What price range do you define as mid range? (In other words what's your maximum budget :))

Yep, I do suggest you take a look through recent threads given this is one of the most common subjects on GZ!

May also pay to give a suggested cost range, as not everyone's ideas of 'low to mid range' is the same.

Anyway, my current pick for best bang for buck at the lower end is the Vodafone Smart V8 - meets your requirements (well, the camera one will always be a relative measure at this price point!), plus has Android 7.1, a full HD screen, a fingerprint reader, a decent but not too large a screen (5.5"), plus being an NZ-sourced model there are no issues of worrying about a Chinese ROM, warranty servicing etc.

Noel Leeming have $20 off at the moment, so cheapest you can get this phone for is $330.

beenz: Also must not be locked to one network.
I presume the VF phone is locked to the VF network ?

Not usually, unless it was bought at a massive discount, then you need pay an unlock fee. If bought at full price (which is usually the case) it's not locked.

beenz: How does the VF V8 compare to the huawei P8 lite ?

If you want a specs comparison, just google the two models in the same search with "vs" and you'll find links to pages like this one.

I'd note that page shows the Vodafone with support for LTE 700MHz, but not the Huawei - if this is correct, then that may be an issue for some if 4G in all locations is important.

I currently have a Huawei (a Mate), and personally I'm not planning on buying another of this brand; a number of niggles that have either taken a lot of effort to sort out (compatibility with my Samsung watch for example) or problems that I can't resolve (Bluetooth issues in particular), slowness to offer security patches (I got the first one in over a year only last month), and a failure to upgrade to Android 7 (despite other versions of the same model having received this) are just some of the reasons!

I recommended the V8 to my sister, who bought one and is really liking it.

Good to hear that your sister is liking the V8. I'm considering buying this for my partner for Christmas.

The new Nokias look OK- Nokia 6 for $399.

I see it will be Spark selling it, not sure of what bands it has though.

From time to time The Warehouse have certified factory refurbished Samsung S6 64Gb for $499. That is a great phone and comes with warranty etc. Mine appeared to be brand new, in original sealed box etc. I think they take returned phones and repackage the electronics in a new case and glass.