Before splurging on a pricey flagship smartphone from Apple or Samsung, consider your options. You can snag a robust smartphone with a stunning OLED screen, excellent cameras, and better processing power for less than half the cost. Plus, if you’re eyeing 5G capabilities, the mid-range market has plenty to offer. Here are the top 15 mid-range phones of 2024.
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1. Google Pixel 6A
Let’s talk about Google’s Pixel 6A, a standout mid-ranger that’s impressively compact at just 6.1 inches. Its petite size allows for easy one-handed use and slipping into your jeans without hassle.
Inside its compact plastic frame lies Google’s very first 10 search chipset, also found in the flagship Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro models. This chipset handles everyday tasks smoothly, though heavier gaming might cause some slowdown.
The OLED screen is stunning, although it lacks the speedy 90 Hertz refresh rate of its competitors. Like many phones in its price range, there’s no headphone jack, so Bluetooth is your go-to.
You get similar camera tech as the Pixel 5A, delivering fantastic photos day or night, thanks to the tensor chipset’s image processor and Google’s software magic and the battery life is reliable too.
Being a Google phone, you enjoy the pure Android experience with guaranteed updates for three years and security updates for five years. So, if you’re after a compact phone that ticks most boxes except for intense gaming, the Pixel 6a is a solid choice.
2. OnePlus Nord 2T
The OnePlus Nord 2T one of Pixel’s strongest competitors in this price range, especially for gamers. Powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 1300 chipset, it effortlessly handles any Android games including Genshian Impact, thanks to dedicated gaming tools.
Featuring a 6.43-inch AMOLED panel with a speedy 90 Hertz refresh rate, the Nord 2T’s OLED screen is perfect for Netflix binging or tech-savvy entertainment, with a decent stereo speaker setup, your viewing experience is enhanced.
The Nord 2T’s 4500 milliamp-hour battery ensures enough screen time for a long and intensive day, even for demanding users. Plus, its 80-watt fast charging support via cable is impressive at this price.
Oxygen OS remains highly customizable, with several years of software updates promised to keep your device fresh and secure. While its 50-megapixel primary camera sensor may not match the Pixel’s clarity, it still delivers sharp everyday snaps and home movies.
3. OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G
If the Nord 2T is a stretch for your budget, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G is still an excellent choice. It’s 100 quid cheaper but packs impressive specs. Made of plastic, it sports a vibrant lime paint job for added style. While it swaps the OLED screen for a basic LCD panel, visuals remain sharp with a boosted refresh rate of 120 Hertz.
This phone boasts a stereo speaker setup and a headphone jack. With a hefty 5000 milliamp-hour battery, it lasts all day unless you really push it to the limit. The 67-watt fast charging is impressive for quick refills. Gaming is smooth, even with demanding titles like PUBG, Call of Duty Mobile, and Genshin Impact at lower graphics settings. The Snapdragon 695 chipset handles everything else smoothly, and the 108-megapixel camera delivers impressive shots in various conditions.
4. Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
For a budget, Samsung’s Galaxy A54 is worth considering, especially since it’s a big improvement over last year’s A53. Its glass finish rivals the premium feel of the flagship Galaxy S23, with four color options to choose from. While it may not be “awesome” in every aspect, it’s undeniably sleek.
The IP67 dust and water resistance, a rarity in this price range, is a standout feature. Samsung fans will appreciate the feature-rich One UI5 experience, similar to their flagship models. Unlike Google’s Pixel phones, Samsung guarantees several years of Android OS and security updates for the Galaxy A54.
Display 6.4-inch 120Hz Super AMOLED screen delivers sharp full HD Plus images with vibrant colors, perfect for streaming services like Disney Plus and Netflix. It also supports microSD memory cards and NFC for contactless payments, though it lacks a headphone jack.
The 5000mAh battery ensures all-day usage, even with heavier gaming. Improved camera tech handles low light better, although the shutter speed can be sluggish. Overall, the Galaxy A54 offers a smoother experience than its predecessor, making it a solid choice for mid-range buyers.
5. Nothing Phone 1
One of the standout phones in this price range is the Nothing Phone 1, starting at $399 and boasting specs that rival the Google Pixel 6A. Despite its flashy lights, which might feel like a bit much at first, once you get past that, you’ll find a very capable mid-range device.
With several updates, most bugs and battery life issues have been addressed, now offering almost a full day of use on a single charge, along with rare wireless charging support.
The OLED screen is a joy, and the stereo speakers are decent. It handles gaming smoothly, including demanding titles like Genshin Impact. If you’re after an Android with an iPhone-like design, this comes pretty close with its chunky, flat-edged frame.
The camera setup is streamlined, skipping unnecessary features like macro mode, yet still captures good-looking photos and videos even in challenging conditions. Low-light performance falls slightly behind the Pixel 6, but overall, the Nothing phone is hard to fault, aside from missing features like a headphone jack and microSD card support.
6. Motorola Edge 30 Neo
Another option offering a stock Android experience is the Motorola Edge 13 Neo. It’s the most affordable of Motorola’s new Edge series, featuring special colors selected by their partner, Pantone.
On the display side, it boasts a stunning 120Hz Pure LED screen, though it offers slightly less performance than its siblings, powered by a Snapdragon 695 chipset. It still handles the latest games well, although you might need to dial down the graphics settings for memory-intensive titles like Genshin Impact.
With a 4000 milliamp-hour battery, it delivers decent battery life, aided by the energy-efficient platform. It supports 68-watt wired charging and full wireless charging.
However, its 64-megapixel primary camera sensor doesn’t quite match up to some rivals like the Pixel 6 Pro in terms of photography. If camera performance is crucial, you might prefer a Google phone. Additionally, Motorola’s track record with software updates isn’t as consistent as Google’s, so if timely updates are a priority, you might want to consider other options.
7. Nokia X30 5G
Another top choice for stock Android mid-range is the Nokia X35G, which also happens to be eco-friendly with its fully recycled aluminum chassis and mostly recycled plastic components. Powered by the Snapdragon 695 chipset, it delivers smooth performance. With a 6.43-inch OLED display and stereo speakers, it’s perfect for streaming Disney Plus or watching sports on YouTube.
Manufacturer HMD Global goes the extra mile by guaranteeing three OS updates beyond Android 12, ensuring you’re covered until Android 15. Plus, they offer a three-year warranty for added peace of mind.
The 50-megapixel camera with built-in optical image stabilization performs well, even in low light, though not quite at Pixel levels. The Nokia X30 is fully water-resistant, and while the 4200 milliamp-hour battery doesn’t support wireless charging, it easily lasts a full day of use unless you’re constantly gaming.
8. Poco F4 GT
For gaming enthusiasts seeking a reliable device, the Poco F4 GT is a top contender. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, it offers powerful performance, though it may run a bit hot, mitigated by Poco’s cooling technology.
The gaming experience is enhanced by convenient pop-up shoulder triggers, easing gameplay in complex titles. With a 4700 milliamp-hour battery, you can game for hours before needing to recharge, and its 120-watt charging support replenishes it quickly.
The 6.67-inch AMOLED display delivers vibrant visuals with Dolby Vision support, and compatible games benefit from a smooth 120-hertz refresh rate. Dolby Atmos enhances the audio experience with crisp sound from the quad speaker setup, perfect for both gaming and movie-watching.
However, some users may find the MIUI launcher, present on all Poco and Xiaomi smartphones, less appealing due to bloatware and shorter support compared to brands like Samsung or Pixel.
9. Poco F4
For top-notch performance, consider the Poco F4 4, a slight upgrade from the older F3 but still impressive. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 chipset, it handles games like Genshin Impact smoothly, with decent battery life and support for both 5G and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity.
The 6.67-inch OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and Full HD Plus resolution delivers vibrant colors and contrast, although images may lack crispness compared to some competitors. The primary 64-megapixel camera is decent but falls short of the Pixel 6 in challenging conditions. Unfortunately, there’s no headphone jack or memory card support, and overall, the F4 isn’t a significant upgrade from the previous F3 model.
10. Poco X5 Pro
And for under $400, you can also grab yourself the Poco X5 Pro, which packs similar specs to the F4, including a 6.67-inch 120Hz OLED screen and a 5000mAh battery. But while the camera’s megapixel count has been boosted to 108MP, its performance has been kicked down a bit to a Snapdragon 778G. That said, the X5 Pro can still handle games like Gentian Impact, Call of Duty, etc.
11. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus 5G
A reliable option is the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus 5G, despite its cumbersome name. Powered by the Dimensity 1080 chipset, it offers smooth performance, handling games like Genshin Impact effortlessly on regular settings. Battery life is decent, and with support for 100-120 watt fast charging, recharging is lightning-fast.
The large 6.7-inch Super AMOLED screen is impressive, with Dolby Vision support and a 120Hz refresh rate. It also features stereo speakers and a headphone jack, which are convenient additions. On the software side, it runs Xiaomi’s MIUI launcher, though updates can be slow.
One standout feature is the 200-megapixel main camera sensor, capable of capturing great evening shots with pixel binning technology. For more details, you can check out my full video review of the 12 Pro Plus and compare it with the 12 and 12 Pro to decide which model suits you best.
12. Xiaomi 12 Lite
Another option worth considering is the Xiaomi 12 Lite, a well-rounded smartphone in most aspects. Powered by Qualcomm’s older Snapdragon 778G chipset, it handles tasks and even gaming with ease.
Despite its smaller 4,300 milliamp-hour battery, it provides all-day usage without hassle and supports fast charging at 67 watts for quick refills. The 108-megapixel camera performs admirably in most conditions, although it struggles in low light. While it may not excel in any particular area, the Xiaomi 12 Lite remains a solid choice, especially if you find it at a discounted price.
13. Realme GT Master Edition
For my final recommendations, let’s talk about Realme. First up is the Realme GT Master Edition, priced just over $300, making it a great deal.
This sleek 6.4-inch phone offers many advantages, including a stunning Samsung Super AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate – perfect for streaming Netflix or playing games. Powered by the Snapdragon 778G chipset and equipped with dedicated cooling technology, it delivers smooth performance.
You also get full 5G support and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, ensuring seamless streaming and gaming experiences. While the 4300mAh battery isn’t the largest, it should easily last you a full day, and if you need a quick recharge, there’s 65W Super Dart Charge support. Realme’s 64MP rear camera and 32MP selfie shooter are also quite impressive at this price point.
14. Realme 9 Pro Plus
One of the latest to hit the global market is the realme 10 Pro Plus. While it’s not officially available in the UK yet, I’m hoping it will be soon.
The 6.7-inch phone is incredibly thin and light, with a display that covers almost the entire front. One minor issue I’ve noticed is some responsiveness problems near the edges of the screen, where my palm sometimes accidentally touches.
Other than that, using the realme 10 Pro Plus is mostly delightful. Its 120Hz OLED screen, coupled with powerful stereo speakers, delivers excellent visuals and audio for movies and games. Powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 1080 chipset, it handles demanding games smoothly, even on high graphic settings.
However, its camera doesn’t quite match up to the Pixel 6, especially with moving subjects. While it’s not a bad camera, it’s not the best in this lineup.
15. Realme GT Neo 3T
Lastly, I want to mention the Realme GT Neo 3T. It stands out with its bold Dash yellow design – it’s a love-it-or-hate-it kind of look. But regardless of your feelings about the design, you’re getting a stunning 120Hz AMOLED screen, great audio quality, a huge 5000mAh battery with 80W charging, and the same Snapdragon 870 performance as the Poco F4.
Overall, the Realme GT Neo 3T is a great option for anyone seeking a budget smartphone with strong features and a distinctive design.
Conclusion
In the mid-range smartphone market, there’s a variety of options to suit different needs and budgets. Whether you prioritize performance, camera quality, or battery life, there’s something on this list for you.
These phones offer many features found in high-end flagships but at more affordable prices. Hopefully, this list has given you some great choices to consider for your next smartphone.
If you need more information or have questions about any of these gadgets, feel free to leave a comment below.
