Engadget Portal Edition highlights best mid-range smartphones across categories
Engadget Portal Edition has announced its picks for top mid-range smartphones across several categories. The Pixel 5a 5G earned the award for Best Mid-Range Android Smartphone. Priced around 450 dollars, this model stands out with a camera system that many rivals struggle to beat, a substantial 4680 mAh battery, IP67 protection for water and dust, and a reputation for prompt Android updates. Its drawbacks include the aging Snapdragon 765G processor and a display that refreshes at 60 Hz, which may feel less fluid compared with newer mid-range peers.
In the category of Best Screen Mid-Range Smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G took the honor. The device sports a 6.5 inch Super AMOLED panel with 120 Hz refresh rate, a robust 5,000 mAh battery, and a versatile camera array. The primary caveat noted is the Exynos 1280 chipset, which does not mark a significant leap over its predecessor in performance terms.
The third generation iPhone SE was described as the standout option in the mid-range iPhone segment. Editors treated it as the fastest device available for under 600 dollars, offering strong value within a compact footprint. Still, the model adopts an older IPS display with sizable bezels compared to recent competitors, which some buyers will notice in daily use.
Among budget smartphones under 200 dollars, the OnePlus Nord N200 earned recognition for delivering solid all-day use. It features a generous 5000 mAh battery, a 90 Hz display, and 5G connectivity. However, Engadget cautions that ultra-budget devices often carry noticeable trade-offs in performance and camera quality when stacked against more expensive options. In addition, OnePlus has no announced plans to move the N200 beyond Android 12, which could shorten its long-term software longevity compared with peers on the list.
Earlier coverage noted a separate evaluation by XDA that the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra topped photography flagships in 2022, underscoring the enduring interest in leading imaging capabilities among high-end devices. This external recognition provides context for readers comparing camera performance across the spectrum.