May 2025 has turned into an exciting month for smartphone buyers, with 5 notable midrange devices that are changing what we expect from semi-affordable phones.
The biggest shift is how premium features are moving down the price ladder quickly. We’re seeing Snapdragon 8 Elite processors in phone brands still call “midrange,” while LTPO AMOLED displays and big 7000mAh batteries are becoming common.
The pricing reflects a trend we saw strengthen last year: mid-range is no longer a fixed bracket. Brands are now stretching from the super-affordable Tecno Pova Curve at $240 to the iQOO Neo 10 Pro+ reaching $1,045, pushing firmly into premium territory.
Chinese brands have also spread their launches across May to avoid competing directly, while Samsung jumped in early with the ultra-slim Galaxy S25 Edge. For anyone who has been waiting for their next phone upgrade, May is delivering some genuinely interesting choices.
See Also: Top smartphones launched this April from Samsung, Oppo, Vivo and Realme
Top 5 midrangers launching in May 2025
These launches are listed in no particular order:
1. iQOO Neo 10 Pro+
Launch Date: May 20, 2025 | Display: 6.7 inch AMOLED | Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite | Camera: Main 50MP, Ultrawide 8 MP, Selfie 16MP | Battery and Charging: 6800mAh, 120W Wired Fast | Storage: 12GB RAM/256-512GB | Expected Price: $1,045
The iQOO Neo10 series has officially stepped onto the scene, introducing two new phones. You’ll find the standard Neo10 running on the formidable Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, while the Pro model surprisingly features MediaTek’s newer Dimensity 9400. Both phones share memory, battery, size, and run Android 15-based OriginOS 15.
The iQOO Neo 10 Pro+, freshly launched in China, features a 2K 8T LTPO AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate and an IP65 dust and splash-resistant build. It also includes dedicated gaming features, like a specialised Q2 chip and an advanced cooling system, signalling its powerful performance. There’s definitely a lot to unpack with these new additions to the mid-range.
2. Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge
Launch Date: May 13, 2025 | Display: 6.7 inch AMOLED | Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7300 5G | Camera: Dual Camera 50MP Sony sensor + Portrait sensor, Ultrawide 50 MP, Selfie 32MP | Battery and Charging: 5000mAh, 33W Fast, 5W Reverse Wired | Storage: 8GB RAM/128GB | Expected Price: $1,030
Samsung has finally unveiled the much-anticipated Galaxy S25 Edge on May 13th, a device first hinted at months ago. The launch, playfully titled “Beyond Slim,” certainly delivered on its promise, as this addition to Samsung’s high-end lineup redefines thinness.Â
Measuring just 5.8 millimetres thick (excluding camera protrusion), it’s notably slimmer than even the Galaxy S25 at 7.2mm or the iPhone 16 at 7.8mm. Available in Titanium Icyblue, Titanium Silver, and Titanium Jetblack, the S25 Edge presents a sleek profile.Â
It features a dual-camera setup on the rear, highlighted by a 200MP wide-angle primary lens, complemented by a 12MP front shooter. It seems Samsung is making a strong statement with both design and imaging this time around.
3. Realme GT 7
Launch Date: May 27, 2025 | Display:Â 6.78 inch LTPO AMOLED | Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ SoC | Camera: Main 50MP, Telephoto 50MP with 2x optical zoom, Ultrawide 8 MP, Selfie 12MP | Battery and Charging: 7000mAh, 120W Fast | Storage: 12GB RAM/256GB | Expected Price: $841
The Realme GT 7 series is stirring up excitement as it approaches launch, continuing Realme’s tradition of delivering powerful gaming phone experiences. Two models, the GT 7 and GT 7T, have reportedly received certification, and an Amazon microsite further emphasises their anticipated gaming focus.Â
Speculation suggests the Realme GT 7 will arrive with a MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ processor and a significant 7,000mAh battery. Should it prove to be a rebranded Realme Neo 7, a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display with impressive peak brightness and a 50MP main camera with OIS are on the cards.
Meanwhile, the GT 7T is likely to feature the MediaTek Dimensity 8400. Realme also recently showcased a GT-series concept phone pushing battery limits to an incredible 10,000mAh in a remarkably slim form factor; it makes you wonder if this advanced battery tech might find its way into future models.
4. Samsung Galaxy F56
Launch Date: May 7, 2025 | Display: 6.7 inch AMOLED | Processor: Exynos 1480 | Camera: Dual Camera 50MP + 2MP macro, Ultrawide 8 MP, Selfie 12MP | Battery and Charging: 5000mAh, 45W Wired Fast, | Storage: 8GB RAM/128-256GB | Expected Price: $699
Following the Galaxy M56’s release in April 2025, Samsung is now enhancing its F-series presence with the Galaxy F56 5G. This device targets mid-range users to deliver flagship-like features.
Samsung consistently future-proofs its offerings, and the F56 5G continues this with 6 years of software updates. It presents with a subtly tweaked Galaxy design, featuring a two-tone purple option and a redesigned oblong camera island. This is housed within a notably slim 7.2mm profile, weighing just 180 grams.
Key to its appeal is, of course, its 5G connectivity, alongside a large AMOLED display, solid everyday performance, and ample battery life—a compelling package that makes it worth considering.
5.Tecno Pova Curve
Launch Date: May 29, 2025 | Display: 6.7 inch AMOLED | Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7300 5G | Camera: Dual Camera 50MP Sony sensor + Portrait sensor, Ultrawide 50 MP, Selfie 32MP | Battery and Charging: 5000mAh, 33W Fast, 5W Reverse Wired | Storage: 8GB RAM/128GB | Expected Price: $240
Tecno is launching the POVA Curve 5G on May 29. This new device will be available exclusively through Flipkart.
The POVA Curve 5G features a slim, curved frame, blending style with performance for its price segment.
Notably, the POVA Curve 5G marks Tecno’s step forward in the AI space, integrating their in-house voice assistant, ELLA. ELLA is designed to simplify daily tasks and help users find answers to various questions, showcasing a focus on practical intelligence embedded directly into the phone.
