The Battle of the 3 Best Midrange Smartphones
Mondo Admin / 16-07-2025 / Tech news
Looking for the best mid-range phone in 2025? We compare the HONOR 200 Lite, Samsung Galaxy A36 and Huawei nova Y63 on camera quality, performance and battery life so you can choose the one that fits your needs best.
Introduction
Three smartphones. One dazzles with good looks, one’s surprisingly smart and the third just wants to make your life easier. But which one's your perfect match?
In 2025, the mid-range smartphone market is more competitive than ever. With flagship prices soaring, savvy South African buyers are turning to the best mid-range smartphones – devices that balance performance, camera quality and battery life. Brands like Samsung, Huawei and HONOR have stepped up their game, offering impressive features in stylish, budget-conscious packages.
Today, we’re looking at three standout contenders: the HONOR 200 Lite, Samsung Galaxy A36 and the Huawei nova Y63. Each one promises something different for budget-minded buyers- from sharp cameras and silky-smooth screens to long-lasting battery. Ready to see which phone deserves a place in your pocket? Let’s break it down.
Camera Combat: Which Camera Wins the Mid-Range Battle?
If you’re looking for a smartphone that shines in the photography department, these picks won’t disappoint. Whether you're capturing content for social media, filming everyday moments or snapping memories on holiday, these devices are built to deliver. Here's how they compare in our camera-focused roundup:
HONOR 200 Lite
This beauty packs a punch with a 108MP main camera, perfect for capturing stunning detail- whether it’s a sunset or your fur baby. The 5MP ultra-wide and 2MP macro lenses provide versatility, while the 50MP front camera turns selfies into high-def portraits. It’s ideal for social media creators or anyone who values crystal-clear photos. Add in HONOR’s AI-powered enhancements and you’ve got a camera system that’s more than just numbers. Face tracking, beauty filters and scene recognition make it easy to shoot like a pro. Low-light shots also get a lift, although you’ll want to keep a steady hand.
Samsung Galaxy A36
Equipped with a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide and a 5MP macro lens, the Samsung Galaxy A36 offers consistently good image quality across different lighting conditions. Samsung’s camera software has always been a strong point, offering intuitive controls and solid colour science. While it lacks a telephoto lens, its low-light performance and image sharpness make it a great all-rounder. The 13MP front camera may not match the HONOR in megapixels, but it holds its own, especially with built-in portrait mode and HDR. You can expect warm tones, strong contrast and excellent social media-ready shots with no editing apps required.
Huawei nova Y63
Huawei phones are known for overperforming in the camera department, no matter the budget. The Huawei nova Y63 features a 50MP main lens, 8MP ultra-wide and a 2MP depth sensor. The 8MP front camera is basic but functional – great for selfies or video calls. AI enhancements elevate image quality with punchy colours and smart adjustments that work well in daylight. Don’t expect cinematic magic here but for a phone in this price range, it still delivers more than expected. Bonus: Huawei’s gallery app makes editing and enhancing your shots a breeze with auto-retouch and one-tap filters that simplify your workflow.
Camera Verdict:
● Best for selfie lovers and content creators: HONOR 200 Lite
● Best for balanced photography and low-light snaps: Samsung Galaxy A36
● Best for casual photo-takers who want simplicity with some AI flair: Huawei nova Y63
Power, Storage and Software: Which Phone Packs the Biggest Punch?
Performance and software experience can make or break your daily smartphone use. Here’s how these three contenders stack up in storage, power and user experience.
HONOR 200 Lite
With 8GB of RAM and a generous 256GB of internal storage, the HONOR 200 Lite gives you plenty of room for apps, photos and those “just in case” screenshots you never delete. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6080 chipset, it delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks like scrolling, streaming and multitasking. Running on MagicOS 8.0, which looks a lot like Huawei’s interface, there might be a slight learning curve, plus some preinstalled apps you might not love. Still, it’s a solid choice for casual use with reliable multitasking.
Samsung Galaxy A36
TheSamsung Galaxy A36 offers 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage however, it doesn’t support external storage, so heavy media users might need to lean on cloud storage. It runs on the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor and ships with Android 15 paired with Samsung’s One UI, promising a user-friendly experience and six years of updates. While it’s not the flashiest performer, it handles gaming, multitasking and streaming smoothly, making it a dependable pick for those who want clean software and long-term support.
Huawei nova Y63
The Huawei nova Y63 is built for simple tasks, packing 4GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. Powered by a mid-range Kirin chipset, it runs on Huawei’s HarmonyOS, which works fine if you’re okay without Google services. While it’s decent for basic use, the lack of Google apps might be a dealbreaker for some.
Performance Verdict:
● Best for clean software and long-term support: Samsung Galaxy A36
● Best for casual use with solid multitasking: HONOR 200 Lite
● Best for simple tasks if you can live without Google: Huawei nova Y63
Battery Showdown for the Best Mid-Range Smartphones
Battery life isn’t just a convenience, it’s survival. Especially if you’re used to experiencing frequent power outages. Here’s what you can expect from each phone.
HONOR 200 Lite
With a 4 500mAh battery, this device comfortably powers you through a full day of use, including streaming, social scrolling and some light gaming. It supports 35W fast charging, while not class-leading, it’s efficient enough.
Samsung Galaxy A36
The Samsung Galaxy A36 is fitted with a dependable 5 000mAh battery that supports 25W fast charging. Whether you're binge-watching your favourite series or navigating your day with a bunch of apps open, this phone holds steady. Samsung’s advanced power-saving features also give it an edge in squeezing out those last few percentage points before a charge.
Huawei nova Y63
If battery life is your top priority, the Huawei nova Y63 is hard to beat. With a hefty 6 000mAh battery, this phone is built to go the distance. It's the kind of device that can last multiple days on a single charge, especially if your usage leans toward messaging, casual browsing and video playback. The 10W fast-charging specs may not seem like much but Huawei’s power management history suggests it won’t leave you waiting forever at the plug.
Battery Verdict:
● Best for power users who hate charging: Huawei nova Y63
● Best for all-day moderate users: Samsung Galaxy A36
● Best for balance between fast charging and endurance: HONOR 200 Lite
Final Verdict: Who Gets Your Vote?
Each contender earns its place on the list of the best mid-range smartphones for 2025.
The HONOR 200 Lite stands out for its impressive camera specs, attractive design and decent performance. It’s a great fit for content creators and fashion-forward users.
The Samsung Galaxy A36 brings a smooth, reliable experience with long-term software support, a vibrant display and solid cameras. It’s perfect for users who want trusted quality and performance.
The Huawei nova Y63 offers unbeatable battery life and simplicity. If you value stamina over flash and don’t mind the lack of Google services, this phone gets the job done.
No matter your pick, each of these phones proves you can find great value without paying hefty prices in 2025.
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FAQS
- What is the best mid-range smartphone in 2025 for camera quality?
The HONOR 200 Lite stands out with its 108MP main camera and 50MP front-facing lens, making it the best mid-range smartphone in 2025 for selfie lovers and content creators.
- Which mid-range phone offers the best battery life in 2025?
The Huawei nova Y63 leads the pack with its massive 6 000mAh battery, providing multi-day use on a single charge, ideal for users prioritising endurance.
- Is the Samsung Galaxy A36 good for gaming and multitasking?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy A36’s Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor and 8GB of RAM deliver smooth performance for casual gaming, multitasking and everyday apps.
- Which mid-range phone has the best display for watching videos?
The Samsung Galaxy A36 features a vibrant 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering smooth visuals and rich colours.
- Which phone is best for mobile photography beginners?
The HONOR 200 Lite is a great choice for beginners, thanks to its user-friendly AI camera features, auto-scene detection and built-in beauty filters that make every shot look polished.
References:
https://www.honor.com/za/phones/honor-200-lite/
https://consumer.huawei.com/za/offer/huawei-smartphones/nova-y63-buy/
