We are in the holiday season, and you might be planning on getting a new phone for your loved one as a gift, but you might not want to break the bank or tear your pockets. In this article, we compiled a full list of the best mid-range smartphones in 2021 that you can get, and when we say mid-range we are talking about the sub $350 segment.
The smartphones listed here are the best in the competition in their various markets, and a few are top sellers. With each device, we will clearly outline the strong points alongside the prices for your benefit.
Samsung Galaxy A32
This entry from Samsung into the A series this year stole our heart with its simple yet sweet design. The other devices launched alongside it are of course better than it (Samsung Galaxy A52 and Samsung Galaxy A72), but they do not fall into the sub-$350 segment that we are exploring. So if you are looking out to get an affordable device, the Galaxy A32 is worth checking out.
Key Specs
- Screen: 6.4″ Super AMOLED display with 90Hz refresh rate.
- Processor: MediaTek Helio G80.
- Operating System: Android 11, One UI 3.1.
- Main Camera: 64MP, 8MP, 5MP, 5MP (quad-camera setup).
- Selfie Camera: 20MP.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Under display.
- Battery: 5000mAh, with 15W fast charging.
- Price: $249.
Redmi Note 11 Pro
Redmi as a subsidiary of Xiaomi has proven to be a brand that shows the value for money in the budget segment. The Redmi Note 11 pro lives up to the legacy by proving itself worthy of being among the best mid-range smartphones in 2021. This device has a lot to offer at its price point and will be a good pick for anyone shopping to get a new smartphone. How fast do you expect your phone to charge? At its price, this device charging speed will blow your mind away!
Key Specs
- Screen: 6.67″ AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate.
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 920 5G.
- Operating System: Android 11, MIUI 12.5.
- Main Camera: 108MP, 8MP, 2MP (triple camera setup).
- Selfie Camera: 16MP
- Fingerprint Sensor: Side-mounted.
- Battery: 5160mAh, with 67W fast charging.
- Price: $331.
Infinix Zero X Pro
The Zero series is one of the best to look out for when shopping to get an Infinix device. Most people tend to write Infinix off due to the marred software, but if you are okay with the ads and bloatware present, certainly the Zero X pro is a great option for you.
Key Specs:
- Screen: 6.67″ AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate.
- Processor: MediaTek Helio G95.
- Operating System: Android 11, XOS 7.6.
- Main Camera: 108MP, 8MP, 8MP (triple camera setup).
- Selfie Camera: 16MP
- Fingerprint Sensor: Under display.
- Battery: 4500mAh, with 45W fast charging.
- Price: $326
Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite
Every year Xiaomi launches its flagship line-up and this year saw the launch of the Mi 11 line-up. Yes, the Mi 11 line-up is a flagship, but Xiaomi was kind enough to also launch a contender for the best mid-range smartphone 2021.
The Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite is a very slim and flush device with jaw-dropping specs, surely it will be worth your money!
Key Specs:
- Screen: 6.55″ AMOLED HDR10 display with 90Jz refresh rate.
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G.
- Operating System: Android 11, MIUI 12.
- Main Camera: 64MP, 8MP, 5MP (triple camera setup).
- Selfie Camera: 16MP.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Side-mounted.
- Battery: 4250mAh, with 33W fast charging.
- Price: $335
Google Pixel 4a
Are you out shopping for a very simple and handy device for yourself or a loved one? Google Pixel devices are quite simple to understand and use as they reflect pure Android at its best with zero pre-installed apps or ads.
For the best mid-range smartphones in 2021, we will feature the Google Pixel 4a from 2020, over a year old but still a good recommendation. This device is compact and can easily fit into your palms, it is a little giant.
Key Specs:
- Screen: 5.81″ OLED HDR display.
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G.
- Operating System: Android 10, upgradable to Android 12.
- Main Camera: 12.2MP (single-camera setup).
- Selfie Camera: 8MP.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Rear-mounted.
- Battery: 3140mAh, with 18W fast charging.
- Price: $350.
iPhone SE 2020
We have mentioned a lot of Android devices in this list, but not everybody loves Android! For iPhone lovers, the best iPhone you can get at a mid-range price is the iPhone SE 2020.
The reason for this is that, unlike the iPhone X, XS, XS Max, or XR, the iPhone SE 2 uses a more recent chipset. The chipset on the SE 2020 is the same chipset you find on the iPhone 11 line-up, so you are getting the same processing power and picture quality at a mid-range price as you would on a more expensive device. Let us take a look at what it has to offer!
Key Specs
- Screen: 4.7″ Retina IPS LCD.
- Processor: A13 bionic.
- Operating System: iOS 13, upgradable to iOS 15.1.
- Main Camera: 12MP (single-camera setup).
- Selfie Camera: 7MP.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Front-mounted.
- Battery: 1821mAh, (ensure to get a good power bank)
- Price: $300.