Top 8 Good Mid-range Phones - Refurbished and Reliable
A few years ago, enjoying premium features on your smartphone meant spending a fortune. Those days are long gone now; everything has changed. There are several good mid-range phones in the market now that deliver impressive performance and feature advanced technology, without a hefty price tag.
Nowadays, it’s possible to make your purchase even more budget-friendly with refurbished phones. They offer the same value as brand new ones, but at lower upfront costs. If you’re working with a tight budget or want a flagship model without the exorbitant fees, these devices are a smart choice. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best mid-range phones you can buy refurbished to keep your expenses in check.

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iPhone 13 Pro Max
If you’re after a phone that’s best overall, then it has to be the iPhone 13 Pro Max. It might be a little old, but it holds its own against other competitors. The exceptional battery life, big display and, of course, the outstanding camera features make it stand out.
The ultrawide and low-light cameras capture amazing snaps. Plus, upgrades like 120Hz ProMotion display and Cinematic mode are worth investing in. Moreover, the device is slated to receive Apple’s support until 2028. So, get your hands on the iPhone 13 Pro Max and enjoy it for years to come.
Pros:
- Superb OLED display quality
- Good battery longevity
- A15 Bionic chip
- All‑round camera system is highly appreciated
- Durable build with IP68 rating
Cons:
- Too heavy for everyday use
- Slow charging via Lightning cable
- 120Hz limited app support
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Google Pixel 8 Pro
With the Pixel 8 Pro, Google finally introduced a reliable Android competitor to the iPhone it always promised. Owing to its distinctive design, high-resolution OLED display panel and efficient processor, this phone has made its way to our list of good mid-range phones. Additionally, users have also praised its fast charging, superior customisability, and impressive camera performance.
Pros:
- Reliable face unlock support
- Fast 30 W wired charging
- Seven-year update guarantee
- Powerful Tensor G3 performance
- Bright Super Actua display
- Useful AI editing tools
Cons:
- Tensor G3 lags behind rivals
- Battery life is not that great
- Lacks an expandable storage option
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iPhone 14 Plus
Immerse yourself in the fine 6.7-inch display of the iPhone 14 Plus. The lightweight design and extra-long battery life make it a compelling option over the standard 14 model. Despite lacking an optical zoom and a 120Hz display, it captures stunning videos and pictures, even in low-light conditions. In short, the iPhone 14 Plus is one of the best mid-range smartphones for those seeking flagship features without going all-in on a Pro variant.
Pros:
- Large 6.7” OLED display
- Impressive battery life
- Lightweight for its size
- Excellent video recording
- Smooth performance
- Strong low-light camera
Cons:
- No 120Hz refresh rate
- Lacks optical zoom
- Slower charging
- No always-on display (AOD)
- Limited upgrades over iPhone 13
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Samsung Galaxy S24
Samsung phones never disappoint, and the Galaxy S24 is no exception. It delivers premium-level features, including a superb camera, lasting battery life and a powerful processor. When it comes to performance, users haven’t faced any kind of major slowdowns, heating issues or lag during constant use. Considering all this, the S24 is a good choice for anyone who wants one of the best mid-range Android phones for gaming and watching videos uninterrupted.
Pros:
- Compact, grippy and sturdy design
- Bright Dynamic AMOLED 120Hz display
- Excellent battery life
- Perfect for daily use
- Smooth high-end performance
- Advanced Galaxy AI tools
- Seven years of updates promised
Cons:
- Chipset varies by market
- Charging is relatively slow
- No headphone jack or micro‑SD
- Performance issues under prolonged use
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iPhone 13 Pro
The iPhone 13 Pro rightfully earns its place on our list of good mid-range phones, like the Samsung Galaxy S24 and Google Pixel 8 Pro. It is the third “Pro”-branded iPhone and lives up to the hype well.
The ProMotion display, macro mode, generous battery life, and telephoto lens are all nice features to have. Moreover, with its camera capabilities, you can be certain that every shot will be great. Simply put, 13 Pro will be a truly excellent upgrade from an iPhone that’s two or three years old.
Pros:
- Excellent camera performance
- Smooth 120Hz ProMotion display
- Premium stainless steel build
- Impressive battery life
- Fast A15 Bionic chip
- Great low-light photography
Cons:
- No USB-C port
- Heavier than earlier models
- Limited optical zoom range
- Doesn’t have an always-on display
- Slower charging than Android models
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Google Pixel 8
If you’re looking for mid-range phones with a good camera, you can’t go wrong with the Google Pixel 8. Like its predecessors, this phone captures stellar photos and videos. Plus, its advanced software is one of the primary reasons why many photographers prefer this device over others. Apart from that, the display also marks a notable upgrade from previous models, providing a smoother experience than before.
Pros:
- Excellent camera quality
- Great software features
- Bright OLED display
- Compact and lightweight
- Seven years of updates
Cons:
- No telephoto lens
- Slow charging speed
- Limited storage options
- Average gaming performance
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iPhone 12 Pro Max
Another good mid-range phone that stands out for its sleek design and powerful technology is the iPhone 12 Pro Max. It delivers top-tier performance and can seamlessly multitask, all thanks to the fast A14 Bionic chip. What’s more, you can expect rich colours and sharp visuals with its 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display made for immersive viewing.
Pros:
- Excellent camera performance
- Sharp details on its XDR display
- Durable ceramic shield glass
- Long battery life
- Powerful A14 Bionic chip
- Great low-light photography
- MagSafe accessories support
Cons:
- Large, not pocket-friendly
- No USB-C charging
- Heavier than most phones
- No major camera upgrade over 11 Pro Max
- Limited zoom capabilities
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Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G
For Android enthusiasts, the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G is another good mid-range Samsung phone worth purchasing. It is loaded with amazing features that can transform the way you use smartphones. Whether it’s Dolby Atmos or an automatic power-saving feature, this device is built to deliver a next-level experience like no other.
Pros:
- Built-in S Pen support
- Spectacular display quality
- Pro-grade camera with 10X zoom
- 45 W fast wired charging
- Excellent low-light photography
- Long software support promises
Cons:
- Less battery life than previous models
- No expandable storage
- Heavier due to S Pen integration
- Charging is slow
8 Best Mid-range Smartphones: A Quick Comparison
Now you know our top 8 best mid-range phones that offer great value without breaking the bank. To help you make a decision faster, we have also provided a comparison table below:
Phone | Key Strengths | Main Drawbacks | Quick Verdict |
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iPhone 13 Pro Max |
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Best package overall |
Google Pixel 8 Pro |
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Most feature-packed |
iPhone 14 Plus |
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Great for everyday use |
Samsung Galaxy S24 |
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Best for gaming and multitasking |
iPhone 13 Pro |
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Best value iPhone |
Google Pixel 8 |
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Best mid-range Android phone |
iPhone 12 Pro Max |
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High performer |
Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G |
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Best for productivity |
Enjoy Great Deals on Mid-range Refurbished Phones at Mobile Guru
Do you want the above good mid-range phones at an even better deal? If so, consider buying them at Mobile Guru. We sell refurbished phones from different brands like Samsung, Apple and Google. Plus, each device undergoes our 72-point check system to ensure quality.
What’s more, our 24-month warranty and a 1-year extended warranty with Guru+ Care give you peace of mind. This means there’s no stress if anything goes wrong. So, don’t wait; explore our collection today and grab the best mid-range mobile phones at pocket-friendly prices. If you’ve any questions, feel free to call us on 1300 362 017 or email us at hello@mobileguru.com.au.