Looking for an affordable phone that can play games? We’ve got you covered with these models just under 7K.
Gaming smartphones are expensive because they can deliver top-notch performance. But it doesn’t mean you can’t play mobile games on budget-friendly phones. Here, we highlighted five models in the entry-level tier and noted what makes them capable of mobile gaming.
Disclaimer: This article includes models that are not labeled as “gaming” smartphones. But they have certain specs that will let them run many types of games from the Play Store. Read at your discretion.
POCO C65
The POCO C65 comes with a display size of 6.74 inches and despite its 720p resolution, it’s capable of reaching up to 90Hz refresh rate, which shows a potential in gaming. The smartphone is also powered by MediaTek Helio G85 and up to 8GB of RAM.
While it isn’t a strong processor, it still scored 267,575 on AnTuTu 10. It can play certain titles, such as PUBG Mobile and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, at reasonable frames. Check the average FPS scores below.
| Video Game Title | Average Frames Per Second (FPS) |
| PUBG Mobile | 45 at high settings |
| Call of Duty: Mobile | 40 at medium settings |
| Fortnite | 21 at low settings |
| Shadowgun Legends | 49 at low settings |
| Mobile Legends: Bang Bang | 46 at ultra settings |
Keep in mind that the processor may show different FPS on this device based on the software and optimization.
POCO C65 also comes with 5000mAh battery and 18w fast-charging support to give users all-day juice.
The early bird price of POCO C65 is ₱4,999 on launch.
TECNO POVA Neo 3
If you want a cyberpunk design, go for TECNO POVA Neo 3, also powered by Helio G85 and 8GB of RAM.
TECNO POVA Neo 3 comes with 6.82 inches of display with up to 90Hz refresh rate. If there’s one thing this handset is guaranteed to deliver, that’s more than a day of battery on heavy use.
TECNO POVA Neo 3 is powered by a 7000mAh battery pack and if you combine that with a 720p resolution, it may just outlast you throughout the day. However, this big battery only supports up to 18w of fast charging.
TECNO POVA Neo 3 has a suggested retail price of ₱6,799, with a discounted price of ₱5,799 online.
Infinix HOT 30
The Infinix HOT 30 is powered by a slightly better processor – the Helio G88. This one scored 272,086 on AnTuTu 10, but may differ based on the software and optimization on the device.
If you’re gaming on Infinix HOT 30, you’ll get better visuals from its 6.78 inches display with 1080p resolution and up to 90 refresh rate. The phone also comes with 8GB of RAM, 5000mAh battery, 33w fast-charging, DAR-LINK 3.0 for cooling, and stereo speakers. It sports some neat camera features as well, including up to 2K video recording.
Infinix HOT 30 has a suggested retail price of ₱7,499, with a discounted price of ₱6,499 online.
Infinix HOT 30 Play
The Infinix HOT 30 Play is more budget-friendly than the first three smartphones. It has decent specs spearheaded by MediaTek Helio G37 and 8GB of RAM. Its processor scored 161,311 on AnTuTu 10, however, that may not be the case depending on the phone’s software and optimization.
Infinix HOT 30 Play offers a triangle of features to let users play mobile games. The first is the processor clocked at 2.3GHz. The second is the large 16,309 square millimeter cooling chamber. And the third is the dual-enabled Wi-Fi and mobile data channel to lower network latency when both are used at the same time.
This device is powered by a 6000mAh battery with 18w fast-charging support. It also comes with a 6.82 inches of display with 720 resolution and up to 90Hz of refresh rate.
Infinix HOT 30 Play has a suggested retail price of ₱6,499.00, with a discounted price of ₱5,499.00 online.
OPPO A18
Want a more affordable option? The OPPO A18 is perhaps your bet. This smartphone is powered by MediaTek Helio G85 paired with 4GB of RAM. Despite its smaller RAM, the device scored 217,650 on AnTuTu 9.
OPPO A18 also features a 5000mAh battery unit, a 6.56-inch display screen, 720p display resolution, and 90Hz refresh rate. However, there’s no mention of a cooling chamber or game-specific features as of writing.
OPPO A18 has a suggested retail price of ₱5,999.00.
There you have it! These are just five of the many budget-friendly phones in the market. You can also save a few thousands more to up your game. Check out ZTE nubia Neo 5G below.
Since you’re planning to buy a gaming phone, make sure to read our tips on how to combat overheating during heavy use.
If you’ve got 5G support in your area, check out TECNO CAMON 20 Pro 5G and why it’s still good for gaming today.
