Cheapest Phones for Pokémon Go – Top 10 Best Cheap Compatible Phones
Pokémon Go is a phenomenal free-to-play game that made millions of people roam around the neighborhood. Like them, I find the game to be immensely enjoyable!
We made a list of the top 10 cheapest phones for Pokémon Go so that you can easily join the fun. But before we go to the list, let’s take a look at the system requirements of this game.
Niantic postponed the Discontinued Support for 32-Bit Android Devices to a (TBD) future date.
Pokémon Go ended the support for Android 6 (and below) and iOS 13 (and below).
Pokémon Go System Requirements
The following are the phone requirements in order for the game to successfully run (as of November 2022). (Source: Official Pokémon Go Website)
Android Phones
- Android 7 or above
- Preferred resolution of 720×1280 pixels (Not optimized for tablet)
- Strong internet connection (Wi-Fi, 3G, or 4G)
- GPS and Location Services
- Rooted Android Devices are not supported by Pokemon Go
iOS Phones
- iPhone 6s or above
- iOS 14 or above
- Strong internet connection (Wi-Fi, 3G, or 4G)
- GPS and Location Services
- Jailbroken devices are not supported
Initially, the app wasn’t compatible with Intel-based smartphones. Niantic Labs and Intel worked together to make the app compatible with Intel x86 smartphones.
Also, although 1GB RAM phones are supported based on experience (Niantic recommends 2GB or more), it is still best to have a 2GB to 3GB RAM for smoother gameplay. Pokemon Go consumes about 135 MB of RAM and combined with your other apps, you may reach 70-80% of RAM usage for a 1GB RAM phone.
A Gyroscope sensor is needed for Augmented Reality (AR) mode to work.
Things To Consider Based On the System Requirements
When it comes to a strong internet connection, a 3G connection is sufficient, but LTE connection is faster. So as much as possible, get an LTE-capable phone.
Although signal strength between LTE and 3G connection depends on your location and network provider, it is still better if your phone allows you to switch between these two.
Also, when selecting a network provider, check the 4G/LTE bands of the phone if any of the phone’s available bands match that of the network provider in your location. This is to ensure that your phone can connect to the network’s 4G/LTE signal aside from 3G. Contact your chosen network provider if needed.
When checking the location services feature of the phone, it is always better that the phone can use GPS with A-GPS (US satellites), GLONASS (Russian satellites), and BDS (Chines satellites).
A phone with GPS with A-GPS and GLONASS can provide better location accuracy compared to a phone with GPS with A-GPS only.
Most cheap phones don’t have a gyroscope sensor. Without this sensor, you will not be able to use the AR mode. But you can still play the game.
Personally, I think AR mode is fun at first, but based on experience, it drains more battery life and it’s harder to catch pokémons compared to normal mode. So I stopped using it because I want to play longer and advance in the game faster.
Top 10 Cheapest and Best Phones for Pokémon Go
You don’t want to just buy the cheapest phone out there. It is always better to buy the best and cheapest so you can get the best value for every buck. Below is the Top 10 list that you can check out (in no particular order).
IMPORTANT
While waiting for Niantic’s final decision, avoid Android devices that do not support arm64-v8a because it indicates that it cannot run 64-bit ARM applications and will most probably be unsupported by Niantic in the future.
You can find the list of Android devices that support arm64-v8a here as reported by the manufacturers. This list was extracted from Google Play console by Reddit user/App developer pkmn_throwaway_pst.
I also obtained confirmation from a manufacturer for some of the phones below.
#1 – Moto G Power (supports arm64-v8a)
Display: 6.6 inches (720 x 1600 pixels)
OS: Android 10
Hardware: Snapdragon 662, Octa-core, 64GB (4GB RAM)
Battery: 5,000 mAh
Price: $109.99
Check out the Lowest Price: Amazon.com
I’m recommending this smartphone because of its very long battery life compared to other budget smartphones. You will need that extra-long life because Pokemon Go is played outside where you have very little access to charging stations.
Also, you will absolutely love this one because it is a very powerful smartphone for playing games.
#2 – Xiaomi Redmi 9A (64-bit OS; Supports arm64-v8a)
Display: 6.53 inches (720 x 1600 pixels)
OS: Android 10.0
GPS: GPS, GLONASS, BDS
Hardware: MediaTek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm), Octa-core (4×2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4×1.5 GHz Cortex-A53), 64GB Internal Storage, 4GB RAM
Battery: 5,000 mAh
3G Network: SDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G Network: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41
Gyro: No
Price: $125.00
Check out the Lowest Price: Amazon.com
The Xiaomi Redmi 9A has a fast processor and big RAM which is great for a very affordable smartphone for Pokemon Go. It has a big battery capacity for longer gameplay.
It is compatible with most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. It will NOT work with CDMA carriers such as Verizon, Sprint, Cricket, and Boost.
#3 – BLU G50 (64-bit OS; supports arm64-v8a)
Display: 5.5 inches (720 x 1440 pixels)
OS: Android 10.0 (Pie)
GPS: Yes, with A-GPS
Hardware: Octa-Core 1.6GHz Processor with ARM Cortex-A55, 32GB Internal Memory, 2GB RAM, Micro SD up to 64GB
Battery: 4000 mAh
4G Network: 4G LTE (1/2/3/4/5/7/12/17/28) 3G: (850/900/1700/1900/2100): US compatibility with GSM Networks including, T-Mobile, Metro PCS, and others. (Not compatible with new AT&T or Cricket activations or with CDMA Networks like Verizon, Sprint, and Boost Mobile)
Gyro: No
Price: $89.99
Check out the Lowest Price: Amazon.com
This is probably the BEST deal you can get for a smartphone. At a very low price, you can have a 5.5 inches display, the latest Android version, excellent battery life, and a processor that is good enough to run Pokemon Go.
The package also comes with a case and screen protector. If you are an employee on a tight budget or if you need a basic phone for your son or daughter, this smartphone is perfect.
Below is the confirmation e-mail below from the manufacturer that this phone has a 64-bit OS.
Also, below is the result of the 64-Bit Checker app from Google Play.
#4 – BLU G50 Mega (64-bit OS; supports arm64-v8a)
Display: 6.5 inches
OS: Android 10.0 (Pie)
GPS: Yes, with A-GPS
Hardware: Octa-Core 1.6GHz ARM Cortex-A55 Processor, 32GB Internal Memory, 2GB RAM, Micro SD up to 64GB
Battery: 4000 mAh
4G Network: Ready to use with your preferred GSM Carrier. Compatible with AT&T, T-Mobile, Metro PCS, and others. Sim card not included. (Not compatible with NEW AT&T or Cricket activations or with CDMA Networks like Verizon, Sprint, and Boost Mobile)
Gyro: No
Price: $89.99
Check out the Lowest Price: Amazon.com
This is another excellent budget smartphone. It has a huge screen, the latest Android OS, and excellent battery life for longer gameplay.
The only difference with the BLU G50 is that this smartphone has a larger screen and is slightly thinner. All other remaining features are the same. You will love this if you really like a smartphone with a larger screen.
Also, see the confirmation e-mail above from the manufacturer that this product has a 64-bit OS.
Also, below is the result of the 64-Bit Checker app from Google Play.
#5 – Moto G Stylus (Amazon’s Choice)
Display: 6.8 inches (1080 x 2400 pixels)
OS: Android 10
GPS: GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
Hardware: Qualcomm SDM678 Snapdragon 678 (11 nm), Octa-core (2×2.2 GHz Kryo 460 Gold & 6×1.7 GHz Kryo 460 Silver), 128GB Internal Storage, 4GB RAM
Battery: 4000 mAh
3G Network: Yes
4G Network: Yes
Gyro: Yes
Price: $179.99
Check out the Lowest Price: Amazon.com
If you are one of those who like big displays, this is perfect for you. It can run Pokemon Go smoothly and without a problem. The battery life is also excellent.
What you will love about this smartphone is that it’s very easy to play Pokemon Go because of the size of the screen.
#6 – Samsung Galaxy A10e (Renewed) (64-bit OS; supports arm64-v8a)
Display: 5.83 inches (720 x 1560 pixels)
OS: Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11
GPS: GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO
Hardware: Exynos 7884 Octa-core (2×1.6 GHz Cortex-A73 & 6×1.35 GHz Cortex-A53), 2 GB RAM, 32GB storage
Battery: 3000 mAh
Network: GSM, UMTS, CDMA
Gyro: GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO
Price: $120.00
Check out the Lowest Price: Amazon.com
This smartphone has a big screen, a decent processor, and good battery capacity. On top of playing Pokemon Go smoothly, at a very low price, it comes with an excellent display, great camera quality, and an awesome design.
The sharpness of the screen is decent for the price. You will definitely love the performance of this phone.
It also has a 64-bit processor and a 64-bit OS.
Please be careful and check the product compatibility with your carrier network by reading more info on the Amazon product description, Q&A, and Amazon customer reviews.
#7 – Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 (64-bit OS; supports arm64-v8a)
Display: 6.3 inches (1080 x 2340 pixels)
OS: Android 9.0 (Pie); MIUI 11
GPS: Yes, with A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS
Hardware: Qualcomm SDM665 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm); Octa-core (4×2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4×1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver), 64GB Internal Storage, 4GB RAM
Battery: 4,000 mAh
3G Network: HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G Network: B1 (2100) B2 (1900 PCS) B3 (1800 +) B4 (1700/2100 AWS 1) B5 (850) B7 (2600) B8 (900) B20 (800 DD) B28 (700 APT) B38 (TD 2600) B40 (TD 2300)
Gyro: Yes
Price: $174.99
Check out the Lowest Price: Amazon.com
In addition to playing Pokemon Go smoothly, it has better location technology, an awesome camera, a very responsive screen. A good balance between quality and price.
It has a 64-bit processor and a 64-bit OS according to the AnTuTu Benchmark app.
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 has a very high pixel density (409 PPI), thus, it has a sharper screen resolution compared to the iPhone 11 (326 PPI). You can also play other games that rely heavily on fast touch responsiveness like PUBG and Mobile Legends.
#8 – Xiaomi Redmi 7 (64-bit OS; Supports arm64-v8a)
Display: 6.26 inches (720 x 1520 pixels)
OS: Android 7.0 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 10; MIUI 11
GPS: Yes, with A-GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
Hardware: Snapdragon 632, Octa-core (4×1.8 GHz Kryo 250 Gold & 4×1.8 GHz Kryo 250 Silver), 32 GB Internal Storage, 3 GB RAM
Battery: 4000 mAh
3G Network: HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 – Global version
4G Network: LTE band 1(2100), 2(1900), 3(1800), 4(1700/2100), 5(850), 7(2600), 8(900), 20(800), 38(2600), 40(2300) – Global version
Gyro: No
Price: $169.99
Check out the Lowest Price: Amazon.com
Another very worth the price smartphone. What you will love about this smartphone is the huge screen display that you can use to watch movies or Netflix aside from playing Pokemon Go. It has an awesome battery life to keep you playing longer.
It is also very sturdy even if you drop it a few times. It is also good for the heavy users who do a lot of stuff on their phones.
Based on the AnTuTu Benchmark app, the OS of this phone is 64-bit.
#9 – Samsung Galaxy A20 (Supports arm64-v8a)
Display: 6.4 inches (720 x 1560 pixels)
OS: Android 9.0 (Pie); One UI
GPS: Yes, with A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS
Hardware: Exynos 7884 (14 nm), Octa-core (2×1.6 GHz Cortex-A73 & 6×1.35 GHz Cortex-A53), 32 GB Internal Storage, 3GB RAM
Battery: 4,000 mAh
3G Network: HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G Network: LTE band 1(2100), 3(1800), 5(850), 7(2600), 8(900), 20(800), 38(2600), 40(2300), 41(2500)
Gyro: Yes
Price: $189.99
Check out the Lowest Price (Refurbished): Amazon.com
Another fantastic phone from Samsung. You will love the performance of this phone which is pretty fast for a budget device.
It has a very huge screen display. It has a Super AMOLED screen which makes the display show realistic and more vivid colors compared to other budget phones. The narrow bezels make an excellent design.
#10 – BLU G9 Pro (64-bit OS; supports arm64-v8a)
Display: 6.5 inches; 1080 x 2340 pixels (396 PPI); IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
OS: Android 10
GPS: Yes, with A-GPS
Hardware: Mediatek MT6785 Helio G90T (12 nm), GPU: Mali-G76 MC4, 128 GB Internal Memory, 4 GB RAM
Battery: 5,100 mAh
3G Network: (850/900/1700/1900/2100)
4G Network: LTE band (1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/17/28) US compatibility Nationwide on all GSM Networks including AT&T, T-Mobile, Cricket, Metro PCS, and others. Not compatible with CDMA Networks like Verizon, Sprint and Boost Mobile)
Gyro: Yes
Price: $149.99
Check out the Lowest Price: Amazon.com
This smartphone has a lot of internal storage, huge battery capacity, and higher RAM compared to the phones above. This means that you can store more games and apps and run them simultaneously at a faster speed for longer hours.
It can run Pokemon Go without a problem including other games like PUBG Mobile and Fortnite. If you find the screen size of the BLU Studio Mini slightly small for your taste, then this smartphone is the best fit.
Play Safe and Have Fun!
So now that we have narrowed down our choices, all you need to do is to identify your budget and select your personal preference.
And when you already started playing, always remember to play safe, be alert when playing near the streets, and be sensitive to the privacy of other people around you. Play with your friends and meet and greet other players!
Have fun catching them all!
Also check out our posts about:
- Pokemon Go Accessories – Top 5 Most Important Poké-Accessories!
- Cheapest Phones for WhatsApp
- Best Phones under $150 dollars
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I’m so excited for the SNES Classic, and even though I didn’t get a preorder it would have been great if these top 25 games would have been the preloaded one (Although most are). The only ones I felt deserved a spot were Actrasier, Mario Paint, Krustys Super Fun House, Killer Instinct and God forgive me Bubsy. I mean those were some of my SNES games of my childhood and I still think they’re great (No matter what anyone says) Overall though to this day I think the SNES was the best video game system to date!
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I grew up with Mega Man X3 and Sunset riders. I’m trying to remember 2 games that my dad played. One of them was on this i think. It showed someone walking at night then the screen looks up at the stars and i think a dragon or some type of monster flying in the sky. The other game was on a different system but it look like a fighting game and i know it wasnt mortal kombat cause there was no blood lol. Anyway i barly remember it but one of the stages was on top of a montian and i think one of the characters was a human bird thing and they had difderent monsters So hopefully one of you guys can help me to find the games im looking for lol.