Top 5 Best Mid-Range Phones of 2023, So Far!

Robert Cerff / 18-07-2023 / Tech

If you're looking for a powerful but affordable smartphone that won't cost you as much as a car deposit, you've come to the right place. We’ve put together a list of our top 5 best mid-range phones of 2023 so far, which offer great specs at prices that won’t require you to empty your savings account.

1.iPhone on a budget? The Apple iPhone SE 2022

Apple, the tech giant known for its high-priced gadgets, has actually made it onto a list of affordable smartphones. We’re just as shocked as you are! Apple broadened their horizons and made the coveted iPhone attainable to the masses with the iPhone SE range. The latest iPhone SE 2022 will make you feel like you're in business class even if you're on an economy budget. Powered by the renowned A15 Bionic chip, the same powerhouse found in the flagship iPhone 13 series, it unleashes blazing-fast performance that's buttery smooth. Say hello to computational photography, fast charging and a display that's so vivid you’ll have to hold onto your eyeballs. 

Apple iPhone SE 2022 specs

Display:

4.7-inch Retina HD | Camera: 12MP Main camera, 7MP selfie camera, & 4K video recording (24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps) |Chipset: A15 Bionic chip | Battery: 2018mAh | Charging: Up to 20W wired fast charging | Software: iOS 16 | Storage: 64GB, 128GB or 256GB |RAM: 4GB RAM

2.A mid-range legend: Huawei Nova Y91

Even without Google Mobile Services, Huawei is still holding strong as one of the most popular smartphone brands in South Africa, second only to Samsung. What a legend! It rules the mid-range segment, and right now, it doesn’t get better than the Huawei Nova Y91. It truly is an affordable beast, boasting a head-turning 50MP main camera with AI enhancements, an immersive user experience defined by a big, bright display and booming sound, and up to 29 hours of video playback on a single full charge. You can binge-watch for hours on end, helping you get one step closer to being a professional couch potato.

Huawei Nova Y91 specs

Display:

6.95-inch FullView |Camera: 50MP main camera, 2MP depth camera, 8MP selfie camera, & HD 1080p video resolution | Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 |Battery: 7000mAh | Charging: Up to 22.5W wired fast charging | Software: EMUI 13 | Storage: 256GB | RAM: 8GB

3.Spice up your life: Samsung Galaxy A54 5G

If variety is the spice of life, then Samsung is one red hot chilli pepper. The most popular smartphone brand in South Africa has plenty to offer for every budget. For those smack in the middle, look no further than the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G. It's everything you need in a new smartphone, delivering peak performance, a triple camera powerhouse for picture-perfect moments and a battery that lasts longer than the weekend. If you get the party started on Friday, this phone will still be kicking when you're drinking your first Monday morning coffee.

Samsung Galaxy A54 5G specs

Display:

6.4-inch Super AMOLED |Camera: 50MP main camera, 12MP ultra wide, 5MP depth camera, 32MP selfie camera, & 4K video resolution (30fps) | Chipset: Samsung Exynos 1380 |Battery: 5000mAh | Charging: Up to 25W wired fast charging | Software: Android 13 | Storage: 256GB| RAM: 8GB

4.Flipping the mid-range game on its head: Oppo A78 5G

Move over, smartphone giants! There's a new kid on the block. Launched in South Africa in 2021, Oppo made quite the entrance and sold out its first flip phone released in the country at the start of this year. And now, with the dazzling A78 5G, Oppo is setting its sights on the mid-range segment and bringing some serious competition. The phone charges at lightning-fast speeds of up to 33W and boasts advanced RAM expansion for the smoothest operation. But the real star of the show is the camera. With pro-level modes, this phone turns any environment into a Hollywood-worthy backdrop.

Oppo A78 5G specs

Display:

6.56-inch LCD |Camera: 50MP main camera, 2MP depth camera, 8MP selfie camera, & 4K video resolution (30fps) | Chipset: MediaTek 6833 |Battery: 5000mAh | Charging: Up to 33W wired fast charging | Software: ColorOS 13 | Storage: 128GB | RAM: 8GB

5.A taste of the good life: Honor X9a 5G

Another cheeky newbie causing a stir is Honor, formerly Huawei's little brother in the market. But now, it has broken free from Huawei and unveiled a mid-range smartphone that puts some top-tier flagships to shame. The Honor X9a 5G packs a dazzling 120Hz AMOLED display, a triple camera juggernaut that could make even professional photographers drool, and charging speeds so fast, they'll leave you gasping for breath at a rapid 40W. The Honor X9a 5G will give you a premium experience without stretching your budget. Who said you need to break the bank for a taste of the good life?

Honor X9a 5G specs

Display:

6.67 inches-inch AMOLED |Camera: 64MP main camera, 5MP ultra wide & depth camera, 2MP macro camera, 16MP selfie camera, & 4K video resolution | Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 |Battery: 5100mAh | Charging: Up to 40W wired fast charging | Software: MagicUI 6.1 (based on Android 12 | Storage: 256GB | RAM: 8GB

Price-smashers that pack a punch at Mondo

Want a mid-range smartphone that hits all the right notes? Mondo is your go-to destination for amazing contract deals on these stellar devices and lots more. We've partnered with South Africa's top network providers to bring you the best smartphone deals from the biggest smartphone brands. Visit us today at www.mondo.co.za

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The Battle of the 3 Best Midrange Smartphones

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.IntroductionThree 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 LiteThis 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 A36Equipped 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 Y63Huawei 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 Y63Power, 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 LiteWith 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 A36The Samsung 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 Y63The 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 Y63Battery Showdown for the Best Mid-Range SmartphonesBattery 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 LiteWith 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 A36The 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 Y63If 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 LiteFinal 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. Decided on your next new smartphone? View our top deals <here>.FAQS1. 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.2. 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.3. 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.4. 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.5. 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/ https://www.samsung.com/za/smartphones/galaxy-a/galaxy-a36-5g-awesome-lime-128gb-sm-a366blgmafa/ 

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How To Build A Lifechanging Credit Score With BenX

BenX Credit Builder helps South Africans build their credit scores and grow their savings. Here’s a step by step guide to better credit – fast!Your credit score can make or break you financially.While good credit scores open up doors to a better lifestyle, a bad credit score can shut them firmly in your face.Now, BenX Credit Builder is stepping in, helping South Africans turn their credit scores around in just 12 months.   According to BenX more than 20 million South Africans either have no credit score or a score that’s too low to qualify for a loan.That means they have no access to formal systems of credit (through banks or accredited partners) so they turn to illegal lenders to help them.If your current credit score is holding you back, we’ve got a step by step guide to help you improve it with BenX.Why do I Need a Good Credit Score? A good credit score lets businesses know you’re safe to sell to.  In order to own the car, the house, the business – or even the type of smartphone you want – a good credit score is crucial.And while living debt-free may sound like a dream, it’s a double-edged sword for anyone looking to build their assets and improve their lifestyles.But having credit is not enough. You also need to prove you have a history of responsible borrowing by staying on top of your monthly payments, have minimal debt levels, show consistency and avoid applying for too many new credits at once.The BenX Credit Builder Advantage So, you need credit to have a good credit score.But how do you get credit if your credit score is too low?You start by building your reputation as a trusted borrower.BenX Credit Builder lets you rescue your credit score in just 12 months – and build a savings account at the same time. In some cases, the improvement can be seen even earlier/Around 73% of people using the BenX system are able to improve their credit score within just 6 months – including people who started with no credit score at all or had poor credit histories. That means you could be halfway through the journey and already seeing real change.How it Works: Build Your Credit Score and SaveStep 1: Apply for a 12-Month BenX Credit Builder LoanStart by applying for a small, affordable 12-month loan through BenX and Mondo. This is a clever way to build your credit score without taking on risky debt. The approval process is simple, and the loan amount is tailored to suit your financial needs. Step 2: Make Your First Payment UpfrontOnce approved, you’ll make your first month’s instalment upfront. Your payment gets deposited directly into a savings account opened in your name. Step 3: A Savings Account is Opened in Your NameYour money goes into a secure investment account managed by Allan Gray, one of South Africa’s most trusted investment firms, making sure your money is not only safe, but that it’s working for you by earning interest over time. Step 4: Pay Monthly and Build Your ScoreEach month, when you make your regular instalment, the payments are reported to the credit bureaus, which helps improve your credit profile month by month.Bonus: One Missed Payment AllowedLife happens. So if something comes up, you’re allowed to skip one month without affecting your credit score or your savings balance. That flexibility means you stay in control without falling behind on building your score. Step 5: Get Your Money Back – with InterestAfter 12 months, your loan term ends. You’ll get back every cent you paid in – plus the interest you’ve earned and you’ll now have a better credit score, which opens the door to future opportunities like your preferred smartphone contract, car finance, home loans and more.How to Measure Your Credit Score In South Africa, there are a few major and well-known credit bureaus; Experian, TransUnion, XDS, and ClearScore, and each one uses its own scoring system.Some use a scale from 0 to 999, while others go up to 1200. For example, Experian and XDS score out of 999, while TransUnion goes up to 1200 and ClearScore measures out of 740.The higher your score, the better your rating.As a guide:A score above 750 is excellentAnything below 650 is generally seen as poorHowever, if you’re using ClearScore, anything over 604 is considered to be stable.It’s also good to remember that what counts as a “good” score can vary slightly depending on who’s looking at it.In just 12 months, you can prove you’re creditworthy, build a savings cushion, and open doors to new  opportunities –  all in one smart move.Ready to build your credit score and start saving with BenX and Mondo?<Apply here>FAQs1. Do I need a good credit score to apply for BenX Credit Builder? No. BenX is designed for people who have low or no credit scores – it helps you build your score from the ground up. 2. Can I access the money during the 12 months? No, your money is safely held in a savings account until the end of your 12-month term. This helps ensure consistent saving and credit-building. 3. What happens if I miss a payment? You’re allowed to skip one month without it affecting your credit score or your savings. Just make sure to stay on track after that. 4. Is my money safe? Yes. Your savings are held in an investment account in your name with Allan Gray, one of South Africa’s most trusted financial institutions. 5. What do I get at the end of the 12 months? You’ll get back all the money you’ve paid, plus interest, and a stronger credit score that can help you qualify for things like phone contracts, loans, or car finance.References: https://www.benx.co.za/originator_landing.asp?oguid=FEEAFE82-6617-4C2E-9F14-9D62A817102E

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What’s New at the Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2025 Event?

Take a look at the latest reveals from the Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2025 event including the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Flip 7, Galaxy AI features and more for South African users.What’s New with You, Samsung? Samsung just wrapped up its Galaxy Unpacked 2025 event – and let’s just say, the future of all things Samsung is looking a lot more flexible, powerful and AI-smart.From the thinnest Galaxy Z Flip yet to subtle, smart Galaxy AI upgrades across the board, this year’s line-up mixes style with serious substance. Whether you're into epic photos, longer battery life or wearables that actually understand your body, Samsung’s new releases are made to truly fit the human experience. Here’s a closer look at everything Samsung unveiled at this year’s Galaxy Unpacked event.Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: Slimmer, Smarter and Seriously PowerfulThis year’s theme was “Unfold Ultra” and that’s exactly what they did.The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 owned the stage at Galaxy Unpacked 2025 – and it deserves the spotlight. This is Samsung’s slimmest, lightest Fold yet, and yes, you can see the difference. It’s built to feel more like a regular smartphone and not a bulky concept device.It’s equally impressive under the hood. The Samsung Galaxy Fold 7 packs a 200MP main camera, a more efficient all-day battery and the durable Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2. It runs on One UI 8 – an interface designed specifically for foldables – with Android 16, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, delivering a 38% faster CPU for smooth multitasking, gaming and everything in between.Basically, everything runs faster and feels more responsive, no matter what you’re doing with it. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7: Pocket-Sized Power, Seriously UpgradedSamsung’s thinnest Flip yet, the Galaxy Z Flip 7, is all about blending sleek design with serious performance. When unfolded, the 6.9-inch display gives you plenty of screen real estate, but when closed, it folds down to a compact size that fits right in your pocket. The battery is the biggest ever in the Flip series, giving users enough juice to stream three movies – in full – without reaching for a charger.The 50MP main camera uses Samsung’s AI-powered ProVisual Engine for sharper, more vibrant shots, day or night. The external Flex Window is now bigger (4.1 inches) and brighter, making it easy to check notifications, control music or snap quick photos without opening up the phone. Plus, Galaxy AI is baked in for smarter texting and photo edits.Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE: Foldable Fun Without the Flashy PriceIf you’ve been curious about foldables but don’t want to splurge, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE is your perfect match. It packs the same 50MP camera, ProVisual Engine and Galaxy AI features that are quickly becoming Samsung staples at a much more affordable price.The FE model is basically a lighter, budget-friendly version of the full Flip 7 experience, giving you foldable convenience and smart tech without going all in.Samsung Galaxy Watch 8: Smarter, Sleeker and Set For Your Body Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 8 series will be thinner, more powerful and packed with health features you’ll actually use. The new series comes in two styles: the regular Watch 8 and the Classic with its signature rotating bezel.Whether you’re chasing a new personal best with the built-in running coach or trying to improve your sleep, this watch has your back.Top features we love:Running coach to keep your pace on point.Sleep coaching with personalised daily tips.Vascular Mode, an app that tracks stress on your blood vessels during sleep by analysing your heart rate and stress levels.Antioxidant Levels, where placing your thumb on the BioActive sensor gives you a quick score showing how your diet is impacting your health.Plus, these watches will also be getting the Gemini AI touch so find a café nearby and text your friend to join you – all from your wrist.AI Really is All Around The Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2025 Event made one thing crystal clear: Galaxy AI is the star of the show.Some of our favourite stand-out features mentioned at the event included;Circle to Search: Has improved exponentially to recognise in-game features and provide info while you while you play.Editing: Erase unwanted photo objects or clean up background noise in videos with ease.Audio Eraser: Using smart sound separation technology, it lets you fine-tune up to four different audio elements at the same time.Writing Assist: Polishes your notes and ideas so you always look sharp when messaging.Drawing Assist: Helps you turn your ideas into images. All this AI magic lives in One UI 8, powering your Fold or Flip with a host of smart features. Worried about privacy? Samsung’s got you covered with Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection – or KEEP for short, which helps keep data safe from prying advertisers while still delivering personalised AI help.Bonus: Both the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 come with 6 months of Google AI Pro so you can try it for yourself.Still Green After All this Time If sustainability is a big factor for you and your purchasing habits, you can rest easy because sustainability is still a big part of how Galaxy phones are made. The Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 use nine recycled materials, like old lithium and plastic from fishing nets. This is part of Samsung’s Galaxy for the Planet plan, showing their commitment to the environment.Wrap-Up: Is Samsung’s 2025 Line-up Worth It?The AI might feel a bit extra, but when it comes to looks and specs? Totally impressive. Samsung clearly listened to what users have been asking for. Slimmer designs, solid upgrades and devices that just look stunning. The only bummer? No sign of that much-anticipated tri-foldable… yet.Pre-orders are live now, with the full line-up dropping on 25th July.FAQs1. What are the standout features of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7? The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is Samsung’s slimmest and lightest foldable yet. It features a powerful 200MP main camera, a long-lasting all-day battery, durable Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 and runs on One UI 8 with Android 16 powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, delivering 38% faster performance for smooth multitasking and gaming.2. How does the Galaxy Z Flip 7 improve on previous models? The Galaxy Z Flip 7 offers a larger 6.9-inch main display and a bigger, brighter 4.1-inch Flex Window external screen. It houses Samsung’s largest battery in the Flip series, a 50MP camera with AI-powered ProVisual Engine for sharper photos and Galaxy AI features for smarter texting and photo edits.3. What is the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE and who is it for? The Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE (Fan Edition) is a budget-friendly foldable option with many core features of the Flip 7, including the 50MP camera, ProVisual Engine and Galaxy AI tools. It’s designed for those curious about foldables but wanting a more affordable price point without sacrificing key features.References:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cMS8qECR0Ahttps://news.samsung.com/global/galaxy-unpacked-2025-the-next-chapter-in-personalized-multimodal-galaxy-innovation

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