If you’re in the market for a mid-range smartphone and have a budget of 300 to 400 euros, you’re in a sweet spot. Mid-range smartphones in this price range typically offer an excellent balance between functionality and performance. While flagship phones often come with stratospheric price tags, not everyone is willing to pay top dollar for a phone. Fortunately, the mid-range segment is filled with excellent options, and we’ve done the hard work of sorting through them to bring you our top recommendations.
Google Pixel 6a
The Best Photo Smartphone for Less Than 400 Euros
The Google Pixel 6a was initially priced at 459 euros upon its release, but a year later, you can frequently find it for less than 350 euros, making it an even more attractive option in this price range. This smartphone continues the Pixel tradition of offering exceptional photography capabilities, even in the mid-range category.
The Pixel 6a shares design elements with its more expensive siblings, featuring a horizontal prominent camera module and a compact 6.1-inch OLED screen. Though it offers a standard 60Hz refresh rate, it compensates with its high brightness and precise color calibration. Under the hood, the Pixel 6a may not be a gaming powerhouse, but it provides a solid daily experience with its Tensor chip.
However, where the Pixel 6a truly shines is in photography. Equipped with a 12.2-megapixel main camera and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, it leverages Google’s AI prowess to produce stunning photos in various situations, including portraits, low-light scenarios, and landscapes. It can even shoot 4K videos.
The battery life is decent, and while fast charging is supported, it’s not the fastest at 18W. If you’re looking for an overall balanced smartphone with an emphasis on photography, the Pixel 6a is a top contender in this price bracket.
Samsung Galaxy A34
One of the Best Quality/Price Smartphones
Samsung has been dominating the mid-range smartphone market, and the Galaxy A34 is no exception. Priced at 399 euros initially, it’s often available at a lower price, making it a great deal. The A34 offers a balanced smartphone experience with Samsung’s touch of excellence.
The Galaxy A34 boasts a solid build quality with IP67 certification and Gorilla Glass 5 protection. Its design resembles that of Samsung’s high-end Galaxy S23, which is a big plus. The smartphone features a stunning 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels. It even supports a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, and with a peak brightness of 1000 cd/m², it provides an outstanding visual experience.
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 1080 SoC, the A34 can handle most tasks without breaking a sweat. It runs on Samsung’s One UI 5.1, based on Android 13, offering a polished interface.
The camera setup includes a 48MP primary sensor and additional lenses. While the overall photo quality is good, portrait mode may need some improvements.
Battery life is another strong point, offering up to two days of usage, but it falls behind in terms of charging speed, taking around 1.5 hours to fully charge.
In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy A34 is a well-rounded smartphone available under 400 euros, offering an excellent interface, long-term software support, a stylish design, and a remarkable display.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G
The Alternative Below 400 Euros
Xiaomi continues to assert its dominance in the mid-range market with the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G. Packed with a competitive set of features, it’s another strong contender in this price range.
The design of the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G is classic but well-executed. It’s comfortable to hold for everyday use. The phone boasts a 6.67-inch OLED display with Full HD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, which is rare to find in this price segment.
Under the hood, it’s powered by a Snapdragon 695 processor and 6GB of RAM, offering smooth performance for most applications. The device packs a 5000mAh battery, providing enough juice to last a day and a half, and it supports fast charging, reaching 100% in just 40 minutes.
One downside of this smartphone is its MIUI software, which can be a bit cluttered. Additionally, it runs Android 11 out of the box.
The camera system on the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G is good, although it may lack versatility in certain scenarios. Nevertheless, it’s still one of the best smartphones under 400 euros, with strong competition in the mid-range market.
Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro
The Best Gaming Smartphone Under 400 Euros
If you’re a mobile gaming enthusiast, the Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro is a compelling option under 400 euros. It offers a Snapdragon 778G processor, 8GB of RAM, and an excellent build quality.
The Poco X5 Pro features a modern design with a plastic back panel in an elegant color. Its flat edges give it a contemporary look. The smartphone is focused on gaming performance, and the Snapdragon 778G processor ensures that you can run mobile games without any issues. However, it may heat up a bit during extended gaming sessions.
The device houses a 5000mAh battery, providing a day and a half of mixed usage. What’s impressive is its fast charging capability, offering 67W charging, allowing you to reach a full charge in just 50 minutes.
The smartphone boasts a 6.67-inch pOLED panel with an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, which is quite exceptional in this price range. On the downside, its photography capabilities can be inconsistent, although it excels when the lighting conditions are favorable.
With its focus on gaming and strong overall performance, the Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro is a solid choice for gamers looking for a mid-range smartphone.
Vivo V21
Selfies, But Not Just That!
While Vivo might not be a well-known brand in some regions, it’s a rising Chinese smartphone manufacturer that has been gaining global recognition. The Vivo V21 5G, released in France at the end of 2020, aims to make a mark in the competitive mid-range segment by offering a unique focus on selfies and more.
In terms of design, the Vivo V21 5G follows a classic form factor but maintains good build quality. It’s even IP52 certified, although full waterproofing would have been preferable. The device sports a 6.44-inch display with a 90Hz refresh rate, which, while not the highest available, still offers smooth visuals. The screen impresses with its excellent color accuracy and a peak brightness of 700 cd/m².
Under the hood, the V21 5G is powered by an MTK Dimensity 800U processor, slightly less potent than a Snapdragon 765G but capable of providing a generally smooth user experience.
When it comes to photography, the V21 5G stands out for its selfie capabilities. It features a dual front flash designed to revolutionize your selfie game, although its practicality in daily use may be somewhat limited. The rear camera system is generally good, though the wide-angle lens could use improvement.
Battery life on the Vivo V21 5G is average, offering about a day and a half of use on a single charge. It may not outshine the competition in this aspect.
While the Vivo V21 5G may not disrupt the established hierarchy of mid-range smartphones, it presents itself as a solid and balanced option within its category. It’s a reliable choice for those who appreciate a focus on selfies without compromising on overall performance.
