Nothing Phone (2) – 256 GB + 12 GB Ram, Glyph Interface, OS 2.0, 50 MP Dual Camera,OIS, 6.7” LTPO OLED Display, 4700mAh Battery, Water Resistant IP54, LTE, GSM only, Android Phone, Dark Grey
The best mid-range phone in 2024 depends on what you prioritize in a smartphone. Here are some of the top contenders, each with its own strengths:
- Best overall: OnePlus Nord 2T 5G This phone offers a great balance of performance, camera quality, and battery life, all at a competitive price. It has a powerful processor, a smooth 120Hz display, and a versatile triple-camera system.
- Best camera: Google Pixel 7a The Pixel 7a is the clear winner in the camera department. It takes stunning photos and videos, even in low-light conditions. It also benefits from Google’s clean software and long-term software support.
- Most unique design: Nothing Phone (2) The Nothing Phone (2) stands out from the crowd with its transparent back and unique lighting system. It also has a capable camera system and a fast and smooth display.
- Best battery life: Honor Magic 5 Lite The Honor Magic 5 Lite will easily last you a full day on a single charge, thanks to its large battery and efficient processor. It also has a beautiful AMOLED display and a capable camera system.
- Best value: Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G The Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G offers fantastic value for money. It has a powerful processor, a long-lasting battery, and a sharp 120Hz display. The camera system is decent, but not the best.
- Best Samsung phone: Samsung Galaxy A54 5G The Galaxy A54 5G is a great option for Samsung fans looking for a mid-range phone. It has a gorgeous AMOLED display, a capable camera system, and Samsung’s One UI software.
The best mid-range phone for you depends on your individual needs and priorities. Consider what features are most important to you, such as camera quality, battery life, performance, or design, before making your decision. You can also check out reviews and comparisons online to get a better sense of which phone is right for you.
01. Best Overall: OnePlus Nord 2T 5G
4.5 out of 5 Star Rating
OnePlus Nord 2T 5G This phone offers a great balance of performance, camera quality, and battery life, all at a competitive price. It has a powerful processor, a smooth 120Hz display, and a versatile triple-camera system. The OnePlus Nord 2T 5G is a mid-range phone with some high-end features, like super fast charging and a decent camera. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons to help you decide if this phone is right for you:
The OnePlus Nord 2T 5G is a mid-range smartphone that was released in July 2023. It is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 1300 processor, and it has 8GB or 12GB of RAM. It comes with 128GB or 256GB of storage. The phone has a 6.43-inch AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. The rear camera system consists of a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide sensor, and a 2MP depth sensor. The front-facing camera is 16MP. The phone is powered by a 4,500mAh battery that supports 80W fast charging.
- Price: The OnePlus Nord 2T 5G starts at $348 for the 8GB/128GB model.
Here’s a summary of the specs:
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 1300 |
| RAM | 8GB or 12GB |
| Storage | 128GB or 256GB |
| Display | 6.43-inch AMOLED, 90Hz refresh rate |
| Rear Camera | 50MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 2MP depth |
| Front Camera | 16MP |
| Battery | 4,500mAh, 80W fast charging |
Pros
- Fast performance: The MediaTek Dimensity 1300 processor and 8GB of RAM provide smooth performance for everyday tasks and even some gaming.
- Fast charging: With 80W fast charging, you can get a full charge in under 30 minutes.
- Decent display: The 6.43-inch AMOLED display has a 90Hz refresh rate for a smooth viewing experience.
- Capable camera: The 50MP main sensor takes good photos in most lighting conditions.
- Latest software: Runs Android 12 with OxygenOS 12.1, with an upgrade path to Android 14.
Cons
- Limited network compatibility: This phone is GSM only, so it won’t work with CDMA carriers like Verizon or Sprint in the US.
- No expandable storage: There’s no microSD card slot, so you’re stuck with the 128GB of storage.
- No headphone jack: You’ll need to use wireless headphones or a USB-C adapter.
- Average battery life: The 4500mAh battery is decent, but not great. You might need to charge it more than once a day with heavy use.
Overall, the OnePlus Nord 2T 5G is a good option for users looking for a mid-range phone with fast performance, fast charging, and a decent camera. However, keep in mind the limitations in network compatibility, storage, and battery life before you buy.
Here are some additional things to consider:
- Price: The OnePlus Nord 2T 5G starts at around $360 USD.
- Alternatives: You might also consider the Google Pixel 6a or the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G, which offer similar features at a similar price point.
02. Best Runner Up: Google Pixel 7a
4.3 out of 5 Star Rating
The Google Pixel 7a: Unlocked Smartphone with Powerful Camera and Long Battery Life
Google Pixel 7a is the clear winner in the camera department. It takes stunning photos and videos, even in low-light conditions. It also benefits from Google’s clean software and long-term software support. The Pixel 7a is an unlocked Android phone that offers excellent value for the price. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:
- Processor: Google Tensor G2
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 128GB (not expandable)
- Camera: 64MP main camera + 13MP ultrawide camera
- Battery: 4385mAh with fast charging and wireless charging
- Software: Android 13
- Price: $280 USD
- The Google Pixel 7a is priced at around $280 USD. Prices will vary depending on retailer and location.
Stunning Display and Camera: Enjoy a vibrant 6.1-inch OLED display with 1080p resolution for crisp visuals. Capture stunning photos even in low light with the powerful 64MP rear camera.
Secure and Convenient. Unlock your phone quickly and easily with the built-in fingerprint sensor. Seamless Connectivity. Connect to other devices effortlessly with NFC, Wi-Fi, USB, and Bluetooth. Built to Withstand the Elements. The water-resistant design lets you use your phone without worry in rain or light spills.
All-Day Battery Life (and More). The 4385mAh battery delivers up to 24 hours of use on a single charge. Extend battery life for up to 72 hours with Extreme Battery Saver mode.
Double the Lines (Optional). Pixel 7a offers dual SIM card slots for using two different phone numbers (carrier dependent). The Pixel 7a is a powerful and versatile mid-range smartphone that excels in low-light photography, offers a long-lasting battery, and provides a secure and convenient user experience.
The Google Pixel 7a is a mid-range phone that offers many of the same features as Google’s flagship Pixel 7, but at a lower price point. Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the Pixel 7a:
Pros
- Great camera: The Pixel 7a has one of the best cameras on a mid-range phone, thanks to Google’s Tensor G2 chip and software processing. It takes great photos in all lighting conditions, and it also has some excellent camera features, such as Night Sight and Magic Eraser.
- Clean software: The Pixel 7a runs stock Android 13, which is free of bloatware and customization. You’ll also get timely updates directly from Google.
- Compact design: The Pixel 7a has a 6.1-inch display, which makes it one of the more compact phones on the market. It’s easy to hold and use in one hand.
- Decent battery life: The Pixel 7a has a 4410mAh battery, which is good for a mid-range phone. You should be able to get through a full day of use on a single charge.
Cons
- Slow charging: The Pixel 7a only supports 18W fast charging, which is slow compared to some other mid-range phones.
- Limited storage: The Pixel 7a only comes with 128GB of storage, and there’s no microSD card slot for expansion.
- Dim display: The Pixel 7a’s display can be a bit dim, especially outdoors.
- Bezels: The Pixel 7a has bezels around the display that look a bit chunky compared to some other phones on the market.
Overall, the Google Pixel 7a is a great option for those who are looking for a mid-range phone with a great camera, clean software, and a compact design. However, you’ll want to keep in mind the slow charging, limited storage, and dim display before you buy.
03. Best 2nd Runner Up: Nothing Phone (2)
4.3 out of 5 Star Rating
Nothing Phone (2): Eye-catching Design, Solid Performance
Most unique design: Nothing Phone (2) The Nothing Phone (2) stands out from the crowd with its transparent back and unique lighting system. It also has a capable camera system and a fast and smooth display.
The Nothing Phone (2) stands out from the crowd with its unique transparent back featuring the Glyph Interface lighting system. But is there more to this phone than just good looks? Let’s dive into the details of this 256GB + 12GB RAM variant.
The Nothing Phone (2) is a mid-range to high-end phone that was released globally in July 2023. It boasts a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, an LTPO OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, and a unique transparent back design with customizable LED lighting strips. The phone runs Nothing OS 2.0, a near-stock version of Android 13.
Here are the specs of the Nothing Phone (2):
- Display: 6.7-inch LTPO OLED, 1080 x 2412 pixels, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, Corning Gorilla Glass protection
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
- RAM: 8GB or 12GB
- Storage: 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB
- Rear Camera: Dual-camera system with a 50MP main sensor and a 50MP ultrawide sensor
- Front Camera: 32MP
- Battery: 4700mAh with support for 67W fast charging
The Nothing Phone (2) starts at ₹36,999 (around $450) for the 8GB RAM + 128GB storage variant in India. The 12GB RAM + 256GB storage variant costs ₹36,999 (around $450), and the top-of-the-line 12GB RAM + 512GB storage variant costs ₹38,999 (around $470). In the Philippines, the phone starts at PHP 38,999 (around $780) for the 12GB RAM + 256GB variant.
Highlights:
- Unique Design: The transparent back with Glyph Interface lights is a head-turner. It can also be functionally useful for notifications and charging animations.
- Powerful Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip provides excellent performance for everyday tasks and even gaming.
- Large and Smooth Display: The 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display offers a high refresh rate for a smooth and immersive viewing experience.
- Decent Cameras: The 50MP dual-camera system with OIS takes good photos, especially in well-lit conditions.
- Clean Software: Nothing OS 2.0 is a near-stock Android experience with minimal bloatware and some interesting customizations.
Potential drawbacks to consider:
- Not the Latest Chip: While powerful, the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 isn’t the absolute cutting edge.
- Average Cameras: While decent, the cameras may not compete with the best phone cameras on the market.
- Limited Water Resistance: The IP54 rating only protects against splashes, not submersion.
- Limited Network Connectivity: Only supports LTE and GSM networks, so no 5G.
Overall, the Nothing Phone (2) is a solid mid-range option with a unique design and good performance. If you prioritize aesthetics and a clean software experience, this phone could be a good choice. However, if you need the absolute top-of-the-line specs or the best cameras, you might want to consider other options.
04. Best Battery Life: Honor Magic 5 Lite
4.4 out of 5 Star Rating
Best battery life: Honor Magic 5 Lite The Honor Magic 5 Lite will easily last you a full day on a single charge, thanks to its large battery and efficient processor. It also has a beautiful AMOLED display and a capable camera system.
The Honor Magic5 Lite Dual-SIM 256GB ROM + 8GB RAM (Only GSM) is a mid-range smartphone that was released in February 2023. Here’s a summary of its pros and cons to help you decide if it’s the right phone for you:
The Honor Magic 5 Lite is a mid-range phone with a focus on battery life and camera performance. It has a large 6.67-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G processor, 6GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, and a triple-camera system on the back (64MP main + 5MP ultrawide + 2MP macro). The front-facing camera is 16MP.
The phone is powered by a 5100mAh battery that supports 40W fast charging. Prices typically range around $349 for the 6GB/128GB model.
Here’s a summary of the Honor Magic 5 Lite specs:
- Display: 6.67-inch OLED, FHD+ resolution, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G
- RAM: 6GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Rear Camera: Triple camera (64MP main + 5MP ultrawide + 2MP macro)
- Front Camera: 16MP
- Battery: 5100mAh with 40W fast charging
- OS: Android 12, Magic UI 6.1
Pros
- Large AMOLED display: The 6.67-inch AMOLED display is great for watching videos and gaming.
- Ample storage: With 256GB of storage, you won’t have to worry about running out of space for your photos, videos, and apps.
- 5G connectivity: The phone supports 5G networks, so you can experience super-fast download and upload speeds.
- Decent cameras: The rear camera system is good for taking everyday photos, while the front-facing camera is good for selfies.
Cons
- No expandable storage: The storage is not expandable via microSD card, so you’ll need to be careful about how much data you store on the phone.
- Limited camera features: The video recording is limited to 1080p at 30fps, and there are no advanced camera features like optical zoom or slow-motion recording.
- Average battery life: The 5100mAh battery is decent, but it’s not the best. Some users report that they need to charge the phone more than once a day.
- Price: The phone may be a bit pricier than some other mid-range smartphones with similar specs.
- Limited carrier compatibility: Since it’s GSM only, it might not be compatible with all carrier networks in your area. Be sure to check with your carrier before purchasing.
Overall, the Honor Magic5 Lite is a good mid-range smartphone with a large AMOLED display, ample storage, and 5G connectivity. However, it has some drawbacks, such as no expandable storage, limited camera features, and average battery life. If you’re looking for a phone with a great display, lots of storage, and fast speeds, the Honor Magic5 Lite is a good option to consider. However, if you’re looking for a phone with the best camera or the longest battery life, you may want to consider other options.
Here are some additional things to consider before you buy the Honor Magic5 Lite:
- Software: The phone runs on Android 12, but it’s unclear when it will receive the Android 13 update.
- Availability: The Honor Magic5 Lite is an international version and may not be available for purchase in all regions.
05. Best Value Pick: Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G
4.5 out of 5 Star Rating
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G The Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G offers fantastic value for money. It has a powerful processor, a long-lasting battery, and a sharp 120Hz display. The camera system is decent, but not the best. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G + 4G (256GB + 8GB) is a mid-range phone with some high-end features, like a large AMOLED display, a powerful processor, and a long-lasting battery.
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G is a mid-range smartphone that was released in late 2023. It has a large 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a MediaTek Dimensity 1080 processor, 6GB to 12GB of RAM, 128GB to 256GB of storage, and a triple-lens rear camera system with a 50MP main sensor. The phone also has a 5,000mAh battery with 67W fast charging support.
- Display: 6.67-inch AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 1080
- RAM: 6GB to 12GB
- Storage: 128GB to 256GB
- Rear Camera: 50MP main sensor, 8MP ultrawide sensor, 2MP macro sensor
- Front Camera: 16MP
- Battery: 5,000mAh, 67W fast charging
The price of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G varies depending on the region and storage configuration. The phone starts at $309.50 for the 8GB + 128GB variant and goes up to $309.50 for the 8GB + 256GB variant.
Pros
- Large and beautiful display: The 6.67-inch AMOLED display is great for watching videos, playing games, and browsing the web. It has a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and a peak brightness of 900 nits, making it easy to see even in bright sunlight.
- Powerful processor: The MediaTek Dimensity 1080 processor is capable of handling most everyday tasks without any issues, including gaming and multitasking.
- Long battery life: The 5000mAh battery should easily last you a full day on a single charge. It also supports 55W fast charging, so you can quickly top up the battery when you’re running low.
- Ample storage: With 256GB of storage, you won’t have to worry about running out of space for your photos, videos, and apps.
- Triple camera system: The 50MP main sensor takes good quality photos in most lighting conditions. The 8MP ultrawide sensor is useful for capturing wider shots, and the 2MP macro sensor is good for close-up shots.
Cons
- Limited carrier compatibility: The phone is only compatible with T-Mobile, Mint Mobile, and Metro by T-Mobile in the USA. If you’re on a different carrier, you’ll need to check if it will work on their network.
- No microSD card slot: There’s no way to expand the storage if you fill up the 256GB that comes with the phone.
- Software: The phone runs on MIUI 13, which is a custom version of Android 11. MIUI can be feature-rich, but it can also be buggy and cluttered.
Overall, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G + 4G (256GB + 8GB) is a good option for users looking for a mid-range phone with a large display, a powerful processor, and a long-lasting battery. However, keep in mind the limited carrier compatibility and lack of expandable storage before making your decision.
Price: $310.00 on Amazon
06. Best Recommended: Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
4.5 out of 5 Star Rating
Samsung Galaxy A54 5G The Galaxy A54 5G is a great option for Samsung fans looking for a mid-range phone. It has a gorgeous AMOLED display, a capable camera system, and Samsung’s One UI software. The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G is a mid-range phone that offers a good balance of features for the price. Here’s a quick rundown of its pros and cons: The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G is a mid-range smartphone with a premium feel. It has a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 50MP main camera, an Exynos 1380 chipset, and a 5,000mAh battery.
- Display: 6.4-inch Super AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- Camera: 50MP (wide) + 12MP (ultrawide) + 5MP (macro), 32MP front-facing camera
- Processor: Exynos 1380
- RAM: 6GB or 8GB
- Storage: 128GB or 256GB
- Battery: 5,000mAh, 25W fast charging
- Software: Android 13
The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G (around $450) for the 8GB/256GB model. Prices may vary depending on the region and retailer.
Pros:
- Great Display: A bright and vivid 6.4-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling.
- Decent Performance: Capable of handling most everyday tasks without issue, though not the strongest for heavy gaming.
- Fun Design: Available in various colors, including a eye-catching lime green, with a glossy finish and IP67 water resistance.
- Expandable Storage: Unlike some competitors, the A54 allows you to add extra storage with a microSD card.
- Long Software Support: Samsung promises four years of software updates and five years of security patches.
Cons:
- Camera Lags Behind: While not terrible, camera quality falls short of options like the Google Pixel 6a in low-light conditions.
- Software Bloatware: Samsung’s One UI comes with pre-installed apps you might not want.
- Lower Resolution: Compared to the previous model, the A54 has a slightly smaller screen with a Full HD+ resolution instead of Quad HD.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G is a solid mid-range option with a great display, expandable storage, and long software support. However, the camera isn’t the best, and the software can feel cluttered.
How to choose a Midrange Phones?
Choosing a mid-range phone is a great way to get a lot of smartphone for your money. Here’s what to consider:
1. Set a budget: Mid-range phones typically cost between $300 and $500, but prices can vary depending on features. Decide how much you’re comfortable spending upfront and stick to it.
2. Prioritize features:
- Camera: Do you take a lot of pictures? If so, camera quality is important. Look for megapixel count, aperture size, and features like night mode.
- Screen: How important is display quality? Consider factors like screen size, resolution (e.g., HD+, FHD+), and refresh rate (e.g., 60Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz) which affects smoothness.
- Performance: Do you game or use demanding apps? A faster processor and more RAM will provide a smoother experience.
- Battery life: How long do you typically need your phone to last on a charge? Look for phones with larger battery capacities and features like fast charging.
- Brand and design: Do you have a preferred brand or design aesthetic?
3. Consider an older flagship: Sometimes you can find great deals on flagship phones from a year or two ago that offer similar specs to current mid-range models.
4. Read reviews: Once you’ve narrowed down your options, read reviews from trusted sources to get expert opinions on camera performance, battery life, and overall user experience.
5. Check carrier deals: Cell phone carriers often offer discounts or bundles on specific phones. See if there are any deals that fit your needs and budget.
By following these tips, you should be able to choose a mid-range phone that meets your needs and gives you the best value for your money.
