There are very few compilations of gaming smartphones that are under $250, because this price range normally sounds illogical to be true. It is unbelievable that there are in fact smartphones under $250 capable of playing high end games and were quite limited across different big brands of smartphones.
Although there are limited choices to choose from, we tried our very best to search every corner on the latest smartphones which are capable of playing high end games at reasonable game settings or at ultra-high settings for the best gaming experience in a huge list to uncover.
If you are curious that there are really gaming smartphones under $250, well you have come to the right place here. For those who are having budget constraints for getting a gaming phone, which now are not anymore the issue to get a smartphone that is priced very reasonably here. We will show you what model and brand of smartphones with gaming benchmarks and list from descending orders for the best gaming smartphone just under $250. The following are 12 gaming smartphones under $250 for your best gaming experience, and the end of the top 1 gaming phone would surprise you the most.
Reliable Redmi Note series has reached model Note 10, which has upgraded with the best Super AMOLED display for vivid gaming screen quality. Powered with the Snapdragon 678 processor could achieve a very smooth game play experience. Though there is no 5G network compatibility for this phone, but if your country does not have 5G network yet, this is a great gaming budget phone.
Specification of Xiaomi Redmi Note 10
Released date: March 2021 | Weight: 178.8g | Phone Thickness: 8.3mm | OS: Android 11, MIUI 12.5 | Screen size: 6.43 inches | Screen type: Super AMOLED Gorilla Glass 3 | Sharpness: 409 ppi density | CPU: Qualcomm SDM678 Snapdragon 678 | Rear camera: 48MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP | Front camera: 13MP | Maximum video resolution: 4K@30fps | Storage & RAM: 128GB & 4GB RAM | Battery: 5000mAh | SD Card Slot: microSDXC on dedicated slot | 3.5mm Audio Jack: Yes | Connection: USB Type-C 2.0 | Sensors: Fingerprint sensor side-mounted, accelerometer, gyro, compass, Virtual proximity sensing| Features: Dust and Splash Protection, IP53.
Gaming Review of Xiaomi Redmi Note 10
Following are the benchmark value is higher the better it is.
Samsung mid-range smartphones are getting better than before, such as the Galaxy A series smartphone. You are getting 5G compatibility from this Galaxy A22 5G. Getting an impressive benchmark from Antutu could achieve the majority of high end games with a smooth experience, thanks to the powered processor of Mediatek 6833 Dimensity 700 5G. Nonetheless, a vivid and high frame rate for fluid smooth display was an extra bonus at 90Hz.
Specification of Samsung Galaxy A22 5G
Released date: June 2021 | Weight: 203g | Phone Thickness: 9mm | OS: Android 11, One UI Core 3.1 | Screen size: 6.6 inches | Screen type: TFT, 90Hz | Sharpness: 399 ppi density | CPU: MT6833 Dimensity 700 5G | Rear camera: 48MP + 5MP + 2MP | Front camera: 8MP | Maximum video resolution: 1152p@30fps | Storage & RAM: 64/128/128/128GB & 4/4/6/8GB RAM | Battery: 5000mAh | SD Card Slot: microSDXC on dedicated slot | 3.5mm Audio Jack: Yes | Connection: USB Type-C 2.0 | Sensors: Fingerprint sensor side-mounted, accelerometer, gyro, compass, proximity.
Gaming Review of Samsung Galaxy A22 5G
Following are the benchmark value is higher the better it is.
Realme 8i was powered with a strong processor of Mediatek Helio G96, which impressively gets through the majority of high end games with smooth experience. 120Hz high refresh rate is making this IPS display fluid smooth especially when gaming for best experience.
Samsung mid-range smartphone being the most popular target, which is the Galaxy A32 5G. This phone with a great Dimensity 720 5G processor was great for smooth gameplay and equipped with 5G network compatibility at a very budgetable price range. 60Hz refresh rate was a bonus enhancing the display fluid smoothness when in gaming experience.
Specification of Samsung Galaxy A32 5G
Released date: Jan 2021 | Weight: 205g | Phone Thickness: 9.1mm | OS: Android 11, One UI 3.1 | Screen size: 6.5 inches | Screen type: TFT,60Hz for International model with Gorilla Glass 5 | Sharpness: 270 ppi density | CPU: MT6853 Dimensity 720 5G | Rear camera: 48MP + 8MP + 5MP + 2MP | Front camera: 13MP | Maximum video resolution: 4K@30fps | Storage & RAM: 64/128/128/128GB & 4/4/6/8GB RAM | Battery: 5000mAh | SD Card Slot: microSDXC with hybrid SIM slot | 3.5mm Audio Jack: Yes | Connection: USB Type-C 2.0 | Sensors: Fingerprint sensor side-mounted, accelerometer, gyro, compass, Virtual proximity sensing.
Gaming Review of Samsung Galaxy A32 5G
Following are the benchmark value is higher the better it is.
Realme 8S is another great budgetable gaming smartphone, thanks to its impressive Dimensity 810 5G processor making more high-end gaming possible at high settings. You get to enjoy the impressive 90Hz smooth fast refresh rate screen with 5G network compatibility at such a good price range.
Poco phone was getting much more attention when being focus the best smartphone in overview with such budgetable and reasonable price range. Powered by Dimensity 810 5G processor, you are getting a great gaming experience with smooth fluid screen at 90Hz and 5G network compatibility.
Specification of Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G
Released date: Nov 2021 | Weight: 195g | Phone Thickness: 8.8mm | OS: Android 11, MIUI 12.5 | Screen size: 6.6inches | Screen type: IPS LCD, 90Hz with Gorilla Glass 3 | Sharpness: 399 ppi density | CPU: MediaTek Dimensity 810 5G | Rear camera: 50MP + 8MP | Front camera: 16MP | Maximum video resolution: 1080@60fps | Storage & RAM: 64/128/128GB & 4/4/6GB RAM | Battery: 5000mAh | SD Card Slot: microSDXC on dedicated slot | 3.5mm Audio Jack: Yes | Connection: USB Type-C 2.0 | Sensors: Fingerprint sensor side-mounted, accelerometer, gyro, compass| Features: Dust and Splash Protection, IP53.
Gaming Review of Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G
Following are the benchmark value is higher the better it is.
Redmi Note 10 series was famous for its best performance in multitasking and gaming, especially at a budget price range. This Redmi Note 10S is capable of achieving a greater gaming experience than the Note 10 variant, thanks to its Helio G95 processor generating a powerful processing speed for most high end apps or games.
Specification of Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S
Released date: March 2021 | Weight: 178.8g | Phone Thickness: 8.3mm | OS: Android 11, MIUI 12.5 | Screen size: 6.43 inches | Screen type: Super AMOLED Gorilla Glass 3 | Sharpness: 409 ppi density | CPU: MT Helio G95 | Rear camera: 48MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP | Front camera: 13MP | Maximum video resolution: 4K@30fps | Storage & RAM: 128GB & 4GB RAM | Battery: 5000mAh | SD Card Slot: microSDXC on dedicated slot | 3.5mm Audio Jack: Yes | Connection: USB Type-C 2.0 | Sensors: Fingerprint sensor side-mounted, accelerometer, gyro, compass, Virtual proximity sensing| Features: Dust and Splash Protection, IP53.
Gaming Review of Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S
Following are the benchmark value is higher the better it is.
Poco X3 NFC was again making a great debut in this list, thanks to its powerful Snapdragon 732G capable of achieving high end gaming experience. At 120Hz high frame rate, you can enjoy a buttery smooth display with a great gaming speed with this phone.
Infinix Zero X Neo was released by quite a new entry Hong-Kong based smartphone company which is rising to the top at a hasty performance. You are getting a great Heilo G95 processor at a fluid smooth 90Hz screen best for gaming experience.
Vivo is again powered by a surprisingly strong processor, of Dimensity 900 5G capable of achieving impressive gaming processing speed and 5G network compatibility. The 120Hz high refresh rate display was the main impressive gaming experience too.
Specification of Vivo iQOO Z5x 5G
Released date: Oct 2021 | Weight: 189g | Phone Thickness: 8.5mm | OS: Android 11, OriginOS 1.0 for iQOO | Screen size: 6.58 inches | Screen type: IPS LCD, 120Hz | Sharpness: 401 ppi density | CPU: MT6877 Dimensity 900 5G | Rear camera: 50MP + 2MP | Front camera: 8MP | Maximum video resolution: 4K@30fps | Storage & RAM: 128/128/256GB & 6/8/8GB RAM | Battery: 5000mAh | SD Card Slot: No | 3.5mm Audio Jack: Yes | Connection: USB Type-C 2.0 | Sensors: Fingerprint sensor side-mounted, accelerometer, gyro, compass, proximity.
Gaming Review of Vivo iQOO Z5x 5G
Following are the benchmark value is higher the better it is.
Winning at the 2nd place of this budget phone competition is Vivo iQOO Z3 5G, being powered by the Snapdragon 768G 5G processor. With a sharp screen and 120Hz buttery smooth display, gaming experience was enhanced for your impressive experience with 5G network compatibility as a future proof smartphone.
Specification of Vivo iQOO Z3 5G
Released date: March 2021 | Weight: 185.5g | Phone Thickness: 8.5mm | OS: Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 for International model | Screen size: 6.58 inches | Screen type: IPS LCD, HDR10, 120Hz | Sharpness: 401 ppi density | CPU: Snapdragon 768G 5G | Rear camera: 64MP + 8MP + 2MP | Front camera: 16MP | Maximum video resolution: 4K@30fps | Storage & RAM: 128/128/256/256GB & 6/8/8/12GB RAM | Battery: 4400mAh | SD Card Slot: microSDXC hybrid with SIM slot | 3.5mm Audio Jack: Yes | Connection: USB Type-C | Sensors: Fingerprint sensor side-mounted, accelerometer, gyro, compass, proximity.
Gaming Review of Vivo iQOO Z3 5G
Following are the benchmark value is higher the better it is.
Taking the top place of this budget smartphone price is Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro, powered by the impressively powerful processor, Snapdragon 860 was achieving the top and best high end gaming experience even at ultra-setting. If there is 5G network compatibility for this phone, I bet this phone is going to be the most budgeted and best gaming smartphone in the world. However, if you country was not yet ready for 5G network, this phone is by far the best gaming smartphone in this price range.
Specification of Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro
Released date: March 2021 | Weight: 215g | Phone Thickness: 9.4mm | OS: Android 11, MIUI 12.5 for POCO | Screen size: 6.67 inches | Screen type: IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10 with Gorilla Glass 6 | Sharpness: 395ppi density | CPU: Snapdragon 860 | Rear camera: 48MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP | Front camera: 20MP | Maximum video resolution: 4K@30fps | Storage & RAM: 128/128/256/256GB & 6/8/6/8GB RAM | Battery: 5160 mAh | SD Card Slot: microSDXC on shared SIM slot | 3.5mm Audio Jack: Yes | Connection: USB Type-C 2.0 | Sensors: Fingerprint sensor side-mounted, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, IR Blaster | Features: Dust and Splash Protection, IP53.
Gaming Review of Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro
Following are the benchmark value is higher the better it is.
Antutu Benchmark: 561236
Gaming Performance: 63
PUBG Mobile
Ultra Setting
58 FPS
Call of Duty: Mobile
Ultra Setting
54 FPS
Fortnite
Ultra Setting
26 FPS
Shadowgun Legends
Ultra Setting
56 FPS
World of Tanks Blitz
Ultra Setting
98 FPS
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
Ultra Setting
56 FPS
Price of Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro:
$243.00 for 128GB + 6GB Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro
Summary:
It was super obvious that the top 1 ranked in this compilation is the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro. With overall Ultra high settings for the high end games, they are capable of running those games with absolute smoothness and no stuttering. The drawback for Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is no future proofing for 5G network compatibility. However if your country is still taking a long way to develop this 5G network, then perhaps this Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is the cheapest gaming King of smartphones for you.
For alternative future proofing smartphones, you could also go with the ranking number 2 and 3, the Vivo iQOO Z3 5G and Vivo iQOO Z5x 5G respectively. They are both equipped with 5G network compatibility whereby in the near future, you could easily switch your mobile network from 4G to 5G without hassling for a new smartphone again. Both of these smartphones are ranked 2nd and 3rd best especially for high end gaming experience.
If you have the smartphone brand which you prefer other than the top 3 list, please be reminded that they are considered the best smartphones for gaming especially at this significantly reasonably rare price range for making impressive high-end mobile gaming possible for everybody. Kindly feel free to share your thoughts if you have any impressive smartphones under this price range that suits for high-end gaming hunger.
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