If you are looking for the best budget smartphones for gaming under $500, you’re in the right place. Gaming smartphones no longer need to break the bank!
With advancements in mobile technology, you can now get smooth, lag-free gaming performance on a budget.
Whether you’re into PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty Mobile, Genshin Impact, or Fortnite, these smartphones under $500 deliver powerful processors, high refresh rate displays, and long battery life.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top budget gaming smartphones in 2025, ensuring you get the best value for your money.
What Makes a Great Budget Gaming Smartphone?
Before diving into our top picks, let’s look at the key factors to consider when choosing the best budget smartphones for gaming under $500:
- Processor & GPU: Look for Snapdragon 7 Series, MediaTek Dimensity, or Apple A Series chips for the best performance.
- Refresh Rate: 90Hz or 120Hz displays ensure smoother gameplay.
- Battery Life: Gaming drains power fast; opt for at least 4500mAh battery capacity.
- Cooling System: Phones with liquid cooling or graphene layers prevent overheating.
- Storage & RAM: Minimum 6GB RAM & 128GB storage for seamless multitasking.
- Display Quality: AMOLED or IPS LCD panels with FHD+ resolution for immersive visuals.
- Gaming Features: Some phones have game boosters, shoulder triggers, and enhanced haptic feedback.
Top 5 to 10 Best Budget Gaming Smartphones Under $500
1. POCO X5 Pro 5G
Price: Around $350
Processor: Snapdragon 778G
Display: 6.67-inch AMOLED, 120Hz
Battery: 5000mAh, 67W fast charging
Why It’s Great for Gaming: This device packs a punch with a powerful Snapdragon 778G processor and a 120Hz AMOLED display, ensuring smooth gameplay. Plus, the 5000mAh battery supports long gaming sessions.
Pros:
- Powerful chipset for smooth gaming
- 120Hz AMOLED display enhances visuals
- Long battery life with fast charging
Cons:
- MIUI software might have ads
- No wireless charging
2. Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
Price: Around $450
Processor: Exynos 1380
Display: 6.4-inch Super AMOLED, 120Hz
Battery: 5000mAh, 25W charging
Why It’s Great for Gaming: Samsung’s Super AMOLED panel with vibrant colors and a 120Hz refresh rate makes gaming visually stunning. The Exynos 1380 handles most games smoothly at medium to high settings.
Pros:
- Stunning Super AMOLED display
- Reliable performance for casual gaming
- Great software support and updates
Cons:
- Exynos chip isn’t as powerful as Snapdragon alternatives
- Slower charging compared to competitors
Why It’s Great for Gaming: Samsung’s Super AMOLED panel with vibrant colors and a 120Hz refresh rate makes gaming visually stunning. The Exynos 1380 handles most games smoothly at medium to high settings.
3. OnePlus Nord 2T 5G
Price: Around $399
Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 1300
Display: 6.43-inch AMOLED, 90Hz
Battery: 4500mAh, 80W charging
Why It’s Great for Gaming: Featuring MediaTek Dimensity 1300, this phone balances power and efficiency while the 90Hz AMOLED display enhances gameplay visuals.
Pros:
- Efficient MediaTek chipset for gaming
- Fast 80W charging
- Clean OxygenOS experience
Cons:
- No headphone jack
- 90Hz display, while good, isn’t 120Hz
4. iPhone SE 3rd Gen (2022)
Price: Around $429
Processor: Apple A15 Bionic
Display: 4.7-inch Retina HD
Battery: 2018mAh, 18W fast charging
Why It’s Great for Gaming: The A15 Bionic chip is the same as found in iPhone 13, offering flagship-level gaming performance on a budget iOS device.
Pros:
- Powerful A15 chip (same as iPhone 13)
- Compact design, great for one-handed use
- iOS ecosystem with excellent software updates
Cons:
- Small display isn’t ideal for immersive gaming
- Limited battery life
5. Realme GT Neo 3T
Price: Around $470
Processor: Snapdragon 870
Display: 6.62-inch AMOLED, 120Hz
Battery: 5000mAh, 80W fast charging
Why It’s Great for Gaming: The Snapdragon 870 chipset is known for sustained gaming performance. Plus, the 120Hz AMOLED display makes every frame look smooth.
Pros:
- Snapdragon 870 ensures stable performance
- 120Hz AMOLED display enhances gaming experience
- Large battery with fast charging
Cons:
- No wireless charging
- Limited availability in some regions
FAQs: Best Budget Gaming Smartphones Under $500
Conclusion: Best Budget Gaming Smartphones Under $500
Gaming doesn’t have to be expensive!
These budget-friendly smartphones deliver top-notch gaming experiences with powerful processors, high refresh rate displays, and great battery life.
Also See: Top Home Automation Devices for Smart Homes 2025
Whether you’re a casual or hardcore gamer, these picks ensure smooth, lag-free performance.
Which gaming phone do you prefer? Let us know in the comments!
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