We often hear that mid-range devices offer the best value for money. But is that really the case this year? With prices fluctuating and new technologies trickling down to entry-level models, I wonder if it's still worth looking at the so-called 'mid-range' options. Do you still find them interesting, or do you prefer waiting for deals on high-end models?
Are mid-range devices worth it in 2024?
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In 2024, mid-range components still offer an excellent balance, but with important nuances depending on usage. Processors like the Intel Core i5-13400F or AMD Ryzen 5 7600 now deliver 8 to 12 cores with near-high-end single-core gaming performance for under $180. On the GPU side, an RTX 4060 or RX 7600 (~$350) is enough for 1440p ultra at 60+ FPS in most games, as long as you avoid overly demanding titles like *Alan Wake 2*.
The real value also depends on other components: an AMD B650 or Intel B760 motherboard lets you save without sacrificing features (PCIe 5.0, DDR5, etc.). For storage, a ~$80 1TB Gen4 NVMe SSD (e.g., Crucial P5 Plus) offers speeds close to high-end models. For cooling, a Noctua NH-D15 or be quiet! Dark Rock 4 (~$80) keeps an i5-13400F at 70-80°C even under sustained load, without paying for an AIO.
Beware of "fake mid-range" deals: some manufacturers cut costs by using PCIe Gen3 instead of Gen4 or weak VRMs. Always check reviews on sites like Tom’s Hardware or TechPowerUp before buying. For example, a Ryzen 5 5600 (non-X) for ~$120 is still viable if you already have an AM4 motherboard, but a 5600X3D (~$180) justifies the extra cost for gaming thanks to its 64MB of 3D V-Cache.
In short, if you want to build a balanced PC for 1440p gaming or light productivity without breaking the bank, mid-range is still the way to go. But avoid deals that seem too good to be true—they often hide technical compromises. Stick with reputable brands (MSI, ASUS, Gigabyte) even if it costs $20 more.
In 2024, mid‑range phones are still a solid pick if you don’t want to drain your wallet. But now even entry‑level devices have pretty impressive performance—have you already checked the specs of the new €300 models?
So, is the mid-range SoC war in 2024 likely to make prices even more attractive? We're already seeing the Dimensity 7200 and Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 matching the performance of 2022's high-end chips, but at a third of the price. The real game isn't just about having a good screen or battery life—it's about whether your phone will last 4 years without slowing down due to a processor that can't handle multitasking or demanding games.
And then there's the software update trap... Do mid-range brands still guarantee 3-4 years of Android updates, or do some just do the bare minimum to stay competitive? Because between a Pixel 7a that stays updated until 2027 and a Xiaomi Redmi Note that stops after 2025, the value proposition suddenly becomes a lot less appealing. When you buy a mid-range phone today, are you really making an economical choice, or just taking a calculated long-term risk?