The Best Mid-Range Smartphones of 2022

The mid-range category of smartphones has exhibited fierce competition in 2022. This has created a specification arms race that is giving significantly expensive high-end smartphones a run for their money. While mid-range devices might not have the design polish of more expensive phones, they are nevertheless packed to the gills with features and compelling performance.

These goodies include OLED displays, powerful SoCs, 5G connectivity, triple rear cameras, fast charging, and more that rivals the experience provided by high-end phones at a fraction of the cost. Here are the best mid-range smartphones launched in 2022.

And Here Are the Winners...

Gold Award: iQOO Neo 6

The iQOO Neo 6 emerges at the top of the mid-range food chain thanks to its all-round abilities. In addition to being fast and responsive, it also excels in the key areas of camera and display. The Neo 6 is driven by a reliable and powerful Snapdragon 870 SoC, and has the best color science of all cameras in this price segment. The iQOO Neo 6 is truly a force to be reckoned with and therefore earns the gold award.

Silver Award: Nothing Phone 1

The Nothing Phone 1 has successfully jolted the smartphone industry to attention with its innovative design and seamless user experience. It is the brainchild of Carl Pei-the man behind the success of OnePlus, and is nothing short of exemplary. From a fancy but purposeful design to building a more accessible community, the Nothing Phone 1 provides a glimpse of the feeling that OnePlus as a brand evoked in its early years. Nostalgia aside, the Nothing Phone 1 also delivers a well-rounded package with the Snapdragon 778G+, dual 50MP cameras, and wireless charging. The Phone 1 earns a well deserved second spot.

Bronze Award: Realme 9 Pro+

The Realme 9 Pro+ offers unmatched camera performance at an affordable price, which could be attributed to its well-optimized Sony IMX766 sensor. Then there's the capable MediaTek Dimensity 920 SoC, which allows the hardware and the software to deliver superior image quality as well as performance. The smartphone is also dressed to kill with its gradient-themed back and, of course, the 90Hz AMOLED Display. Its well-rounded nature guarantees a place at the podium.

Meet Our Nominees

Nothing Phone 1

The Nothing Phone 1 has successfully made a dent in the smartphone industry, with its refreshingly exceptional user experience and design language. It's not just another smartphone, it's a vision by Carl Pei—the man who many argue was the driving force behind OnePlus' meteoric rise. From a reimagined design to building a more accessible community, Nothing Phone 1 is here to deliver a much-needed kick-in-the-rear to the prevalent smartphone status quo. For once, we agree that the hype is real!

Realme 9Pro+

The Realme 9Pro+ exhibits unparalleled camera performance in the segment—all thanks to the well-optimized Sony IMX766 sensor, thereby making it the clear favorite among value-conscious smartphone photographers. It is powered by the rock-solid Mediatek Dimensity 920 at the heart. This is offset by an eye-catching exterior design featuring a gradient-themed back and, of course, the 90Hz AMOLED Display.

Motorola Edge 30

Motorola Edge 30 shines past its competitors in this segment with an uber-smooth 144Hz pOLED display. From the slimmest, lightest, and the most comfortable design that feels great in your hands to a clean interface that's a treat for sore eyes—the Motorola Edge 30 has struck the perfect balance. Meanwhile, assured Android software and security updates and the added security benefits of the ThinkShield Security makes this one a formidable contender.

Poco F4

The Poco F4 is a beast when it comes to the performance department with its well optimized Snapdragon 870 SoC. Alongside the capable hardware, the F4 is also equipped with a 120Hz AMOLED display. However, the standout feature for the Poco F4 in this segment has to be the ability to flash custom ROMS on the device. This makes it extremely attractive to hardcore smartphone geeks, which earns it a place in our list of nominees.

iQOO Neo 6

Good Cameras? Smooth Gaming & Performance? Great Display? The iQOO Neo 6 not only checks all the boxes but passes with flying colors! It has got the most well-rounded Snapdragon 870 optimization, with the best color science of all cameras in the sub-30k category. The iQOO Neo 6 has established itself as the go-to device and an easy recommendation.