Best Budget Gaming Phones for 2024: Affordable Picks for Every Gamer

Have a passion for gaming but can't afford an expensive gaming phone? Worry not! There is a myriad of cheap gaming phones that can curb your gaming hunger. The phones we've included in our list are equipped with moderate to advanced chipsets, RAMs, and powerful batteries to handle your gaming needs efficiently. Most of the time, these phones also have excellent cameras, making them great overall phones besides gaming phones.

Let's dive into our top picks for Android gaming phones in 2024.

Samsung Gaming Phones

Samsung Galaxy A51

Besides the Samsung S series, Samsung launches numerous budget-friendly phones every year, and these phones have competitive specifications for their price range.

One such phone is the Samsung Galaxy A51. The Galaxy A51 features a 6.5" large Super AMOLED bezel-less display that's best for gaming. The quad-camera phone packs a powerful Octa-Core CPU and Mali-G71 MP3 GPU. It also includes an intelligent Game Booster that learns from your gaming pattern and helps provide a seamless gaming experience.

The RAM ranges from 4 to 6GB with internal memory support of 64-128GB. The phone also has a card slot that supports up to 512GB SD of external memory. So, if you want a cheap gaming phone that will run most of your games smoothly, the Galaxy A51 is our pick.

Not to mention that the phone also has a great set of selfie and back cameras, so it's also a great overall phone. Games like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile run smoothly on this device.

Samsung Galaxy A32

Another excellent option from Samsung is the Samsung Galaxy A32. This phone features a 6.4" Super AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for gaming. A MediaTek Helio G80 processor powers it and comes with 4GB or 6GB of RAM, ensuring smooth gameplay.

The 5000mAh battery ensures you can game for hours without needing to recharge. Additionally, it has a 64MP main camera, providing excellent photo quality.

This phone is a great all-rounder, perfect for those looking for the best budget gaming phone. Games like Asphalt 9: Legends and Free Fire are highly compatible with this device.

Motorola Gaming Phones

Motorola One 5G Ace

If you're looking for the best gaming phone on a budget with a large screen, Motorola has got you covered with the Motorola One 5G Ace. This phone features a big 6.7" LCD that adds value to your gaming experience.

This low-budget gaming phone goes a long way for casual games with 4-6GB RAM and a midrange Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G processor. You can also play more intense games, but remember to take breaks for the phone to cool down.

As for the battery, the 5000mAh battery lasts for a full day with casual use. Overall, we found the Motorola One 5G Ace equipped with all the necessary tech for a smooth casual gaming experience at a low budget. This phone handles games like Genshin Impact and Clash Royale very well.

Motorola Moto G9 Power

The Motorola Moto G9 Power is another excellent choice for gamers on a budget. It has a massive 6.8" display, making it perfect for immersive gameplay. Powered by a Snapdragon 662 processor and 4GB of RAM, it handles most games smoothly.

The standout feature of this phone is its 6000mAh battery, which can easily last through long gaming sessions.

The Moto G9 Power is an excellent option for those seeking a low-budget gaming phone. It performs admirably with games like Minecraft and FIFA Mobile.

Realme Gaming Phones

Realme XT

Imagine a phone with a large battery and impressive fast charging even when gaming. That's where Realme comes in with Realme XT. Plug in the charger and start playing your game. An hour later, the battery has recharged up to 50%.

The phone also features 4-8GB RAM support and 64-128GB internal memory. Realme XT 128 GB is powered by a Snapdragon 712 chipset that runs many games without issues.

On the other hand, the phone packs a whopping 64 MP primary camera and a 16MP selfie camera. So it's one of the best budget Android gaming phones and qualifies for the list of camera phones. This device is perfect for games like Arena of Valor and Pokemon Go.

Realme Narzo 30 Pro

Another fantastic gaming phone from Realme is the Realme Narzo 30 Pro. It features a 6.5" IPS LCD with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth and fluid gameplay. The MediaTek Dimensity 800U chipset powers the phone and has up to 8GB of RAM.

The 5000mAh battery supports 30W fast charging, allowing you to return to your game quickly. With its powerful performance and affordable price, the Narzo 30 Pro is a top contender among cheap gaming phones. It runs games like Fortnite and PUBG Mobile with ease.

Xiaomi Gaming Phones

Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC

Xiaomi never disappoints when it comes to gaming phones that are light on the pocket. The Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC M2007J20CG is one of the go-to phones for mobile gamers for offering so much at a very nominal price.

Another reason Poco X3 NFC deserves a place in this list is the 5160mAh massive battery and 33W super fast charging. With RAM support of up to 8GB and up to 128GB internal space, the phone can run all your fun games smoothly.

The 6.67" massive display with a 120 Hz refresh rate is also great for gaming. The phone also has a 64MP powerful camera, so you have the best of both worlds. Games like Call of Duty Mobile and Asphalt 9: Legends run effortlessly on this device.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is another cheap gaming phone by Xiaomi. It has a 6.5" large screen and a 4500mAh battery that allows for long gameplay duration. As for RAM, you can choose from 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB RAM and up to 128GB internal memory.

The phone deals with overheating with built-in cooling technology. It is powered by MediaTek Helio G90T, which is great for games like PUBG, COD Mobile, and Fortnite.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro

If you were looking for something even better than the Redmi Note 8 Pro, the newer generation of the Redmi Note is here for you. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro is upgraded to Snapdragon 720G as the SoC.

The 5020mAh battery, 6.7" display, 6-8GB RAM, and Adreno 618 GPU work harmoniously to provide seamless gameplay. The 64 MP primary camera adds more value to this cheap gaming phone. It is perfect for games like Genshin Impact and Arena of Valor.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro

Xiaomi keeps launching affordable phones that aren't only great for general use and good at handling intense gaming. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro has the best of both worlds. On the one hand, it has a powerful Octa-Core Mediatek Helio G96 (12 nm) CPU, a 6.67" large display, and 6-8GB RAM to provide a smooth gaming experience.

The large 5000mAh battery also allows for uninterrupted gaming. On the other hand, it has a humongous 108MP primary camera that's unbelievable at this price range. Games like Free Fire and Clash of Clans perform well on this phone.

Oppo Gaming Phones

OPPO A57

OPPO A57 makes its place in the list of cheap gaming phones. The phone offers humble features at a low price tag. The phone is powered by Mediatek Dimensity 810 Octa Core chipset. While not the best for intense gaming, it still gets the job done with minor issues. The up to 8GM RAM and Mali-G57 MC2 GPU play a vital role in making the gameplay smooth and aesthetic. This phone is good for games like Temple Run 2 and Subway Surfers.

OPPO Reno 5 Pro 5G

For those looking for a bit more power, the OPPO Reno 5 Pro 5G is a great choice. It has a 6.55" AMOLED display, a MediaTek Dimensity 1000+ chipset, and up to 12GB of RAM.

The 4350mAh battery supports 65W fast charging, ensuring you can quickly get back into the game. Its sleek design and powerful specs make it one of the best affordable gaming phones. It handles games like Fortnite and Genshin Impact seamlessly.

ASUS Gaming Phones

Asus Zenfone Max Pro M2

Asus gaming phones are well-known for their performance and affordability, and the Asus Zenfone Max Pro M2 is no exception.

This budget-friendly gaming phone has a Snapdragon 660 Octa Core CPU and Adreno 512 GPU, ensuring smooth and responsive gameplay. The 6.26" screen provides an immersive viewing experience, and the 5000mAh battery and 6GB RAM offer ample power to keep up with even the most demanding games. With Asus' affordable price tag, the Asus Zenfone Max Pro M2 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a cheap gaming phone that doesn't skimp on performance. Games like Clash of Clans and Asphalt 9 perform well on this device.

Asus ROG Phone 3

The Asus ROG Phone 3 is a standout choice for gamers who want a bit more punch. It features a 6.59" AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, a Snapdragon 865+ chipset, and up to 16GB of RAM. The 6000mAh battery supports 30W fast charging, making it a powerhouse for gaming. Although it is slightly on the higher end of the budget spectrum, its performance justifies the price.

This phone is ideal for high-end games like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile.

Features to Look for in a Budget Gaming Phone

What features make up a good, cheap gaming phone? Rest easy. Read below to discover what features you should look for in a gaming phone:

• A moderate to high-end chipset: The leading chipset brands for gaming phones are MediaTek and Qualcomm.
• Long-lasting battery: Anything above 4000mAh is best for a gaming phone. However, a fast charging feature adds more value.
• Big Screen: A 6.4" or above screen is ideal for immersive gameplay.
• Memory: 4GB RAM is the minimum standard, while 8GB or higher RAMs are perfect.
• Cooling System: To prevent overheating, look for a phone with an efficient cooling system.

Which Phone is Best for Gaming on a Low Budget?

Determining the best budget gaming phone depends on individual needs and preferences. However, phones like the Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC, Motorola One 5G Ace, and Samsung Galaxy A51 stand out for their excellent performance, battery life, and gaming-specific features.

These phones can smoothly handle a variety of popular games such as PUBG Mobile, Fortnite, and Genshin Impact.

What is the Most Important Spec for a Gaming Phone?

The most crucial specs for a gaming phone are the processor, RAM, and display quality. A powerful chipset like the Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 series or MediaTek Helio G series ensures smooth gameplay and quick load times, which are vital for games like PUBG Mobile and Genshin Impact.

At least 6GB of RAM is preferable to handle multitasking and demanding games without lag. A high refresh rate (90Hz or higher) and a large screen provide a fluid and immersive gaming experience, as seen with the Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC's 120Hz display.

Battery life and cooling systems are also key. A large battery (4000mAh or more) with fast charging supports long gaming sessions, as the Motorola Moto G9 Power exemplifies. Efficient cooling systems, like the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro, prevent overheating and maintain performance.

Ample storage (64GB minimum, preferably 128GB) is necessary for large games, with expandable options being a bonus. A robust GPU like the Adreno 618 in the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro ensures high frame rates and detailed graphics for a smooth gaming experience. Prioritizing these specs ensures optimal performance for popular games.

Why Choose Phonebot for Refurbished Gaming Phones?

Phonebot offers a variety of refurbished phones that are perfect for gaming. Opting for Samsung refurbished phones, Motorola gaming phones, or ASUS gaming phones from Phonebot means you get high-quality devices at a fraction of the cost of new ones.

Each phone is thoroughly tested to ensure it meets performance standards, making it an excellent choice for gamers on a budget. Buying from Phonebot ensures you get a reliable product backed by outstanding customer service. This makes Phonebot a great option for those purchasing affordable gaming phones.

In conclusion, if you're looking for the best budget gaming phones, Phonebot has you covered with a range of cheap gaming phones that deliver high performance without breaking the bank.

Whether you're into casual gaming or need a phone that can handle intense graphics, there's a perfect gaming phone out there for you in 2024. Explore options like Samsung Galaxy A51, Motorola One 5G Ace, and Realme XT to enhance your gaming experience on a budget.