Finding a cheap phone that still feels worth buying is no longer difficult in 2026. In the Rp1.5 million to Rp3.5 million range, buyers can already expect AMOLED displays, 8GB RAM, large batteries, and even 5G support.
That shift has made the entry-level and lower mid-range market far more competitive. According to www.suara.com, the most interesting models now cover different needs, from casual gaming to photography and long software support.
| Model | Price | Main Strength | Weakness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 15 5G | Rp3.299.000 | All-rounder, Snapdragon 6 Gen 3, AMOLED 120Hz, 108MP camera | Plain design |
| POCO M7 Pro 5G | Rp3.399.000 | Fast for casual gaming, AMOLED 120Hz | Mono speaker |
| Samsung Galaxy A17 5G | Rp2.299.000 – Rp2.699.000 | Up to 5 years of updates, IP54, AMOLED screen | Standard charging |
| Infinix Hot 50 | Rp1.925.000 | Strong value under Rp2 million, 5,000 mAh battery | Limited software updates |
| Tecno Spark 20 | Rp1.599.000 – Rp1.999.000 | Premium-like design, comfortable for daily use | Not fast enough for heavy gaming |
| Realme C85 | Rp2.399.000 – Rp2.899.000 | Fast charging, large RAM, long battery life | Average speaker |
| Vivo Y29 | Rp2.399.000 | Elegant design, strong selfie and portrait camera | Moderate gaming performance |
| OPPO A60 | Rp1.999.000 – Rp2.599.000 | Smooth ColorOS, solid build quality | Standard chipset |
| nubia V80 Max | Rp1.799.000 – Rp2.299.000 | Large RAM, wide display, NFC on some variants | Less familiar brand |
Samsung stands out for software support among the nine options. The Galaxy A17 5G is positioned for buyers who want a phone that can last longer, thanks to update support of up to 5 years, an AMOLED 6.7-inch display, a stable Exynos processor, and an IP54 rating.
That combination suits users who care about a clean Android experience and durability more than raw charging speed. The trade-off is clear, because the charging system is still standard rather than fast.
For performance, Redmi and POCO lead the pack. Redmi Note 15 5G uses Snapdragon 6 Gen 3, 8GB RAM, an AMOLED 6.77-inch 120Hz panel, a 108MP camera, a 5,520 mAh battery, and 45W charging.
POCO M7 Pro 5G takes a similar direction but pushes harder on casual gaming. Its Dimensity 7025 Ultra chipset, AMOLED 6.67-inch 120Hz display, and 5,110 mAh battery make it suitable for Mobile Legends or PUBG at medium-high settings.
In the sub-Rp2 million segment, value becomes the main attraction. Infinix Hot 50 stands out with a 120Hz display, a 5,000 mAh battery, and Helio G99 performance that still feels smooth for daily use and light gaming.
Tecno Spark 20 and nubia V80 Max also target buyers who want a capable phone without paying more than necessary. Tecno Spark 20 leans on a premium-like design, stable everyday performance, good selfie results, and battery endurance, while nubia V80 Max offers a wide screen, large RAM, and NFC on some variants.
Design and camera remain important for many buyers. Vivo Y29 focuses on an elegant look and a display described as AMOLED and bright, with selfie and portrait photography as its biggest selling point.
OPPO A60 follows a similar daily-driver approach with smooth ColorOS, solid build quality, battery life, and fast charging support. Realme C85 rounds out the list with fast charging, large RAM, smooth display behavior, and a battery that lasts, even if its speaker is only average.
The common thread across these models is that low-cost phones now cover very different priorities. Buyers can choose between gaming, long software support, camera quality, or simple everyday value without leaving the Rp1 million class behind.
