The gaming phone market is expanding. Today, manufacturers use advanced tech to meet gamers’ demands. In 2024, there are many models contending for the best budget gaming phone title.
These smartphones offer top-notch performance without a high cost. They have powerful chipsets, big RAM, large screens, and batteries that last long. All these features are aimed at making gaming truly immersive.
Companies like Asus, RedMagic, and Motorola are at the forefront. They include features that gamers love. And, they keep their phones affordable. This leads to a tight race in the budget gaming phone category. These devices combine great gaming abilities with daily use. And they do it all without being too expensive.
Key Takeaways
- Manufacturers like Asus, RedMagic, and Motorola are offering affordable gaming phone options.
- The top devices feature powerful chipsets and high RAM capacities to ensure smooth gameplay.
- Large screens and long-lasting batteries provide an immersive gaming experience.
- Competition in the budget-friendly gaming phone market is growing, with numerous models vying for the best title.
- These economical gaming phones manage to maintain performance and daily functionality at an attractive price point.
Introduction to Budget Gaming Phones
Budget gaming phones are changing the game world. They offer great gaming without being expensive. These phones perfectly match good performance with a price that doesn’t hurt your wallet. As more people pick mobile gaming, the need for cheaper gaming phones goes up. This has led companies to make devices that compare to high-end phones but don’t cost a lot. The best budget gaming cellphones come with everything you need for a great gaming time.
Several budget phones show what they can do. Take the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro. It has a big 6.8-inch screen that’s clear and fast, a powerful snapdragon CPU, and up to 24GB RAM. This phone can last up to 18 hours and 48 minutes without charging. The iPhone 15 Pro Max also gets into the game with its sharp display and fast chip. It offers 14 hours and 2 minutes of play time. It shows even top brands find it smart to offer strong yet low-cost phones.
The Motorola Edge Plus (2023) and the OnePlus 12 prove that budget phones can come in different styles. The Motorola phone mixes a large screen with good CPU and RAM for 15 hours and 47 minutes of use. On the other hand, the OnePlus 12 has a big AMOLED screen that runs smoothly with its chip and RAM. It lasts a good 17 hours and 41 minutes.
Look at the RedMagic 9 Pro for another winning choice. It has a big screen and plenty of power like the more expensive models. This smartphone for gamers proves you don’t have to spend a lot to get top performance.
| Model | Display | CPU | RAM | Battery Life |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro | 6.8-inch AMOLED, 165Hz | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | 16GB – 24GB | 18h 48m |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | 6.7-inch OLED, 120Hz | A17 Pro | 8GB | 14h 2m |
| Motorola Edge Plus (2023) | 6.7-inch pOLED | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | 8GB | 15h 47m |
| OnePlus 12 | 6.82-inch AMOLED | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | 12GB – 16GB | 17h 41m |
| RedMagic 9 Pro | 6.8-inch AMOLED | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | 12GB – 16GB | 8h 07m (Weight) |
Now gamers have lots of choices within their budget. Whether you love the clear screens of ASUS pros or the all-around abilities of OnePlus, there’s a gaming phone for every budget. These phones keep getting better, offering great gaming experiences without costing a fortune.
Key Features to Look for in a Budget Gaming Phone
When picking a budget gaming phone, look at several key features. You should examine the phone’s performance, screen quality, battery, cooling system, and gaming-specific features. Each of these aspects is crucial for a great gaming experience on a budget.
Performance Metrics
It’s important to understand the performance metrics. Phones like the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro and the Nubia Red Magic 9 Pro shine because of their top-notch Snapdragons and lots of RAM. This means your games will run smoothly, without any delays.
Screen Quality and Refresh Rate
A phone’s screen quality and refresh rate affect your gameplay. For the best experience, look for a high refresh rate, such as on the Samsung Galaxy A34 5G and Poco X5 Pro 5G with 120Hz screens. This keeps your visuals sharp and smooth, making the game more engaging.
Battery Life
Battery life is critical for gaming on the go. You want a phone that can last for hours without a charge. The Nubia Red Magic 9 Pro and Motorola Edge Plus (2023) boast large batteries, ensuring you get plenty of playtime even on a budget.
Cooling Systems
Good cooling systems keep your phone from overheating during long gaming sessions. Phones like the Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate have cutting-edge cooling technology. This keeps your phone running smoothly, no matter how intense the game gets.
Gaming-Specific Features
Look for gaming-specific features like special controls and triggers. Phones like the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro are designed with gamers in mind, offering extra features to improve your gaming experience.
Considering these features helps you understand a budget gaming phone’s potential and how it fits in the competitive market. It makes choosing the right phone easier for gaming enthusiasts.
Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro: Best Gaming Phone Overall
The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro stands out in the gaming phone world. It boasts top-notch hardware and features designed for gamers. These aspects make it the best gaming phone you can get.
Specifications and Performance
The phone runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, which is super powerful. It has up to 24GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage. Game loading is quick, and you can do many things at once without a hitch.
Compared to the previous model, this phone is 30% faster thanks to its CPU. The GPU is also 25% faster. This means games run smoother and look better, even at high settings.
Design and Build Quality
The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro is built tough but weighs a bit less than before. It’s now more portable and still handles dust and water well. Gaming fans will love the customizable LED lights.
Battery Life and Efficiency
This phone packs a 5,500mAh battery that lasts a long time while gaming. It charges fast with 65W wired and 15W wireless power. The AeroActive Cooler X makes sure your device stays cool during long gaming sessions.
Gaming Features and Software
The phone’s 6.78-inch screen is great for gaming. It can refresh the image up to 165 times every second. With a touch response rate of 720Hz, games feel incredibly smooth and quick.
This phone also has an amazing 50 MP main camera and a 32 MP front camera. They’re perfect for shooting videos or live streaming. It’s not just for playing games, but also for creating content.
The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro has many extra features for gaming. It works with special triggers and other gaming accessories. All these qualities put this phone at the top for serious gamers.
RedMagic 9 Pro: Value and Performance Combined
The RedMagic 9 Pro shines as a leading choice in affordable gaming phones. It starts at $649 and goes up to $799. A good buy for gamers wanting top performance at a lower price.
Performance and Hardware
The RedMagic 9 Pro features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip and can have up to 16GB of RAM. It has a unique under-display front camera for a sleek look. With Geekbench 6 scores higher than the Galaxy S23 Ultra, it’s a powerful device. It also bested the S23 Ultra and ROG Phone 7 Ultimate on PCMark Work 3.0.
Display and Refresh Rate
A 6.8-inch display with a resolution of 2,480 by 1,116 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate adorns the RedMagic 9 Pro. This makes games look smoother and better. The display size and resolution offer crisp visuals for all your favorite games.
Cooling and Thermal Management
The RedMagic 9 Pro has an advanced cooling system. It includes an RGB fan and more tools to keep it cool when gaming hard. This tech helps the phone stay powerful without getting too hot.
The RedMagic 9 Pro balances cost with high performance well. It is great for those looking for great features without the high cost. With its strong hardware, smooth display, and smart cooling, gamers can play for hours without a hitch.
Motorola Edge Plus (2023): Best Battery Life
The Motorola Edge Plus (2023) stands out with top-notch battery performance. It’s perfect for those who love gaming. With a 5,100 mAh battery, it can last a whopping 15 hours and 47 minutes on auto mode. On a 165Hz refresh rate, it offers 13 hours and 18 minutes, meaning fewer breaks from the action.
Battery Capacity and Longevity
The huge 5,100 mAh battery in the Motorola Edge Plus (2023) ensures you can use it all day long. Whether you’re gaming or watching shows, this phone keeps up. You won’t have to worry about your phone dying in the middle of something important.
Performance and Display
The Motorola Edge Plus (2023) runs on a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and has 8GB of RAM. This hardware makes gaming and handling lots of tasks a breeze. Its 6.7 inch pOLED screen with a 2400 x 1080 resolution and 165Hz refresh rate brings games and videos to life. You’ll enjoy smooth graphics and vibrant colors, taking your gaming experience up a notch.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 6.7 inch-pOLED (2400 x 1080) |
| Refresh Rate | 165Hz |
| Battery Size | 5,100 mAh |
| Battery Life | 15 hours 47 minutes (auto mode); 13 hours 18 minutes (165Hz) |
| CPU | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage | 512GB |
| Rear Cameras | 50MP (f/1.8) main; 50MP (f/2.2) ultrawide; 12MP (f/1.6) portrait |
| Front Camera | 60MP (f/2.2) |
| Charging Speed | 68W wired; 15W wireless |
| Weight | 7.1 ounces / 203 grams |
| Dimensions | 6.3 x 2.9 x 0.34 inches / 161.16 x 74 x 8.59mm |
| Price | $799 |
In summary, the Motorola Edge Plus (2023) is a great choice for gamers. It offers exceptional battery life and powerful performance. This phone is perfect for those who need a device that lasts and looks good.
OnePlus 12: Balanced Performance and Value
The OnePlus 12 brings together top-notch performance and good value. It has strong hardware and cool features. This makes it perfect for gamers and those wanting a do-it-all phone.
Specifications and Hardware
The phone runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip. This means it’s 30% faster in processing and has better graphics by 25%. With up to 16GB of RAM, it can handle many apps and games at once.
| Game | Median Frame Rate (fps) | % Frames at Median FPS | Max CPU Usage | Max GPU Usage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Genshin Impact | 60 | 97% | 7% | 70% |
| COD Mobile (Session 1) | 120 | 83% | 12% | 65% |
| COD Mobile (Session 2) | 60 | 84% | 9% | 61% |
| Real Racing 3 | 60 | 92% | 4% | 41% |
Camera and Additional Features
The camera uses Hasselblad tech for top-grade photos. This is rare in gaming phones. It’s great for those who love to take pictures.
Value for Money
The OnePlus 12 is priced well for the features it offers. It’s great for gamers on a budget. But, it’s also good for everyday use.
Unique Selling Points
One cool feature is Adaptive Frame Rate. It changes between 60fps and 120fps as needed. Plus, it charges fast and looks awesome. This makes the OnePlus 12 perfect for any situation. For more details on the specifications and gaming performance, you can visit this link.
The OnePlus 12 is a great choice for a value-focused gaming phone. It combines fast hardware, great camera features, and it doesn’t cost a fortune. This makes it a strong option for many people.
The Best Budget Gaming Phone
There are many great budget gaming phones out there. They offer high performance at a low cost. More people are looking for powerful gaming phones that don’t cost a lot. Manufacturers are adding features seen in more expensive models. Let’s compare the top budget gaming phones of 2024.
| Phone Model | Display | Battery | RAM | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy A34 5G | 120Hz 6.6-inch Super AMOLED (1080 x 2340) | 5000 mAh | 6-8GB | 128-256GB |
| Poco X5 Pro 5G | 120Hz 6.67-inch Dolby Vision AMOLED (1080 x 2400) | 5000 mAh | 6-8GB | 128-256GB |
| OnePlus 10T 5G | 120Hz 6.7-inch AMOLED (1080 x 2400) | 4800 mAh | 8-16GB | 128-256GB |
| Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | 120Hz 6.67-inch OLED Dolby Vision (1080 x 2400) | 5000 mAh | 6-12GB | 128-256GB |
| iPhone 12 | 60Hz 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR (1170 x 2532) | 2815 mAh | 4GB | 64-256GB |
The Samsung Galaxy A34 5G has a standout 120Hz Super AMOLED display and a big 5000 mAh battery. It’s perfect for anyone wanting a reliable budget gaming phone. Poco X5 Pro 5G enhances your view with a Dolby Vision AMOLED screen. It also has a large 5000 mAh battery for a great visual experience.
OnePlus 10T 5G impresses with high RAM options. You can choose between 8GB and 16GB for fluid gaming. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro offers an amazing OLED Dolby Vision display. It comes with up to 12GB of RAM, giving a great gaming experience at an affordable price.
The iPhone 12 is a solid choice, despite its lower refresh rate. It boasts a Super Retina XDR display and smooth gaming thanks to the A14 Bionic chip. Even with the smallest battery in our comparison, its power use is efficient for long gaming times.
In summary, each phone model has its own special features. They make the top picks for budget gaming phones in 2024. Whether you care most about the display, battery life, or gaming performance, these phones offer a fantastic gaming experience at a great value.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Top Non-Gaming Phone for Gaming
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra hit the market in January 2024. It shines as a high-quality non-gaming phone that’s great for gaming.
Hardware and Performance
This phone runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. With up to 24GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, it’s very fast. The vapor chamber keeps it cool, even during long gaming sessions.
Gaming Experience
Playing games on the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is amazing. It has a large 6.78-inch screen with crisp 1080 x 2400 resolution. Game Mode makes sure everything runs smoothly, perfect for any gamer.
Battery Life
It features a 5,500mAh battery. This means you can play for a long time without recharging. Plus, it’s designed to use power efficiently.
In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is all about high performance, great hardware, and long battery life. It’s a top pick for people who need a strong phone for every day and gaming.
iPhone 15 Pro Max: Best iPhone for Gaming
The iPhone 15 Pro Max shines as a top pick for gamers worldwide. It outperforms its Android rivals with top-notch hardware. Its features are crafted for a stellar gaming experience.
Performance and Hardware
The iPhone 15 Pro Max packs an A17 Pro and 8GB of RAM, making it a gaming powerhouse. It smoothly runs games like Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil Village. Resident Evil Village runs at a 60 FPS at 720p, using about 3.78681 GB of RAM.
Display and Design
With a big, high-res screen and 120Hz refresh rate, games look amazing on the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Its titanium frame adds durability and style. It’s a winning combo of great visuals with a reliable build.
Battery Life and Efficiency
The iPhone 15 Pro Max powers through over three hours of gaming before hitting 20% battery. This efficient battery use means more time for gaming fun. It meets the high standards set by its other premium features.
“Apple’s approach to delivering a premium gaming experience on the iPhone 15 Pro Max has significantly influenced my gaming preferences, steering me towards more engaging and depth-focused games,” praised one gamer. “Android alternatives need to catch up to offer similar quality options.”
The cost of owning an iPhone 15 Pro Max is worth noting. It’s priced at $999. Plus, some popular games like Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil Village tack on extra costs. Yet, many users prefer buying high-quality games over free games with lots of purchases.
Many still find the iPhone 15 Pro Max as the top choice for mobile gaming. It covers performance, design, and efficient battery life for a full package.
Tips for Choosing the Right Budget Gaming Phone in 2024
Looking for a budget gaming phone in 2024? You’ll need to consider a few key things. These will help you pick one that’s right for you. Let’s dive into some advice.
- Performance and Hardware: The phone’s chipset is vital, ensuring smooth gaming. Phones like the Samsung Galaxy A34 5G and OnePlus 10T 5G have top-notch chips. Make sure your pick has at least 6GB of RAM for speed.
- Display Quality: A higher refresh rate means better visuals when gaming. Look for phones with a 120Hz display, such as the Poco X5 Pro 5G and Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro. This feature makes your games look amazing.
- Battery Life: Gamers know that playtime means lots of battery use. A phone with a big 5000 mAh battery, like the Samsung Galaxy A34 5G or Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro, is ideal for long game sessions.
- Storage Capacity: Enough space for games is a must. Go for a phone with at least 128GB of storage. It’s good if you can add more storage later too.
- Price and Value: Look for phones that offer a good balance between features and price. The Poco X5 Pro 5G and OnePlus 10T 5G are great examples. They give you a lot for your money.
| Phone Model | Chipset | Display | Battery | RAM | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy A34 5G | Mediatek MT6877V Dimensity 1080 | 120hz 6.6-inch Super AMOLED | 5000 mAh | 6-8GB | 128-256GB |
| Poco X5 Pro 5G | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G | 120hz 6.67-inch Dolby Vision AMOLED | 5000 mAh | 6-8GB | 128-256GB |
| OnePlus 10T 5G | Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | 120hz 6.7-inch AMOLED | 5800 mAh | 8-16GB | 128-256GB |
| Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Mediatek MT6877V Dimensity 1080 | 120hz 6.67-inch OLED Dolby Vision | 5000 mAh | 6-12GB | 128-256GB |
| iPhone 12 | Apple A14 Bionic | 60hz 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR | 2815 mAh | 4GB | 64-256GB |
Keeping these tips in mind will let you pick a budget gaming phone. One that not only matches your gaming needs but also makes 2024 a great year for mobile gaming.
Conclusion
In 2024, the world of budget gaming smartphones is booming. Big names like Samsung, Asus, and Motorola are leading the charge. They bring powerful devices at affordable prices. The Samsung Galaxy A50, Galaxy A15 5G, and the Motorola Moto G Power (2024) are shining stars in this arena.
Noteworthy players include the Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate and the OnePlus 6T. They are known for their strong hardware. Their high-refresh-rate displays and cool systems make gameplay ultra-smooth. Even older models like the iPhone XS / XS Max and Sony Xperia XZ2 hold their own with excellent features.
Choosing the right budget gaming phone comes down to what you value. It could be performance, screen quality, or long battery life. With many great options, gamers can find the perfect match for their needs and wallet. The future looks bright, as low-cost phones aim to bring more power to everyone.
FAQ
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