The smartphone market in Israel is bustling. New models hit the shelves frequently, some Chinese manufacturers change models faster than you change socks, and the array of options can be bewildering. Whether you're in the market for a new device or simply looking to stay updated, we at Jpost Tech are here to help you find the right one.
In contrast to the pricey flagship market (above NIS 4,000), where options are relatively limited, the mid-range category offers a vast array of models. So, how do you choose? We've prepared a review of three recommended smartphones priced at up to NIS 2,000, offering an excellent user experience across all parameters.
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Pixel 7
The Pixel 7, Google's flagship smartphone from last year, selling at around NIS 1,800 across various networks in Israel, is the device worth paying attention to. It features the Tensor G2 processor (delivering exceptional performance), 8GB RAM, and regular updates directly from Google - as soon as they are released.
What else do you get? A 6.3-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, including a cutout for the front camera, with a resolution of 10.8 megapixels. Additionally, it boasts an under-display fingerprint sensor, a robust 4,355mAh battery, and eSIM support.
Its main camera setup includes a 50-megapixel sensor, a 12-megapixel wide lens, and a 48-megapixel sensor, enabling optical zoom up to 5x and hybrid zoom (with Super Res Zoom technology) up to 30x. Notably, according to DxOMark's camera rankings, the Pixel 7's camera surpasses that of the Galaxy S23 Ultra.
Galaxy A55
Samsung has long recognized the potential in the Galaxy A series, making it one of its most popular smartphone lines. The latest model in the series, the Galaxy A55, priced at around NIS 1,700, can be summed up in one word: decent. The camera - decent, performance - decent, and the screen is large enough (6.6 inches).
Digging deeper, the design closely resembles the flagship series, the processor is an Exynos 1480 (aimed at the mid-range market), capable of handling daily tasks but may struggle with demanding games occasionally.
Accompanied by 6 or 8GB of RAM, its main camera includes a 50-megapixel sensor. In detail: photos are good in daylight but less impressive at night, as with any mid-range device. Operating system here is Android 14, the battery is notably large - 5,000mAh, and there's also eSIM support.
Nothing Phone (2a)
Nothing, the young smartphone company founded by Carl Pei, co-founder of OnePlus, recently expanded its presence in the Israeli market with the launch of the Nothing Phone (2a), which we reviewed recently. The new device, offered at an initial price of NIS 1,349 through the official import by Bug, serves as a more affordable version of the Nothing Phone (2) launched earlier.
What do you get for this price? Quite a lot. The screen here is 6.7 inches, and besides 12 or 8GB of RAM, it comes with a Dimensity 7200 Pro processor from Mediatek (Chinese Qualcomm), providing solid performance for most tasks. Despite the low price, you'll find NFC support, an under-display fingerprint sensor, and dual SIM card slots. However, a notable omission is the lack of eSIM support.
The main camera setup of the Nothing Phone 2a includes two sensors: a 50-megapixel wide camera with optical image stabilization (OIS). The second camera is also 50 megapixels and is used for wide-angle shots. Additionally, the phone comes with the Nothing OS 2.5.1 operating system, based on Android 14, with a distinctive and minimalist interface, devoid of unnecessary apps.