If you’re in the market for a new smartphone, you might be overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available. From flagship devices with all the latest features to budget-friendly phones that sacrifice some bells and whistles, there is a smartphone out there for every budget and preference. In this article, we will focus on the best mid-range smartphones of 2023. These devices strike a balance between performance, features, and price, making them a great choice for many consumers.
What you will learn:
By reading this article, you will learn about the best mid-range phones in 2023 and get research and buying tips. – The best mid-range phones in 2023 include the Google Pixel 5a, Samsung Galaxy A52 5G, Apple iPhone SE (2020), Google Pixel 4a, Samsung Galaxy A32, OnePlus Nord N200 5G, Moto G Power (2021), Samsung Galaxy A22, TCL 20S, and Moto G Stylus (2021). – Consumer Reports provides more information on this topic.
1. Google Pixel 5a
The Google Pixel 5a is one of the top mid-range smartphones of 2023. It offers a fantastic camera experience, capturing stunning photos and videos in any lighting condition. The device features a 12.2-megapixel dual-pixel rear camera with optical image stabilization, allowing you to take sharp and clear shots even in low light. The Pixel 5a also has a 6.2-inch OLED display, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks for an immersive viewing experience.
One of the standout features of the Pixel 5a is its software. As a Google device, it runs on a clean and bloatware-free version of Android, ensuring a smooth and snappy user experience. It also receives regular software updates directly from Google, guaranteeing that you’ll have the latest security patches and features.
Insider Tip: The Google Pixel 5a offers excellent battery life, lasting all day on a single charge. If you’re someone who relies heavily on your smartphone throughout the day, this device is a great option.
2. Samsung Galaxy A52 5G
The Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is another top contender in the mid-range smartphone market. It boasts a large 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a high refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and fluid animations. The device also features a quad-camera setup, including a 64-megapixel main camera, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, a 5-megapixel macro lens, and a 5-megapixel depth sensor.
In terms of performance, the Galaxy A52 5G is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G processor, which offers a smooth and lag-free experience. It also has 128GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via a microSD card slot.
Insider Tip: One of the standout features of the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is its IP67 rating for water and dust resistance. This means that you don’t have to worry about accidental spills or getting caught in the rain with this device.
3. Apple iPhone SE (2020)
For those who prefer the iOS ecosystem, the Apple iPhone SE (2020) is a fantastic mid-range option. It combines the power and performance of the iPhone 11 with the compact form factor of the iPhone 8. The iPhone SE (2020) features the same A13 Bionic chip as the iPhone 11, ensuring smooth multitasking and fast app performance.
The device sports a 4.7-inch Retina HD display and a single 12-megapixel rear camera. While it may not have the multiple camera lenses found on other smartphones, the iPhone SE (2020) still delivers excellent image quality with its advanced computational photography capabilities.
Insider Tip: The iPhone SE (2020) also supports wireless charging, making it convenient to top up your battery without having to plug in any cables.
4. Google Pixel 4a
Another excellent mid-range smartphone from Google is the Pixel 4a. It features a 5.8-inch OLED display and a single 12.2-megapixel rear camera with Night Sight mode, allowing you to capture stunning low-light photos. The Pixel 4a also benefits from Google’s computational photography algorithms, which enhance image quality and provide excellent dynamic range.
In terms of performance, the Pixel 4a is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G processor and comes with 6GB of RAM. While it may not be the most powerful device on the market, it still offers a smooth and responsive user experience.
Insider Tip: If you’re a fan of pure Android and want a compact smartphone that can be easily used with one hand, the Google Pixel 4a is an excellent choice.
Real-life Personal Story: Choosing the Right Mid-Range Phone
I recently found myself in need of a new phone, but I didn’t want to break the bank on the latest flagship model. After doing some research, I decided to go for a mid-range phone and ended up choosing the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G.
What really attracted me to this phone was its impressive camera capabilities. As someone who loves taking photos, having a high-quality camera was a top priority for me. The Galaxy A52 5G did not disappoint. The 64-megapixel main camera produced stunning, detailed shots, and the 32-megapixel front-facing camera was perfect for capturing clear and vibrant selfies.
Another feature that stood out to me was the phone’s 5G connectivity. With faster download and upload speeds, I knew I would be able to stream videos, play online games, and browse the internet without any lag or buffering. It was a game-changer for me, especially since I rely on my phone for both work and entertainment.
The battery life of the Galaxy A52 5G was also impressive. With its 4500mAh battery, I could easily get through a full day of heavy use without needing to recharge. This was a major plus for me, as I’m constantly on the go and don’t always have access to a charger.
Overall, I couldn’t be happier with my decision to go for a mid-range phone like the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G. It offers all the features I need at a more affordable price point compared to flagship models. If you’re looking for a phone that delivers on performance, camera quality, and connectivity without breaking the bank, I highly recommend considering a mid-range option like the Galaxy A52 5G.
5. Samsung Galaxy A32
The Samsung Galaxy A32 is a mid-range smartphone that offers a large 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display and a quad-camera setup. It features a 64-megapixel main camera, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, a 5-megapixel macro lens, and a 5-megapixel depth sensor. The device also has a 20-megapixel front-facing camera for high-quality selfies.
Under the hood, the Galaxy A32 is powered by a MediaTek Helio G80 processor and comes with 4GB of RAM. It also has a large 5,000mAh battery, ensuring all-day battery life.
Insider Tip: The Samsung Galaxy A32 supports expandable storage, allowing you to add more storage space for your photos, videos, and apps.
6. OnePlus Nord N200 5G
The OnePlus Nord N200 5G is a mid-range smartphone that offers excellent value for money. It features a large 6.49-inch FHD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate, providing smooth scrolling and responsive touch controls. The device also comes with a triple-camera setup, including a 13-megapixel main camera, a 2-megapixel macro lens, and a 2-megapixel monochrome sensor.
In terms of performance, the Nord N200 5G is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 processor and comes with 4GB of RAM. It also supports 5G connectivity, allowing you to take advantage of faster download and upload speeds.
Insider Tip: The OnePlus Nord N200 5G offers a clean and near-stock Android experience, making it a great choice for those who prefer a minimalist user interface.
7. Moto G Power (2021)
The Moto G Power (2021) is a mid-range smartphone that focuses on battery life. It comes with a massive 5,000mAh battery, which can easily last for two days on a single charge. The device also supports 15W fast charging, allowing you to quickly top up your battery when needed.
In terms of camera capabilities, the Moto G Power (2021) features a triple-camera setup, including a 48-megapixel main camera, a 2-megapixel macro lens, and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. It also has a 6.6-inch HD+ display, providing a large and immersive viewing experience.
Insider Tip: The Moto G Power (2021) features a near-stock version of Android, ensuring a clean and clutter-free user experience.
8. Samsung Galaxy A22
The Samsung Galaxy A22 is a mid-range smartphone that offers a versatile camera system and a large display. It features a quad-camera setup, including a 48-megapixel main camera, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, a 2-megapixel macro lens, and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. The device also has a 13-megapixel front-facing camera for high-quality selfies.
The Galaxy A22 sports a large 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display with a high refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and vibrant visuals. It is powered by a MediaTek Helio G80 processor and comes with 4GB of RAM, providing decent performance for day-to-day tasks.
Insider Tip: The Samsung Galaxy A22 supports NFC, allowing you to make contactless payments using services like Google Pay or Samsung Pay.
9. TCL 20S
The TCL 20S is a mid-range smartphone that offers a high-quality display and a versatile camera system. It features a 6.67-inch FHD+ display with a 20:9 aspect ratio, providing a large and immersive viewing experience. The device also comes with a quad-camera setup, including a 64-megapixel main camera, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, a 2-megapixel macro lens, and a 2-megapixel depth sensor.
Under the hood, the TCL 20S is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 processor and comes with 6GB of RAM. It also has a large 5,000mAh battery, ensuring all-day battery life.
Insider Tip: The TCL 20S supports expandable storage, allowing you to add more storage space for your photos, videos, and apps.
10. Moto G Stylus (2021)
The Moto G Stylus (2021) is a mid-range smartphone that comes with a built-in stylus for note-taking and creative tasks. It features a 6.8-inch FHD+ display, providing a large canvas for your digital creations. The device also comes with a quad-camera setup, including a 48-megapixel main camera, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, a 2-megapixel macro lens, and a 2-megapixel depth sensor.
In terms of performance, the Moto G Stylus (2021) is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 678 processor and comes with 4GB of RAM. It also has a large 4,000mAh battery, ensuring all-day battery life.
Insider Tip: The Moto G Stylus (2021) features a near-stock version of Android, ensuring a clean and clutter-free user experience.
Research and Buying Tips
When shopping for a mid-range smartphone, there are a few factors to consider to ensure you’re getting the best device for your needs. Here are some research and buying tips to help you make an informed decision:
- Camera: If photography is important to you, pay close attention to the camera capabilities of the device. Look for smartphones with multiple camera lenses and advanced computational photography features for the best image quality.
- Performance: Consider the processor and amount of RAM in the smartphone. While mid-range devices may not have the most powerful processors, they should still offer smooth and responsive performance for day-to-day tasks.
- Battery Life: Look for smartphones with large battery capacities, as this will ensure that your device lasts throughout the day. Additionally, check if the device supports fast charging, as this will allow you to quickly top up your battery when needed.
- Display: Consider the size and quality of the display. A larger display can provide a more immersive viewing experience, while a higher resolution and refresh rate can result in sharper visuals and smoother animations.
- Software: Pay attention to the software experience of the smartphone. Some devices, like the Google Pixel series, offer a clean and bloatware-free version of Android, while others may have custom user interfaces that may not be to everyone’s liking.
By considering these factors and doing thorough research, you can find the best mid-range smartphone that suits your needs and budget.
Conclusion
In the world of smartphones, the mid-range segment offers a compelling balance between performance, features, and price. The best mid-range smartphones of 2023, such as the Google Pixel 5a, Samsung Galaxy A52 5G, and Apple iPhone SE (2020), deliver excellent camera capabilities, smooth performance, and long-lasting battery life.
Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, prefer a clean Android experience, or need a smartphone with a stylus, there is a mid-range device out there that will meet your needs. By considering factors like camera quality, performance, battery life, display, and software experience, you can find the perfect mid-range smartphone that offers the best value for your money.
Questions and Answers
Who makes the best mid-range phones in 2023?
The top brands like Samsung, Apple, and Xiaomi offer the best mid-range phones in 2023.
What features should I look for in the best mid-range phones?
Look for features like powerful processors, ample RAM, high-resolution cameras, and long-lasting battery life.
How can I determine the best mid-range phone for my needs?
Consider your budget, prioritize desired features, read reviews, and compare specifications to find the best mid-range phone for you.
What is the price range for the best mid-range phones in 2023?
The price range for the best mid-range phones in 2023 typically falls between $300 to $600.
How do mid-range phones differ from flagship phones?
Mid-range phones offer a balance between price and features, while flagship phones have cutting-edge technology and higher price tags.
But aren’t mid-range phones less powerful than flagship phones?
While mid-range phones may have slightly lower specifications, they still offer excellent performance and value for their price range.