Best midrange smartphones in 2025 — Top picks under $600
A great mobile phone doesn’t need to cost a fortune. In 2025 many features once reserved for flagships — big batteries, multi-camera arrays, high-refresh OLED screens — have filtered down to solid midrange devices. If you have under $600, you can get excellent battery life, good cameras and smooth displays without paying flagship prices. Below are our top picks and what to consider when buying.
Top midrange picks (2025)
- Xiaomi 14T Pro — Flagship-grade specs for near-$600 value: fast chipset, 144Hz display and strong camera. Shop: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Xiaomi+14T+Pro+smartphone&tag=f1rede-20
- Samsung Galaxy A56 — Premium build and bright 6.7″ AMOLED 120Hz screen with reliable Samsung support. Shop: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Samsung+Galaxy+A56+smartphone&tag=f1rede-20
- Google Pixel 9a — Best-in-class cameras and a clean Android experience with timely updates. Shop: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Google+Pixel+9a+smartphone&tag=f1rede-20
- Nothing Phone (3a) Pro — Striking design, solid performance and competitive cameras for gamers and power users. Shop: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Nothing+Phone+3a+Pro+smartphone&tag=f1rede-20
- Motorola Moto G Power (2025) — Great battery life and value for budget-focused buyers. Shop: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Motorola+Moto+G+Power+2025+smartphone&tag=f1rede-20
- Xiaomi Poco F7 — Performance-focused midranger ideal for gaming and heavy use. Shop: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Xiaomi+Poco+F7+smartphone&tag=f1rede-20
- OnePlus Nord N30 5G — Solid all-rounder with good performance and display for the price. Shop: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=OnePlus+Nord+N30+5G+smartphone&tag=f1rede-20
What to consider
- Platform: iOS narrows you to Apple; Android offers many choices.
- Budget: adding ~$100 can get noticeably better hardware and longer software support.
- Priorities: battery life, camera, performance or charging speed — know which matters most.
What you might miss on midrange phones
Expect some compromises versus flagships: wireless charging is less common, power adapters often aren’t included, and processors can be slower for heavy multitasking. Still, cameras, displays and batteries have improved greatly in this segment.
FAQs
How long do midrange phones get updates? Typically ~3–5 years depending on brand. Apple often supports devices longer; check the manufacturer’s policy before buying.
Are they good for gaming? Yes for most popular titles; high-end settings in the most demanding games may be limited.
Source: Engadget (original report). Contributions: Georgie Peru.
Which feature matters most to you in a midrange phone? Share your pick in the comments!