Gone are the days in which you needed to spend a fortune to get a good smartphone. In 2026, features once exclusive to high-end smartphones \u2013 big batteries, multi-camera arrays, high refresh rate OLED displays and more \u2013 have made their way down to more affordable models. Yes, you\u2019ll still need to buy a flagship smartphone to get the best camera or fastest processor, but you don’t have to make nearly as many compromises as you once did if you have a strict budget to adhere to when you go shopping for your next smartphone. If you have less than $600 to spend, let us help you figure out what features to prioritize when trying to find the best midrange smartphone.<\/p>\n
Table of contents<\/h2>\nBest midrange phones for 2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Image](\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/uu\/api\/res\/1.2\/BRAjx.CVu0FA7LqKZU2EJw--~B\/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u\/https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/os\/creatr-uploaded-images\/2025-04\/16cf0410-1617-11f0-bffd-f2effd31618a\")
<\/p>\nSam Rutherford for Engadget<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\nScreen size<\/strong>: 6.3 inches | Storage capacity<\/strong>: Up to 256GB | SIM card type:<\/strong> Nano-SIM, eSIM | Front camera resolution:<\/strong> 13MP | Rear camera resolution: <\/strong>48MP main, 13MP ultrawide | Weight<\/strong>: 6.6 ounces<\/p>\nRead our full <\/strong>Google Pixel 9a review<\/strong><\/p>\nThe Pixel 9a isn’t especially flashy and it doesn’t have any special features that aren’t already available on its more expensive siblings. In fact, it actually has slower charging speeds and it’s missing support for some of Google’s homegrown software like the Screenshots app. But for everyone who just wants a simple phone with a solid design, a nice AMOLED display, excellent camera quality and strong battery life, the Pixel 9a is really hard to beat. It handles low light shots impressively well for a phone at this midrange price, and Google\u2019s smart AI features enhance both the main camera and editing experience. So while it’s not super fancy, the phone has all of its most important bases covered (and then some). But most importantly, starting at just $499, this phone feels like an incredible deal that punches well above its price point. \u2014 Sam Rutherford, Senior Reporter<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n- Sleek design<\/li>\n
- Awesome battery life<\/li>\n
- Nice display<\/li>\n
- Great cameras<\/li>\n
- IP68 rating for dust and water resistance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
\n- Charging could be faster<\/li>\n
- No Pixel Screenshot app<\/li>\n
- Macro Focus mode can be a bit finicky<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
$399 at Amazon<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\n\n![\"Image](\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/uu\/api\/res\/1.2\/Gju4Qa02HQSqu5hWEjETeA--~B\/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u\/https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/os\/creatr-uploaded-images\/2025-02\/4c9a68b0-f519-11ef-add8-0a4e9623d07a\")
<\/p>\nCherlynn Low for Engadget<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\nRead our full <\/strong>iPhone 16e review<\/strong><\/p>\nScreen size<\/strong>: 6.1 inches | Storage capacity<\/strong>: Up to 512GB | SIM card type:<\/strong> Dual eSIM | Front camera resolution:<\/strong> 12MP | Rear camera resolution: <\/strong>48MP Fusion main | Weight<\/strong>: 5.88 ounces<\/p>\nThe iPhone 16e is closer in specs to the iPhone 16 than the iPhone SE was to the iPhone 13. And that makes choosing which iPhone to buy harder than ever. Should you save $200 and give up a dual camera system, Dynamic Island, Camera Control and MagSafe? That depends largely on your priorities and budget.<\/p>\n
While I think that anyone who can afford the price difference should opt for the iPhone 16 over the iPhone 16e, I can\u2019t deny that this is Apple\u2019s best entry-level iPhone to date. It has an Action button, USB-C, a larger, brighter screen and an A18 CPU that enables Apple Intelligence. My biggest concerns with it are limitations brought on by its single rear camera setup \u2014 things like not being able to capture ultrawide shots or Portrait mode not working if there isn\u2019t a face in the scene. If you\u2019re coming from an iPhone 11 or newer, you should consider whether the improved camera quality is worth giving up an ultrawide camera for. If it is, and if you can live without snapping portraits of objects and faceless items, the iPhone 16e\u2019s selfie camera will be satisfying.<\/p>\n
There are other factors to consider, like whether you regularly use MagSafe accessories or wireless charging. If you do, then the iPhone 16e will frustrate you as it doesn\u2019t work with the magnetic attachment system (you can get a MagSafe case to remedy this) and charges at a slower speed than the iPhone 15 or iPhone 16 (but there\u2019s no fix for this). You can consider the $699 iPhone 15 for a better camera and wireless charging experience, but you\u2019ll be giving up Apple Intelligence and an Action button. \u2014 Cherlynn Low, Managing Editor<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n- Solid performance<\/li>\n
- Long battery life<\/li>\n
- Clean, durable design<\/li>\n
- Bright, vibrant screen<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
\n- Only one rear camera, leading to many limitations<\/li>\n
- Expensive compared to previous iPhone SE<\/li>\n
- No MagSafe<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
$599 at Apple<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\n\n![\"Image](\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/uu\/api\/res\/1.2\/WGU8fak.YNAMBP5SMFIkzw--~B\/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u\/https:\/\/media-mbst-pub-ue1.s3.amazonaws.com\/creatr-uploaded-images\/2025-03\/857048b0-08d5-11f0-a7fc-c22aa16b9f2b\")
<\/p>\nNothing<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\nScreen size: <\/strong>6.77 inches | Storage capacity:<\/strong> 256GB | SIM type:<\/strong> Nano-SIM + eSIM | Front camera resolution:<\/strong> 50MP | Rear camera resolution:<\/strong> 50MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 50MP periscope telephoto | Weight:<\/strong> 7.44 ounces<\/p>\nRead our <\/strong>Nothing Phone 3a Pro review<\/strong><\/p>\nIf you want something different from your next phone, there are few if any devices out there like the Nothing Phone 3a Pro. It has a translucent glass back that evokes the design of old Game Boys, allowing you to see some of its internal components, including the NFC antennas. At $459, it\u2019s also one of the best deals in the industry, thanks to a compelling mix of features. The Phone 3a sports a bright 6.77-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It also comes with a 5,000mAh battery, a decently speedy Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 CPU and a 3x periscope telephoto camera \u2014 a standout feature at this midrange price. That last feature is something that\u2019s difficult to find in the 3a Pro\u2019s price point, especially in North America. The camera system also performs better than expected in low light and supports handy AI features for enhanced photography.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n\n- Fun design<\/li>\n
- Large 120Hz AMOLED screen<\/li>\n
- Clean but customizable Android skin<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
\n- Limited US warranty<\/li>\n
- No wireless charging<\/li>\n
- Tinny speakers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
$459 at Amazon<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\n\n![\"Image](\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/uu\/api\/res\/1.2\/t2OEhdHaeAc0zizGcesZZw--~B\/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u\/https:\/\/media-mbst-pub-ue1.s3.amazonaws.com\/creatr-uploaded-images\/2024-03\/da0418f0-dfcf-11ee-84fb-1c8eeb764c56\")
<\/p>\nOnePlus<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\nScreen size:<\/strong> 6.72 inches | Storage capacity:<\/strong> 128GB + microSD | SIM card type:<\/strong> Nano-SIM | Front camera resolution:<\/strong> 16MP | Rear camera resolution: <\/strong>108MP main, 2MP macro | Weight:<\/strong> 6.8 oz<\/p>\nWhen it first came out, the Nord N30 had basically everything you could want in a phone that cost $300. Its Snapdragon 695 5G chipset delivers strong performance along with speedy wireless connectivity that\u2019s compatible with all the big US carriers, not to mention good specs including 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. It also has a big 6.7-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, which is rare on a budget phone as most rivals feature slower 60Hz or 90Hz panels. The display isn\u2019t AMOLED, so you may notice deeper bezels and slightly lower contrast, but it\u2019s still a solid screen. And thanks to its 50-watt wired charging speeds, you can top it up quickly, too. But most importantly, the Nord 30 recently got a price drop from $300 to $250, making it an unquestionably good deal and our top pick in this space.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n\n- Good performance for the price<\/li>\n
- 120Hz display<\/li>\n
- 50W wired charging<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
$273 at Amazon<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
What is a midrange phone?<\/h2>\n
While the term frequently appears in articles and videos, there isn\u2019t an agreed-upon definition for \u201cmidrange\u201d beyond a phone that isn\u2019t a flagship or an entry-level option. Most of our recommendations cost between $400 and $600 \u2014 any less and you should expect significant compromises. If you have more to spend, you might as well consider flagships like the Apple iPhone 17 and the Samsung Galaxy S25 if you want the best smartphone experience. Devices like Pixel phones often sit in this price range too, offering some of the best value for Android buyers.<\/p>\n
What to consider before buying a midrange smartphone<\/h2>\n
Buying a new device can be intimidating, but a few questions can help guide you through the process. First: what platform do you want to use? If the answer is iOS, that narrows your options down to exactly one phone. (Thankfully, it\u2019s great.) And if you\u2019re an Android fan, there\u2019s no shortage of compelling options. Both platforms have their strengths, so you shouldn\u2019t rule either out.<\/p>\n
Of course, also consider how much you\u2019re comfortable spending. Even increasing your budget by $100 more can get you a dramatically better product. Moreover, manufacturers tend to support their more expensive devices for longer with software updates and security updates, so it\u2019s worth buying something toward the top limit of what you can afford.<\/p>\n
Having an idea of your priorities will help inform your budget. Do you want a long battery life or fast charging? Do you value speedy performance above all else? Or would you like the best possible cameras with high megapixel counts? While they continue to improve every year, even the best midrange smartphones still demand some compromises, and knowing what\u2019s important to you will make choosing one easier.<\/p>\n
What won\u2019t<\/em> you get from a midrange smartphone?<\/h2>\nEvery year, the line between midrange and flagship phones blurs as more upmarket features and functions trickle down to more affordable models. When Engadget first published this guide in 2020, it was tricky to find a $500 phone with waterproofing and 5G. In 2026, the biggest thing you might miss out on is wireless charging \u2013 and even then, that\u2019s becoming less true.<\/p>\n
One thing your new phone probably won\u2019t come with is a power adapter; many companies have stopped including chargers with all of their smartphones. Performance has improved in recent years, but can still be hit or miss as most midrange phones use slower processors that can struggle with multitasking. Thankfully, their camera systems have improved dramatically, and you can typically expect at least a dual-lens system on most midrange smartphones below $600 with decent camera quality, selfie performance and software support to keep things running smoothly for years to come..<\/p>\n
Midrange smartphone FAQs<\/h2>\nHow long do midrange phones get software updates?<\/h3>\n
Support varies by brand, but most midrange phones receive around three to five years of software and security updates. Apple tends to support iPhones longer while companies like Google and Samsung now promise several years of Android and security patches for their midrange models. Budget-focused brands might offer less so it\u2019s worth checking the update policy before you buy.<\/p>\n
Are midrange phones good for gaming?<\/h3>\n
Yes, many midrange phones handle gaming well, especially popular titles like Fortnite<\/em>, Genshin Impact<\/em> and Call of Duty Mobile<\/em>. They usually include capable processors, though you won\u2019t always get the smoothest performance in the most demanding mobile games or at max settings. If you play casually or stick to less graphically intensive titles a midrange phone will feel more than adequate.<\/p>\n
Sam Rutherford for Engadget<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Screen size<\/strong>: 6.3 inches | Storage capacity<\/strong>: Up to 256GB | SIM card type:<\/strong> Nano-SIM, eSIM | Front camera resolution:<\/strong> 13MP | Rear camera resolution: <\/strong>48MP main, 13MP ultrawide | Weight<\/strong>: 6.6 ounces<\/p>\n Read our full <\/strong>Google Pixel 9a review<\/strong><\/p>\n The Pixel 9a isn’t especially flashy and it doesn’t have any special features that aren’t already available on its more expensive siblings. In fact, it actually has slower charging speeds and it’s missing support for some of Google’s homegrown software like the Screenshots app. But for everyone who just wants a simple phone with a solid design, a nice AMOLED display, excellent camera quality and strong battery life, the Pixel 9a is really hard to beat. It handles low light shots impressively well for a phone at this midrange price, and Google\u2019s smart AI features enhance both the main camera and editing experience. So while it’s not super fancy, the phone has all of its most important bases covered (and then some). But most importantly, starting at just $499, this phone feels like an incredible deal that punches well above its price point. \u2014 Sam Rutherford, Senior Reporter<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n $399 at Amazon<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Cherlynn Low for Engadget<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Read our full <\/strong>iPhone 16e review<\/strong><\/p>\n Screen size<\/strong>: 6.1 inches | Storage capacity<\/strong>: Up to 512GB | SIM card type:<\/strong> Dual eSIM | Front camera resolution:<\/strong> 12MP | Rear camera resolution: <\/strong>48MP Fusion main | Weight<\/strong>: 5.88 ounces<\/p>\n The iPhone 16e is closer in specs to the iPhone 16 than the iPhone SE was to the iPhone 13. And that makes choosing which iPhone to buy harder than ever. Should you save $200 and give up a dual camera system, Dynamic Island, Camera Control and MagSafe? That depends largely on your priorities and budget.<\/p>\n While I think that anyone who can afford the price difference should opt for the iPhone 16 over the iPhone 16e, I can\u2019t deny that this is Apple\u2019s best entry-level iPhone to date. It has an Action button, USB-C, a larger, brighter screen and an A18 CPU that enables Apple Intelligence. My biggest concerns with it are limitations brought on by its single rear camera setup \u2014 things like not being able to capture ultrawide shots or Portrait mode not working if there isn\u2019t a face in the scene. If you\u2019re coming from an iPhone 11 or newer, you should consider whether the improved camera quality is worth giving up an ultrawide camera for. If it is, and if you can live without snapping portraits of objects and faceless items, the iPhone 16e\u2019s selfie camera will be satisfying.<\/p>\n There are other factors to consider, like whether you regularly use MagSafe accessories or wireless charging. If you do, then the iPhone 16e will frustrate you as it doesn\u2019t work with the magnetic attachment system (you can get a MagSafe case to remedy this) and charges at a slower speed than the iPhone 15 or iPhone 16 (but there\u2019s no fix for this). You can consider the $699 iPhone 15 for a better camera and wireless charging experience, but you\u2019ll be giving up Apple Intelligence and an Action button. \u2014 Cherlynn Low, Managing Editor<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n $599 at Apple<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Nothing<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Screen size: <\/strong>6.77 inches | Storage capacity:<\/strong> 256GB | SIM type:<\/strong> Nano-SIM + eSIM | Front camera resolution:<\/strong> 50MP | Rear camera resolution:<\/strong> 50MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 50MP periscope telephoto | Weight:<\/strong> 7.44 ounces<\/p>\n Read our <\/strong>Nothing Phone 3a Pro review<\/strong><\/p>\n If you want something different from your next phone, there are few if any devices out there like the Nothing Phone 3a Pro. It has a translucent glass back that evokes the design of old Game Boys, allowing you to see some of its internal components, including the NFC antennas. At $459, it\u2019s also one of the best deals in the industry, thanks to a compelling mix of features. The Phone 3a sports a bright 6.77-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It also comes with a 5,000mAh battery, a decently speedy Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 CPU and a 3x periscope telephoto camera \u2014 a standout feature at this midrange price. That last feature is something that\u2019s difficult to find in the 3a Pro\u2019s price point, especially in North America. The camera system also performs better than expected in low light and supports handy AI features for enhanced photography.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n $459 at Amazon<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n OnePlus<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Screen size:<\/strong> 6.72 inches | Storage capacity:<\/strong> 128GB + microSD | SIM card type:<\/strong> Nano-SIM | Front camera resolution:<\/strong> 16MP | Rear camera resolution: <\/strong>108MP main, 2MP macro | Weight:<\/strong> 6.8 oz<\/p>\n When it first came out, the Nord N30 had basically everything you could want in a phone that cost $300. Its Snapdragon 695 5G chipset delivers strong performance along with speedy wireless connectivity that\u2019s compatible with all the big US carriers, not to mention good specs including 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. It also has a big 6.7-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, which is rare on a budget phone as most rivals feature slower 60Hz or 90Hz panels. The display isn\u2019t AMOLED, so you may notice deeper bezels and slightly lower contrast, but it\u2019s still a solid screen. And thanks to its 50-watt wired charging speeds, you can top it up quickly, too. But most importantly, the Nord 30 recently got a price drop from $300 to $250, making it an unquestionably good deal and our top pick in this space.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n $273 at Amazon<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n While the term frequently appears in articles and videos, there isn\u2019t an agreed-upon definition for \u201cmidrange\u201d beyond a phone that isn\u2019t a flagship or an entry-level option. Most of our recommendations cost between $400 and $600 \u2014 any less and you should expect significant compromises. If you have more to spend, you might as well consider flagships like the Apple iPhone 17 and the Samsung Galaxy S25 if you want the best smartphone experience. Devices like Pixel phones often sit in this price range too, offering some of the best value for Android buyers.<\/p>\n Buying a new device can be intimidating, but a few questions can help guide you through the process. First: what platform do you want to use? If the answer is iOS, that narrows your options down to exactly one phone. (Thankfully, it\u2019s great.) And if you\u2019re an Android fan, there\u2019s no shortage of compelling options. Both platforms have their strengths, so you shouldn\u2019t rule either out.<\/p>\n Of course, also consider how much you\u2019re comfortable spending. Even increasing your budget by $100 more can get you a dramatically better product. Moreover, manufacturers tend to support their more expensive devices for longer with software updates and security updates, so it\u2019s worth buying something toward the top limit of what you can afford.<\/p>\n Having an idea of your priorities will help inform your budget. Do you want a long battery life or fast charging? Do you value speedy performance above all else? Or would you like the best possible cameras with high megapixel counts? While they continue to improve every year, even the best midrange smartphones still demand some compromises, and knowing what\u2019s important to you will make choosing one easier.<\/p>\n Every year, the line between midrange and flagship phones blurs as more upmarket features and functions trickle down to more affordable models. When Engadget first published this guide in 2020, it was tricky to find a $500 phone with waterproofing and 5G. In 2026, the biggest thing you might miss out on is wireless charging \u2013 and even then, that\u2019s becoming less true.<\/p>\n One thing your new phone probably won\u2019t come with is a power adapter; many companies have stopped including chargers with all of their smartphones. Performance has improved in recent years, but can still be hit or miss as most midrange phones use slower processors that can struggle with multitasking. Thankfully, their camera systems have improved dramatically, and you can typically expect at least a dual-lens system on most midrange smartphones below $600 with decent camera quality, selfie performance and software support to keep things running smoothly for years to come..<\/p>\n Support varies by brand, but most midrange phones receive around three to five years of software and security updates. Apple tends to support iPhones longer while companies like Google and Samsung now promise several years of Android and security patches for their midrange models. Budget-focused brands might offer less so it\u2019s worth checking the update policy before you buy.<\/p>\n Yes, many midrange phones handle gaming well, especially popular titles like Fortnite<\/em>, Genshin Impact<\/em> and Call of Duty Mobile<\/em>. They usually include capable processors, though you won\u2019t always get the smoothest performance in the most demanding mobile games or at max settings. If you play casually or stick to less graphically intensive titles a midrange phone will feel more than adequate.<\/p>\n\n
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What is a midrange phone?<\/h2>\n
What to consider before buying a midrange smartphone<\/h2>\n
What won\u2019t<\/em> you get from a midrange smartphone?<\/h2>\n
Midrange smartphone FAQs<\/h2>\n
How long do midrange phones get software updates?<\/h3>\n
Are midrange phones good for gaming?<\/h3>\n