You may have had your phone for a while, but sometime it’s time to get an upgrade. As with every phone decision, the first step has to be whether you are going for an Android or iOS device. This really does depend on how much you are willing to pay for your phone, as iOS phones are always more expensive than Android phones. With this in mind, the only mid-range iPhone available are the SE 2022 and iPhone 13, and this isn’t considered one of the top performing phones.
We’ve also listed powerful Android phones as they offer the best value for money against performance, best for gaming, and photography. Let’s take a look at the top 3 mid-range Android phones for the year.
OnePlus Nord 4
The top option, and the one that really offers great value for money is the OnePlus Nord 4. Not as well known as some of the other models and brands out there, nevertheless this has everything you could need in a medium tiered phone. With a great price point ranging from £400 to £440, this is an extremely affordable option for most users. It’s got a really solid battery life, six years of software support and a very good main camera. On top of this, it’s got a great display and is a premium build that allows for extra durability. Of course, it’s not perfect and many are put off by the overall design which has a reflective plastic window around the cameras. In fact, speaking of cameras, this is where most of the criticism lies as it only has an ultrawide lens rather than a telephoto. But, for selfie and main photos it’s good enough.
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
The best all-rounder on this list, the Galaxy A35 5G is a solid option. Ranging from £240 to £340, it’s on the lower end of the budget scale, making this a great phone for anyone. It’s got a lot of bang for its buck, with four major updates and five years of security built in. The main and selfie cameras are also great, though they’re not on the same level as the Pixel 7a. That aside, it’s got a solid 120Hz display, and strong battery life that will get you through the day. Yes, it’s a little plasticky looking in terms of the build, and it can be a little sluggish, but this doesn’t stop it from working well. And, if you’re planning to use this to get online and place bets on Gembet or simply use the internet, you’re not going to be slowed down here. If your budget does allow a little wiggle room, then the more premium, Galaxy A55 5G, might be the better upgrade option.
Xiaomi 14T
Looking for a mid-range phone with the best performance, the Xiaomi 14T packs a lot into its device, and looks much more like a flagship model than any of the others on this list. However, it does come with a higher price to match this, and ranges from as little as £420 to £550 on the Xiaomi website. It’s got a very slick and simple design that oozes quality. As reported by Ewan Spence on Forbes.com, Xiaomi 14T has large OLED display that supports a refresh rate of up to 144Hz for smooth scrolling and impressive graphics handling for mobile gaming. This can be left to change automatically, or you can lock it to a slower rate of 60Hz to improve battery life, leaving the smooth scrolling and animations behind for more time with your phone. Additionally, some surprisingly good cameras for both the main and selfie options. The battery life is excellent too, and supports 67W fast charging. There is no wireless charging though, nor does the charger come with the box. That aside, the 14T has no hardware issues to speak of, though the same isn’t always true of the software. This is a little weak in some areas, but still has useful features and a commitment of four OS updates and five years of security. It’s hard to find anything better than this given the price.
Other notable mid range smartphones that can last a few years include the Google Pixel 8a which has an excellent set of software installed. Alongside this are some of the best cameras and a premium design. The Nothing Phone offers 2a-plus the most unique option with a distinctive metallic design. It’s great for gaming and features an impressively powerful chipset.
Whichever mid-range smartphone you choose, make sure consider opting for a 5G-enabled phone for faster connectivity, allowing you to fully harness the potential of your device with the speed and efficiency of 5G technology. Additionally, the phone meets your specific usage needs (focus on these) as well as hitting the right price for your budget.
