The best mid-range phones we’ve tested in 2024

There was a time when any smartphone short of a pricey top-tier flagship would serve up a disappointing experience. Bland designs, poor build quality, and a slow, stuttery experience are all featured frequently in affordable mobile bingo. But those days are over – here’s our guide to the best mid-range smartphones that all cost below $600/£600.

Today, you can buy cracking handsets that are nigh-on inseparable from smartphones that cost twice as much, covering almost all of your needs without bleeding your wallet dry. From premium builds to nippy performance, all-day battery life, and even decent cameras, there are plenty of handsets out there that more than nail the basics, while capable of serving you well for years to come.

What is the best affordable smartphone?

We think the Google Pixel 8a (buy now) is the best mid-range smartphone you can buy. It’s the latest phone in Google’s more affordable ‘a’ series. You’ll love its impeccable camera skills, punchy performance, minimalist Pixel design and pure Android experience.

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Other mid-range smartphone recommendations

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The best mid-range phone you can buy today:

1. Google Pixel 8a

Google Pixel 8a specs
Screen	6.1in, 2400×1080 OLED w/ 120Hz
CPU	Google Tensor G3 octa-core
Memory	8GB RAM
Cameras	64MP, f/1.9 main w/ OIS + 13MP,f/2.2 ultrawide rear 13MP, f/2.2 front
Storage	128/256GB
Operating system	Android 14
Battery	4,492 mAh w/ 18W wired, 7.5W wireless charging
Dimensions	152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9mm, 188 g

The Pixel 8a is part of Google’s affordable ‘A’ series, which promises a similar Pixel experience to its more expensive siblings for less money. We think this makes it a superb bang-for-buck option. And there’s lots to love here.

From its impeccable camera skills and punchy performance to a minimalist Pixel design and pure Android experience, this could be the ultimate choice for Google fans. Previous Pixel A phones had a few specs that lagged behind some of the competition, but the latest 8a has fixed that, making it unquestionably the best mid-range smartphone around.

Okay, the charging speeds remain slightly behind rivals, and not all AI features are available to buyers in the UK and Europe, but unless you’re willing to spend nearly double the money on a flagship with even more versatile cameras, the Pixel 8a is everything you’ll ever need.

• Read more: Google Pixel 8a review

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2. Apple iPhone SE (2022)

Apple iPhone SE (2022) specs
Screen	4.7in, 750 x 1334, Retina IPS LCD
CPU	Apple A15 Bionic
Memory	4GB RAM
Cameras	12 MP, f/1.8, PDAF, OIS (rear) 7 MP, f/2.2 (front)
Storage	64GB, 128GB, 256GB
Operating system	iOS 15
Battery	2018 mAh, 20W wired
Dimensions	138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm, 144 g

The new iPhone SE (aka the iPhone SE 3, released in 2022) is one of the best-value iPhones ever made. While it looks seriously old-fashioned by today’s standards thanks to its home button and thick bezels, it more than makes up for it on the inside — despite costing less than half the price of the iPhone 13, it’s still rocking the same incredibly powerful A15 Bionic processor.

If you prefer dinkier screens for easy one-handed use, then its 4.7in LCD display (sadly not OLED) will be an absolute joy to use, banishing over-stretched thumbs for good. If you don’t mind the fact that it’s only got a single camera, smaller battery, and no Face ID smarts, then this should definitely be a consideration for Apple fans on a budget. Is it the best affordable mobile on sale? No siree – but it is the best mid-range Apple one.

• Best iPhone: every Apple phone compared

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3. Nothing Phone 2

Nothing Phone 2 specs
Screen	6.7in, 2410×1080 OLED w/ 120Hz
CPU	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 octa-core
Memory	8/12GB RAM
Cameras	50MP, f/1.9 w/ PDAF, OIS + 50MP, f/2.2 ultrawide w/autofocus rear 32MP, f/2.5 front
Storage	128/256/512GB
Operating system	Android 13 w/ NothingOS 2.0 UI
Battery	4700mAh w/ wired, wireless charging
Dimensions	162x76x8.6mm, 201g

Don’t be fooled by the see-through shell: the Nothing Phone 2 is no gimmick. Sure, the transparent design and lighting strips do plenty to catch the eye, but there’s also one of the best mid-range smartphone models on sale lurking beneath the surface.

The 6.7in OLED display punches above its weight, while the construction materials give it the feel of a more premium device. The CPU is last year’s flagship, so plenty potent: running Nothing’s minimalist take on Android 13, it operates very smoothly in day-to-day use, with no noticeable slowdowns.

Battery life is much improved over Phone 1, and while the revised rear camera hardware can’t dislodge Google as the best snapper going under £600, it still shows meaningful gains over Nothing’s debut effort. If you’re keen on a genuinely refreshing take on the affordable smartphone formula, Phone 2 should sit near the top of your list.

• Read more: Nothing Phone 2 review

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4. Red Magic 8 Pro

Red Magic 8 Pro specs
Screen	6.8in, 2480×1116 AMOLED w/ 120Hz
CPU	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
Memory	12/16GB
Cameras	50MP, f/1.8 w/ OIS + 8MP, f/2.4 ultrawide + 2MP, f/2.4 macro rear 32MP front
Storage	256/512GB
Operating system	Android 13 w/ RedMagicOS
Battery	6000mAh w/ 65W wired charging
Dimensions	164x76x8.9mm, 228g

Searching for an excellent value gaming phone? Your answer is the RedMagic 8 Pro. For a reasonable mid-range sum, you’re getting Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 power and 256GB storage, along with a seriously geeky, fit-for-purpose UI that’s perfect for gamers and tinkerers alike.

We particularly loved its large, uninterrupted near-bezel-less display in our review, along with its transparent back that offers something different from the norm. And while its camera won’t deliver best-in-class performance, it’s hard to argue with its overall features at this price — making it a great choice for the overall best mid-range smartphone as well as the best mid-ranger gaming phone.

• Read more: Red Magic Pro 8 review

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5. Motorola Moto G82

Motorola Moto G82 specs
Screen	6.6in, 2400×1080 AMOLED w/ 120Hz refresh rate
CPU	Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 octa-core
Memory	6GB RAM
Cameras	50MP f/1.8 w/ PDAF, OIS + 8MP, f/2.2 ultrawide + 2MP, f/2.4 macro rear. 16MP, f/2.2 front
Storage	128GB on-board, microSD
Operating system	Android 12
Battery	5000mAh non-removable
Dimensions	161x75x8mm, 173g

Hitting the price-performance sweet spot, the Moto G82 is a welcome reminder that Motorola knows how to nail a keenly priced all-rounder. A surefire steal of a smartphone, it packs a superb OLED panel with high refresh rates, a giant 5000mAh battery and an optically stabilised 50MP main camera – all specs you’d expect to find in handsets costing a good chunk more.

It’s not the last word in performance for the money, and you can get more power for not much more cash. But Motorola’s marvellously minimalist take on Android runs bloat-free and briskly enough, while 30W charging means a full refuel in an hour. Provided you don’t need the option to record 4K video, you’re getting a lot of smartphone here for your readies.

• Read more: Motorola Moto G82 review

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6. OnePlus Nord 2T 5G

OnePlus Nord 2T 5G specs
Screen	6.43in 2400×1080 90Hz AMOLED
CPU	MediaTek Dimensity 1300
Memory	8/12GB
Cameras	128/256GB
Storage	Android 12 with OxygenOS 12
Operating system	50+8+2MP rear, 32MP front
Battery	4500mAh
Dimensions	159x73x8.2mm, 190g

The OnePlus Nord 2T 5G might have a horrifically convoluted name, but it more than makes up for it with a beautiful, premium design, bolstered by quality specs and performance in all the right places. Slathered front and back in gorilla glass, it’s available in grey or a head-turning Jade Fog finish, making it one of the best looking mid-range handsets money can buy.

Ready for super-fast 5G, it’s powered by MediaTek’s powerful Dimensity 1300 processor, which has made a name for itself as one of the best mid-range CPUs currently available. It’s got a triple-camera setup too, though its main snapper will be the one that gets the majority of the legwork done.

Throw in speedy Google, Samsung and Apple-trouncing 80W fast charging, a 90Hz AMOLED display, and a dual-SIM slot for extra flexibility, and you’ve got one of the top mid-range Android picks around.

• Read more: OnePlus Nord 2T review

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7. Poco X5 Pro

Poco X5 Pro specs
Screen	6.67in, 2400×1080 OLED w/ 120Hz
CPU	Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G octa-core
Memory	8/12GB RAM
Cameras	Camera 108MP, f/1.9 main w/ PDAF, 8MP, f/2.2 ultrawide, 2MP f/2.4 macro. 16MP, f/2.5 front
Storage	128/256GB
Operating system	Android 12 w/ MIUI 14
Battery	5000mAh w/ 67W wired charging
Dimensions	163mmx76x 7.9mm, 181g

A better budget gaming phone than its forebear, with a UI that runs delightfully smoothly – not always a given when talking this sort of cash. The Poco X5 Pro is also thinner and lighter than the phone that came before, and brings back great battery life (and fast charging).

Adding 4K video recording is welcome, but there haven’t been too many meaningful updates to the camera hardware, so this isn’t the phone for photographers with tight purse strings.

The screen doesn’t get quite as bright as the X4 Pro, and the weird-feeling plastic back won’t be to all tastes. But ultimately it doesn’t make you feel like you’re compromising in too many areas, so find one at the right price and it’s still a good buy.

• Read more: Poco 5 Pro review

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8. Realme 9 Pro+

Realme 9 Pro+ specs
Screen	6.43-inch 90Hz OLED
CPU	MediaTek Dimensity 920 5G
Memory	8GB
Cameras	50MP primary (f/1.8), 8MP ultra-wide (f/2.2), 2MP Macro (f/2.4) rear, 16MP (f/2.4) front
Storage	256GB
Operating system	Android 12
Battery	4500mAh, 60W Super DART fast charging
Dimensions	160.2 x 73.3 x 8 mm, 182 g

The Realme 9 Pro+ might just be the best overall choice for most people searching for the best mid-range smartphone (unless, of course, you’re after an iPhone).

Its primary selling points are a 90Hz OLED display, and a best-in-class main camera that genuinely goes toe to toe with premium flagships come day or night. It can even shoot HEIF 10-bit photos like the iPhone 13 Pro, for smoother gradients and colours for enthusiasts to work their editing magic. Its digital zoom isn’t too shabby either, and the same goes for its 8MP ultra-wide snapper.

As usual, the third macro camera isn’t really worth using more than a few times for experimentation, but given the imaging quality elsewhere, that’s fine by us. Powerful enough for smooth gaming with 60W charging thrown in for good measure, this is one of the best mid-range handsets currently available, at a borderline budget price tag.

• Read more: Realme 9 Pro+ review

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9. Honor Magic 5 Lite

Honor Magic 5 Lite specs
Screen	6.67in, 2400×1080 OLED w/ 120Hz
CPU	Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 octa-core
Memory	6GB RAM
Cameras	64MP w/ PDAF + 5MP ultrawide + 2MP macro rear 16MP front
Storage	128GB
Operating system	Android 12 w/ MagicUI 6.1
Battery	5100mAh w/ 40W wired charging
Dimensions	162x74x7.9mm, 175g

One of those phones for people who spend more time in Google Chrome than Call of Duty, the Honor Magic 5 Lite is a great-looking handset that sticks with a modestly mid-range CPU in order to go big in other areas, like its screen. A 6.67in AMOLED is a treat for the eyes, especially at 120Hz, and the 5100mAh battery is capable of excellent longevity away from the mains.

While its secondary snappers don’t add a whole lot of value, the main sensor does a decent job of justifying the price. The super slim dimensions, glass rear and choice of head-turning colours are what give the Magic 5 Lite its strongest appeal, so if you like your tech to make a design statement, it’s a great choice.

• Read more: Honor Magic 5 Lite review

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How to choose the best mid-range smartphone for you

Choosing the best mid-range smartphone is a lot like choosing the best smartphone, but if you’re reading this then you’ve already defined a budget of between $450/£450 and $650/£650. If that’s still too much money, then you should check out Stuff’s guide to the best cheap smartphones.

These affordable mobiles tend to offer a good balance between features and affordability. You may miss out on some headline features, such as a super-zoom camera or massive OLED display, but if you want a phone that’s brilliant at the basics without anything flashy, then these are perfect for you.

As we mentioned in the introduction as well, performance shouldn’t be an issue, with mid-range processors from reputable brands like Qualcomm Snapdragon and MediaTek performing much better than they used to.

In terms of display, you should be looking for smartphones with at least Full HD (1080p) resolution and an IPS or AMOLED panel for vibrant colours and good viewing angles.

Despite being mid-range, you can expect a decent camera with multiple lenses and sensors (although, it may not be market-leading). You can look for features like optical image stabilization (OIS) or night mode.

If you’re looking for more specific buying recommendations, then you can check out Stuff’s guides to the best smartphone for gaming, the best smartphones for photography, and the best Android phones.

Which brand is best for a mid-range phone?

When it comes to the best mid-range smartphones, several brands stand out for their blend of performance, features, and value.

Our current top contender is Google, with its excellent ‘A’ series. We rate it highly for its camera capabilities, which leverage Google’s exceptional image processing algorithms, providing high-quality photos comparable to more expensive models. The current Pixel 8a also benefits from Google’s AI-powered editing tools and a robust software experience with guaranteed updates, making it a great choice for those who value photography and a seamless user experience​.

Another strong option in the mid-range category is the OnePlus Nord series. OnePlus consistently delivers smartphones that offer a premium feel at a more affordable price. The latest models in the Nord lineup feature solid build quality, impressive displays with high refresh rates, and reliable performance thanks to capable processors.

Lastly, Nothing is worth considering for its unique design and feature set. With its distinctive transparent back and glyph interface, they stand out aesthetically. It also offers decent performance.

What is the difference between a mid-range and a flagship phone?

Aside from price, the main difference between mid-range and flagship phones lies in their specifications, features, and overall performance.

Flagship phones typically boast the latest and most powerful processors, highest resolution displays, superior camera systems, and premium materials such as glass and metal.

They also often include advanced features like wireless charging, water resistance, and the latest software updates.

In contrast, mid-range phones offer a balance of good performance and cost-effectiveness, often featuring slightly older processors, lower resolution displays, and fewer premium features, but still more than good enough for everyday tasks.

Are refurbished phones as good as new ones?

Refurbished phones can be as good as new ones if they are purchased from a reputable source, such as Back Market. These reputable sites thoroughly test and certify them, so you know you’re not buying a dud.

These devices are often restored to full functionality, with any defective parts replaced and software updated, ensuring they perform similarly to new phones.

Additionally, refurbished phones typically come with a warranty, providing buyers with peace of mind. However, the condition of refurbished phones can vary, so it’s important to check the grade and buy from trusted sellers to ensure quality and reliability​.