The best smartphones under $600 offer a good balance between features and performance without breaking the bank. Some top picks in this price range include.
The OnePlus 12R, which provides flagship-level performance with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, a large and vibrant OLED display, excellent battery life with 100W fast charging, and capable camera setup, all for under $600.
The Google Pixel 8a is another excellent mid-range option, delivering the Pixel’s renowned camera quality, smooth performance, and clean Android experience at a more affordable price point.
Mobile Phones Under $600 – Mid-Range Picks
Google Pixel 8a
The Google Pixel 8a is the best mid-range smartphone you can buy right now. It features the powerful Google Tensor G3 processor, a 6.1-inch OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, and a fantastic camera system that delivers excellent image quality.
Key Specs:
- Processor: Google Tensor G3
- Display: 6.1-inch OLED, 90Hz refresh rate
- Camera: Dual rear cameras with 12MP main and 12MP ultrawide
- Storage: 128GB
- Battery: 4,410mAh with 18W fast charging
- Software: Android 14, 5 years of security updates
The Pixel 8a offers a premium Pixel experience at a mid-range price point. Its clean Android software, impressive camera performance, and long-term software support make it an excellent choice for those seeking a high-quality smartphone without breaking the bank.
iPhone SE (2022)
The iPhone SE (2022) is Apple’s most affordable iPhone, but it doesn’t skimp on performance. It features the same A15 Bionic chip found in the iPhone 13, ensuring smooth and responsive performance.
Key Specs:
- Processor: Apple A15 Bionic
- Display: 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD
- Camera: Single 12MP rear camera
- Storage: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB
- Battery: Up to 15 hours of video playback
- Software: iOS 16, 5 years of software updates
While the iPhone SE’s design may feel dated with its large bezels and single camera, its powerful internals and access to the latest iOS updates make it a great option for those who want an affordable iPhone experience.
Red Magic 8 Pro
For gamers on a budget, the Red Magic 8 Pro is an excellent choice. It packs the flagship-level Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 processor, along with a 120Hz OLED display and advanced cooling system for an immersive gaming experience.
Price: $599
Key Specs:
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2
- Display: 6.8-inch OLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- Camera: Triple rear cameras with 64MP main
- Storage: 256GB
- Battery: 5,000mAh with 65W fast charging
- Software: Red Magic OS based on Android 13
The Red Magic 8 Pro is designed with gamers in mind, offering top-of-the-line performance, a high-refresh-rate display, and a unique gaming-focused software experience. It’s a great option for mobile gaming enthusiasts on a budget.
Google Pixel 7a
The Google Pixel 7a is a more affordable version of the flagship Pixel 7, but it still delivers excellent camera performance and a clean Android experience.
Price: $499
Key Specs:
- Processor: Google Tensor G2
- Display: 6.1-inch OLED, 90Hz refresh rate
- Camera: Dual rear cameras with 64MP main and 12MP ultrawide
- Storage: 128GB
- Battery: 4,410mAh with 18W fast charging
- Software: Android 13, 5 years of security updates
The Pixel 7a inherits many of the features from its more expensive sibling, including the impressive camera system and Google’s Tensor G2 processor. It offers a great balance of performance, camera quality, and software support at a mid-range price point.
Nothing Phone 2
The Nothing Phone 2 is a unique and refreshing take on the mid-range smartphone market. It features a distinctive design with a transparent back and LED lighting system, along with solid hardware and software.
Key Specs:
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
- Display: 6.55-inch OLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- Camera: Dual rear cameras with 50MP main and 50MP ultrawide
- Storage: 256GB
- Battery: 4,700mAh with 45W fast charging
- Software: Nothing OS based on Android 13
The Nothing Phone 2 stands out with its eye-catching design and clever LED lighting system, but it also delivers strong performance, a capable camera, and a clean software experience. It’s a great choice for those looking for something different in the mid-range smartphone market.
These mid-range smartphones offer an excellent balance of features, performance, and value, making them great options for those who don’t want to spend top dollar on a flagship device. Whether you’re looking for a reliable daily driver, a gaming-focused phone, or a unique design, there’s a mid-range pick here that’s worth considering.
FAQs
What features should I expect in a mobile phone under $600?
- You can expect good performance, decent cameras, solid build quality, and a good balance of features like battery life and display quality.
Which brand offers the best value for money in this price range?
- Brands like Xiaomi, Samsung, Motorola, and OnePlus often offer great value for money in the mid-range segment.
Are mid-range phones under $600 good for gaming?
- Yes, many mid-range phones under $600 can handle casual gaming and some even perform well with more demanding games, thanks to capable processors and GPUs.
Do mid-range phones under $600 have good camera quality?
- Yes, you can expect mid-range phones in this price range to have decent camera setups, often with multiple lenses for different purposes.
What about battery life in mid-range phones under $600?
- Battery life varies, but many mid-range phones can last a full day with moderate use, thanks to efficient processors and optimized software.
Do these phones support 5G connectivity?
- Some mid-range phones under $600 do support 5G, but it’s important to check the specifications of the specific model you’re interested in.
Are there any water-resistant options in this price range?
- Some mid-range phones come with water resistance ratings (like IP67 or IP68), offering protection against water and dust.
Can I expect good display quality?
- Yes, mid-range phones often feature Full HD+ displays with good color accuracy and brightness levels, suitable for media consumption and everyday use.
Do these phones come with expandable storage?
- Many mid-range phones offer expandable storage via microSD cards, which is convenient for storing more photos, videos, and apps.
Are there any standout models I should consider?
- Some popular mid-range phones under $600 include the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro, Samsung Galaxy A52/A72, OnePlus Nord series, and Motorola Edge series, among others.
