A Great Phone Doesn’t Need to Cost a Fortune

In 2025, features once exclusive to high-end devices – big batteries, multi-camera arrays, high refresh rate displays and more – have trickled down to more affordable models. While you’ll still need to buy a flagship smartphone to get the best camera or fastest processor, you don’t need to compromise nearly as much anymore if you’re looking for a great handset at a reasonable price. If you have less than $600 to spend, let’s help you figure out what features to prioritize when trying to find the best midrange smartphone.

The Best Midrange Phones for 2025

Our top picks for the best midrange smartphones are:

• Google Pixel 8a: Supports the same powerful and versatile AI functions as Google’s flagship phones, along with excellent cameras, a gorgeous 120Hz OLED display, and great battery life. The 8a also comes with IP67 dust and water resistance and convenient wireless charging. With a $499 starting price, it might be one of the best smartphone deals on the market.
• Nothing Phone 2a: Features a unique design with a translucent plastic back, allowing you to see some of its internal components. At $349, it’s a compelling budget option with a 6.5-inch OLED display and decently speedy Dimensity 7200 Pro chipset.
• OnePlus Nord N30 5G: Delivers good performance for the price, a 120Hz display, and 50W wired charging. With a price drop from $300 to $250, it’s an unmistakably good deal and our top pick in this space.

What is a Midrange Phone, Anyway?

While the term "midrange" often appears in articles and videos, there’s no agreed-upon definition for it beyond a phone that isn’t a flagship or an entry-level option. Most of our recommendations cost between $400 and $600. If you have more to spend, consider flagships like the Apple iPhone 16 and the Samsung Galaxy S25.

What to Consider Before Buying a Midrange Smartphone

Before buying a new device, consider the following:

• What platform do you want to use? If it’s iOS, you have only one option. If it’s Android, there’s a wide range of compelling options.
• Be prepared to spend more than you think you need to get a significantly better product.
• Knowing your priorities will help inform your budget. Do you want a long battery life, fast charging, or the best cameras? Even the best midrange smartphones demand some compromises, and knowing what’s important to you will make choosing one easier.

What Won’t You Get from a Midrange Smartphone?

While the line between midrange and flagship phones blurs every year, you might miss out on wireless charging, and even that’s becoming less true. You won’t come with a power adapter, as many companies have stopped including chargers with all their smartphones. Performance can still be hit or miss, as most midrange phones use slower processors. However, their cameras have improved dramatically, and you can typically expect a dual-lens system on most midrange smartphones below $600.