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Mobile gaming is becoming more and more popular. It's a great way to spend your spare time and to keep yourself occupied. However, as mobile games keep growing with new features from time to time, most of them demand high specs. Thankfully, you don't have to spend a lot on expensive gaming smartphones for an enjoyable gaming experience.
Budget mid-range phones are not only for the basic tasks in your daily life. They are also perfectly capable of playing games without lags. So if you're on a budget and you're looking for the best mid-range gaming phone, you've come to the right place as we will share our top 10 picks on the best gaming phones under Php 15,000 that you can purchase now!
Katrina is a freelance writer who joined the myBest PH team in January 2021. She is interested in writing about hobbies and anything that falls under entertainment. When not writing on the Internet, you can find her in bookstores and cinemas, or engaged in a conversation about art and media.
Table of Contents
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
CPU and GPU sum up a phone's performance. Knowing about these specs will surely help you purchase a fast, smooth, and lag-free gaming phone as they indicate how a phone performs when playing games or running apps on it.
Everything you do on your phone depends on its processor or CPU. It's considered the "brain" of the phone as it receives and executes every command. However, it's often overlooked by people. On the contrary, you should the phone's CPU should always be considered as it affects a phone's speed, efficiency, and battery life.
A good processor brings a smooth and lag-free experience, whether you run multiple apps simultaneously or play games continuously. Mid-range processors like the Snapdragon 7 series, Snapdragon 888, MediaTek Dimensity 1000 series, and Kirin 9000 are suitable for an enjoyable mobile gaming experience.
A graphics processing unit or GPU renders videos, images, and animations that you see on a phone's display. It is an essential part of a phone, especially if you want to play graphically demanding games, such as PUBG, Fortnite, and Asphalt 9.
Without it, a phone cannot support high-performance games and high-quality UI. Every phone's CPU is equipped with a corresponding GPU, and the best GPUs these days are Adreno and Mali. CPU brands Kirin and MediaTek use Mali, while Snapdragon comes with Adreno.
After knowing about the core parts of a smartphone, let us now move on to two types of data storage: RAM and ROM. Just like the CPU and GPU, they also play a huge role in a phone's performance, especially for gaming.
The random access memory or RAM is where the game or other apps' temporary data are stored. Every game occupies a certain amount of RAM. Basically, the higher the RAM, the smoother the game runs. If the phone does not have enough RAM space, then the game will lag.
Let's say you've bought a phone that has 4GB RAM and want to play PUBG Mobile, which requires 2 to 3GB RAM. You'll be able to play the game, but there's a possibility that it will lag, especially if other apps are running in the background. For lag-free gaming, 6 to 12GB RAM is ideal.
Read-only memory or ROM is the phone's internal storage. It is where the apps are stored by default. Usually, mid-range phones come with 16 to 32GB of internal storage, but the most recent ones are now available with 64 to 128GB ROM. In some cases, you can expand its storage capacity even more with a microSD as long the phone supports it.
To have enough space for many games, 65GB is a decent choice. However, it might not be enough if you want to play large games that update from time to time, like Genshin Impact, Mobile Legends, and Call of Duty Mobile. So we recommend that you go for 128GB to be able to install a lot of games and store tons of photos, videos, files, and other apps.
Screen size and screen resolution are the two main elements you need to consider to enjoy a high-definition display. A large screen size lets you see the game's interface easily, while resolution lets you enjoy the game's details crystal clear. But you might be disappointed with the phone's display quality if these two do not fit or go with each other well.
A low resolution on a big screen is not as clear as a high resolution on a small screen. In this case, the display will appear blurry and pixelated. So if you're going to buy a phone with a 6 to 6.7 inches screen size, make sure that it comes with 1280 x 720, 1920 x 1080, or 2560 x 1440 screen resolution.
Refresh rate measures how quickly the phone's display or images updates. If you often watch gameplay videos and play competitive games, a high refresh rate can improve your overall experience. It makes the smartphone more responsive and makes the gameplay appear smoother.
60Hz is the default refresh rate for most smartphones. However, it may be prone to motion blurs and lags, particularly for fast-paced games where every frame counts. So it's better to go for a smartphone with a 90Hz or 120Hz refresh rate for smoother and sharper animation.
Aside from a phone's core features, you should also check its battery life. Games draw out more power than apps, videos, and music. Its brightness level, temperature, and connections also affect its battery life. Lastly, keep in mind that discharge rates vary from device to device and user to user.
A 4000mAh battery is good for casual gaming, but we recommend a 5000mAh battery if you want to play games for hours without interruptions. You may want to opt for one with a quick-charging feature as it will surely take a long time to recharge a large battery capacity.
Since some mid-range phones are not built specifically for gaming, they might not have an extra high refresh rate, cooling systems, and touch-sensitive screens. Fortunately, most smartphones these days now come with gaming mode software that boosts the phone's gaming performance.
For instance, Oppo and OnePlus have a default gaming app called Game Space. It automatically optimizes games and lets you manage all of your games in one place. Also, you can customize it according to your preference by managing notifications, incoming calls, brightness, and other settings that affect your gameplay.
Besides the important specs mentioned above, you should also consider getting a phone with other features such as an anti-glare screen, a fast-charging battery, and quality speakers to enhance your overall gaming experience. Some budget gaming phones even support 5G LTE SIM for low latency and higher data speed.
CPU | Octa-Core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
---|---|
GPU | Adreno 619 |
RAM | 6GB |
ROM | 128GB |
Screen Size | 6.67 |
Resolution | 1080 x 2400 Pixels |
Refresh Rate | 120Hz |
Battery | 5000 mAh |
Gaming Mode Software | unknown |
Notable Features | AMOLED Display, 33W Fast Charging, 5G Connectivity |
CPU | Octa-Core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) |
---|---|
GPU | Adreno 619 |
RAM | 8GB |
ROM | 128GB |
Screen Size | 6.43 |
Resolution | 1080 x 2400 Pixels |
Refresh Rate | 90Hz |
Battery | 4500 mAh |
Gaming Mode Software | unknown |
Notable Features | 64MP Camera, Gaming and Pro-Gaming Mode, AMOLED Display |
Designed for modern consumers, the Infinix Zero 5G provides high-speed performance and an exceptional multimedia experience. Aside from its 5G technology, this phone boasts a large 8GB RAM and a 265GB storage capacity. Not only does it support expandable storage, but you can also upgrade its RAM up to 13GB, so you can enjoy a lag-free performance on your phone!
Additionally, this phone features a high-resolution 6.78-inch display that produces vivid colors, making it perfect for watching videos, playing games, and browsing the web. It is also powered by a powerful octa-core processor and a 50MP main camera that can take clear photos even at night. Plus, it has a long-lasting battery and fast charging capabilities—perfect for those who are tech-savvy.
CPU | Octa-Core (2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
---|---|
GPU | Mali-G68 MC4 |
RAM | 8GB |
ROM | 256GB |
Screen Size | 6.78 |
Resolution | 1080 x 2460 Pixels |
Refresh Rate | 120Hz |
Battery | 5000mAh |
Gaming Mode Software | unknown |
Notable Features | Volume-Key Mapping, Game Bar, 33W Fast Charge |
What you get from a device that’s part of one of the most iconic phone series of all time is a gorgeous 120HZ AMOLED display, powerful speakers, great battery life, and decent performance and camera experience. When you package all of that in a stylish design, it’s a great phone to own.
If you want a phone you can watch your favorite shows and video creators on while performing every other function you expect from a smartphone well, then the under P15,000 price tag sounds like a good deal!
CPU | Octa-Core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
---|---|
GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 |
RAM | 8GB |
ROM | 128GB |
Screen Size | 6.67 |
Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels |
Refresh Rate | 120Hz |
Battery | 5000 mAh |
Gaming Mode Software | unknown |
Notable Features | 67W Turbo Charging, 108MP Main Camera, Expandable Storage Up to 1TB |
Worry less when it comes to battery life with Vivo Y35. This smartphone has a battery of 5000 mAh and a 44W fast charging feature. Although this is considered an entry-level phone, it houses many features that make it seem more like a mid-range phone in the lower spectrum. In particular, it boasts a 50-MP rear camera, a 90-Hz refresh rate, and an 8-GB RAM.
This slim and sleek phone really delivers good performance for regular tasks and even casual games. It also has a sharp screen display for your viewing demands and offers a camera module that ensures good photos in your social media feed. What more can you ask for from a budget-friendly smartphone?
CPU | Octa-Core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
---|---|
GPU | Adreno 610 |
RAM | 8GB |
ROM | 256GB |
Screen Size | 6.58 |
Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels |
Refresh Rate | 90Hz |
Battery | 5000 mAh |
Gaming Mode Software | unknown |
Notable Features | 44W Fast Charging, Dustproof and Waterproof, Triple Camera |
CPU | Octa-Core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
---|---|
GPU | Adreno 610 |
RAM | 6GB |
ROM | 128GB |
Screen Size | 6.6 |
Resolution | 1080 x 2408 Pixels |
Refresh Rate | 90Hz |
Battery | 5000mAh |
Gaming Mode Software | unknown |
Notable Features | Expandable Memory, Quad Camera, Comes in Multiple Colors |
CPU | Octa-Core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
---|---|
GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 |
RAM | 8GB |
ROM | 256GB |
Screen Size | 6.4 |
Resolution | 1080 x 2400 Pixels |
Refresh Rate | 90Hz |
Battery | 5000 mAh |
Gaming Mode Software | unknown |
Notable Features | High RAM, Dual SIM, AMOLED Display |
Another great gaming phone is the TECNO Pova 4, which is powered by a Helio G99 processor and has 8GB RAM that's expandable up to 13GB. It also has dual speakers, making gaming more fun. However, the feature that sets this phone apart is its massive 6000mAh battery and 18W fast charge capability.
A charge time of 20 minutes gives you enough power to talk on the phone for 12 hours, play games for 3 hours, or watch YouTube for 4 hours! Users have been raving about the Pova 4's long-lasting battery life, which for them, is reason enough to get this phone.
CPU | Octa-Core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
---|---|
GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 |
RAM | 8GB |
ROM | 128GB |
Screen Size | 6.82 |
Resolution | 720 x 1600 Pixels |
Refresh Rate | 90Hz |
Battery | 6000 mAh |
Gaming Mode Software | unknown |
Notable Features | Dual Speaker, Expandable RAM, Long-Lasting Battery |
CPU | Octa-Core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
---|---|
GPU | Adreno 610 |
RAM | 8GB |
ROM | 256GB |
Screen Size | 6.59 |
Resolution | 1080 x 2412 Pixels |
Refresh Rate | 90Hz |
Battery | 5000 mAh |
Gaming Mode Software | unknown |
Notable Features | Expandable RAM, Dual Sim, Dust and Water-Resistant |
Want to take up photography but on a tight budget? If you answered yes, then this one is for you. The Poco M5 has a powerful camera for something that costs around Php 10,000. It has four camera lenses (main camera, ultra-wide, macro, and depth) for vivid colors and crisp detail. Surprisingly, this phone supports RAW format and even has a spacious 128GB of storage.
Among its key photography features are a high-resolution 64-megapixel mode, a night mode, and an AI-powered portrait mode. The only drawback of this smartphone is that photos tend to appear oversharpened and washed out, especially when taken in daylight. Still, for such a low price for a 64MP camera, it's not a bad deal at all.
CPU | Octa-Core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
---|---|
GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 |
RAM | 6GB |
ROM | 128GB |
Screen Size | 6.43 |
Resolution | 1080 x 2400 Pixels |
Refresh Rate | 90Hz |
Battery | 5000 mAh |
Gaming Mode Software | unknown |
Notable Features | Dual Speakers, Fingerprint and Face Unlock, Bluetooth 5.0 |
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
If your phone lags, the first thing you can do is refresh your phone by restarting it. If it still runs slow after rebooting, its internal storage might be full, and you need to uninstall unused apps, close running apps, delete large files, and clear caches and excess data to free up space.
Applications and features update from time to time, so you should also check if your phone uses an outdated operating system. If so, update it to the latest version to avoid incompatibility issues. However, if the lag persists and you don't see any improvement, consider seeking a professional's assistance, as the problem might be hardware-related.
Yes, you can use your phone while charging. However, its charging speed will be slower than normal. While the battery loads power as you use your phone, the current supplied to the battery will be reduced. Your phone might also heat up because running applications, especially graphics-intensive games, consume a lot of power.
To get the most out of your battery's life, below are some of the battery-saving tips you can do.
With the best mobile gaming accessories, such as gamepads, headsets, and stands, you can save yourself from bad controls, poor audio quality, and other factors that can affect your gameplay. If you need more guides and product recommendations, check out our other articles below!
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
Beauty
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