11 Best Budget Gaming Smartphones in 2023

We studied the recommended system requirements (there are also minimum ones) for the most popular 3D games found on smartphones. This is an adventure RPG (a genre in which you need to develop the hero’s skills, improve them and complete quests) Genshin Impact, shooters Call of Duty Warzone Mobile, Fortnite and PUBG Mobile. Here’s what they have in common:

That is, if these video games work properly on a smartphone at least at medium graphics settings, then the player will not have problems with simpler virtual games.

Poco F4 GT

Poco is a sub-brand of Xiaomi that focuses on specifications. The line is distinguished by its sports and youth design. The mobile phone runs on a very powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen1 chipset. The RAM is 8 or 12 GB (depending on the version, both are on sale in the Russian Federation) and what’s nice is that you can add another 3 GB by “unfastening” them from the physical memory. That is, 3 gigabytes of memory for data storage can be used to process current tasks, which significantly increases the already excellent performance. There is 120 Watt fast charging. Gamers will be pleased with the “triggers” – two buttons on the end that can be used when playing with a horizontal screen orientation.

What makes it the best is the large AMOLED screen (6.67 inches) with support for a refresh rate of 120 Hz – that is, all animation will be smooth. The main camera has a sensor of up to 60 MP (16 MP is used by default). The camera is one of the weak points here: the picture is flat and grainy when zooming (the phone tries to add sharpness and noise appears). But there are three microphones at once. Reviews say that the sound when shooting video is decent. And one more nuance for gamers: before purchasing, check if the device is compatible with your favorite game. The smartphone runs all video games, but some of them may have compatibility problems, which causes the number of frames per second (FPS) to drop. The problem is not in the “stuffing” of the smartphone, but in the software. Over time, they are resolved with new patches and updates.

Main characteristics

Rating of the top 10 best budget gaming smartphones

Black Shark 5

Budget competitor to Asus ROG and Nubia Red Magic gaming phone. At the same time, everything that gamers need is included here. There are triggers (mini-joysticks) for control, they are magnetic. With their help, you can perform not only gaming functions, but also everyday ones, for example, taking a screenshot or activating a flashlight. Fast charging 120 W (which literally takes 15 minutes to 100%) is also available. But fast charging only works from a proprietary adapter, which is placed in the box with the phone. That is, for example, it won’t be possible to charge so quickly from a computer. 144Hz in-game screen refresh and AMOLED display are at your service. And there is also a very good cooling system: it evenly distributes heat throughout the body so that the device cools down.

The smartphone runs on the Joy UI shell: this is an add-on for Android. That is, firmware, an operating system modified by gadget developers. It has a game panel for detailed settings of graphics and performance in games. But there are also plenty of “jambs”: not everything is translated into Russian, or translated as if with the help of a robot translator. But there are a lot of built-in advertisements in almost every system application. You can turn it off, but you’ll have to go through the settings.

Main characteristics

ASUS ROG Phone 5

ROG (Republic of gamers) – “Republic of Gamers”. This is how the abbreviation of this line from Asus is translated and deciphered. And although it was released in 2021, it did not lose much of its power reserve in games. Moreover, it has an attractive gaming design.

Powered by a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chip. There are a pair of touch-sensitive AirTriggers – “triggers” that can be used in games or programmed for certain gestures and actions. It also has two charging connectors. This is cool: it’s convenient to connect the cable while playing, when the phone is turned horizontally so that the cable doesn’t get in the way. And you will have to charge it often: users write that the device uses up the battery very well.

The screen, as befits the best devices, is 6.78 inches AMOLED with the option to support a 144 Hz refresh rate. This is not a budget solution at all, but a top-end solution.

The device has well-implemented video recording: it has 8K, 480 frames per second for HD videos, and tracking focus. But the photos are boring – faded and soapy. The disadvantages include its dimensions (more than 17 cm in length and almost 8 cm in width): it even fits into a man’s trouser pocket with difficulty. The smartphone has its own cooler (cooling fan), a large line of gamepads – from branded ones to analogues. They are sold separately.

Main characteristics

realme GT 5G

GT is the company’s flagship line, which “cosplays” the path of Xiaomi in a good sense. Gadgets with powerful hardware (Snapdragon 888, Adreno 660 graphics) for reasonable money. And the manufacturer saves on the appearance of the devices. Design and elegance still lag behind competitors; but we are talking about budget gaming smartphones – appearance is a secondary characteristic here.

But the device is distinguished by its weight and dimensions: modern gaming devices often weigh around 230-250 grams, but this one weighs only 186 grams. There are complaints about ergonomics: the side buttons (volume and lock) are installed on different edges and dig into your fingers. The back cover is easily soiled – it is better not to wear it without a case.

The smartphone has a GT mode of the same name, which optimizes the performance of other applications during games. The only thing is that I would like a larger battery capacity (4500 Mach here), although the processor is power hungry. A slot for a memory card would also be nice, but there isn’t one.

Main characteristics

OnePlus 9RT

Please note that there is also a 9R phone on sale (without the T index) – this is the previous version of the device with a slightly weaker Snapdragon 870 processor and a screen of 6.55 instead of 6.62 inches. There is a Snapdragon 888 chip here – more powerful.

The edges of the case are covered with an aluminum frame: from a design point of view – not for everyone, from a practicality point of view – minus, it gets scratched quickly. Although now almost everyone carries their devices in cases. The fingerprint is built into the display. The kit immediately includes a film, a case, and a fast charging adapter.

Redmi Note 11 Pro+

“Redmi” is a line of budget Xiaomi products, which is gradually becoming an independent brand. The device has protection against dust and water according to the IP53 standard – you can’t swim with it, but you don’t have to be afraid of splashes of water and rain.

Fans of high-quality sound will rejoice at the speakers developed in collaboration with JBL. The “budget” nature of the device is achieved by using a chip from MediaTek (version 920) – they are cheaper than Snapdragans. At the same time, this particular modification has proven itself to be excellent in mobile gaming. Top 3D games can be run at confident medium graphics settings, and some even at high ones.

There’s a super bright AMOLED display that doesn’t fade in midday light, and 120W fast charging that fully charges the device in 25 minutes. The pluses include a pleasant design: it is not pretentious for gamers, but rather tries to seem succinctly fashionable. The disadvantages include a combined slot for SIM cards and memory cards: either two SIM cards, or SIM + flash drive. Buyers are also not happy with the photos and videos. If photographs taken in daylight are average, then photos in the dark are poor, and the video, although 4K, is “compressed”, which is why clarity is lost.

Main characteristics

Xiaomi Mi 10T

The line with the T prefix from Xiaomi is, roughly speaking, “sub-flagship”. Nothing offensive, let’s just be honest: the Chinese tech giant has powerful and expensive flagships, and these are their younger versions. However, they are great for gaming. The screen is 6.67 inches with a refresh rate of 144 Hz with support for HDR10+ and a peak brightness of 650 nits. In bright sun this indicator may not be enough, but when playing indoors everything will be smooth and beautiful. The display technology is not AMOLED, but IPS. This matrix is ​​simpler, less colorful, but displays colors consistently. Maybe the black color is not ideal (in games it will give off a gray tint), but these are nuances.

The device comes with an antibacterial case containing silver ions. The fact is that when the smartphone came out, the pandemic was in full swing. Fifth generation Corning Gorilla Glass back cover. The most relevant is the sixth, but on a device of this class the fifth is an excellent solution, the material is quite durable and resists scratches well.

The disadvantages include the lack of a 12 GB version and the inability to expand the RAM using the built-in memory. However, the chipset is good (Snapdragon 865) and runs all modern games with a bang. In addition, it is not as power-hungry as the Snapdragon 888. In three years, if breakthroughs appear in the graphics, the lack of RAM will make itself felt, but for now this is not particularly critical.

Users also complain about the backlight switch-off sensor: it is needed so that the screen dims when you bring the handset to your ear. Unfortunately, it does not always work correctly: the backlight either does not go out or does not go out when it is needed.

Main characteristics

Samsung Galaxy S20 FE

FE stands for Fan Edition. The company says phones with this label are created based on user feedback. But if we discard the beautiful words of marketers, then in fact we have the fact that other companies designate the word Lite – that is, a simplified version of some device. The flagship S20 made a lot of noise in its time, but it was expensive.

The South Korean brand seemed to be thinking something like this: “let’s remove the headphones from the package, put a simpler charger – 15, not 25 W, and make a version with 6 GB of RAM, not 8 (but there is also 8, only more expensive!) and we’ll install a screen that’s not so cool—with a resolution of 2400 x 1080, not 3200 x 1440.”

Is all this critical for gamers? For hardcore fans, maybe. For those who are looking for a budget gaming smartphone, but also want to have a stylish, well-built device for everyday tasks, here it is. There is moisture protection (IP68), decent cameras (Samsung are famous for their modules), but there is not enough fast charging. Reviews also often note problems with the power adapter: either it doesn’t work, or it comes with a Chinese plug, which requires an adapter for our sockets.

Main characteristics

Tecno Camon 19 Pro

Tecno is a new player on the market, it is still “testing” its consumer base, mainly releasing devices with a substantial battery capacity (although this one in particular already has the classic 5000 mAh) and budget solutions with large screens.

This device stands out for its premium design. But this is only externally: to the touch – plastic is everywhere, however, very high quality. The phone is heavy (about 200 grams), it feels confident in the hand and is comfortable in games. You can install two Nano-SIM and a memory card at the same time.

The display has very thin frames (less than 2 mm) and supports 120 Hz frequency. For maximum gaming pleasure, 144 Hz is, of course, better, but this is a budget device.

One of the advantages is the oleophobic coating of the display – it practically does not leave wet fingerprints. Smart stands out in a good way for its high-quality cameras (64 +50 + 2 megapixels).

The disadvantages include the lack of stereo speakers – the sound is flat. The device can handle modern games, but it gets warm and only runs on medium graphics settings.

Main characteristics

ZTE Axon 30

The flagship from a company that is mainly known and strong for its budget products. In the Axon line, the front cameras are hidden in the display, rather than on a separate frame. It looks interesting, but the technology is still undeveloped – all the pictures turn out soapy. The previous Axon 20 was generally condemned by tech bloggers for its disgusting quality. Here it is at the level of devices for 10,000 rubles and even cheaper.

The processor handles modern games well. Only serious eSports players who are passionate about shooters will be disappointed. The sensor layer polling rate is 360 Hz, and the best ones are twice as high. This indicator indicates how quickly the smart device responds after touching the screen. For everyday tasks, the ZTE Axon 30 score is amazing. For players for whom every millisecond is important, this is critical.

As for performance, let’s add that the processor can even shoot 4K video at 60 frames per second with electronic stabilization. The proprietary MyOS interface shell is also praised – it is nimble and understandable.

Main characteristics

Ulefone 17 Pro

Strictly speaking, the device is not a gaming device. But there is a good Helio G99 chip (it’s enough for games at medium graphics settings) and 13 GB of RAM at once: eight built-in, and another five can be added using regular memory. Also works on pure Android version 12 . Often, devices without a shell on a clean system are faster than their analogues.

This smartphone belongs to the class of protected devices. You can immerse it in water and not be afraid of dust (protection class IP 68), it is also more resistant to drops than the average device. In general, compared to other “building blocks” of the company, this is an elegant device. The manufacturer presents it as a “business” solution.

But let’s be honest: it weighs almost 300 grams, and it’s a bit thick. But again: depending on what you compare it to. With protected “brothers” – this is an ultra-thin and light smart device. With other “civilian” devices it’s a “brick”. In theory, if you love gaming and lead an active lifestyle with rafting, hiking, hunting and extreme sports, Uelefone 17 Pro is your choice.

Among the useful options: the gadget can serve as a wireless charging station for headphones, watches and other devices that support this technology. There is also an infrared camera for shooting in complete darkness. It’s a pity that they didn’t add stereo speakers – obviously due to the increased security of the smartphone. Therefore, the sound, although loud, is boring.

Main characteristics

How to choose a budget gaming smartphone

We assume that you will find a convenient gadget that is not included in our rating of the best. After all, new models are constantly entering the market. Here are the characteristics you should pay attention to when choosing.

Processor and RAM

These two attributes directly affect the quality of the graphics in the game. If you are not ready to spend hours delving into benchmark ratings (companies that evaluate the performance of devices), then just remember: it is preferable to choose processors older than Snapdragon 865 (the company has simple markings, the higher the number, for example, 870 or 888, the better) or MediaTek Dimensity 700+ generation (they also have the higher the number, the more powerful). With RAM it’s even easier: it’s better to take devices with 8 or 12 GB. 6 GB is acceptable, but then 3D games will only work on medium settings.

Display

Minimum – with support for a refresh rate of 120 Hz. 60 Hz displays use up the battery more economically, but the picture is not as smooth and is not suitable for games. The best gaming devices have refresh rates of up to 144 or 165 Hz.

Battery

The unspoken standard is from 5000 mAh. Enough for three to four hours of play without recharging. A bonus will be the possibility of fast charging: although it puts a significant load on the battery, it charges the gadget to 100% in literally 30 minutes or even faster.

Headphone jack

It’s a matter of taste and habit. If you have a wireless headset that suits you, then you can buy the device without a connector. But those who use wired headphones should ask whether the phone has a standard 3.5 mm jack or whether the manufacturer offers to connect the “ears” via the charging socket. In the latter case, this can be a problem when you want to play, but the battery is low.

Inner memory

The problem with modern content is volume. Once upon a time, a game weighing 2-4 GB seemed huge. And now this is the weight of a simple toy. Top titles, together with regular updates (they also take up space while downloading and installing) can exceed 20 GB. But you probably want to keep more than one game on your device at all times. Also, leave space for photos and social networks (which have also grown to some exorbitant sizes). Therefore, ideally, take a smartphone with at least 128 GB of memory.

Expert review of budget gaming smartphones

Senior mobile application developer at Ozon Technologies  Alexey Marinin :

“When choosing a device, first of all you need to proceed from your tasks. If you are not a professional eSports player and games take up less than half the time spent on your smartphone, you should pay attention to regular flagship or mid-class smartphones. Their hardware can handle any game at maximum settings, but, as a rule, you will have to pay dearly for this.

If you are a real fan of games, I suggest you pay attention to such smartphones as:

• Asus ROG Phone 6 or ROG Phone 6 Pro (best phones for most gamers with great displays, Pro version has 18GB RAM).
• Red Magic 7 (device with OLED screen with a frequency of 165 Hz and a touch processing speed of 720 Hz)
• Poco F4 GT (Best Gaming Smartphone That Looks Like a Classic).
• iPhone 14 Pro Max (the most powerful iPhone to date).

Popular questions and answers

Alexey Marinin, senior mobile application developer at Ozon Technologies, answers the questions .