12 Budget Smartphones for All Types of Gamers
Published: March 12, 2020 | Updated: February 1, 2021 | Posted by: Ricky Publico | Gadget Protect
Aside from texting and making phone calls, smartphone owners use their phones mostly for gaming. A good gaming phone should be able to run games like Pokemon Go and Mobile Legends with few to zero lags. Before, you need to shell out a lot of money to buy a smartphone with high specs that are fit for gaming. Today, best budget phones for gaming have become common.
However, don’t always expect excellent results because you will always get what you pay for. When choosing a best gaming phone, always consider its CPU and GPU chipsets since these components will determine how smooth and fast your games will run. With that out of the way, let’s examine these smartphones and find the best one for your next upgrade.
Table of Contents
Budget Gaming Phones Under PHP 10,000
Realme C3
Price: PHP 5,990
Realme C3[1] aims to become the next budget king with its monstrous 5,000mAh, MediaTek Helio G70 CPU, and Mali G52 GPU. If you’re looking for a long-lasting gaming phone with enough power to run graphics-intensive games, then add the Realme C3 to your budget gaming phones list. Without a doubt, Realme C3 is one of the most affordable phones out there.
Realme C3 Key Specs
- CPU: MediaTek Helio G70 processor
- GPU: Mali G52
- OS: ColorOS 7 (based on Android 10)
- RAM: 3GB
- Storage: 32GB, expandable up to 256GB
- Battery: 5,000mAh with 10W charging support
- Display: 6.5-inch HD+ (720 x 1600 resolution)
- Rear Camera: 12MP f/1.8 main + 2MP portrait + 2MP macro triple-rear cameras
- Front Camera: 5MP f/2.4 AI Beauty Selfie front camera
Realme 5i
Photo from GSMArena.com
Price: PHP 6,990
A more afforsable version of Realme’s hit from last year, Realme 5i[2] looks to replicate the success of its predecessor. Realme 5i sports a Qualcomm Snapdragon 665AIE octa-core CPU coupled with an Adreno 610 GPU, making it a good phone for gaming. If you’re on the market for a cheap gaming phone, the Realme 5i is more than enough to satisfy that need.
Realme 5i Key Specs
- CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 665AIE octa-core processor
- GPU: Adreno 610
- OS: ColorOS 6 (based on Android 9 Pie)
- RAM: 3GB
- Storage: 64GB, expandable up to 256GB
- Battery: 5,000mAh
- Display: 6.52-inch HD+ (1600 x 720 resolution) IPS Mini-drop
- Rear Camera: 12MP main camera + 8MP ultra-wide camera + 2MP portrait + 2MP macro quad rear
- Front Camera: 8MP selfie camera
Read more: 10 Sulit Smartphones Under P15,000 in the Philippines
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8
Price: PHP 9,990
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8[3] came out last year, but that doesn’t mean it’s not good enough for 2020. This budget gaming phone from Xiaomi comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 octa-core CPU with an Adreno 610 GPU. Plus, it has a good battery life with 4,000mAh battery capacity with fast charging technology. For its price, it’s a gaming phone gamers on a budget should get.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Key Specs
- CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 octa-core processor
- GPU: Adreno 610
- OS: MIUI (based on Android Pie 9)
- RAM: 3GB/4GB
- Storage: 32GB/64GB/128GB with expandable storage
- Battery: 4000mAh battery with 18W quick charging
- Display: 6.3-inch Full HD+ LCD, Gorilla Glass 5 Protection
- Rear Camera: 48MP f/1.8 Samsung ISOCEL GM2 main camera + 8MP ultra-wide-angle camera + 2MP depth-sensor + 2MP macro camera with LED, PDAF
- Front Camera: 13MP selfie camera
Read more: 11 Must-Have Phones and Gadgets for Your 2020 Wishlist
Huawei Y7p
Photo from GSMArena.com
Price: PHP 9,990
Another budget gaming phone sporting a 4,000mAh battery, the Huawei Y7p[4] is a gaming phone that’s also a good camera phone. Powering this phone is a Kirin 710F 2.2GHz octa-core CPU and a Mali-G51 GPU. It also comes with a triple camera setup in the back and an equally capable selfie camera on the front. Talk about hitting two birds with one good phone.
Huawei Y7p Key Specs
- CPU: Kirin 710F 2.2GHz octa-core processor
- GPU: Mali-G51
- OS: EMUI 9 (based on Android Pie 9.0)
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 64GB, expandable up to 512GB
- Battery: 4,000mAh battery with 10W charging support
- Display: 6.39-inches HD+ (1560 x 720 resolution)
- Rear Camera: 48MP f/1.8 main + 8MP f/2.4 ultra-wide + 2MP f/2.4 triple-rear cameras
- Front Camera: 8MP f/2.4 hole-punch selfie camera
Budget Gaming Phones Under PHP 15,000
Huawei Y9 Prime 2019
Photo from GSMArena.com
Price: PHP 10,990
The Huawei Y9 Prime 2019[5] is marketed more towards selfie junkies thanks to its pop-up camera, but that doesn’t mean it can’t game with the rest. A HiSilicon Kirin 710 octa-core CPU and a Mali-G51 MP4 GPU powers the Huawei Y9 Prime 2019. Coupled with a 4,000mAh battery, this gaming phone can sure last a long time while taking good selfies on the side.
Huawei Y9 Prime 2019 Key Specs
- CPU: HiSilicon Kirin 710 octa-core processor
- GPU: Mali-G51 MP4
- OS: EMUI 9 (based on Android Pie 9.0)
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 128GB with expandable storage
- Battery: 4000mAh
- Display: 6.59-inch Full HD+ IPS LCD (1080×2340 resolution)
- Rear Camera: 16MP f/1.8 main camera with 6P lens + 8MP f/2.4 ultra wide + 2MP depth sensor with AI Scene Detection, PDAF, LED
- Front Camera: 16MP pop-up selfie camera
Read more: Tired of Samsung or Apple? Check Out These Smartphone Brands
OPPO A9 2020
Price: PHP 13,990
Good battery life has been a constant to new smartphones these days, and the OPPO A9 2020[6] is no different. Packed with a 5,000mAh battery, expect longer playing sessions from this budget gaming phone. Aside from its gaming prowess, it also has a quad-camera setup and a 6.5-inch display, making it an all-around device for all your everyday needs.
OPPO A9 2020
- CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 2.0GHz octa-core
- GPU: Adreno 610
- OS: ColorOS 6.0.1 (based on Android 9 Pie)
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 128GB UFS 2.1
- Battery: 5,000mAh with Reverse Charging
- Display: 6.5-inch HD+ (1600 x 720 resolution) Waterdrop IPS screen
- Rear Camera: 48MP (main) + 8MP (ultrawide) + 2MP (depth)+ 2MP (mono) quad-rear cameras
- Front Camera: 16MP selfie camera with AI Beautification
Read More: [Battle of the Brands] Android vs iPhone: Which is the Better Smartphone?
Huawei Y9s
Photo from GSMArena.com
Price: PHP 13,990
Another 2020 release makes our list with the Huawei Y9s[7], an upgrade from last year’s budget offering Huawei Y6s. The Huawei Y9s gives its predecessor a much-needed upgrade with a Kirin 710F octa-core processor, 6GG RAM, 128GB storage, and a triple-camera setup. If you’re coming from the Huawei Y6s, the Huawei Y9s is a budget gaming phone worth checking out.
Huawei Y9s Key Specs
- CPU: Kirin 710F octa-core processor
- GPU: Mali-G51 MP4
- OS: EMUI 9.1 (based on Android 9 Pie)
- RAM: 6GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Battery: 4,000mAh
- Display: 6.59-inch FHD+ IPS screen (1080 x 2340 resolution)
- Rear Camera: 48MP F1.8 main + 8MP F2.4 ultra-wide angle + 2MP F2.4 triple rear cameras
- Front Camera: 16MP F2.2 pop-up selfie camera
Read more: 8 Cool Smartphones You’ll Want But Aren’t Practical
Huawei Nova 7i
Photo from GSMArena.com
Price: PHP 13,990
The Huawei Nova 7i[8] is the latest smartphone offering from Huawei that sports the company’s latest chipset, the Kirin 810 octa-core processor. It also comes with a 4,500mAh battery with supercharge capability, which means you can charge from 20% to 70% in just 20 minutes. For its price, the Huawei Nova 7i is definitely a bang-for-the-buck budget gaming phone.
Huawei Nova 7i Key Specs
- CPU: 2.27GHz HiSilicon Kirin 810 octa-core processor
- GPU: Mali-G52 MP6
- OS: EMUI 10 (based on Android 10)
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 128GB, expandable up to 256GB
- Battery: 4,200mAh with 40W SuperCharge
- Display: 6.4-inch Full HD+ LCD (1080 x 2310 resolution)
- Rear Camera: 48MP f/1.8 main + 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle + 2MP f/2.4 depth sensor + 2MP macro with OIS, EIS, PDAF, LED Flash
- Front Camera: 16MP f/2.0 selfie camera
Budget Gaming Phones Under PHP 20,000
Xiaomi Mi 9T
Photo from GSMArena.com
Price: PHP 16,490
Under the PHP 20,000 mark, the Xiaomi Mi 9T[9] reigns supreme as the most affordable. It’s also one of the most powerful budget gaming phones out there, thanks to its premium-level Qualcomm Snapdragon 730 octa-core processor, 6.39-inch AMOLED display and a high RAM. If you’re looking for a cheap gaming phone that looks like it should cost more, then get the Xiaomi Mi 9T.
Xiaomi Mi 9T Key Specs
- CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 730 octa-core processor
- GPU: Adreno 618
- OS: MIUI 10 based on Android 9.0 Pie with Game Turbo 2.0
- RAM: 6GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Battery: 4,000mAh battery with 18W fast charging
- Display: 6.39-inch FHD+ (2340 x 1080 resolution) AMOLED
- Rear Camera: 48MP Sony IMX582 F1.75 main + 13MP F2.4 ultra-wide angle + 8MP F2.4 telephoto
- Front Camera: 20MP F2.0 elevating selfie camera
Read more: 7 Common Ways to Break Your Phone and How to Avoid Them
Realme XT
Photo from GSMArena.com
Price: PHP 16,990
Increasing your budget will get you the Realme XT[10], a faster gaming phone with great display and fast charging technology. You can play online games like PUBG and Mobile Legends on high settings. And after a long playing session, charge it up quickly for the next round. Just like the Xiaomi Mi 9T, the Realme XT also looks more premium than it really is.
Realme XT Key Specs
- CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 712 AIE Processor
- GPU: Adreno 616
- OS: ColorOS (based on Android 9.0 Pie)
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 128GB, expandable up to 256GB
- Battery: 4000mAh with 20w fast charging
- Display: 6.4 inch FHD+ dew-drop display (2340×1080 resolution)
- Rear Camera: 64MP Samsung GW1 F1.8 main + 8MP F2.2 ultra-wide + 2MP macro + 2MP depth sensor with EIS
- Front Camera: 16MP Sony IMX471 F2.0 selfie camera with EIS
Samsung Galaxy A51
Price: PHP 16,990
The world’s top phonemaker also offers a list of best gaming phones, one of which is the Samsung Galaxy A51[11]. This is perfect for gamers who want a premium Samsung phone but don’t have the budget for it. It comes with a high RAM, powerful Exynos 9611 octa-core CPU and a quad-camera setup, almost similar to the high-end Samsung smartphones of today.
Samsung Galaxy A51 Key Specs
- CPU: Exynos 9611 octa-core processor
- GPU: Mali-G72 MP3
- OS: Samsung OneUI 2.0 (based on Android 10)
- RAM: 6GB
- Storage: 128GB, expandable up to 512GB
- Battery: 4000mAh with 15W fast charging
- Display: 6.5-inch Full HD+ Infinity-O Super AMOLED display
- Rear Camera: 48MP f/2.0 main + 5-megapixel f/2.2 depth + 5MP f/2.4 macro + 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle with LED Flash, PDAF, Super Steady Video, Live Video
- Front Camera: 32MP f/2.0 selfie camera
Read more: 8 Phone Protection Tips to Keep Your Device in Good Condition
Huawei Nova 5T
Price: PHP 17,990
The Huawei Nova 5T[12] prides itself for having flagship-level specs for less the price. It comes with the same processor and camera setup as the Huawei P30, which means it can run the latest and graphic-intensive games with relative ease. If you’re in the market for a premium gaming phone but you have a conservative budget, the Huawei Nova 5T makes a good candidate.
Huawei Nova 5T Key Specs
- CPU: HiSilicon Kirin 980 2.6GHz octa-core
- GPU: Mali-G76 MP10
- OS: EMUI 9.1 (based on Android 9 Pie) with GPU Turbo 3.0
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Battery: 3,750mAh with 22.5W SuperCharge
- Display: 6.26-inch FHD+ (2340 x 1080 resolution) IPS screen
- Rear Camera: 48MP F1.8 main + Sony IMX586+ 16MP F2.2 ultra-wide + 2MP F2.4 macro + 2MP F2.4 depth sensor
- Front Camera: 32MP F2.0 in-screen selfie camera
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to buy the iPhones and the Samsung phones out there to experience mobile gaming. All you have to do is choose from these equally capable budget gaming phones and enjoy your favorite games the way you want it. Just be careful how you handle your phone—you don’t want it to accidentally fall and break. Perhaps you should consider Gadget Protect first?
Sources:
- [1] Realme C3 Review
- [2] Realme 5i Review
- [3] Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Review
- [4] Huawei Y7p Review
- [5] Huawei Y9 Prime 2019 Review
- [6] OPPO A9 2020 Review
- [7] Huawei Y9s Review
- [8] Huawei Nova 7i Review
- [9] Xiaomi Mi 9T Review
- [10] Realme XT Review
- [11] Samsung Galaxy A51 Review
- [12] Huawei Nova 5T Review
Ricky is the zaniest Senior Content Writer at Moneymax, with over five years of writing experience in the digital marketing industry. He is a huge fan of pro wrestling, smartphones, and binge-watching. Follow Ricky on LinkedIn.
