Let’s face it. Not everyone can afford to dump big bucks to get the latest flagship smartphones, yet you might want get some of the latest smartphone features and user experience.
Mid range smartphones on the other hand, often offer competitive specifications and come with features that have been trickled down from past flagships. While there are dozens of mobile phones in this segment vying for your purchase, we have curated these mid range smartphones that should at least be in your shortlist.
The All-Rounder Smartphone: Samsung A53 5G
Specifications:
- Exynos 1280
- 8GB + 256GB
- 64MP triple camera
- 6.5″ 120Hz Super AMOLED FHD+ display
- RRP: RM1,699
Samsung’s A series has always been a staple consideration for mid range smartphones. While the A53 5G does not excel in any specific features, you get a well balanced package that has a decent camera, beautiful display and lots of storage at an accessible price point.
The Exynos 1280 processor is more sluggish when compared to the other mid rangers in this list, but it is still acceptable when it comes to real world usage.
Buy the Samsung A53 5G at the official online store.
The Unique One: Nothing Phone (1)
Specifications:
- Snapdragon 778G+
- 8GB + 128GB / 8GB + 256GB / 12GB + 256GB
- 50MP dual camera
- 6.55″ 120Hz OLED display
- RRP: RM1,499 / RM1,999 / RM2,299
The Nothing Phone (1) is probably the most unique looking smartphone in this generation, thanks to the distinctive Glyph Interface at the back. It lights up in specific patterns for calls and notifications. You can even flip the Glyph face up for lights only notifications.
It also comes with Nothing OS, a near stock Android operating system with virtually zero bloatware, making it feel smooth when paired with an efficient Snapdragon 778G+ chipset. While you do not get as many cameras as other phones on this list, Nothing did well in getting the best out of a dual camera setup so you are not losing much here.
Buy the Nothing Phone (1) at the Shopee and Lazada official stores.
The Fashionable One: Xiaomi 12 Lite
Specifications:
- Snapdragon 778G
- 8GB + 128GB / 8GB + 256GB
- 108MP triple camera
- 6.55″ 120Hz AMOLED display, HDR10+
- RRP: RM 1,649 / RM1,799
The Xiaomi 12 Lite is arguably the best looking mid range smartphone in this roundup. It comes with 3 attractive colourways: Black, Lite Green, and Lite Pink. Just because it is a looker, does not mean it isn’t a slouch when it comes to performance. It packs a Snapdragon 778G, 8GB RAM and up to 256GB of storage.
You can also take decent photographs with the 108MP main camera. Despite a smaller 4300mAh battery, you do get 67W fast charging.
Buy the Xiaomi 12 Lite at the Shopee and Lazada official stores.
The Best “For The Gram”: Honor X70 5G
Specifications:
- Snapdragon 778G+
- 8GB + 256GB
- 54MP Super Sensing main camera, 50MP ultrawide
- 6.67″ 120Hz OLED display, FHD+
- RRP: RM1,999
Among the mid range smartphones in this list, the Honor X70 5G has the best camera array. Featuring a 54MP Super Sensing main camera equipped with Sony’s IMX800 sensor, it can capture photos with better dynamic range than its predecessor, which is great under low light scenarios. The 50MP ultrawide camera is no slouch as well, capable of taking sharp pictures when compared to the competition in this price range.
It also comes with a decent 4,800mAh battery and 66W fast charging to keep your device powered throughout the day.
Buy the Honor X70 5G at the official website, Shopee, and Lazada official store.
The Gamer’s Choice: Realme GT Neo 3T
Specifications:
- Snapdragon 870 5G
- 8GB (13GB dynamic RAM) + 128GB
- 64MP main camera
- 6.62″ 120Hz AMOLED display, FHD+
- RRP: RM1,799
Gamers only want three things: speed, a large screen and long battery life. The realme GT Neo 3T is our mid range choice for mobile gamers, as it packs the fastest chipset in this roundup: the Snapdragon 870 5G. It is more than capable of running most competitive titles such as PUBG Mobile, MLBB and COD Mobile at comfortable frame rates.
The battery is 5,000W, great for all day gaming sessions, and when your phone runs out of juice, it can be charged from zero to 50% in under 12 minutes with its 80W SuperDart charging.
If you have a bit more to spend, do check out the realme GT Neo 3, which packs slightly better hardware under the hood.
Buy the Realme GT Neo 3T at the official website.
Final Thoughts
Mid range smartphones often offer the best bang for your buck with its versatility and reasonable powerful hardware and features. While you may lose out on the fancier features, mid rangers still have a lot to offer on the table.
If you are looking for more budget friendly options, do check out our guide on smartphones under RM1,000.
