Flagship smartphones from prominent brands such as Samsung, Google, and Apple have evolved into a stage of gradual, and some may say, uninspiring annual upgrades. Conversely, the budget sector is emerging as a vibrant space for authentic innovation. Take the Nothing Phone 3A, for instance, which shines with its distinctive design and glyph interface, whereas devices like the Xiaomi Poco F7 are challenging the iPhone 17e.
As budget smartphone manufacturers aggressively vie for enhanced performance, battery longevity, and hardware improvements, there are numerous excellent budget phones available for gamers. With established giants like the ASUS ROG Phone facing uncertain prospects, several budget gaming phones are making a play for attention.
Nonetheless, for gamers on a budget, merely reviewing a spec sheet won’t suffice. Reliable performance for steady frame rates, excellent battery life, and a bright, responsive display are essential to fully enjoy the gaming experience. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a varied selection of budget gaming phones here that can handle your favorite titles without the hefty price tag.
**RedMagic 11 Air**
Many budget or mid-range smartphones feature a plastic build (such as the Pixel 9A), which is why the RedMagic 11 Air distinguishes itself with its premium aesthetics. It showcases a transparent glass back, aluminum edges, and a relatively slim profile for a gaming device. Beneath that alluring design, it contains an active cooling fan and capacitive shoulder triggers on the right edge of the phone, which you can customize for in-game actions across various titles. This capability is especially beneficial for aiming and shooting in games like “Call of Duty: Mobile”.
With this device, you benefit from a 6.85-inch 144Hz OLED display, perfect for gaming. The bezels are minimal, and thanks to the selfie camera positioned beneath the screen, you enjoy an uninterrupted gaming experience. Additionally, it boasts a colossal 7,000 mAh battery that can sustain a full day of gaming. When it’s time to recharge, the 80W fast charging will fully power that enormous battery in just an hour.
The RedMagic 11 Air is driven by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 — Qualcomm’s premium chipset as of this writing. That’s the standout feature of this phone: the $500 price tag is very enticing for such formidable hardware. However, you are limited to two major Android updates and three years of security updates. For extended software support, budget devices from Xiaomi or Samsung would be a better choice.
**Xiaomi Poco F7**
The Xiaomi Poco F7 showcases a sophisticated two-tone design, appearing more subdued in white and futuristic in silver. This device exhibits flat edges, a glass back, and aluminum side rails, imparting a premium feel. The 6.83-inch AMOLED screen is HDR and Dolby Vision certified, ensuring an impressive media experience. The 120Hz refresh rate makes everyday use and gaming exceptionally responsive.
At its core, the Poco F7 is powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, which delivers enough performance to outpace competitors like the Samsung Galaxy A56. Although the 8s Gen 4 is a notch lower than the Snapdragon 8 Elite, it still adeptly handles graphically demanding games. The 6,500 mAh battery comfortably lasts through the day, even with several hours of gaming. When charging, the 90W fast charging will reach 100% in just 45 minutes.
A notable drawback of this phone is that supported carriers in the U.S. are limited to T-Mobile, Mint, and Tello. However, Xiaomi guarantees four major Android updates and six years of security updates for the Poco F7, making it a superior choice to its main rival, the Redmagic 11 Air, which only offers two major Android updates.
**Samsung Galaxy S24 FE**
For those who prefer a more refined software experience, dependable network compatibility, and quality cameras, the Galaxy S24 FE is the more pragmatic option compared to newer, budget Chinese models. While it’s an older device, the S24 FE has settled into a fantastic value range, priced under $600. Despite its age, the 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED display remains bright and responsive, making it ideal for gaming.
Beneath the surface, the Exynos 2400e chipset continues to perform admirably, easily managing graphically demanding titles like “Genshin Impact” on high settings. The 4,700 mAh battery ensures solid endurance for daily activities, and while it’s capable of handling a few hours of gaming, it does fall short compared to the 6,500 mAh+ silicon-carbon batteries found in its Chinese counterparts.
However, the strongest argument for the Galaxy S24 FE lies in its longevity. Samsung has pledged to support this device with seven years of OS and security updates, ensuring it remains current until 2031. This level of support is something you do not receive.