Mid-range smartphones are the welcoming midpoint in the rather cluttered market of smartphones. They are a reliable ally, offering a balance between accessibility and impressive functionalities without the hefty price tag. Mid-range smartphones of 2023 have successfully married premium features with affordability, delivering a mix of cutting-edge tech at an affordable price, especially in a price-sensitive market like India.
While they may not come with the premium and extravagant features of flagships, mid-range smartphones hold their own, catering to daily requirements with all features that all kinds of users would require. Mid-range smartphones also symbolise dependability, doing the basic and doing it well without all the extra frills. Moreover, their affordability acts as a gateway, giving more people the access to modern technology without breaking the bank as such.
Also read: Digit Zero1 Awards and Best Buy Awards 2023: Best Performing High-End Smartphone (₹35K to ₹50K)
In essence, mid-range smartphones democratise innovation and convenience, making technological advancements more approachable and inclusive for a wider audience. The role of mid-rangers is not only just being devices; they also enable a sense of inclusivity and accessibility within the complicated landscape of smartphones.
Price: ₹34,999
The iQOO Neo 7 Pro absolutely owned the mid-range category this year. The smartphone outshone its rivals by a margin, clinching both the Digit Zero1 Award and the Digit Best Buy Award in the Best Mid-Range Smartphone category this year. This triumph stemmed from its dynamic fusion of the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset paired with an ‘Independent Gaming Chip’ and backed by 12GB of RAM. This makes for a lethal combination, catapulting the iQOO Neo 7 Pro ahead of the competition, establishing dominance in both performance and gaming arenas, even standing shoulder-to-shoulder with some flagship smartphones.
The iQOO Neo 7 Pro not only raised the bar but shattered it, creating an unparalleled experience in the mid-range segment. The smartphone’s exceptional processing power challenged the norms, bridging the gap between mid-range and flagship devices. Moreover, the smartphone’s other standout features solidified the smartphone’s claim to the Zero1 Award. Its lightning-fast 120W charging capability brings the fastest charging speed to a much more affordable segment, while the mesmerizingly smooth 120Hz display elevated the visual experience, offering users a seamless and immersive interface.
The iQOO Neo 7 Pro’s victory in the Zero1 Awards is credited to the mix of cutting-edge technology, superior gaming capabilities, and innovative features – all in a mid-range segment. It not only redefined the standards of mid-range smartphones but raised the stakes for the entire mobile industry, showcasing that outstanding performance need not come with a premium price tag.
Runner Up: OnePlus Nord 3 5G (Buy now)
Price: ₹33,999
The OnePlus Nord 3 5G marks a significant leap forward from its predecessor, the OnePlus Nord 2 5G, particularly in the performance sector. This year’s flagship in the Nord series isn’t just about amped-up performance; it’s an all-around upgrade. Beyond its impressive boost in performance, the OnePlus Nord 3 5G showcases substantial improvements in its camera, display, and various other aspects. The integration of the MediaTek Dimensity 9000 chipset, coupled with a whopping 16GB of RAM and OnePlus’ impeccable thermal management, secured the OnePlus Nord 3 5G as the runner-up among smartphones priced under Rs 35,000, primarily in terms of performance.
Also read: Digit Zero1 Awards and Best Buy Awards 2023: Best Performing Premium Smartphone (Over ₹50K)
The OnePlus Nord 3 5G’s impressive performance lands it squarely in the second spot, trailing just behind the iQOO Neo 7 Pro, which emerged as an unparalleled performer in this year’s Digit Zero1 Awards, leaving the competition in the dust. Despite its second-place standing, the OnePlus Nord 3 5G’s technological strides and significant improvements position it as a top contender, offering impressive performance within its price range.
For more information on Digit Zero1 Award winners across various categories of products, please visit: https://www.digit.in/zero1-awards