In the ever-evolving landscape of smartphones, the prospect of acquiring a new device doesn’t have to be synonymous with draining your bank account. Mid-range or budget-friendly smartphones may not boast all the bells and whistles of flagship models, but it doesn’t always mean that mid-range devices don’t offer some of the better features found only in high-end models, as smartphone makers are doing their best to ensure that their line-up of hardware are armed with a substantial arsenal of features that won’t disappoint.
Navigating the world of mid-tier smartphones can be a thrilling experience, especially considering the remarkable effectiveness and dependability they offer. From sleek designs to impressive features and premium offerings, here’s a list of the top mid-range phones that prove that affordability and awesomeness can go hand in hand.
Google Pixel 7a (S$749)
Buy it: Amazon | Lazada | Shopee
For those captivated by Google’s flagship phones but are wary of the higher price tag, the Google Pixel 7a presents a compelling alternative. While sacrificing some premium hardware and materials, like an IPS screen instead of an OLED display, the Pixel 7a maintains a stunning aesthetic akin to its pricier siblings. Fuelled by Google’s Tensor G2 processor, it delivers photo editing and language translation features comparable with the Google Pixel 7. Boasting a 64-megapixel camera, the Pixel 7a captures stellar photos, rivalling its more expensive counterparts.
Samsung Galaxy A54 (S$593)
Buy it: Amazon | Lazada | Shopee
The Samsung Galaxy A54’s glass finish is reminiscent of the S23 flagship, setting the tone for a premium visual and tactile experience. It also boasts IP67 water and dust resistance, a rare gem in mid-range phones. The 6.4-inch FHD+ display, featuring a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, offers vibrant visuals and excellent outdoor visibility. Geeky perks include microSD support and NFC for contactless payments.
The A54 flaunts a robust battery life that ensures that your phone can last the day. Beneath its sleek exterior lies an Exynos 1380 chipset, delivering a smooth everyday experience and even flexing its muscles for commendable gaming performance.
OnePlus Nord 3 (S$599)
Buy it: Amazon | Lazada | Shopee
The OnePlus Nord 3 is a robust phone that blends solid performance with a vibrant, nearly bezel-free AMOLED screen at a budget-friendly price. The dazzling display, adorned with features like 1450 nit Peak Brightness, 10-bit Color Depth, and HDR10+, transforms it into an optimal choice for viewing mesmerising videos and photos.
The 50 MP Sony IMX890 image sensor is no slouch either, itself a heavyweight in OnePlus’s flagship arsenal seen in models like OnePlus 11 and 11R that captures moments with unparalleled clarity. Powering the device is the MediaTek Dimensity 9000 chipset, delivering flagship-level performance, while its cooling system ensures smooth operations during gaming and photo editing sessions.
If you want to conserve your budget even further, you could also opt for the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite (S$345), which swaps out the AMOLED screen for a more basic IPS screen with a slightly lower resolution. However, it comes with its own perks, such as memory card support and a 3.5mm audio jack for old-school cool.
Poco F5 (S$579)
Buy it: Amazon | Lazada | Shopee
The Poco F5 rocks a 6.67″ FHD+ Flow AMOLED DotDisplay, delivering impressive contrast and features such as Dolby Vision support. It boasts a 64MP main rear camera with optical image stabilisation, accompanied by an 8MP ultra-wide lens and a 2MP macro camera. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ chipset, it not only excels in photography but also shoots impressive 8K videos and offers fantastic gaming performance. With its robust 5000mAh battery, the Poco F5 ensures a lasting charge throughout the day.
For a bit more investment, the Poco F5 Pro (S$659) offers a larger battery, a more powerful chipset, and wireless fast charging, although it sacrifices the rare 3.5mm headphone jack found in the standard Poco F5.
Redmi Note 12 Pro+ (S$569)
Buy it: Amazon | Lazada | Shopee
The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is a formidable mid-range contender, powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 1080 chipset for smooth performance, even in mobile gaming. Its robust battery life ensures prolonged usage, and when the battery runs low, its 120W fast charging swiftly revives it. The 6.67″ FHD+ Flow AMOLED display offers a vibrant view, featuring a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5. Other noteworthy features include Dolby Vision support and the cherished 3.5mm headphone jack. What really steals the show is its colossal 200MP main camera sensor, supported by an 8MP ultra-wide lens and a 2MP macro camera, delivering stunning shots.
However, with the imminent launch of the Redmi Note 13 Pro+, which has already graced China, eager fans might want to hold out for the latest offering if they can exercise a bit of patience and enjoy the inevitable price drop that comes along.
Vivo V29 (S$649)
Buy it: Amazon | Lazada | Shopee
The Vivo V29 flaunts a slim 7.5mm design and a captivating 6.78″ curved AMOLED display. Its sharp resolution, accompanied by boppy stereo sound and 120Hz refresh rate, makes it a solid option for gaming or movies on-the-go. The standout feature, the Aura Light, acts as a built-in ring light tucked into the rear, ensuring well-illuminated shots with 360-degree even lighting. Additionally, the Smart Color Temperature Adjustment further refines faces and skin tones, making the Vivo V29 a perfect companion for budding influencers and those aspiring to shine in the digital spotlight.
iPhone SE (from S$705)
Buy it: Apple | Amazon
For iOS fans seeking premium performance without breaking the bank, the iPhone SE remains the ideal (and only) budget option. Fuelled by the A15 Bionic CPU, the cutting-edge technology driving the iPhone 13, the iPhone SE stands toe-to-toe with its Android counterparts, and even surpasses some of them in gaming and on-the-go video editing. Despite its compact 4.7″ size, the iPhone SE doesn’t compromise on photography, boasting features like Smart HDR 4, Magic Fusion for enhanced detail, and Photographic Styles.
Smartphones are indispensable companions, especially for people trying to keep up with the demands of modern, everyday life. While a flagship smartphone can cost you S$1,300 or more, you don’t have to pay top-tier prices to get the features you need. After all, there are lots of excellent phones that work better than their price tags suggest. Sometimes, the best fit for your daily tasks might just be more affordable than you think.
Edwin has been writing about gaming and entertainment news for almost a decade, and has loved video games, comic books, and movies longer than that. He loves interesting stories, immersive world-building, and adorable monsters.
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