After deciding between Android and iOS, the subsequent large choice you must make is how a lot you are prepared to spend on a brand new cellphone. For some folks, solely the very best phones will do, they usually’re prepared to pay for it. On the different finish of the dimensions, the best price range phones ship a stable core expertise at a fraction of the associated fee.
However what about if you’re someplace in between? You continue to need a few of these premium options, however your price range can’t fairly stretch to flagship costs.
That’s the place a mid-range cellphone is available in. To be eligible right here, a cellphone should price between £300/$300 and £700/$700 when purchased outright at launch. That’s a reasonably extensive worth vary, with dozens of doable gadgets, however solely the very best have made it into the highest 10 under.
The solely mid-range iPhone that Apple sells is the iPhone 16e, but it surely wasn’t ok to be included right here. It means the listing under is completely Android phones, although there’s nonetheless loads of alternative. Under, you’ll discover gadgets from OnePlus, Google, Samsung, Xiaomi, Nothing, Motorola and Poco.
Different honourable mentions go to the Nubia Flip 5G, the one mid-range folding cellphone, and the Fairphone 6, which has spectacular sustainability and repairability credentials.
All 10 phones under can be found within the UK, however not all of them are offered within the US – we’ll point out the place that’s the case. And on the backside of the web page, you’ll discover detailed shopping for recommendation for mid-range phones.
Best mid-range cellphone 2025
1. Google Pixel 9a – Best total
Execs
- Engaging show
- Sturdy predominant and selfie cameras
- Glorious software program
- Seven years of updates
Cons
- No telephoto digital camera
- Sluggish charging
- Polarising design
Best Costs Today:
The Pixel 9a is way from being an ideal cellphone, however it is extremely simple to advocate. If you need a no-frills mid-range cellphone expertise that can serve you effectively for a few years, that is it.
That’s to not say it doesn’t have any standout options, although. The 6.3-inch P-OLED show is superb, particularly with that silky-smooth 120Hz refresh. Opting for a similar Tensor G4 chipset because the flagship Pixel 9 phones means efficiency is superb too.
And within the 48Mp predominant lens, you’ve bought an outstanding digital camera for point-and-shoot pictures. The 13Mp selfie sensor is spectacular too, whereas the 13Mp ultrawide can maintain its personal. It’s only a disgrace there’s no telephoto lens for correct zoom pictures.
However the Pixel 9a is arguably much more spectacular on the software program facet. Slick Android 15 software program is backed by a class-leading seven years of updates and helpful AI options, even when you don’t get the total set right here. Pixel phones are additionally first in line to get Android 16 and future main variations after they arrive.
Whereas battery life is first rate, gradual 23W wired charging might be the largest disappointment, whereas the nondescript design gained’t be for everybody. But when you simply need a stable mid-range cellphone that handles nearly all the basics effectively, the Pixel 9a is the handset for you.
Learn our full
Google Pixel 9a overview
2. Nothing Cellphone (3a) – Best worth
Execs
- Extremely fashionable design
- Inexpensive worth level
- Slick and speedy software program
- Nice battery life
Cons
- Ultrawide digital camera isn’t nice
- No charger within the field
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With a beginning worth of simply £329/$379, the Nothing Cellphone (3a) is just simply costly sufficient to be included right here. Nevertheless, supplied you don’t want top-tier cameras, it presents all the things most individuals are in search of in a cellphone.
Nothing’s signature design, with a semi-transparent again and customisable ‘Glyph’ lights, means the Cellphone (3a) is certain to show heads. However it’s the superb Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 efficiency, very good 6.77-inch 120Hz OLED show and wonderful battery life (from the 5000mAh cell) that elevate the gadget from good to really wonderful.
Nothing’s tackle Android is one other spotlight, with a brand new Important Key that ought to get extra helpful over time, plus a full six years of software program help.
Cameras are the principle compromise, with points in low-light and a disappointing ultrawide lens. However for all the things you’re getting, the Nothing Cellphone (3a) is an outstanding cellphone for the cash, and there’s no motive for most individuals to step as much as the Cellphone (3a) Professional.
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Nothing Cellphone (3a) overview
3. Xiaomi 14T – Best design
Execs
- Slick design
- Nice cameras
- Strong efficiency
- Quick charging
- Helpful Google Circle to Search function
Cons
- Hit-and-miss AI options
- No wi-fi charging
- Plastic body
- Not accessible within the US
Best Costs Today:
If you need a mid-range cellphone that would simply cross as a flagship, the Xiaomi 14T is for you. It seems and performs rather a lot just like the common Xiaomi 14, but begins at simply £549 within the UK.
And there’s rather a lot to love right here, together with a premium design full with a shocking giant OLED show. The cameras are surprisingly nice, regardless of being a transparent step down from Xiaomi’s class-leading 14 Extremely.
Strong battery life is supported by spectacular 67W quick charging, even when the mandatory charger isn’t within the field and there’s no wi-fi charging.
This can be a cellphone with nearly no {hardware} weaknesses, although the software program remains to be underwhelming at occasions. Google’s Circle to Search function is genuinely helpful, although Xiaomi’s personal AI makes an attempt aren’t at all times profitable.
Xiaomi’s dedication to 4 main OS updates and 5 years of safety patches is stable, although. And as an all-rounder, you’ll wrestle to search out something higher at this worth level. You might step as much as the 14T Professional, however the further £150 (it begins at £699) merely isn’t value it for most individuals.
Learn our full
Xiaomi 14T overview
4. Poco F7 Professional – Best efficiency
Execs
- Very good efficiency
- Beautiful show
- Sturdy battery life
- Premium construct
Cons
- Ultrawide digital camera is simply okay
- Some pre-installed bloatware
- Show isn’t fairly vibrant sufficient
- Not accessible within the US
Best Costs Today:
From a {hardware} perspective, the Poco F7 Professional is an incredible achievement.
It packs a real flagship-level chipset within the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which delivers predictably very good efficiency in mainly any state of affairs. The giant 120Hz OLED is a pleasure to make use of, even when extra brightness could be good, whereas battery life from the big 6000mAh cell is superb. You even get a premium construct, one thing which is commonly sacrificed on mid-range phones.
The cameras are typically spectacular, too – particularly that 50Mp predominant lens. Sadly, the 8Mp ultrawide is an enormous step down in high quality,
Greater compromises seem on the software program facet, with annoying further pre-installed apps and solely 4 years of software program help (versus six on many mid-rangers).
However these are simple to miss when you see all the things else you’re getting to your cash. Poco additionally has a extra premium F7 Extremely, however the F7 Professional is a more sensible choice for extra folks. If you’re in search of one thing extra inexpensive, contemplate the common Poco F7.
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Xiaomi Poco F7 Professional overview
5. OnePlus 13R – Best battery life
Execs
- Six years of software program
- Nice consumer expertise with good AI additions
- Good efficiency
- Strong battery life
- Tremendous-fast charging
Cons
- Cameras want wonderful tuning
- No wi-fi charging
- Magnetic equipment solely work with case
- Not accessible within the US
Best Costs Today:
Given it launched alongside the flagship OnePlus 13, it’s simple to miss the cheaper 13R. However it is a nice mid-range cellphone in its personal proper.
It presents nearly all the things most individuals are in search of in a mid-range cellphone, particularly nice efficiency, very good battery life and slick software program that cleverly deploys AI to reinforce the consumer expertise. And at this worth level, OnePlus’ dedication to 6 years of software program updates is the best round.
Cameras are the principle shortcoming – regardless of some notable enhancements in comparison with the OnePlus 12R, it’s a step down from the best at this worth level. You’ll additionally must make do with out wi-fi charging, with the MagSafe-style equipment requiring a separate case.
Nevertheless, supplied consumer expertise is your prime precedence and you don’t thoughts sacrificing some digital camera efficiency to get there, you can’t go fallacious with the 13R.
Learn our full
OnePlus 13R overview
6. OnePlus Nord 4 – Best Design
Execs
- Stand-out design
- Simple to make use of Android overlay
- Strong battery life
- Glorious display screen
Cons
- Middling software program help
- Moto AI wants work
- Charging pace downgraded
- Not accessible within the US
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If a handsome cellphone is your prime precedence, look no additional than the Motorola Edge 60 Professional.
Its attractive vary of textured finishes and vibrant Pantone-inspired colors enable you so as to add a splash of character with out sacrificing grip. With spectacular sturdiness credentials too, you can’t get significantly better than the Edge 60 Professional in relation to design.
There’s rather a lot to love elsewhere, too, with sturdy battery life from the sizeable 6000mAh cell and a beautiful 6.7-inch pOLED display screen. MediaTek’s Dimensity 8350 chipset delivers sturdy all-round efficiency, whereas the rear cameras carry out very effectively when the sunshine is sweet.
Whereas the final software program expertise is sweet, there are drawbacks. Motorola’s implementation of AI options nonetheless wants work, whereas the corporate’s dedication of simply three years of OS upgrades and an additional 12 months of safety patches is underwhelming when the cheaper Pixel 9a will get seven years of each.
Nevertheless, only a few phones can match the Edge 60 Professional within the design stakes, making it a powerful mid-range choice.
Learn our full
Motorola Edge 60 Professional overview
7. Samsung Galaxy A56 5G – Best for AI
Execs
- Skinny and lightweight design
- Sturdy software program expertise
- Helpful AI options
- Engaging show
Cons
- Disappointing secondary cameras
- Not nice for gaming
- Lacklustre audio system
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In some ways, the Galaxy A56 is a Galaxy S25+ at a mid-range worth.
It presents a premium design, a sexy show and stable on a regular basis efficiency, making it an interesting alternative. And in One UI 7, you get one of many very best software program experiences, full with genuinely helpful AI options. Samsung additionally presents a powerful six years of each OS and safety updates.
Nevertheless, efficiency for something extra demanding can show problematic, whereas a good predominant rear digital camera is let down by the supporting lenses. You’re additionally higher off connecting Bluetooth headphones than counting on the lacklustre audio system.
The Galaxy A56 presents rather a lot for its mid-range worth, but it surely’s not sensible worth. It’s a dependable alternative, however you would possibly discover one of many phones above to be a more sensible choice.
Learn our full
Samsung Galaxy A56 overview
8. Xiaomi Redmi Be aware 14 Professional+ – Best show
Execs
- Beautiful show
- Glorious charging pace
- Very succesful predominant digital camera sensor
- Premium design and end
Cons
- Some efficiency points
- Underwhelming software program
- Not accessible within the US
Best Costs Today:
The Redmi Be aware 14 Professional+ isn’t fairly as spectacular as its predecessor, however you nonetheless get rather a lot for as little as £399, making it a sexy choice.
Speaking of engaging, that 6.67-inch AMOLED display screen is an actual sight to behold. It’s large, vibrant and fluid, combining a 120Hz refresh charge with as much as 3000 nits of peak brightness.
Different highlights embrace a succesful 5110mAh battery supported by speedy 120W quick charging, plus a powerful predominant rear digital camera that’s up there with the best at this worth. Elsewhere, the premium design might simply cross for a flagship cellphone, particularly on the vegan leather-based mannequin.
Sadly, it’s not as spectacular in all areas. The Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset is okay for on a regular basis duties however struggles with something extra demanding, whereas Xiaomi’s HyperOS pores and skin has loads of bloatware and doesn’t really feel essentially the most intuitive.
The Redmi Be aware 14 Professional+ remains to be a robust cellphone, however different mid-range choices provide a extra well-rounded expertise, and the £299 common Redmi Be aware 14 Professional permits you to avoid wasting cash.
Learn our full
Xiaomi Redmi Be aware 14 Professional+ 5G overview
9. Nubia Z70 Extremely – A compelling different
Execs
- Very good efficiency
- Spectacular predominant digital camera
- Sturdy battery life
- Beautiful show
Cons
- Not the best software program
- Huge, unwieldy design
- No wi-fi charging
Best Costs Today:
Nubia could be recognized for its Redmagic gaming phones, however the firm makes some nice common handsets, too. And the Z70 Extremely is the choose of the present bunch.
It excels in 4 key areas: a shocking 6.85-inch AMOLED display screen, top-class Snapdragon 8 Elite efficiency, a flagship-level 50Mp predominant digital camera and wonderful battery life from the 6150mAh cell. These are all options you’d affiliate with a way more costly cellphone.
Sadly, pretty much as good because the {hardware} is, Nubia’s tackle Android isn’t significantly intuitive, and the corporate doesn’t point out how lengthy it’ll be supported. Alongside the hefty design and lack of wi-fi charging, there are sufficient causes for most individuals to look elsewhere.
But when you’re in search of a mid-range cellphone with nearly no {hardware} compromises in comparison with flagships, the Nubia Z70 Extremely is the cellphone for you.
Learn our full
Nubia Z70 Extremely overview
10. Nubia Redmagic 10s Professional – Best for gaming
Execs
- Glorious efficiency
- Upgraded cooling system
- Nice battery life
- Devoted gaming options
Cons
- Some bloatware
- Solely three years of software program help
- Horrible selfie digital camera
Best Costs Today:
The Redmagic 10S Professional is a contender for the best gaming cellphone outright, making it exceptional that it’s priced as a mid-range cellphone.
Nubia goes head-to-head with the costlier Asus ROG Cellphone 9 and 9 Professional right here, but the Redmagic fares effectively. Efficiency from the upgraded Snapdragon 8 Elite Main Model chipset is its key energy, providing very good gaming efficiency together with the built-in fan and superior cooling system.
Nubia’s ‘Recreation Area’ software program mode presents helpful gaming tweaks and customisation, whereas the big 6.85-inch show and premium design make it a pleasure to make use of. And with a 7050mAh battery and 80W quick charging (with the charger included within the field), the battery life/charging combo is among the best round.
The 10S Professional’s predominant weaknesses seem when you attempt to use it as a daily cellphone, with a poor under-display selfie digital camera and hit-and-miss software program. Nubia additionally solely ensures three years of software program updates, which is behind the competitors.
Nonetheless, the Redmagic 10S Professional supplies a near-complete cell gaming expertise at an impressively low worth.
Learn our full
Redmagic 10S Professional overview
Why you ought to belief Tech Advisor
Cellphone opinions and shopping for recommendation have been a staple of Tech Advisor’s protection because the authentic iPhone was launched in 2007 and Android made its first headlines in 2008.
We’ve guided you via 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G; we’ve reported on the rise and fall of Home windows Cellphone, BlackBerry phones and LG phones. We’ve seen corporations push the boundaries of what’s doable on such a small gadget, persevering with to make leaps ahead when it comes to each {hardware} and software program.
However on the identical time, we’ve seen these premium options steadily trickle all the way down to extra inexpensive handsets, that means mid-range phones are actually higher than they’ve ever been.
We carry out in-depth, real-world testing on each new mid-range cellphone that’s value shopping for (dozens each single 12 months), adopting it as our major cellphone for essentially the most genuine expertise doable and ensuring we’re ready to provide you the best doable cellphone shopping for recommendation.
Mid-range phones shopping for recommendation
What’s a mid-range cellphone?
There’s no technical definition, however as talked about above, we outline mid-range phones based mostly on worth: something that prices greater than £300/$300 however lower than £700/$700 if you buy it SIM-free.
Something cheaper than that could be a price range cellphone, whereas something costlier is a flagship handset.
Some mid-range phones will take the all-around good-value strategy, with succesful specs in every space. Others will concentrate on a key trait, such because the digital camera or show, and promise flagship-rivalling capabilities in that one side. Others nonetheless was these flagships, so they provide incredible specs at an excellent worth, however could also be operating on barely older {hardware}.
What specs do I would like?
Each mid-range cellphone presents a compromise, attempting to ship the best of a flagship with out costing fairly a lot. Nonetheless, there are some specs you don’t wish to skimp on. Search for a minimum of 6GB of RAM and a Snapdragon 7 or 8 chipset for {smooth} efficiency (or one other model equal), together with a minimum of 128GB of storage.
After that, it’s about deciding in your priorities. Are you in search of lengthy battery life, quick charging, an OLED show, or a robust digital camera? Few mid-range phones provide all of them, so choose which issues most to you.
One widespread ingredient is that you’ll seemingly have to surrender on nice-to-haves like wi-fi charging or water and mud resistance IP ranking – these nonetheless are usually reserved for the costliest phones available on the market, although a couple of mid-range gadgets do provide one or the opposite.
Attempt to do not forget that it’s not at all times about specs both. We’ve hit one thing of a ceiling in relation to smartphone tech, so though these phones is probably not as quick as your common flagship, they’re nearly actually quick sufficient for many customers. Go for a cellphone that balances worth, efficiency, options and design in a manner that appeals to you and your wants.
Is there a mid-range iPhone?
There’s one mid-range iPhone available on the market – the iPhone 16e – which prices £599/$599.
We haven’t had an opportunity to overview it but, so look out for our verdict on the cellphone quickly.
Why isn’t each mid-range cellphone on sale within the US?
If you’re within the US or Canada, you could discover that not each cellphone in our round-up is obtainable for you to buy. Sadly, that’s as a result of lots of the largest Chinese language cellphone producers merely don’t promote their merchandise within the US.
Chinese language phones are an excellent alternative within the mid-range market as a result of they typically stability superb specs with a lower cost than you’d count on. The likes of Xiaomi, Poco and Oppo typically provide staggering worth, however for anybody within the US, they’ll be import-only.
