With the digital world on a fast track, it’s never been more important to stay connected. But the cost of high-end smartphones from brands like Apple and Samsung can come with a pretty penny. For residents of Nigeria in search of a sweet balance between performance and affordability, mid-range devices are just the best option available. We’ve been reviewing the latest offerings at GadgetryHQ so you don’t have to burn a hole in your pocket. It’s time to look at the best mid-range smartphones of 2024 with impressive features on a budget.
Why not go for a mid-range phone?
If you choose a mid-range smartphone, you won’t have to squeeze out any functionality in order to keep the price down. However, these devices typically carry impressive specs like high-resolution OLED displays, advanced cameras, powerful processors, and long-life batteries — at a very affordable price. Mid-range smartphones are ideal for the Nigerian market where value for money is all important.
Best Mid-Range Smartphones of 2024
Google Pixel 8A
Design and Build
Featuring a sleek metal frame with a fingerprint-resistant finish, at its mid-range price, the Google Pixel 8A has a premium feel. On the other hand, the 8A is built out of more affordable materials, but the image quality is not much compromised in terms of durability or aesthetics.
Performance
With Google’s Tensor G3 chipset bringing smooth performance and the capacity to handle everyday tasks and moderate gaming, the Pixel 8A is powered. Its efficient processor means there’s little chance of overheating, which is often an issue with many phones.
Display
With a 6.1-inch OLED display that refreshes at 90Hz, the vibrant colors and the sharpness of the visuals are suitable for viewing media or for gaming. Clarity and brightness are on tap with this, similar to higher-end models, delivering a nice viewing experience.
Camera Capabilities
The Pixel 8A has always been praised for its camera technology, and Google has always done it in style. Featuring superb image processing, even in challenging lighting conditions, it takes stunning photos. The hardware doesn’t quite match up to the flagship; however, software optimizations always mean high-quality images.
Software and Updates
Google promises up to seven years of OS and security updates with the Pixel 8A. This longevity also means your device continues to stay secured and up to date on the newest features – a huge plus for Nigerian users who seek longer service.
Battery Life
Though likely not as great as the Prestige versions, the Pixel 8A’s battery lasts all day on a single charge. Efficient power management is combined to make sure you never run out of battery without frequent recharging, key to Nigeria’s on-the-move lifestyle.
Pros:
- Excellent camera performance
- Long-term software support
- Vibrant OLED display
Cons:
- Slightly limited availability in some areas
- No wireless charging
OnePlus Nord 4
Design and Build
OnePlus Nord 4 comes with the all-metal chassis we love on classic HTC and LG models. The durable design combined with a wide choice of colors will make it a match for everybody.
Performance
The Nord 4 has the Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 3 chipset, which allows you to multitask and run games smoothly. No matter whether you’re streaming videos or playing a demanding game, such as Genshin Impact, this thing will hold up against the stress with no lagging.
Display
With deep blacks and vibrant colors, it boasts an expansive 6.74-inch AMOLED display. With the high refresh rate, scrolling is smooth, and an immersive viewing experience suitable for entertainment as well as productivity is guaranteed.
Camera
The Nord 4 boasts a camera setup that takes good photos in less-than-ideal conditions. Though the Nord 4’s photography power doesn’t quite compare to the flagship, it does offer reliable performance when taking photos you’ll want to share with your circle.
Battery Life and Charging
With 5,500mAh of battery life included, you can enjoy longer usage, while with 100W Super VOOC charging, you can bring your device back to life even quicker. In fact, busy Nigerians who need their phones ready in no time will love this fast-charging capability.
Software
Powered by OxygenOS, the Nord 4 comes with a clean and user-friendly UI and is packed with features like a gaming mode. Extended OS upgrade support guarantees your device will always run updates and stay secure.
Pros:
- Fast and efficient charging
- Large, vibrant display
- Solid build quality
Cons:
- Slightly behind competitors in camera performance
- Heavier design
Vivo V40 and V40 Pro
Design and Build
Vivo V40 series, available in V40, V40 Pro, or the Vivo V40 SE, are slim, light, and have Gorilla Glass Victus and metal frames. The phones are not only stylish but are also built to last against daily wear and tear and are just what you need for the dynamic Nigerian environment.
Performance
Vivo V40 runs on the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset in the standard Vivo V40, while the Vivo V40 Pro steps it up with the MediaTek Dimensity 9200 Plus chipset. Smooth performance, gaming, and multitasking come easily with both variants.
Display
The V40 series of mobile phones come with a 6.78-inch AMOLED display that sports a resolution of 1.5K and offers ultra-crisp and detailed visuals. It has stereo speakers that improve things for media consumption and gaming.
Camera
The two models offer 50MP Zeiss-branded cameras, giving you sharp and vibrant photos. It also adds a telephoto portrait shooter to the V40 Pro, providing detailed, professional-looking images.
Battery Life and Charging
The V40 series lets you power through the whole day with a 5,500mAh battery and 80W fast charging. Heavy usage is catered for by the efficient battery management.
Pros:
- High-resolution display
- Excellent camera setup
- Robust build quality
Cons:
- Not available in all regions
- Slightly bulkier design
Samsung Galaxy A55 and A35
Design and Build
Galaxy A55 and A35 are premium-looking devices with glass (Gorilla Glass Victus) and metal finishes respectively. Thanks to their IP67 rating, these phones are built to withstand drops and exposure to dust and water, making them perfect for Nigeria’s diverse climates.
Performance
The two models run on Samsung’s latest chipset and should offer smooth daily work and game performance. Despite being less potent than flagship models, they’re more than capable of dealing with intensive apps like Genshin Impact with minimal slowdown.
Display
If you’re looking for a more budget phone, then the Galaxy A55 does offer a 6.6-inch AMOLED display in FHD+ resolution at 120Hz with Samsung’s trademark colour reproduction. Display quality on the Galaxy A35 is basically the same as it is on the Galaxy A32, namely excellent visual performance.
Camera
With a versatile camera system and good image quality, the Galaxy A55 is more budget-friendly, while the Galaxy A35 offers respectable optics. Both models ensure photography enthusiasts will have performance worth counting on.
Battery Life and Charging
Besides the day-long usage, the Galaxy A55 is equipped with a 5,000mAh battery. Both A55 and A35 come with 120W wide charging (rapid recharging times); A55 supports it, while A35 doesn’t.
Software
One UI provides a smooth user experience with tons of features and customization options for Samsung, not to mention the latest version supports gestures for easier interaction with the device. Both models promise up to five years of OS updates, as well as security updates.
Pros:
- Durable and premium build
- Excellent display quality
- Long-term software support
Cons:
- Model charging speeds will vary
- Camera performance could be improved
Nothing Phone 2A and 2A Plus
Design and Build
Nothing Phone 2A, meanwhile, is the only phone to feature a distinctive glyph finish, as none of the other phones here do. Its style and functionality are minimalist, and the build is durable for daily usage.
Performance
The Nothing Phone 2A is powered by a custom MediaTek chipset, offering good performance for the asking price. This handles games like Genshin Impact nicely.
Display
Its OLED display sports vibrant colors and deep blacks for a better viewing experience. This works well with the display, so the multimedia experience is nice.
Camera
The Nothing Phone 2A doesn’t have wireless charging, but the cameras are set up in a way to capture good pictures. The addition of a telephoto lens in the 2A Plus model compensates for the lack of one in the base model.
Battery Life
However, they both come with a full day of battery life, so you never have to unplug. With extra assurance for heavy users, the 2A Plus has a slightly larger battery.
Software
It runs on Nothing OS, which is a clean and simple interface. It is packed with special features like full notification support and a nice countdown timer, which makes the device even more interesting than it already is.
Pros:
- Unique and stylish design
- Smooth performance for gaming
- Reliable battery life
Cons:
- It doesn’t have wireless charging in the base model
- Limited camera features in 2A
Edge 50 Neo and Edge 50 Fusion
Design and Build
Both the Edge 50 Neo and the Edge 50 Fusion continue the impressive performance of Motorola and are built with IP68 water and dust resistance. The sleek designs, coupled with the fact that they come in different colors, make them a good choice for Nigerian consumers.
Performance
Powered by a Dimensity chipset, the Edge 50 Neo provides gaming and multitasking performance. For people who need a bit more from their device, the Edge 50 Fusion offers a larger battery and extra storage.
Display
Both models also have bright and vibrant AMOLED displays, rendering excellent visibility in direct sunlight. With a bigger screen, the Edge 50 Fusion works perfectly for media consumption as well as gaming.
Camera
Both phones have 50MP Sony lens-equipped cameras, which take sharp, detailed photos. When you’re trying for a crisp family photo without getting too close, a telephoto portrait lens is exactly what you’ve got inside the Edge 50 Neo.
Battery Life and Charging
With a dinky but efficient battery that’ll last you a full day and fast charging, the Edge 50 Neo is complemented. In return, the battery is bigger, but you’ll have to do without some of the camera features.
Software
Motorola has run Vibe based on stock Android with zero bloat. Its long-term appeal also comes from the promise of several years of OS and security updates.
Pros:
- Durable and water-resistant
- Excellent display quality
- Reliable camera performance
Cons:
- Fusion variant compromises on camera features
- Fusion has a slightly bulkier design
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus, Pro 5G, and 14T
Design and Build
Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus and Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G are both built solidly with Gorilla Glass Victus and have nice designs. This continues with the Redmi Note 14T, which comes with a slightly curved AMOLED display and a leather-style finish, adding a touch of modernity.
Performance
The Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus is backed by the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Ultra to keep gaming and multitasking at their smoothest. The Pro 5G variant comes with a Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 for a balanced set of performance for everyday use.
Display
All models come with a 6.67-inch AMOLED Full HD+ display. This can be further enhanced with HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support, which is embedded in the Redmi Note 14T.
Camera
The main camera of the Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus claims to deliver high-definition, vivid shots. In real-world performance, however, it comes close to mid-range expectations, offering good photos without flagship polish.
Battery Life and Charging
The Pro Plus variant gets a 5,000mAh battery that’s capable of powering an entire day, and 120W wide charging acts as the cherry on top, quickly bringing the device to life. The 14T and Pro 5G here offer slightly slower charging speeds but still have some great battery performance.
Software
MIUI is a feature-rich, customizable user interface provided by Xiaomi. Improvements to gaming tools and better power management are introduced by the Redmi Note 14T.
Pros:
- High-resolution camera
- Fast charging capabilities
- Bright and vibrant display
Cons:
- No wireless charging support
- Performance of camera is different across various models
Poco X6, X6 Pro, F4 GT, F6, F6 Pro
Design and Build
Poco’s lineup – the X6, X6 Pro, F4 GT, F6, and F6 Pro – come with a wide variety of designs for different taste buds. Poco is sure to please: from a sleek and modern X6 to the gaming-focused F4 GT, there’s a device for everyone.
Performance
Both the Poco X6 and the Poco X6 Pro are powered by Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 and Dimensity 8300 Ultra, respectively, and offer great performance for gaming and multitasking. The F4 GT has a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 that’s meant for hardcore gamers.
Display
All Poco devices come with a 6.67-inch AMOLED display, featuring high refresh rates that make your visuals look super smooth and provide an immersive experience. The F6 Pro is a bigger deal, with a 1440p resolution and support for Dolby Vision, which, if I were you, I would choose until something better comes along.
Camera
Poco F4 GT and F6 Pro sport cool camera modules that deliver great snapshots, bright and bold. The X6 and F6 models offer reliable photographic abilities, with the X6 coming in a more affordable form factor than the flagship, making it more obtainable than the existing R series.
Battery Life and Charging
Poco devices are equipped with a 5,000mAh battery and will charge up to 120W fast, so you’ll spend as little time with your phone in your hand as possible. With the F6 series, the balance of battery life and performance is achieved.
Software
MIUI is optimized for performance-oriented Poco devices, featuring gaming tools and customization options. You are assured of OS and security updates for a long time to come.
Pros:
- High-performance chipsets
- Excellent display quality
- Fast charging capabilities
Cons:
- Some models have inconsistent camera performance
- Software can be bloat-heavy
Comparative Analysis
When choosing the best mid-range smartphone, it’s essential to consider what matters most to you—be it camera quality, gaming performance, battery life, or overall value. Here’s a quick comparison:
Smartphone | Display | Processor | Camera | Battery | Fast Charging | Software | Price (₦) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Google Pixel 8A | 6.1″ OLED, 90Hz | Tensor G3 | Excellent | 4,500mAh | No | Stock Android | 180,000 |
OnePlus Nord 4 | 6.74″ AMOLED, 90Hz | Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 3 | Good | 5,500mAh | 100W | OxygenOS | 150,000 |
Vivo V40/V40 Pro | 6.78″ AMOLED, 1.5K | Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 / Dimensity 9200 Plus | Very Good | 5,500mAh | 80W | FunTouch OS | 160,000 / 190,000 |
Samsung Galaxy A55/A35 | 6.6″ AMOLED, 120Hz | Samsung Chipset | Good | 5,000mAh | 120W / 25W | One UI | 170,000 / 120,000 |
Nothing Phone 2A/2A Plus | OLED | MediaTek | Good | 4,500mAh | No | Nothing OS | 140,000 / 160,000 |
Motorola Edge 50 Neo/Fusion | 6.4″ AMOLED / 6.67″ AMOLED | Dimensity / Dimensity | Good | 4,500mAh / 5,500mAh | 50W / – | Stock Android | 130,000 / 150,000 |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro Series | 6.67″ AMOLED | Dimensity 7200 Ultra / Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 | Good | 5,000mAh | 120W | MIUI | 160,000 / 140,000 / 150,000 |
Poco X6 Series | 6.67″ AMOLED | Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 / Dimensity 8300 Ultra | Reliable | 5,000mAh | 120W | MIUI | 130,000 / 150,000 / 180,000 / 160,000 / 190,000 |
Future Trends in Mid-Range Smartphones
The mid-range smartphone segment is evolving constantly as marketers develop to offer more features than ever before, which were exclusive to flagships. But you can expect advances in AI-driven camera technology, more efficient processors, and better battery technology. Moreover, mid-range phones will become more attractive, at least to budget customers, owing to the promise of better software support and longer update cycles in Nigeria.
Conclusion
In 2024, your mid-range smartphone should have all this: good performance, good features, and a good price. There is a device that will cater to your exact demands, whether it’s gaming performance, camera quality, or battery life. Google, OnePlus, Vivo, Samsung, Xiaomi, and Poco all offer brands that provide very good value. At GadgetryHQ, we suggest that you evaluate your budget and choose the best phone that will work for your lifestyle.
FAQs
What makes a mid-range phone in 2024?
Typically, mid-range smartphones offer you a balance of performance and affordability with strong processors, impressive displays, acceptable camera systems, along with long-term batteries, and without premium price tags compared to flagship models.
Can mid-range smartphones be used for gaming?
It’s true that many mid-range phones have highly featured processors and high refresh rate displays that can handle well-known games such as Genshin Impact or PUBG without signs of lag.
And how long will mid-range smartphones be updated with software?
Quite a few mid-range smartphones, such as the Google Pixel 8A and Samsung Galaxy A55, will provide up to five to seven years of OS and security updates, guaranteeing long-term usability and security.
Do mid-range smartphones have good-quality cameras?
Although the mid-range models from brands like Google or OnePlus don’t entirely live up to the name, yes, they certainly do focus on delivering excellent camera performance. Although not everything takes on the look of a flagship, these cameras do a good job shooting reliable and high-quality photography.
Is battery life a concern with mid-range smartphones?
Most mid-range smartphones come with sizeable batteries (around 5,000mAh) that offer all-day usage. Additionally, fast-charging technologies in devices like the OnePlus Nord 4 and Samsung Galaxy A55 ensure quick recharging times.
Can I find water-resistant mid-range smartphones in Nigeria?
Absolutely. Models like the Samsung Galaxy A55 and Motorola Edge 50 Neo feature IP67 and IP68 water and dust resistance, making them durable for various environments in Nigeria.
Are mid-range smartphones future-proof?
With ongoing software updates and advancements in hardware, many mid-range smartphones are designed to remain relevant and efficient for several years, offering a good degree of future-proofing.
How do mid-range smartphones compare to budget phones?
Mid-range smartphones generally offer better performance, higher-quality displays, and more advanced features compared to budget phones. They provide a more premium experience without the high cost of flagship models.