If you’re an avid gamer or you’re interested in giving mobile gaming a try, it’s worth looking into smartphones that are designed specifically for play. Today’s options are equipped with hardware that rivals - and in some cases exceeds - what you’d find in portable consoles like the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck.
You can also equip them with a range of accessories and peripherals, thus eliminating the disadvantages of touchscreen interaction. At the same time, gaming smartphones can still do everything your current handset does, from calls to photography to media consumption and beyond.
That said, there are many devices to choose from, and not all of them come cheap. In this guide, we explore the best gaming phones of 2022 that can be bought on a budget.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro
For around $300, the Pro version of the Redmi Note 8 delivers stellar performance thanks to a powerful Snapdragon 675 chipset and 6GB of RAM. The big numbers continue in the battery and storage department, which come in at 4,500mAh and 128GB respectively, giving you plenty of juice and space for all your gaming needs.
An added bonus is that you can further expand the onboard storage with a micro-SD card. The display is a 6.53-inch FHD panel with a high refresh rate and crisp visuals. You also get game-enhancing features like liquid cooling to prevent the phone from getting too hot during extended sessions.
Poco X3 Pro
The Poco X3 Pro is one of few budget gaming phones that manage to fit in a Snapdragon 800-series chipset, namely the octa-core 860, which is augmented by an Adreno 640 GPU. Another key advantage is the impressive 120Hz IPS LCD hole-punch display. It’s a Full HD panel that’s equipped with HDR 10 support and excellent touch response.
With up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, you won’t have to worry about running out of space either. There’s also a fairly large 5,020mAh battery, giving you enough power for a full day’s trip to a mobile casino to play games after reading reviews at Gamble Online.
Moto G8 Power Lite
Gamers who prefer a stock Android experience should check out the G8 Power Lite from Motorola. Key specs include a 5,000 mAh battery, octa-core Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 processor and 6.5 inches of FHD screen real estate. The 10W rapid charger is a welcome addition, ensuring that you can get the hefty battery back to 100 percent in no time.
Since the G8 Power Lite doesn’t have a third-party skin over its operating system, you don’t have to worry about getting rid of bloatware and system ads. The inoffensive design means you can use it as a normal handset as well.
Samsung Galaxy A51
Another option that’s free of any gaudy gamer design elements, the Galaxy A51 is a great pick for those who want to be able to use their gaming device as a normal phone. This one is rocking the Exynos 9611 chipset, along with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of expandable storage.
You also get Android 10 right out of the box, though it loses some performance potential under the weight of Samsung’s One UI. While that also means you’ll get some bloatware, most of it can be easily removed.
Given the wide range of alternatives available on the market, it’s only fair to end off with a few honorable mentions. So, before you buy, make sure to also check out the Realme XT, Moto G60 and Nubia Red Magic 5G. If you happen to find yourself with an increased budget, the ASUS ROG Phone 5 and Xiaomi Black Shark 3 are worth a look.
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