025 Ultra chipset that balances power with efficiency. The AMOLED 120 Hz screen delivers accurate colors, and up to 16 GB of RAM supports intense multitasking. Its Sony IMX882 camera with OIS takes sharp images, and 45W fast charging quickly replenishes its large battery.
These phones prove that the 2 million IDR ($135) segment in late 2025 has evolved beyond compromise. They offer flagship-level features, such as high-refresh AMOLED displays, robust gaming performance, camera stabilization, and advanced charging technologies. Buyers can now choose based on priority—whether gaming, photography, screen, or battery—without overspending.
This trend of rapid feature democratization signals a significant opportunity for consumers. The value proposition at this price point disrupts higher-tier models from previous years, raising expectations for affordable smartphones across the market spectrum.
