This week has been monumental in the smartphone world, with Google unveiling the highly anticipated Pixel 9a, which is set to hit the shelves in April with a starting price of £500 for its 128GB variant. This news opens up an explosive opportunity for consumers to explore the increasingly competitive mid-range segment and discover what other stellar options are available in this price range.

Samsung made waves this week by launching the Galaxy A56, A36, and A26 in Europe and select markets. The flagship model, the Galaxy A56, comes packed with an Exynos 1580 processor, which utilizes cutting-edge AMD RDNA 3 graphics, making it a powerhouse in performance. The device boasts an impressive 5,000 mAh battery equipped with 45W fast-charging technology, which is typically reserved for Samsung’s high-end offerings. Users can expect top-notch software support, with the device promising six OS updates—an offer that significantly elevates its value.

While there’s no discount on the A56, Amazon is sweetening the deal by bundling it with a Galaxy Fit3 fitness tracker, a 45W charger (not included in the box), and a silicone case—collectively valued at approximately £138.98.

The Galaxy A36 offers a more budget-friendly option at £400 while still including the same attractive freebies. However, potential buyers should note some trade-offs, including a less powerful Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset and a reduction in storage speed from UFS 3.1 to UFS 2.2, which may affect overall performance. The ultra-wide camera also sees a downgrade from 12MP to just 8MP, and the device’s casing switches to plastic instead of aluminum.

If you look even further down the price spectrum, the Galaxy A26 emerges at £300. However, unlike its counterparts, this model does not come with any freebies. Swapping out the A56’s robust features, the A26 utilizes an Exynos 1380 processor (the same as last year’s A35) and offers a slower 25W charging with a reduced main camera sensor size, although it retains Optical Image Stabilization.

In the same ballpark as the Galaxy A56’s price, we find the Pixel 9a’s predecessor, the Pixel 8a, currently available for £350. While it offers significant savings, there are notable differences, especially concerning its chipset and camera capabilities, which can impact overall user experience.

For those considering spending a little more, stepping up to the Pixel 9 at £650 may be worth it. It features the advanced Tensor G4 processor that outperforms the Galaxy A56's Exynos 1580 and ensures longevity with seven OS updates. Not to mention, the Pixel 9 boasts a superior ultra-wide camera compared to the A56.

On the higher end, Apple’s latest budget offering, the iPhone 16e, is priced at £600. Despite its compact 6.1-inch display and dated 48MP camera setup, the phone slyly utilizes the powerful Apple A18 chipset, making it a formidable contender in this segment. Although it supports wireless charging, it lacks MagSafe capabilities.

A noteworthy mention is the Nothing Phone (3a), priced under £400 even for the 12/256GB model. With a Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 SoC and a dual 50MP camera system, it aims to deliver impressive versatility. Although it falls short in software updates, with only three promised, it still garners attention.

For those intrigued by innovative designs, the Motorola Razr 50 serves as an eye-catching option at £600. With discounts available at checkout, including an exclusive £35 off for Prime Students, it competes closely with the Pixel 9a while offering 256GB of built-in storage.

Speaking of deals, if you are a Prime subscriber, don’t miss out on the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, currently enjoying a whopping £113 discount, plus an additional £30 off at checkout for Prime users. Upon purchasing, customers will also receive complimentary Galaxy Buds FE and a Galaxy Fit3 fitness tracker, making it a fantastic addition to your tech collection.

Stay tuned for more updates in the world of smartphones as we continue to witness thrilling releases and unbeatable offers!