11 Best Budget Gaming Smartphones in 2024

Realme GT 6T

A dual-SIM smartphone with a high-performance Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 processor that ensures fast and smooth operation. The RAM is 8 GB, the built-in memory is 256 GB. This volume will allow you to install a large number of applications and store all the necessary data. Other features include a frameless 6.78-inch display with a refresh rate of 120 Hz, a three-module 50 MP camera, support for 5G mobile network and NFC.

The device is powered by a 5,500 mAh battery with a fast charging function. The phone has an IP65 protection rating, so it is not afraid of moisture and dust. The package includes a power adapter, a Type-C cable, and a protective case. According to users, the model has a very quiet speaker.

Main characteristics

Pros and cons

OnePlus 9RT

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

The edges of the case are covered with an aluminum frame: from a design point of view, it is an acquired taste, from a practical point of view, it is a minus, it scratches quickly. Although almost everyone now carries their devices in cases. The fingerprint is built into the display. The kit includes a film, a case, and a fast charging adapter.

The screen has a 600 Hz sampling rate (this indicator counts how often the screen is touched) – an indicator important for real-time shooter games. The indicator is not bad (competitors often have 480, and the best flagships have 720 Hz). But there is a nuance: 600 Hz only works in some games, and not the most popular ones.

We praise the RAM expansion function: 5 GB can be added to the device using the built-in memory. Also note that both global and Chinese versions are available in Russia. They differ in the shell on which Android works. In the first case, it is Color OS, in the second – Oxygen OS, which is rare at the moment. Color OS comes with a bunch of applications that do not work in Russia. Also, reviews note incorrect operation of notifications.

Main characteristics

Pros and cons

Redmi Note 11 Pro+

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

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

There is a very bright AMOLED display that does not fade in midday light, as well as a 120 W fast charger that fully charges the device in 25 minutes. The advantages include a pleasant design: it is not pretentiously gamer-like, but rather tries to seem laconically fashionable. The disadvantages include a combined slot for SIM cards and memory cards: either two SIM cards or a SIM + flash drive. Buyers are also not delighted with the photos and videos. If the photos in daylight are average, then photos in the dark are poor, and the video, although 4K, is “overcompressed”, which is why clarity is lost.

Main characteristics

Xiaomi Mi 11

Xiaomi 11 is a stylish, inexpensive smartphone based on the eight-core Snapdragon 888 processor. The model features a flexible 2K AMOLED screen with a diagonal of 6.81 inches, a thin body protected by the IP68 standard. The battery capacity is 4,600 mAh, there is support for fast charging with a power of 55 W. The phone has an Android 11 operating system, the ability to use two nanoSIM.

Camera – 108 MP, autofocus and optical stabilization. Maximum video resolution is 8K. The smartphone catches 3G, 4G LTE, 5G networks, but does not support NFC. The package is standard: power adapter, USB Type-C cable, Type-C to 3.5 mm jack adapter, case and SIM card clip.

Main characteristics

Pros and cons

Samsung Galaxy S20 FE

FE stands for Fan Edition. The company says that phones with this marking are created based on user feedback. But if we put aside the beautiful words of marketers, then in fact we have what other companies mean by 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 in a simpler charger — 15 instead of 25 W — make a version with 6 GB of RAM instead of 8 (but there is also 8, only more expensive!) and put in a less cool screen — with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 instead of 3200 x 1440.”

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

Main characteristics

Pros and cons

TECNO Camon 20 Pro

The smartphone not only allows you to play your favorite games, but also gives you new opportunities for photo and video shooting. This is provided by a 64 MP camera equipped with an RGBW Pro module. Thanks to it, you can take great pictures in any lighting. The screen is Full HD + AMOLED with a diagonal of 6.7 inches with a refresh rate of 120 Hz. For quick and easy unlocking, the fingerprint scanner is built into the bottom of the display.

The MediaTek Helio G99 processor, Android 13 operating system, 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage are responsible for the device’s performance. The gadget is powered by a 5,000 mAh battery with a 33 W fast charging function. The downside is the lack of 5G support.

Main characteristics

Pros and cons

ZTE Nubia Neo 2

The Global version smartphone runs on Android 13. It has a unique case design, an eight-core Unisoc T820 processor, and a 50 MP camera. The 6.72-inch IPS Full HD screen refreshes at 120 Hz. There is a 3.5 mm mini-jack for headphones. The model works in 2G, 3G, 4G LTE, 5G cellular networks, supports Bluetooth, NFC, and Wi-Fi.

The built-in memory is 256 GB, RAM is 8 GB. You can’t expand the volume, there is no memory card slot. Inside is a 6,000 mAh battery with a fast charging function. Other features include an accelerometer, gyroscope, compass, light sensor, stereo speakers, a fingerprint scanner and face unlock. According to reviews, the smartphone quickly heats up during games.

Main characteristics

Pros and cons

Strictly speaking, the device is not a gaming one. But it has a good Helio G99 chip (it is enough for games on medium graphics settings) and 13 GB of RAM: eight built-in, and five more can be added at the expense of regular memory. It also runs on pure Android version 12. Often, devices without a shell on a pure system are faster than their counterparts. 

This smartphone belongs to the class of protected devices. You can immerse it in water and not be afraid of dust (IP 68 protection class), it is also more resistant to falls than the average device. In general, against the background of other “bricks” 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 is a bit thick. But again: it depends on what you compare it to. With its protected “brothers” – so we have an ultra-thin and light smartphone. With other “civilian” devices – 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.

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 protection of the smartphone. Therefore, the sound, although loud, is boring.

Main characteristics

Pros and cons

How to Choose a Budget Gaming Smartphone

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

Processor and RAM

These two attributes directly affect the quality of graphics in the game. If you are not ready to spend hours digging through 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 is even simpler: it is better to take devices with 8 or 12 GB. 6 GB is acceptable, but then 3D games will only work on medium settings.

Display

At a minimum, it supports a refresh rate of 120 Hz. 60 Hz displays are more energy efficient, but the picture is not as smooth and is not suitable for gaming. The best gaming devices have a refresh rate of 144 or 165 Hz.

Battery

The unspoken standard is from 5000 mAh. Enough for three to four hours of play without recharging. A bonus is the ability to quickly charge: although it puts a considerable 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, you can buy a device without a jack. But those who use wired headphones should inquire whether the phone has a standard 3.5 mm jack or whether the manufacturer offers to connect the “ears” through the charging socket. In the latter case, this can be a problem when you want to play, but the battery is discharged.

Internal memory

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

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 goals. If you are not a professional eSports player and games take up less than half of the time spent on your smartphone, you should pay attention to regular flagship or mid-range smartphones. Their hardware can handle any game at maximum settings, but, as a rule, you will have to pay a lot for this.

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

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