As smartphones become indispensable all-in-one tools in everyday life, mid-range models are in intense competition in the domestic market. Brands like HMD, Vivo, Infinix and Realme are rapidly launching feature-rich, stylish and affordable devices, offering consumers more options than ever to balance performance and price.
The recent surge in mid-range smartphone launches across the country signals a clear shift in consumer expectations; buyers are now seeking flagship-level features without the flagship price tags. Devices priced between Rs 20,999 and Rs 49,999 have opened up a new frontier in the market where affordability meets innovation.
Mid-range phones today are no longer limited in capability. 5G connectivity, once reserved for premium models, is becoming standard. Large, high-capacity batteries with fast-charging technology ensure users stay powered throughout the day. Advanced camera systems, including AI-powered features and high-resolution sensors, make professional-level photography accessible to more people than ever.
This expanded and enriched product landscape empowers consumers to choose devices that truly fit their lifestyle, whether they prioritize speed, photography, entertainment, or endurance, without having to stretch beyond their budget. The mid-range segment is no longer a compromise; it has become a sweet spot.
Honor’s Bold Launch: Honor 400 Series
On June 7, Honor unveiled its new Honor 400 Series in Nepal with a dramatic launch during a mountain flight from Kathmandu. Although the 12GB RAM and 512GB storage model, priced at Rs 67,999, leans towards the upper-mid-range rather than mid-range category, the launch’s grandeur caught public attention. The phone went on sale in Nepal from June 16.
HMD Crest Max 5G: Sustainability Meets Performance
In a crowded mid-range smartphone market, where performance specs often dominate the conversation, HMD Global has taken a slightly different route. In late May, its official distributor in Nepal, Teletalk Pvt Ltd, launched the HMD Crest Max 5G — a phone that not only packs solid performance at a competitive price of Rs 22,999 but also introduces a compelling focus on sustainability.
The Crest Max 5G arrives with a capable triple rear camera system featuring a 64MP main sensor, a 5MP ultra-wide lens and a 2MP macro shooter, while selfies are handled by a high-resolution 50MP front camera. The phone sports a vibrant 6.67-inch Full HD+ OLED display, offering crisp visuals and immersive viewing for content consumption.
The device runs on the Unisoc T760 5G chipset, paired with 8GB of RAM and a generous 256GB of internal storage. The phones come with a microSD slot for those who need even more space. A robust 5,000 mAh battery powers the phone, supported by 33W fast charging. Rated for up to 800 charging cycles, the battery is built with longevity in mind.
What truly sets the Crest Max 5G apart, however, is its user-centric innovation. With the introduction of “Repairability 1.0,” HMD allows users to replace key components such as the battery, screen and charging port themselves — a rare and forward-thinking feature in this price segment. It signals a shift toward greater device longevity and reduced electronic waste, aligning with growing global concerns about sustainability.
Running on Android 14, the phone offers a near-stock software experience, ensuring speed, security and fluid updates. Available in a sleek Deep Purple finish, the Crest Max 5G is now on sale at authorized retailers and online platforms across Nepal.
"With the launch of HMD Crest Max 5G, we are not just introducing our first smartphone. We're ushering in a new era of mobile technology that prioritizes creativity, sustainability, and user experience," Ravi Kunwar, Vice President for India and APAC at HMD, said during the launching ceremony.
vivo’s V50 Lite and Y19s Pro
vivo unveiled two new mid-range contenders for the Nepali market — the V50 Lite and Y19s Pro — in May. Positioned to appeal to both style-conscious users and power-hungry multitaskers, these devices mark vivo’s latest bid to redefine what consumers can expect from mid-range smartphones.
V50 Lite: Where Power Meets Elegance
The showstopper of the launch was undoubtedly the V50 Lite, which pushes the boundaries of battery technology in the V-series lineup. At its core is a massive 6,500 mAh Ultra-Slim BlueVolt Battery, the largest ever in the V series, engineered to support up to 1,700 charge cycles, backed by a 5-year battery health guarantee. Complementing this is a blazing-fast 90W FlashCharge system that recharges the phone from zero to full in under an hour.
The phone is no slouch in the aesthetics department either. At just 7.79mm thick, it houses a 6.77-inch Ultra Vision AMOLED display with a buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate and a stunning 94.2% screen-to-body ratio. The design is accentuated by a Glow Ring camera module and a high-gloss metallic frame, available in sleek Titanium Gold and Phantom Black finishes — a bold nod to the phone’s premium ambitions. The device comes with military-grade certification, SGS 5-Star Drop Resistance and IP65 water and dust protection.
The phone offers flexibility with two processor variants — the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 for 5G performance or the Snapdragon 685 for 4G users. Either way, users get robust multitasking, gaming and streaming capabilities. The camera system features a 50MP Sony IMX882 sensor, complemented by Aura Light Portrait mode, a 32MP AI-enhanced selfie shooter and an 8MP ultra-wide lens. Smart features like Circle to Search, Live Text, AI Screen Translation, Album Memories, and AI SuperLink round out the experience, turning the phone into a productivity and creativity companion.
The V50 Lite is available in two configurations: the 4G variant with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage at Rs 37,999, and the 5G version with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage at Rs 45,999
Y19s Pro: Tough, Efficient, and Stylish
For those looking for an affordable yet capable daily driver, vivo’s Y19s Pro offers an impressive value proposition. Building on the success of its predecessor, the device introduces several upgrades that enhance both usability and resilience.
The Y19s Pro packs a 6,000 mAh battery which supports 44W FlashCharge, alongside the same 5-year battery health guarantee found in the V50 Lite. The device is military-grade certified with SGS five-star drop resistance and includes IP64 water and dust protection.
Visually, it sports a 6.68-inch high-brightness Dotch display with a 90Hz refresh rate and up to 1,000 nits of brightness, making it ideal for outdoor use. Dual stereo speakers enhance the media experience. On the imaging front, the Y19s Pro features a 50MP main sensor equipped with portrait and night modes, capturing vibrant shots in various lighting conditions. It is available in two color options — Pearl Silver and Diamond Black — catering to users who want subtle elegance with a touch of modern flair.
Launched on May 25 at a highly competitive price of Rs. 20,999, the Y19s Pro has quickly emerged as a favorite in its price bracket. “The Y19s Pro is designed to offer users more of what they truly value — dependable performance, extended capacity, and a sleek, modern design, all seamlessly integrated into one device,” Dipesh Khanal, Brand Manager at vivo Nepal, said.
Infinix Hot Series and Note 50x 5G+
In the first week of June, Infinix introduced a fresh wave of budget-friendly smartphones in Nepal with the launch of its new Hot Series—the Hot 50 Pro and Hot 50 Pro+—alongside the Note 50x 5G+, a competitively priced 5G-enabled device aimed at entry-level users.
The Infinix Hot 50 Pro, priced at Rs 20,999, features 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, while the higher-end Hot 50 Pro+ offers 8GB RAM and 256GB storage for Rs 25,999.
Complementing these models is the Infinix Note 50x 5G+, which adds next-gen connectivity to the brand’s mid-range portfolio. Priced at just Rs 21,999, it is one of the most affordable 5G smartphones currently available in the country. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset, the Note 50x 5G+ comes with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage, delivering smooth multitasking and reliable performance for everyday use.
Although an 8GB RAM variant is available in the global market, it has not yet been introduced in Nepal. Even so, the Note 50x 5G+ has quickly gained attention among cost-conscious users looking to transition to 5G without overspending. The phone stands out in the competitive mid-range category by offering premium features at a highly accessible price point.
Realme 14 Series: Performance Meets Style in a Sleek Package
On June 13, Realme, one of the world’s fastest-growing smartphone brands, officially unveiled the Realme 14 Series in Nepal. The launch brought two models to market—the Realme 14 5G and the Realme 14T 5G, both of which combine powerful internals with polished design.
Both models come packed with a well-rounded set of features designed to deliver a premium user experience at a mid-range price. The massive 6,000 mAh battery ensures effortless all-day usage. The smartphones also feature 120Hz AMOLED displays, offering smooth scrolling, vivid colors and immersive viewing for gaming, streaming or browsing. For photography enthusiasts, the AI-enhanced 50MP rear camera brings intelligent scene optimization and sharper image detail, making everyday moments capture-worthy.
To complement this hardware, the devices support 45W SUPERVOOC fast charging, drastically reducing downtime by powering the phones up in a short span. On the software front, both run on Android 14, layered with Realme UI 5.0, which delivers a clean, intuitive interface and smart customizations for enhanced usability. Designed for real-world durability, the phones also come with IP-rated water and dust resistance, dual SIM support and a sleek, modern design, catering to both style-conscious users and those prioritizing practicality.
(This report was originally publihsed in July 2025 issue of New Business Age Magazine.)
