Cheapest Phones for Gaming – Top 5 List
Are you looking for the cheapest phones for gaming? The latest high-end phones can be quite expensive, and not everyone can afford to spend a lot of money on a phone solely for gaming.
But having a phone that can run your preferred games is necessary for a satisfying gaming experience.
With so many options available in the market, it can be challenging to choose the best one that fits your budget and gaming needs.
So, in this article, we’ll take a look at some of the cheapest phones for gaming to help you make an informed decision on the best affordable gaming phone for you.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Phone for Gaming
Below are the factors to consider when choosing a phone for gaming, listed out for easy reference:
- Processor and RAM: You want a phone with a powerful processor and enough RAM to handle the demands of the game and prevent any lag or crashes.
- Screen size and resolution: A larger screen with high resolution will make the game more immersive and allow you to see all the details.
- Battery life: Gaming can be a drain on your phone’s battery, so you’ll want a phone with a long battery life to allow you to play for longer periods of time without any interruptions.
- Cooling system: Gaming can cause your phone to overheat, so a good cooling system will prevent this from happening and allow you to play for longer periods of time without any issues.
- Storage: Games can take up a lot of storage space, so you’ll want a phone with enough storage to accommodate your favorite games.
- Price: A good gaming phone can be expensive, so you’ll want to consider your budget when choosing a phone. However, it’s important to remember that investing in a good phone can greatly enhance your overall gaming experience.
Top 5 Cheapest Phones for Gaming
#1 – Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | 6.67″ | 6GB RAM | 5,020mAh
Display: 6.67 inches | AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10, 450 nits (typ), 1200 nits (peak) | 1080 x 2400 pixels (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio) (~395 ppi density)
OS: Android 11
Hardware: Qualcomm Sm7150 Snapdragon 732G (8 Nm), Octa-Core Processor, Adreno 618; 128 GB Internal Storage, 6GB RAM, microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Battery: Li-Po 5020 mAh, non-removable
4G Network: International Model. Compatible with most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, At&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will not work with CDMA carriers such as Verizon, Cricket, and Boost.
Price: $229.99
Check out the Lowest Price: Amazon.com
The Redmi Note 10 Pro is a pretty sweet phone, especially when it comes to gaming. Here’s why I think it’s the best cheapest phone for gaming:
Firstly, the Redmi Note 10 Pro has a massive 6.67-inch screen, which is perfect for gaming. It has a 1080p resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, which means that everything on the screen looks super smooth and crisp. You’ll be able to see all the details in your games and enjoy them to the fullest.
Secondly, this phone has an amazing processor – the Snapdragon 732G – which is specifically designed for gaming. It’s super fast and can handle even the most demanding games without any lag or stutter. So, whether you’re playing PUBG, Call of Duty, or Asphalt, you can be sure that your phone will be able to handle it with ease.
Another thing that sets the Redmi Note 10 Pro apart is its battery life. It has a massive 5020mAh battery which can easily last you through a full day of gaming, even if you’re playing for hours on end. Plus, it supports fast charging, so you can quickly get back to gaming when your battery runs low.
Also, the Redmi Note 10 Pro comes with the Dimensity 1100 SoC. This is also the first Redmi series to come with VC liquid cooling.
Lastly, this phone has a great camera setup, which is not directly related to gaming, but it’s a bonus. It has a 108-megapixel main camera and a 16-megapixel front camera, so you can take great photos and videos, which is always a plus.
And let’s not forget about the price. The Redmi Note 10 Pro is one of the most affordable gaming phones on the market right now. For that price, you’re getting a phone that can compete with some of the higher-end gaming phones out there.
So there you have it! If you’re looking for a budget phone that can handle some serious gaming, the Redmi Note 10 Pro is definitely worth considering. With its powerful processor, stunning display, long battery life, and affordable price point, it’s a great choice for anyone who wants to get their game on without breaking the bank.
#2 – Moto G Power (2022) | 6.5″ | 4GB RAM | 5,000 mAh
Display: 6.5 inches | IPS LCD | 90 Hz refresh rate | 720 x 1600 pixels | (~79.7% screen-to-body ratio) | (~270 ppi density)
OS: Android 11
Hardware: Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm); Octa-core performance. Get a boost in speed and efficiency from an octa-core processor with HyperEngine technology; 128 GB Internal Storage, 4GB RAM, microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Battery: Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable
4G Network: Carrier compatibility: AT&T, Verizon, T Mobile, Tracfone, and Spectrum. Not compatible with Boost, U.S. Cellular, Google Fi, Republic Wireless, Tracfone (CDMA), Straight Talk Wireless (CDMA), Ting, Xfinity Wireless, and Optimum Mobile.
Price: $229.99
Check out the Lowest Price: Amazon.com
One of the things that really sets the Moto G Power (2022) apart from other budget phones is its 90 Hz refresh rate display. This means that the screen refreshes 90 times per second, making everything on the screen look smoother and more fluid. This is especially important for gaming, as it allows for faster and more responsive gameplay.
Not many budget phones have a high refresh rate display like the Moto G Power (2022), so this really gives it an edge when it comes to gaming. And even better, the phone also has a large 6.5-inch screen, giving you plenty of real estate to see all the action.
The Moto G Power (2022) is powered by a Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 processor, which can handle most mobile games without any issues. It also comes with 4GB of RAM, which means that you can easily run multiple apps in the background without any lag or slowdown.
Whether you’re playing action-packed games or strategy games that require quick reflexes, the Moto G Power (2022) can handle it all with ease thanks to its powerful processor and 90 Hz refresh rate display. And the best part? It won’t break the bank!
However, the Moto G Power 2022 does not support liquid cooling technology or a cooling system. But don’t worry, you can check out the next sections on how to address this.
Lastly, the Moto G Power (2022) has a massive 5,000mAh battery, which is one of the largest you’ll find on a phone at this price point. And thanks to Motorola’s efficient software optimizations, you can get up to three days of battery life on a single charge! This means that you can game for hours on end without having to worry about running out of juice.
#3 – Samsung Galaxy A14 5G | 6.6″ | 4GB RAM | 5,000 mAh
Display: 6.6 inches | FHD+ LCD Infinity-V | 90 Hz refresh rate | 1080 x 2408 pixels (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio) (~400 ppi density)
OS: Android 13
Hardware: Model: SM-A146UZKDXAA (US Version); Octa-Core 2.2GHz,2GHz; 64GB Internal Storage; 4GB RAM
Battery: Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable
4G/5G Network: (Check with your Carrier for Compatibility)
4G FDD LTE:B1(2100),B2(1900),B3(1800),B4(AWS),B5(850), B7(2600),B12(700),B14(700),B20(800),B29(700),B30(2300),B66(AWS-3) | 4G TDD LTE: B38(2600),B39(1900),B40(2300),B41(2500), B48(3600) | 5G: 2, 5, 66, 77 Sub6/mmWave
Price: $209.99
Check out the Lowest Price: Amazon.com
The Samsung Galaxy A14 5G is also a great choice for a cheap gaming phone.
First of all, let’s talk about the 90Hz refresh rate. This means that the screen updates 90 times per second, which makes for smoother and more responsive gameplay. This is especially important for fast-paced games where every millisecond counts. Most other phones in this price range only have a 60Hz refresh rate, so the A14 5G definitely has an advantage there.
Another thing that sets the A14 5G apart is its cooling technology. When you’re playing games, your phone can get pretty hot, which can cause lag and make your games run slower. The A14 5G has a special cooling system that helps dissipate heat and keep your phone running smoothly even during long gaming sessions.
Finally, the FHD+ LCD Infinity-V display is a nice touch. It’s not OLED, but it’s still a high-quality display that will make your games look great. The Infinity-V design means that there’s a small notch at the top of the screen for the front-facing camera, which some people may not like, but it’s a minor issue in the grand scheme of things.
All in all, the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G is a great choice for a cheap gaming phone. The combination of the 90Hz refresh rate, cooling technology, and FHD+ LCD Infinity-V display make it stand out from other phones in this price range. If you’re looking for a phone that can handle your favorite games without breaking the bank, the A14 5G is definitely worth considering.
#4 – TCL 30 XL | 6.82″ | 6GB RAM | 5,000 mAh
Display: 6.82 inches | IPS LCD | 720 x 1640 pixels | (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) (~263 ppi density)
OS: Android 12
Hardware: Mediatek MT6762V Helio A25 (12 nm); Octa-core (4×2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4×1.5 GHz Cortex-A53); 64GB Internal Storage, 6GB RAM, microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Battery: Li-Ion 5000 mAh, non-removable
4G Network: Unlocked Smartphone – The TCL 30XL works with most major U.S. carriers, including Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. This android phone is also compatible with Tracfone, Straight talk, Visible, Metro PCS, Simple Mobile, Cricket, Ultra Mobile, H2O, Tello, Consumer Cellular, RedPocket (Only GSMA network), Pure talk, Viya, etc. This is not compatible with CDMA networks, such as Assurance wireless, Spectrum, Xfinity, Boost Mobile, etc.
Price: $199.99
Check out the Lowest Price: Amazon.com
The TCL 30XL is a great choice for a cheap gaming phone.
First of all, let’s talk about the 6.82″ display size. That’s a big screen, which is perfect for gaming. You’ll be able to see all the action and details of your game without any issues. It’s also great for watching videos and browsing the web.
Another thing that you will like is its 6GB RAM. RAM is what your phone uses to run apps, and having more of it means your phone can handle more things at once. That’s important for gaming because some games require a lot of resources to run smoothly. With 6GB of RAM, the TCL 30XL can handle even the most demanding games without any problems.
And of course, the low price is a big selling point. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a great gaming phone. The TCL 30XL is a budget-friendly option that still packs a punch.
All in all, the TCL 30XL is a great choice for a cheap gaming phone. Its large 6.82″ display size, 6GB of RAM, and low price make it stand out from other phones
The TCL 30 XL product specs did not mention any dedicated cooling technology or a cooling system that helps to keep the device cool during heavy gaming or multitasking, but this can be easily addressed in the next sections.
#5 – BLU F91 5G | 6.8″ | 8GB RAM | 5,000 mAh
Display: 6.8 inches | IPS LCD | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) (~395 ppi density)
OS: Android 11
Hardware: Mediatek MT6833P Dimensity 810 (6 nm);Octa-core (2×2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55); 128GB Internal Storage, 8GB RAM, microSDXC
Battery: Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable
4G/5G Network: 4G LTE Bands: 2/4/5/12/13/17/25/26/41/66/71 | 5G Bands: N2,5,25,41,66,71,77
Price: $239.99
Check out the Lowest Price: Amazon.com
The BLU F91 5G is another awesome choice for a budget-friendly gaming phone.
First of all, let’s talk about the 5G capabilities of this phone. 5G is the latest mobile network technology, and it provides faster download and upload speeds than 4G. This means that you’ll have a smoother gaming experience with less lag and faster load times. So, if you’re looking for a phone that can handle the latest mobile games without breaking the bank, the BLU F91 5G is a great option.
Next up, let’s talk about the 6.8″ display size and 1080 x 2460 resolution. This phone has a large screen with a high resolution, which means that you’ll be able to see all the details in your games clearly. Plus, the large screen size makes it easier to control your game and see what’s happening on the screen.
The BLU F91 5G also has 8GB of RAM, which is plenty for most mobile games. RAM is what your phone uses to store data while you’re playing a game, and having more RAM means that your phone can run more apps and processes at once without slowing down. So, you won’t have to worry about your phone freezing up in the middle of an intense gaming session.
Lastly, let’s talk about the 5,000 mAh battery capacity. This is a big battery, and it means that you can play games for longer without needing to recharge. Plus, the BLU F91 5G also supports fast charging, so you can quickly recharge your phone and get back to gaming.
Overall, the BLU F91 5G is an excellent choice for a budget-friendly gaming phone. With its 5G capabilities, large screen size, high resolution, plenty of RAM, and big battery capacity
The BLU F91 5G product specs did not mention any dedicated cooling technology or a cooling system that helps to keep the device cool during heavy gaming or multitasking, but this can be easily addressed in the next sections.
Dedicated Cooling System for Gaming Phones
Smartphones designed for gaming usually have advanced cooling systems to prevent overheating and ensure smooth performance during intensive gaming sessions. Here are some common cooling systems found in gaming smartphones:
- Liquid Cooling: This technology uses a heat pipe filled with a liquid coolant to transfer heat away from the phone’s processor and other components. The coolant absorbs the heat and dissipates it through the heat pipe’s surface area, which is usually a metallic plate.
- Vapor Chamber: This cooling system works by using a thin, flat plate filled with a liquid that vaporizes when heated. The vapor then spreads out to a larger surface area, dissipating the heat away from the phone’s components. The vapor chamber is often placed over the processor and other high-power components.
- Graphene-Based Cooling: Graphene, a thin layer of carbon atoms, has excellent thermal conductivity properties, which makes it an ideal material for cooling systems. Graphene-based cooling systems use a layer of graphene to transfer heat away from the phone’s processor and other components.
- Thermal Gel: This cooling system uses a thin layer of thermal gel between the phone’s processor and heat sink. The gel has excellent thermal conductivity properties, which help to dissipate the heat away from the phone’s components.
- Active Cooling: Some smartphones use a small fan to dissipate heat away from the phone’s components. The fan draws air over the heat sink to cool it down and keep the phone running smoothly.
These are just a few examples of the cooling systems found in expensive smartphones for gaming. Manufacturers may use one or a combination of these systems to ensure that the phone stays cool during intensive gaming sessions.
No Dedicated Cooling System? No Problem!
If you already found a cheaper phone for gaming but it has no dedicated cooling system, you don’t have to worry. There are various cheap cooling systems and devices available on Amazon.com that you can buy for smartphones. Here are a few options:
- Phone Cooler – This is a small device that attaches to the back of your phone and uses a fan to cool your phone down. Some popular options include the Neveika Phone Cooler and the SakuraClub Phone Cooler. Check out the lowest price here: Amazon.com
- Phone Case with Cooling Technology – Some phone cases are designed with built-in cooling technology. Check out the lowest price here: Amazon.com
- Cooling Pad – A cooling pad is a larger device that you can place your phone on to cool it down. The Kootek Cooler Pad Chill Mat and the TECKNET Laptop Cooling Pad are popular options that can be used for smartphones as well. Check out the lowest price here: Amazon.com
It’s important to note that while these devices may help cool your phone down, they may also affect your phone’s battery life and performance. Be sure to read reviews and do your research before purchasing a cooling system or device for your smartphone.
More Tips When Buying the Cheapest Phones for Gaming
When buying the cheapest phones for gaming, it’s important to remember these few helpful tips:
- Set a budget: Before you start shopping for a gaming phone, determine how much you’re willing to spend. Stick to your budget to avoid overspending.
- Read reviews: Take the time to read reviews from other users to get an idea of the phone’s performance and reliability. Look for reviews from people who use the phone for gaming specifically.
- Consider refurbished phones: Refurbished phones can be a great option if you’re looking for a cheaper gaming phone. Just make sure to buy from a reputable seller and check the warranty before making your purchase.
- Look for deals and promotions: Keep an eye out for deals and promotions from retailers and phone companies. You might be able to score a great deal on a gaming phone.
- Check the return policy: Make sure to check the return policy before making your purchase. If the phone doesn’t meet your expectations, you want to be able to return it for a refund or exchange.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be able to find an affordable gaming phone that meets your needs and budget.
Cheapest Phones for Gaming: In Summary
Investing in a good gaming phone doesn’t have to be expensive, and there are plenty of affordable options available in the market that offer great value for money.
It’s important to choose a phone that not only fits your budget but also meets your gaming needs, such as having a good processor, screen size, battery life, cooling system, and storage capacity.
So, whether you’re a casual or hardcore mobile gamer, finding the right affordable gaming phone will greatly enhance your overall gaming experience. Happy gaming!
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