5 mid-range smartphones I suggest you invest your Back-to-School budget in.
Does your smartphone have a cracked screen? Is your battery struggling to last past 3 PM? Or is your camera producing blurry images instead of capturing wonderful memories? It sounds like it’s time for an upgrade, and with the back-to-school shopping season underway, now is likely the best opportunity to make the change.
The great news is that you don't need to spend a fortune to acquire a device that will serve you well for the coming years. Mid-range phones have significantly improved recently, narrowing the gap with flagship models in key areas like battery life, performance, and camera quality. Whether you’re upgrading your phone or selecting one for your child before the new school year begins, here are the top mid-range phones that are worth considering this season.
**Google Pixel 10a**
**Pros:**
- Bright, 120Hz display
- Impressive camera performance
- Long-term support window
- Sleek design
**Cons:**
- Older chip
- 8GB of RAM may not suffice for some on-device AI features
- Low base storage
The Pixel 10a is my ideal choice, as I wouldn't have to worry about buying another phone for years. Google didn’t go for significant upgrades with this year's A-series refresh, and that’s not a deal-breaker. The device offers a lot of appealing features, including a vibrant 120Hz display and a 48MP main camera that performs well in various lighting. While the Tensor G4 is slightly outdated and 8GB of RAM may not support all of Google’s on-device AI features, the Pixel 10a consistently manages regular tasks. And that reliability is exactly what you’re investing in.
Google’s range of useful AI features is a genuinely beneficial addition not found in other devices on this list, plus the commitment to seven years of software support is another advantage. At $499, the Pixel 10a is my top recommendation for most students, particularly if you want a dependable, long-lasting device.
**Apple iPhone 17e**
**Pros:**
- A19 chip delivers excellent performance
- MagSafe support
- Double the base storage
**Cons:**
- 60Hz display
- Single rear camera
- Unappealing notch
If you're moving up from an older iPhone, you're likely already embedded in Apple’s ecosystem, owning an iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch that you wouldn't replace just because your phone is aging. In that case, the iPhone 17e is the ideal selection. This year, Apple finally upgraded its budget model, equipping it with an A19 chip that easily manages daily tasks and casual gaming. The base storage is now 256GB at the same $599 price, and MagSafe support has arrived in the “e” series, enabling compatibility with chargers, car mounts, and accessories from the wider iPhone lineup.
The display operates at 60Hz, which might be an adjustment if you’re transitioning from a high refresh rate phone, and you’ll only have a single rear camera without an ultrawide option. However, the available camera performs well, and the phone's overall speed compensates for its limited screen refresh rate. The iPhone 17e is the most economical entry point into Apple's ecosystem, whether you’re upgrading from an old iPhone or selecting your first because many around you already own one.
**Samsung Galaxy A57**
**Pros:**
- Premium design
- Stunning Super AMOLED display
- Long-lasting battery
**Cons:**
- Exynos 1680 is underpowered
- Unremarkable ultrawide and macro lenses
- Pricey for the features offered
If you picked up the Galaxy A57 without knowing the cost, you would probably guess it’s much more expensive. Samsung’s latest mid-range phone features a glass back, aluminum frame, beautiful Super AMOLED display, and a familiar camera setup that resembles its pricier S series counterparts. The phone is genuinely pleasing to view, whether you’re reading in class or enjoying a show during a break. Its battery proves robust, easily lasting an entire day without the need for a charger.
However, the internals aren’t as impressive. The Exynos 1680 chip is only a modest improvement from last year, and it doesn’t match the speed of the other models mentioned. The camera setup also remains unchanged from the Galaxy A56, with the main 50MP camera performing adequately in most situations, while the ultrawide and macro lenses are forgettable. At $549, this is suitable only for Samsung enthusiasts who enjoy One UI. If that’s not you, the Pixel 10a may be a better option and save you $50 for accessories or school supplies.
**Nothing Phone 4a Pro**
**Pros:**
- Unique design with Glyph Matrix display
- Strong performance with Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 and 12GB RAM
- Bright, high refresh rate display
- 50MP peris
Other articles
Recent data indicates that electric vehicle batteries are enduring for much longer than consumers expect, but sales in the US continue to decline.
Recent studies by Recurrent and Geotab indicate that contemporary EV batteries deteriorate much less than consumers are concerned about, despite a 28 percent year-over-year decline in US sales.
AI chatbots are increasingly emerging as the unwelcome third party in relationships.
One out of every five young Americans relies on AI for emotional support, and a study published in Science revealed that chatbots are 49 percent more ingratiating than people.
.jpg)
Three overlooked films on Apple TV that you should check out this weekend (July 24-26).
This weekend, we have three overlooked treasures on Apple TV that showcase some of the platform's finest creations, which often go unnoticed.
Recent data indicates that electric vehicle batteries are enduring for significantly longer than consumers might believe, but sales in the US continue to decline.
Recent analyses from Recurrent and Geotab reveal that contemporary EV batteries experience significantly less degradation than consumers are concerned about, despite a 28 percent decline in US sales compared to the previous year.
Jeff Bezos believes that stress serves as an indicator to put in more effort, rather than a justification to give up.
Amazon's founder, Jeff Bezos, states that anxiety arises from inaction rather than being overworked, and he believes that stress dissipates as soon as he takes the initial step to address an issue.
From my first year to graduation, here are the three backpacks I would feel confident using for carrying a laptop.
Returning to school but your backpack is worn out? Choose one of these three options and you won't need to consider purchasing another until you graduate.
5 mid-range smartphones I suggest you invest your Back-to-School budget in.
Looking for a new phone before the school year begins? Here are five mid-range options that offer a premium experience without the premium cost.