After the slew of high-end premium devices were rolled out at the IFA 2013, some users have notably looked for the upcoming midrange lower-priced smartphones. If before, midrange phones don't equate to quality and capabilities, this time, there are a handful that would want to recreate the meaning and make of mid-range smartphones.

Three big contenders in this field include the iPhone 5C, the Sony Xperia M, and the LG Optimus F6. If you are one of those who want to take advantage of the improving quality of mid-range smartphones, check out these three and see which will fit your bill the most.

iPhone 5C: A more colourful iPhone 5

The iPhone 5C may be the next iPhone for those who are either looking to upgrade an old iPhone that is earlier than an iPhone 5, or those who want a transition phone while waiting for the iPhone 6.

It is certainly not as cheap as it is made out to be, as the iPhone 5C will be available at $99 for the 16GB and $199 for the 32GB with contract, reports TechRadar. So technically, it still isn't the low-cost phone that Apple had promised it to be.

Its major feature is supposedly the colourful design, which covers the entire seamless plastic shell available in blue, yellow, pink, white, and green. It will also sport the iOS 7, complete with a matching wallpaper for every colour, reports The Guardian.

Furthermore, it was previously reported that Apple will be releasing a special case from Krusell, which makes sure that you still let your chosen iPhone 5C colour shine. How? By having the round holes at the back of the silicon cover to create a clashing effect of colour on colour.

For a new phone, the iPhone 5C certainly has rather old features, echoing most of what was seen with the iPhone 5. But since it is slightly cheaper than the iPhone 5, the iPhone 5C maybe the loyalists' choice especiaally for those who may want to go with more colours for their next iDevice while waiting for the iPhone 6.

Sony Xperia M: Looks and specs that can kill

Sony is on a roll when it comes to the device that it has been unveiling and rolling out. At the IFA 2013, its premium handset Sony Xperia Z1 proved a head-turner, mainly for its new and improved camera features.

As for the mid-range market, the company also aims to put forwards its champion, which is the Sony Xperia M.

At first look, you will notice its impressive design, not cheap-looking as is the main sickness for most mid-rangers. GSM Arena reports that there are certain qualities in the build that the Xperia M shares with the older Xperia Z, which contributes to its great design.

In terms of specs, it has pretty solid features considering its market, sporting a 4-inch display with 854x480 resolution, 1GHz dual-core Krait CPU, 5-megapixel rear camera and a VGA front camera, the Android 4.1 OS, and 4GB of storage with microSD expansion.

It also features a removable battery, which is a convenience to those who prefer to have spare batteries in case of emergencies. A dual-SIM variant is also offered, dubbed Xperia M dual.

According to Android Authority, it isn't the same when compared a device like the Nexus 4, which has a better storage feature of 16GB. But considering the other newer midrange phones, the Sony Xperia M is not one to be overlooked.

For those who don't want to be locked down to any network, the unlocked Sony Xperia M is available at the Sony Store for only $250. It is currently available in black and white, but availing of the handset in the Sony Store will let you avail too of the yellow variant, reports Engadget.

A purple variant is also offered, but for the meantime, it is only available through Sony. Note, however, that as of press time, the colour variant is out of stock.

LG Optimus F6: The midrange with high-end quality

LG is one of those phone companies that you know will deliver a pretty good device even if it's not a premium or a flagship handset, as proven with the LG Optimus F6.

Mid-range phone from LG

Phone Dog has unboxed the device for a quick review. Basically, the review touts the LG Optimus F6 as a great device for those who don't want to buy a high-end flagship phone, but also don't want to stick with their old mobile devices. They can find a compromise with this device.

Among the features that the LG Optimus F6 sports include a 4.5-inch qHD display, 5-megapixel rear camera with 1080p HD recording, 1.2 GHz dual-core CPU, 1GB of RAM, 4GB of storage, a 2460 mAh battery and Android 4.1 OS.

Though some of the features are lower than the ones on the premium handsets, the LG Optimus F6 does have 4G LTE, which is one of the features that many people are vying for.

The softwares in the handset include QuickMemo, Quick Translator, and TimeCatch. The ^phone also allows users to customise the shortcut button and has a removable battery for convenience.

Right now, the LG Optimus F6 is rolling out with T-Mobile as one of its lowest-priced LTE handsets, and TMO News reports that it is now currently available in retail stores with a $49.99 down and 24 monthly payments of $10.

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