Gone are the days when you needed to spend a huge amount to get a good smartphone. In 2026, features exclusive to high-end smartphones – larger batteries, multi-camera arrays, high refresh rate OLED displays and more – have made their way to more affordable models. Yes, you’ll still need to buy a flagship smartphone to get the best camera or fastest processor, but if you’re on a strict budget when you go shopping for your next smartphone, you won’t have to make nearly as many compromises as you used to. If you have less than $600 to spend, let us help you figure out which features to prioritize when trying to find the best midrange smartphone.
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Best midrange phones for 2026
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
Read our full Google Pixel 9a review
The Pixel 9a isn’t particularly flashy and doesn’t have any special features that aren’t already available on its more expensive siblings. In fact, its charging speed is really slow and it doesn’t have support for some of Google’s homegrown software like the Screenshot app. But for all those who want a simple phone with a solid design, a good AMOLED display, excellent camera quality, and strong battery life, the Pixel 9a is really hard to beat. It handles low-light shots impressively for a phone at this moderate price, and Google’s Smart AI features enhance both the main camera and editing experience. So while it’s not super fancy, the phone has all its most important bases covered (and then some). But most importantly, starting at just $499, this phone feels like an incredible deal that’s well above its price point. -Sam Rutherford, Senior Reporter
- sleek design
- amazing battery life
- good performance
- great cameras
- IP68 rating for dust and water resistance
- Charging could be faster
- no pixel screenshot app
- Macro focus mode can be a little tricky
$399 on Amazon
Cherlyn Lo for Engadget
Read our full iPhone 16E Review
screen size: 6.1 inches | storage capacity:Up to 512GB | SIM Card Type: Dual eSIM | Front Camera Resolution: 12MP | Rear Camera Resolution: 48MP Fusion Main | weight: 5.88 ounces
The iPhone 16e is closer to the iPhone 16 in terms of specs than the iPhone 13 to the iPhone SE. And that makes it harder than ever to choose which iPhone to buy. Should you save $200 and skip the dual camera system, Dynamic Island, camera controls, and MagSafe? This largely depends on your preferences and budget.
While I think anyone who can afford the price difference should choose the iPhone 16 over the iPhone 16e, I can’t deny that this is Apple’s best entry-level iPhone to date. It has an action button, USB-C, a big, bright screen, and an A18 CPU that enables Apple Intelligence. My biggest concerns with it are the limitations brought about by its single rear camera setup – things like not being able to capture ultrawide shots or portrait mode not working when there’s no face in the scene. If you’re getting an iPhone 11 or newer, you should consider whether it’s worth giving up the ultrawide camera for better camera quality. If so, and if you can live without taking pictures of objects and faceless objects, the iPhone 16e selfie camera will be satisfactory.
There are other factors to consider, such as whether you regularly use MagSafe accessories or wireless charging. If you do, the iPhone 16e will disappoint you because it doesn’t work with the magnetic attachment system (you can get a MagSafe case to fix this) and charges slower than the iPhone 15 or iPhone 16 (but there’s no workaround for that). You might consider the $699 iPhone 15 for a better camera and wireless charging experience, but you’ll have to give up Apple Intelligence and an action button. – Cherlyn Lo, Managing Editor
- solid performance
- long battery life
- Clean, sustainable design
- bright, vibrant screen
- Only one rear camera, which causes several limitations
- Costlier than previous iPhone SE
- no magsafe
$599 at Apple
Nothing
screen size: 6.77 inches | storage capacity: 256GB | SIM Type: Nano-SIM + eSIM | Front Camera Resolution: 50MP | Rear Camera Resolution: 50MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 50MP periscope telephoto | weight: 7.44 ounces
read our Nothing Phone 3A Pro review
If you want something different from your next phone, there are few devices like the Nothing Phone 3A Pro. It has a translucent glass back that reflects the design of old Game Boys, allowing you to see some of its internal components, including the NFC antenna. At $459, it’s one of the best deals in the industry, thanks to its compelling mix of features. The Phone 3a features a bright 6.77-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It comes with a 5,000mAh battery, a fairly fast Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 CPU, and a 3x periscope telephoto camera – an exceptional feature at this midrange price. That last feature is something that’s hard to find at the 3A Pro’s price point, especially in North America. The camera system performs better than expected even in low light and supports useful AI features for advanced photography.
- fun design
- Large 120Hz AMOLED screen
- Clear but customizable Android skin
- Limited US Warranty
- no wireless charging
- tiny speaker
$459 on Amazon
oneplus
screen size: 6.72 inches | storage capacity: 128GB + microSD | SIM Card Type: Nano-SIM Front Camera Resolution: 16MP | Rear Camera Resolution: 108MP main, 2MP macro | weight: 6.8 ounces
When it first came out, the Nord N30 had basically everything you could want in a phone that costs $300. Its Snapdragon 695 5G chipset offers fast wireless connectivity as well as strong performance that’s compatible with all the major US carriers, not to mention good specs including 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. It also has a larger 6.7-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, which is rare on a budget phone as most rivals have slower 60Hz or 90Hz panels. The display isn’t AMOLED, so you may notice darker bezels and a little less contrast, but it’s still a solid screen. And thanks to its 50-watt wired charging speed, you can top it up even faster. But most importantly, the Nord 30 has recently dropped in price from $300 to $250, making it undeniably a good deal and our top choice in this segment.
- good performance for the price
- 120Hz display
- 50W wired charging
$273 on Amazon
What is a midrange phone?
While the term appears frequently in articles and videos, there is no agreed definition for “midrange” beyond a phone that is not a flagship or entry-level option. Most of our recommendations cost between $400 and $600 – any less and you should expect significant compromises. If you have more to spend, you can also consider flagships like the Apple iPhone 17 and Samsung Galaxy S25 if you want the best smartphone experience. Devices like Pixel phones often fall into this price range as well, offering the best value for Android buyers.
What to consider before buying a midrange smartphone?
Buying a new appliance can be intimidating, but a few questions can help guide you through the process. First: Which platform do you want to use? If the answer is iOS, that limits your options to exactly one phone. (Thankfully, it’s great.) And if you’re an Android fan, there’s no shortage of attractive alternatives. Both platforms have their own strengths, so you shouldn’t dismiss either one.
Of course, also consider how much you are comfortable spending. Even increasing your budget by $100 can get you a dramatically better product. Additionally, manufacturers support their more expensive devices for longer periods of time with software updates and security updates, so it’s worth buying something at the top end of what you can afford.
Knowing your priorities will help you inform your budget. Do you want longer battery life or faster charging? Do you value fast performance above everything else? Or would you like the best possible cameras with a high megapixel count? While they continue to improve every year, even the best midrange smartphones still demand some compromises, and knowing what’s important to you will make it easier to choose one.
What Will not done You get a midrange smartphone?
Every year, the line between midrange and flagship phones blurs as more advanced features and functions trickle down to more affordable models. When Engadget first published this guide in 2020, it was hard to find a $500 phone with waterproofing and 5G. In 2026, the biggest thing you might miss is wireless charging – and yet, that’s becoming less and less true.
One thing that probably won’t come with your new phone is a power adapter; Many companies have stopped including chargers with all their smartphones. Performance has improved in recent years, but can still be hit or miss as most midrange phones use slow processors that may struggle with multitasking. Thankfully, their camera systems have improved dramatically, and you can generally expect at least a dual-lens system to keep things running smoothly for years to come, along with good camera quality, selfie performance, and software support on most midrange smartphones under $600.
Midrange Smartphone FAQ
When do midrange phones get software updates?
Support varies by brand, but most midrange phones receive about three to five years of software and security updates. Apple supports iPhones for longer periods of time while companies like Google and Samsung now promise several years of Android and security patches for their midrange models. Budget-focused brands may offer less so it’s worth checking for the updated policy before buying.
Are midrange phones good for gaming?
Yes, many midrange phones handle gaming well, especially popular titles like Fortnite, genshin impact And call of duty mobile. They generally include capable processors, although you won’t always get the best performance in the most demanding mobile games or at maximum settings. If you play casually or stick to less graphically intensive titles a midrange phone will seem more than adequate.
Georgie Peru contributed to this report.
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