In the past, if you want a reliable and fast phone, you would have to pay a premium for a major model. This changed when OnePlus entered the market with the original OnePlus One and the subsequent generations that followed.

I clearly remember the purchase of OnePlus 3. I kept in a full summer after I lost the iPhone 6s – which cost me 619 pounds sterling – at a music festival. So, as you might imagine, you are reluctant to invest a lot of money on the phone again. For this reason, I chose OnePlus, which was at the time, is still proudly wearing her “main killer” evil.

Surprisingly, after paying about half the price of the iPhone 6s (309 pounds), I was surprised by the quality of processing and phone performance. No wonder OnePlus has obtained a large base of fans!

What do I get with this story? Phones like OnePlus 3 were rare in the smart phone market, but this is no longer true. Why this? Why does the manufacturers have recently multiplied of this type of “main killer” from the phone?

I think the answer lies in the technological ceiling that the main phones have reached. It is not a secret that the major smartphone companies – at least those in the United States – are increasingly progressing promotions. However, this does not seem to be the case with Alawi Medium -range phones, where good -meaning improvements occur frequently and feel the performance rate of more justification.

Google “A” pixel “A” cost

Pixel 8A was still a great phone. | Image by Phonearena

I recently wrote about Pixel A “Series”, and I realized that with every new generation, the phone approached the main Pixel series. Pixel 8A, for example, was closely performing to Pixel 8, was difficult to recommend a Pricier model.

Newest Pixel 9A continues this best value. It goes at the same price at the same price Pixel 9.

the Pixel 9 Does it bring privileges like more RAM for the AI ​​camera on the device and the Ultrawide camera that has been promoted, but this is nice to feelings instead of the necessities for the average user. At the same time, and Pixel 8A And 9A offers a Core Pixel experience – the same clean Android program with 7 years of updates, and the quality of the loved pixel camera, all at a much lower price. We also put it in Pixel 8A opposite Pixel 9 Comparison: unless you really need to Pixel 9Some distinguished promotions, the cheapest pixel “still offers exceptional value” and is likely to be the most intelligent option for most people.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Fe: Main Budget Features

It is crazy about an equal foot with the pioneering S24 fans. | Image by Phonearena

Samsung Galaxy S24 Fe explains the reason for pushing more for an increasingly major phone. At only $ 649, Galaxy S24 Fe It provides nearly the same experience as Galaxy S24 Plus, which starts from $ 999 – a big difference of $ 350.

In our Galaxy S24 Fe Vs Galaxy S24 Plus Compared, the cheapest model is impressive and even overwhelming the performance of the pioneer in many major areas. Both phones feature the same 50 -megapixel camera sensor, and our tests revealed that the image quality was almost identical. We have noticed slight differences between Telephoto and Selfie cameras, but they were already young.

The performance was another field where the two models were equal evenly, although the S24 Fe was equipped with weak Exynos 2400E slices. The criteria showed minimal differences, indicating that the S24 Fe performance cannot be largely distinguished from its most expensive brothers.

The main aspects of the fan version are the less durable, bright display and slower charging. However, the phone approached enough sophisticated style in these specifications.

OnePlus 13r: The new “main murderer” delivers

OnePlus continues to make some of the best value phones in the market. | Image by Phonearena

OnePlus has gained its reputation with the “main killer” phones, and OnePlus 13R embodies that spirit in today’s market. At $ 599 (for $ 899 for the standard OnePlus 13), 13R focuses on “Bang for the Buck”, which is more than delivered. At $ 300, 13R shows a lot of high -end experience of its elegant counterpart.

It features a AMOLED screen of approximately 120 Hz identical size of 120 inches and the same battery capacity (almost the same battery life) like the main model, so it is not sacrificed on the large screen or endurance throughout the day. The processor is Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (one generation behind OnePlus 13The latest Gen 3 chip), but in practice, this upper class chip is still chewed through applications and games easily. To strike the low price, OnePlus cut a few additions – 13R crosses wireless charging, and its Ultrawide camera is not advanced like OnePlus 13But if you can live with these bites, OnePlus 13r It is absolute theft!

In fact, the “average range” barely feels everyday use. For $ 599.99, and OnePlus 13r It provides exceptional value and is one of the best options if you want a more affordable phone but it does not feel it.

Apple iPhone 16E: Even Apple joins the value direction

The presence of Apple in the medium -range phone train means something. | Image by Phonearena

until Apple, which has long been famous for clarifying iPhone from the top of the line, recognizes the attractiveness of a strong medium -term width (or more accurately, bends the knee under inevitability). This year, we got iPhone 16e, which is actually new IPhone SE. Apple created it to provide a major performance at a lower price, just like the rest of the phones in this list.

16E was launched at $ 600, or about $ 100 is cheaper than the standard The price of iPhone $ 15 is $ 700. However, more importantly, Apple 16E gave some clear advantages: it works on the latest and faster A18 chip ( iphone 15 A16 Bionic is used last year). It supports the latest Aper AI features on the device (bearing a “manner” mark.Apple intelligence “), which iphone 15 It does not happen.

In other words, for $ 100, iPhone 16e OutClasses iphone 15 In processing energy capabilities and programs-unusual development and grace for value students who want advanced Apple processors without buying a professional model. naturally , iPhone 16e It makes some settlements to strike its low price. Uses the elderly IPhone 14 design (with the completion of the classic fissure instead of iphone 15Dynamic Island) falls into one rear camera instead of preparing the double camera on iphone 15.
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Besides the most obvious problems with the single camera (and the 60 Hz screen), the phone also lacks some excellent levels such as 5G support or MAGSAFE. However, for many iPhone buyers, these differences are simple. The main camera on 16e is excellent, the screen with the same size and quality like 15, and the battery life is already better (16e has a much larger battery capacity).

Given that the daily experience –IOS 18 program, fast performance, facial knowledge, etc. – is almost identical, it is not surprising The iPhone 16e exceeded the iPhone SE in the initial sales.

Unless you need specifically iphone 15The second camera or other small luxuries, 16E provides the cheapest basic experience for Apple for less money.

A counter argument: When does the pioneer deserve?

There are still cases of use when the main devices are worth it. I recently discussed a friend in the music industry, he told me that most DJ, for example, did not need expensive equipment to play in events. But some of them pay the higher dollars against that high -ranking equipment due to the quality of construction (along with the rights of bragging).

This leads me to – again – evidence of how to know the manufacturers of phones that they have reached a certain extent as the promotions go. We have seen more and more new materials used to make the phone, the most popular at the present time. Some companies, such as Motorola, focused on vegetarian (industrial) skin to make their phones stand out.

Therefore, when buying a pioneer, users usually get a more durable device made of tougher materials and (it is important) still beautiful.

The main sector is also the first to receive major technological promotions, especially those related to the camera system.

With phones like iPhone 17 Air or Galaxy S25 Edge has been rumored to focus more on design and appearance, and I will not be surprised if mobile manufacturers in intent to sell high -price devices as fashionables in the future.

Conclusion: Choose the right phone for you

In the end, the optimal purchase strategy depends on understanding your needs and priorities. For most consumers, smartphones are moderate like Galaxy S24 Fe and OnePlus 13r It can meet most of the needs, and provide experiences close to fluid at much lower prices. If you appreciate the pioneering privileges, investing in one is still justifying it. The decisive ready -made meals that I want to leave are not default automatically to the most expensive option, but it is carefully thinking whether the distinctive features are honestly in line with your needs and practical preferences.

It guarantees an enlightened option to get the best value and experience from buying the next smartphone, and a balance between the necessary features and wise spending.