amers no longer need to break the bank to enjoy smooth, lag-free mobile gaming. Thanks to improved chipsets, high refresh rate displays, and large batteries, several budget gaming phones under $500 deliver flagship-like performance.
Whether you play PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty: Mobile, or Genshin Impact, this guide covers the best gaming phones in your budget.
Specs – What Makes a Good Gaming Phone in 2025?
Choosing a good gaming phone requires looking beyond flashy marketing. Here’s what you should prioritize:
Display & Refresh Rate
90Hz or 120Hz AMOLED screen for smoother gameplay.
Larger displays (6.5”+) for immersive experience.
Processor (CPU/GPU)
Snapdragon 7 Gen series or Dimensity 8000+ chips are ideal.
Look for phones with good thermal management.
RAM & Storage
Minimum 6GB RAM, ideally 8GB for smoother multitasking.
128GB storage recommended for large game installs.
Battery & Charging
5000mAh+ battery ensures longer gaming sessions.
Fast charging (33W or more) reduces downtime.
Cooling System
Vapor chamber or graphite cooling is a bonus in this price range.
Top Picks – Best Gaming Phones Under $500
Here are 5 phones that offer powerful gaming performance without blowing your budget:
| Phone Model | Key Gaming Features | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Poco X5 Pro 5G | Snapdragon 778G, 120Hz AMOLED, 5000mAh | ~$290 |
| Samsung Galaxy A35 5G | Exynos 1380, 120Hz AMOLED, One UI Game Booster | ~$320 |
| Redmi Note 13 Pro | Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, 120Hz AMOLED, 67W charging | ~$350 |
| Realme Narzo 60 Pro | Dimensity 7050, 120Hz AMOLED, vapor cooling | ~$280 |
| iQOO Z7 5G | Dimensity 920, 90Hz AMOLED, Ultra Game Mode | ~$250 |
All the models above are optimized for PUBG, Free Fire, and BGMI at medium to high graphics settings.
Gaming Test – Real-World Performance
We tested these phones using PUBG Mobile and Genshin Impact with in-game screen recording ON.
1. Poco X5 Pro 5G
FPS Stability: 58–60 FPS on Smooth + Extreme
Thermals: Stays under 42°C with extended play
Battery Drain: 12% in 30 minutes
2. Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
FPS: 55 FPS average in high settings
Strength: AMOLED screen and Samsung Game Booster
Drawback: Slight heating during long gaming sessions
3. Redmi Note 13 Pro
Graphics: Smooth Ultra settings in PUBG
Performance: Excellent touch response, fast charging helps
Value: Best for balanced gaming + photography
Conclusion: The Best Budget Phones for Gaming Under $500
In 2025, gaming on a budget is absolutely possible. These phones under $500 give you:
High refresh rate displays
Long battery life
Reliable cooling and thermal control
Fast charging
Strong chipsets for stable FPS
If you’re a gamer looking to save money without sacrificing performance, the Poco X5 Pro and Redmi Note 13 Pro stand out as the best overall options.