The extreme need for a new phone may arise for a several reasons. Nevertheless, a major concern when it comes to cellphones is its memory and battery life. Apple, Huawei, Motorola, OnePlus, and Samsung are some of the companies currently releasing new smartphones that are of high quality but are cost-efficient.
Having a new phone does not have to be costly. Because of new technology, different cellphone brands are constantly being introduced to the market. The regular consumer can actually choose between phones with expensive data plans and highly affordable cellphones.
Mid-range smartphones are popular nowadays since they have features that offer the same great value, yet apparently cost lower than expensive brands. If you are looking for a phone and you’re quite on a tight budget, here is a list of mid-range cellphone brands that are readily available in the market.
1. MOTO G6
Price at Amazon: $249
The Moto G6 is one of the smartphones that offers great value in terms of price, specs, software, and design. It is one of the latest brands of Motorola, which was launched recently at Sao Paolo, Brazil. The following features demonstrate why the Moto G6 is considered to be one of the best mid-range cellphone brands.
Overall Design
The new Moto G6 is similar to previous models in terms of some features but stands out with its unique design. Compared to previous Motorola models, the general design of the Moto G6 includes the following features:
– Presence of 3D rear glass similar to that of Galaxy S7
– Compact and has numerous cases that come in silver, black or blush tones
– Cellphone has a round camera module
– Presence of a fingerprint scanner on the front portion
– Regular thickness is 8.3 millimeters and the weight is 167 grams
– Headphone jack is retained based from previous Motorola models
– Cellphone is water repellant due to p2i coating
Screen
The Moto G6 has a larger and wider screen as compared to previous models. The size of its display is 5.7 inches, and its features include the following:
– Full HD+ resolution accounting for the tall display.
– Technology follows that of the IPS Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
– Retention of 424ppi pixel density for high-quality images, videos and applications
– Vibrant, natural colors are retained
– Moderately bright screen
The Moto Display is also one of the unique features of the Moto G6 since it allows the user to wave above the mobile phone and gain relevant information such as date, time, and battery percentage. Whenever the screen is off, notifications will not also appear.
Storage and Memory
The Moto G6 contains a Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 processor, which is octa-core and 1.8 GHz in terms of frequency. Memory is at 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. It has a lower screen resolution but it can hold an additional 128GB of storage through its built-in microSD card slot.
Sound and Connectivity
The Moto G6 has a USB-C port and a headphone jack. Aside from this, the phone also has the Dolby Audio feature, which can be switched on and off easily. Connectivity is good due to the dual-band Wifi, Bluetooth 4.2 and GPS. The fingerprint scanner mounted at the front part can also be used to switch off the screen through a long press. The phone can also be unlocked through face recognition even during dim light.
Camera
The Moto G6 is considered one of the most affordable phones that features a dual camera setup. Resolution may have relatively decreased from 16 to 12 Mp but despite of this, secondary 5Mp cameras are still present.
The Moto G6 features the portrait with blurring mode, which is one of the numerous tricks of this smartphone. It also makes a photo black and white aside from other color options. Through its superb camera settings, the Moto G6 creates awesome shots with perfect exposure, details and colors.
There is an 8Mp camera at the front area that allows video recording at a maximum resolution of 1080p. It can also take pictures and videos at 4K resolution. Video quality is quite impressive through digital stabilization.
Battery Span
The Moto G6 has a 3,000mAh battery that allows the phone to last a generous amount of time. After numerous tests, the Moto G6 was able to last for an average of nine hours and 15 minutes, and the efficiency score was 3,516. It also has a Turbo Charger that can charge the phone to as high as 49% for just a span of 30 minutes.
Software
The Moto G6’s software is specifically Android 8.0 Oreo. This software allows ample storage for the phone. Applications (Apps) in the Moto G6 include the Moto Voice, responsible for voice commands, and the Moto Display, for controlling notifications and other aspects such as the attentive display, or the ability of the phone to remain switched on while looking at it. Other apps include the Moto Actions, for numerous gestures such as being able to twist the phone twice rapidly in order to launch the camera. One of its newest features is the Moto Key, which handles passwords and log-ins through the use of the fingerprint scanner.
2. ASUS ZenFone 5
Price at Amazon : $299
The Asus ZenFone series is almost similar to Apple physically, and the ZenFone 5 model somehow appears to be similar to IPhone X in terms of glass back, round metal edges, and camera alignment.
Aside from its full-screen and big-screen features, specs are relatively mid-range but in spite of this, the performance appears to be smooth and rapid enough for average consumers. The camera also has the capability to obtain excellent shots due to its artificial intelligence (AI) feature.
Overall Design
In terms of design, the Asus ZenFone 5 has a much larger screen than the IPhone. It has a 6.2 inches display, and this makes up the 90 percent screen-to-body ration of the phone. The fingerprint sensor is located at the back of the phone along with the 3.5 millimeter headphone jack.
Aside from the display, the Asus ZenFone 5 has a slim, metal-framed body along with a glass back area. It is 7.9 millimeters thick, making it convenient to hold even though the screen is large. Its weight, on the other hand, is 155 grams, despite its metal and glass framework.
The Asus ZenFone 5 back body comes in two known colors, namely, Meteor Silver and Midnight Blue. The black metal color of the sides is retained. A simple clear casing is also present together with a charger and headphones. Wireless charging and water resistance are both not possible though.
Screen
With regards to the screen, the phone has a 6.2 inches Full HD+ display. The entire screen appears to be vibrant and clear, and the colors appear to be lively and natural. This is due to the integration of a wide range of colors and display alternatives, allowing you to modify the hues and saturation level, adjust the color temperature, and establish a blue light filter to reduce eye strain during the night.
Despite the fact that it is not an OLED screen, it is still impressive based on its features. The Asus ZenFone 5 is regarded as one of the phones with the largest screens, and they are obviously larger than IPhones.
Memory and Storage
The Asus ZenFone 5 uses the Snapdragon 636 Qualcomm mid-range chip, which aims to provide ample support for wide-screen displays. The processor is supported by 4GB of RAM and 64GB built-in storage, along with a MicroSD support that can hold 512GB of storage. Because of these features, the phone is considered to perform smoothly and excellently.
Camera
In terms of the phone’s camera features, the Asus ZenFone 5 has dual, wide-angled lens at the back area. The wide-angled lens is for the sole purpose of achieving better photos even on dim or low light. At the front area, the Asus ZenFone 5 has an 8MP selfie camera.
The camera of the Asus ZenFone 5 also uses artificial intelligence (AI) for effective scene recognition and automatic adjustment to optimum settings. The performance of the entire camera is strong and excellent. Colors appear to be vibrant and impressive even on dim areas. Photos appear to be vivid, natural, and detailed on any form of shot, whether landscape or portrait.
Videos can be shot in Full HD for 120 frames per second. The resolution may also be increased to 4K with a frame rate below 30fps. As such, videos are impressively created and displayed.
Sound and Connectivity
Asus ZenFone 5 has a powerful audio system, as it has built-in speakers that produce loud yet great tones. The phone also features a DTS Headphone X support for virtual 7.1 surround sound, together with Bluetooth 5.0 and aptX HD. There is also a regular 3.5 millimeter headphone jack in order to obtain the best sounds out from the phone.
The phone also utilizes USB-C for rapid charging, and has incorporated NFC for payments made via Google Pay. The fingerprint sensor is also located on the rear for the purpose of direct face recognition aside from unlocking the phone.
Battery Lifespan
The Asus ZenFone 5 has a 3,300 mAh battery, which can last for at least seven hours based on the tests it went through, and has an efficiency score of 4,036. In terms of real-world usage, the battery can last for at least an entire day.
Software
The Asus ZenFone 5’s software is the Android 8.0 Oreo, where the Android OS and app support for the notch has been enhanced for the last few months. App notifications normally appear at the left portion while the system notifications, on the other hand, are located at the right side.
In terms of its apps, Gboard serves as the standard keyboard. The phone also features Google’s browser, email, as well as messaging apps, and third-party apps such as Instagram and Facebook. The phone also contains standard apps like calculator, contacts, and clock. Additional Google and other third-party apps can also be installed.
Ringtones can automatically be modified to go well with ambient noise. Display color temperature can also be adjusted according to light levels, and notification text colors can also be changed to suit the wallpaper image that you have.
The Al Boost enables you to use the processor for extreme tasks. Instead of causing battery drain, the Al Boost can actually supply power which is almost equal to the processor of the Snapdragon 660. Al Charging is also one of the features of the Asus Zenfone 5, which enables preservation of battery life for a long period. It boosts the battery’s power to 80% while the charger is kept on, and retains the power until early morning. Asus considers this as something that can increase the battery’s lifespan.
3. Samsung Galaxy A8
Price at Amazon: $399
The Samsung Galaxy A8 has numerous features that are almost similar to flagship models in the market.
Overall Design
The Samsung Galaxy A8 is typically a hybrid of metal and glass located on the A range back. The phone display does not normally have the curved dual edge but it contains small bezels, that make up the whole of the screen. Its complete screen-to-body ratio is 75 percent.
There are some features that were retained in the Samsung Galaxy A8 when it was compared with the S8 model. One of these is the presence of the fingerprint scanner at the back of the phone, which makes it more convenient to use along with the camera.
The A8 appears to be much thicker at 8.4 millimeters. Nevertheless, its weight is just 172 grams, making it compact and easier to hold. This model also features IP68 waterproofing as well as a headphone jack. Wireless charging is not possible even though it has a glass rear cover.
Screen
The Samsung Galaxy A8 now features the Infinity Display making up the front part of the whole phone, with the absence of the home button from previous models. In terms of screen dimensions, the Galaxy A8 has a 5.6 inches screen, but the dual edge feature shown in previous models is not present in the phone. Instead, it has rounded edges on the display area.
Resolution is also quite lower at around 1080 x 2220 or 441 ppi. The screen also has a brightness level at a maximum of 355 cd/m2.
Storage and Memory
Samsung Galaxy A8 features the Exynos 7885 processor and the Mali-G71 GPU processor. The phone can also store 32GB and it also contains a microSD card slot for additional 256GB. There is also 4GB of RAM, as compared to previous models. The Galaxy A8’s storage and memory features show that the phone performs smoothly and responsively in all cases.
Camera
In terms of cameras, the Samsung Galaxy A8 has reverse features in contrast with previous models. At the front part, you can see 16- and 8Mp cameras for the purpose of Live Focus, enabling you to have that bokeh effect as it blurs the background. The level of blurring can actually be adjusted as well.
If you want to take selfies, it is also possible to switch between the regular camera and the reverse one, even on a blurred background. The 16Mp type is recommended though for superb shots all the time. The rear camera at the same time produces excellent shots even at low or dim light. As for the front camera, it offers unique features and impressive features that set it apart from previous models of Samsung Galaxy.
There’s no autofocus and the 1080p video recording is limited. However, you will still get Auto HDR. There is also a beauty mode setting and a “welfie” alternative for accommodating more people inside a frame for better panoramic views.
Sound and Connectivity
The Samsung Galaxy A8, like its previous models, has the Bluetooth 5.0, dual-band 11ac WiFi, GPS, NFC and CAT 11 LTE. The heart rate monitor is non-existent in the Galaxy A8 unlike previous models. The headphone port is also retained along with the USB-C. A single speaker can also be seen at the side of the phone at the top of the power button.
Battery Life
The battery size of the Galaxy A8 is 3000mAh, and this is the average size of most smartphones in the market at present. When it was tested, the Galaxy A8 battery was able to last for about four hours and 30 minutes, having an efficiency score of 2700. In terms of charging, Fast Charging is provided through the USB-C charger, as it can charge the battery to at least 39% in 30 minutes.
Software
The Galaxy A8 has a 7.1 Nougat software instead of Android. The interface is sleek and neat, as it has a swipe button to browse through the phone’s apps. Google Assistant can be utilized through the app, and pre-installed apps are also available through Google, Microsoft, and Samsung. Other features of the Galaxy A8 are Samsung Pay and Multi-Window. The phone also supports the Gear VR headset.
4. Nokia 6
Price at Amazon: $299
For 2018, the Nokia 6 has been launched to provide superb value for your money communication and other services. The updated 2018 version has several enhancements that allows the phone to be appealing to consumers.
Overall Design
The Nokia 6 is made up of aluminum with all of the edges finished with a different color in order to acquire sufficient light as the phone is moved or shifted to another position. Its color options are Black-Copper, Blue-Gold, and White-Iron.
The screen appears to be a bit curved at the corners, and this neutralizes the straight-line design of the phone, making it convenient to hold. Therefore, the Nokia 6, because of its design, appears to be an expensive model of Nokia.
A fingerprint scanner is present under the single rear camera lens, and this allows your fingers to rest near the LED flash. There is also a headphone jack, MicroSD slot, and a USB-C port for the purpose of charging.
Screen
The 5.5 inches display is in Full HD LCD screen but is quite wider in terms of screen-to-body ratio. The images are also vivid and bright, and color reproduction is also efficient. This makes the Nokia 6 perfect for any consumer.
Memory and Storage
The phone processor is the Snapdragon 630, which is the same processor found in other phone brands like HTC, Sony Xperia, and Motorola. It also has 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage, yet it would soon upgrade to 4GB RAM and 64GB storage. Aside from this, there is also a microSD card slot for additional 128GB of storage.
Camera
The Nokia 6 has a 16Mp shooter camera with dual-tone flash. Its camera interface appears to be simple and convenient to use especially in switching between photos, videos, and settings immediately. A pro mode for the camera is also present in order to obtain superb images in good lighting conditions. Details are clear, colors are precise, and white balance is also present.
The front camera is composed of a 8Mp wide-angle lens, and Nokia offers the “Bothie” option which allows photos to be taken simultaneously in both cameras. The camera also provides excellent shots and autofocus for better picture quality.
In terms of taking videos, the Nokia 6 is of a great advantage due to its ability to record videos up to 4K resolution at 30 fps, given digital stabilization. Slow motion is also present, and the autofocus allows the internal storage to be filled up rapidly.
Battery Life
The Nokia 6 has a 3,000mAh battery, and a USB-C for rapid charging. You can actually expect 32% of battery power in a 15-minuite charge. The phone itself also features high-quality battery life and its efficiency score is at 3778. It can last for about eight hours and three minutes, which is relatively high for this brand of smartphone.
Sound and Connectivity
The Nokia 6 also provides a wide range of features such as USB-C port, GPS, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC and WiFi. A headphone jack is also present and a single speaker is located at the bottom part of the phone.
Software
The Nokia 6 has an Android 8.0 Oreo software, wherein a constant Android UI is expected for standard security updates and primary Android OS updates. The Android 8.0 Oreo software is considered the operating system’s latest version. Most of the pre-installed apps are core-range, and the latest interface allows you to access Google Assistant and other apps efficiently.
5. Moto G5S Plus
Price on Amazon: $279
The Moto G5S Plus is one of the best budget smartphones in the market. It may seem quite a little expensive, yet the price you pay is worth it because of the phone’s good battery life, fast charging capabilities, sleek design, high-quality dual cameras, and excellent performance.
Overall Design
The Moto G5S Plus has a compact design and has unique chamfered edges. It has a large screen, at about 5.5 inches in size, and the body is composed of a uniform aluminum finish compared to older models that have a plastic-like finish. The Moto G5S Plus also has a Motorola logo located at a certain spot where you can hold the phone conveniently. It also features a fingerprint sensor at the bottom area. The camera bump at the rear contains a front-facing camera with flash at the top area
Screen
In terms of its display, the Moto G5S Plus has Gorilla Glass 3 protection, and it features a full HD IPS LCD with 401ppi and a standard 16:9 aspect ratio. The phone demonstrates bright and vibrant colors on the LCD screen. Content such as videos, games, and text appear clear and detailed as well.
Memory and Storage
The Moto G5S Plus features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor, which is defined as a mid-range chip that enables high-quality power efficiency. It allows superb battery management along with moderate processing speed. The phone has a 32GB internal storage, but can have additional space for 256GB through a microSD card. It also contains a 3GB RAM, which can hold additional intensive games and applications. Another version can be seen wherein the internal storage is 64GB and 4GB RAM
The Moto G5S Plus also features excellent video streaming, gaming, photography, and multitasking with only small lags.
Camera
The Moto G5S Plus also has a dual camera upgrade for best camera experience. It has camera sensors are 13Mp with aperture of f/2.0 to create perfect shots even in full daylight. It also has a front-facing 8Mp camera that can be used for Skype and Facebook video calls, and Snapchat selfies. Portrait-style effect photos can be taken through the unique camera of the Moto G5S Plus.
Software
The Moto G5S Plus software is more on Android Nougat 7.1 for a constant and fresh Android experience. The fingerprint sensor can be utilized to lock and unlock the phone. It can also serve as a navigation button for swiping and pushing apps and other actions. Apps are located in an area which is a swipe from home screen as that of Google Pixel phones. Settings and notifications are all the same and unchanged.
Other Features
The phone has a built-in FM radio with a micro-USB connector. Battery life is excellent due to the phone’s 3,000mAh non-removable battery with rapid charging compatible with the TurboCharger. NFC for mobile payments can also be obtained through Android pay. The phone also includes Bluetooth, and a high-standard, well-responsive, and fast fingerprint sensor.
