Apple plans to launch the next-generation iPhone SE in early 2025, marking a significant move in the competitive mid-range smartphone market. The new iPhone SE will feature advanced specifications to compete with Android rivals and will introduce Apple's own 5G modem, reducing reliance on Qualcomm. Additionally, it will support Apple's updated generative AI suite, Apple Intelligence, requiring enhanced memory and processing power. This launch serves as a strategic testbed for new technologies before they are integrated into Apple's flagship models.
Samsung has significantly reduced prices on several of its smartphones, including the Galaxy S24 Ultra, Galaxy A55, and Galaxy A35. The 512GB Galaxy S24 Ultra is now under £1,000, and the Galaxy Z Flip5 is at its lowest price ever. The OnePlus 12 offers competitive specs at a lower price, while Samsung's mid-range A-series models have also seen substantial price drops. The Nothing Phone (2a) and OnePlus 12R are also highlighted for their value propositions.
The Google Pixel 8a offers impressive battery life, outperforming the Pixel 8 in several tests, but its charging speed remains slow at 18W, lagging behind competitors. While it can comfortably last through most days, its slow charging may frustrate users with more active lifestyles.
Samsung's mid-range Galaxy A5x lineup has historically suffered from poor out-of-the-box performance, but the newly released Galaxy A55 breaks this trend with a smooth initial performance, possibly due to improved software optimization or the Exynos 1480 chip with its AMD-powered GPU and 12GB of RAM. This marks a positive shift for the A5x series, and further testing will determine if the A55's performance holds up in various use cases, including gaming.
Samsung's unannounced Galaxy A35 5G and A55 5G mid-range smartphones are already available for purchase in Germany, despite not being officially unveiled. The Galaxy A55 5G is listed at a higher price than expected, featuring a 6.6-inch display, Exynos 1480 processor, 5,000mAh battery, and 120Hz Super AMOLED screen. Meanwhile, the Galaxy A35 5G is priced at €379 in Germany, offering a 6.6-inch display, Exynos 1380 processor, and 5,000mAh battery. Both phones are expected to run Android 14 with One UI 6.1 and feature IP67 water and dust resistance.
The Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Pro topped the AnTuTu benchmark charts in October, with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 leading the rankings. The Xiaomi 14 scored an impressive 1,997,427 points, making it 20% faster than the OnePlus Ace 2 Pro. In the mid-range, the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 dominated with the Realme GT Neo5 SE and Redmi Note 12 Turbo taking the top two spots. MediaTek's Dimensity 8200 and Dimensity 8100 chips also featured in the mid-range rankings.
The Samsung Galaxy A53, one of the best mid-range smartphones on the market, is currently on sale on Amazon with a 22% discount, allowing customers to save $101. The international version in Awesome Blue offers even greater savings of $134, but lacks an active warranty in the US. With decent performance, good cameras, and a large battery, the Galaxy A53 is a great choice at its current price.
The new Google Pixel 7a strikes a near-perfect balance between price, features, and performance, making it an appropriate phone for the current economy without the glaring trade-offs. The device excels at the essentials, including still photography and performance, and is nearly indistinguishable from the higher-end Pixel 7 Pro in day-to-day usage. While there is still room for improvement, such as longer battery life and guaranteed Android updates, the Pixel 7a is a strong contender in the mid-range smartphone market.
