So, MWC 2016 (Mobile World Congress) is coming up in Barcelona in less than two weeks and we’re past the Las Vegas CES (Consumer Electronics Show) 2016. And, though CES is more about tech and less about phones, we did see a number of new mobile phones shown off and we’re about to see the major flagship smartphone releases from the big players (Samsung, LG, HTC, etc.).
But, in 2015 we had a bevy of so-called mid-range phones come out that began to close the gap to flagships and a few that defied categorization in either.
Foremost being the Huawei Nexus 6P which sells starting at $449 for the 32 GIG version and is obviously Google’s flagship, though without the price tag of $700 to $900 that Samsung and Apple charge for a flagship. Many, myself included, believe that this is the best phone of 2015.
But, to muddy the price waters even more, the ZTE Axon Pro was initially offered at $450 and can now be had for $399.98. This was ZTE’s offering to America as a flagship and I do think in specs and quality it is justified as such.
Add to this, the established Moto X Pure Edition at $399.99, which some also picked as the best phone of the year.
Then, there’s the OnePlus 2 at $389 which has grown a large following, despite missing a few specs that have become standard on other phones (NFC, etc.) in addition to the slightly lower-tiered OnePlus X.
Many would consider these the equivalent of the ‘flagships’.
Then, there’s the true mid-rangers from both last year and this year, such as the Alcatel Idol 3, in both 5.5 inch and 4.7 in versions at $250 and $175 respectively,
the Moto G at $200,
the Blue Life One X ($149.99),
the Google Nexus 5X from LG, now at $299,
the Asus ZenFone 2, starting at $229,
the Nuu Mobile Z8 at $249.99
and a growing plethora of others too numerous to name.
And, let’s not forget the phone that’s supposed to be released this month, the Nextbit Robin (Cloud Phone). It is expected to come in at $399 and be something entirely new in storage management. Many of us who follow mobile are very excited about this phone.
The point being that in today’s mobile phone market, there are so many good to great phones at varying prices, it may be hard to say which is better, especially for the money. But one thing is for sure, we as consumers are benefiting from the competition and innovation of both old and new manufacturers. Today, we can find a smartphone with specifications to fit most any preference and price range. Along with better and better security (greatly needed in the current environment).
I’m glad to see all that is being done with phone technology and pricing, though it can be confusing at times. It certainly makes the available tech within easier reach of more people. I think that’s a wonderful thing.
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Began writing for Bane-Tech August 2014, due to an ever-growing passion for mobile and Android in particular.
Computer programmer 1981 to 2015. Currently retired. Active You Tuber (Mobile Geezer:
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Sax player and singer in various bands (rock and R&R) since the mid 60's. Avid motorcycle rider (Gold Wing), bicyclist and exercise enthusiast. Extreme lover of driving and biking (motorcycle). The more thousand miles the trip, the happier I am as the driver.
Dedicated, Bible-believing Christian who makes no judgments on others .
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