Finding a gaming phone that delivers top-notch performance without emptying your wallet can be challenging, but it's not impossible. With mobile gaming becoming increasingly popular, especially in the Philippines, there’s a growing demand for devices that can handle graphically intensive games like Mobile Legends, Call of Duty Mobile, and Genshin Impact—all within a budget.
Luckily, the market has responded with a variety of gaming phones under PHP 15,000 that offer impressive specs, from powerful processors to vibrant displays. Many of these options are readily available on popular online e-commerce platforms like Lazada and Shopee, making it easier than ever to find the perfect device. In this guide, we'll help you navigate the key features to look for and highlight some of the best gaming phones that combine performance with affordability. Whether you're a casual gamer or a dedicated player, there's a budget-friendly option out there for you.
Quick List - Top Gaming Phones Under PHP 15,000
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
Table of Contents
Every mybest article is crafted with hours of in-depth research and interviews with experts. Each month, we are continually expanding our database of products based on our research. By emphasizing user insight and reliable information, we deliver trustworthy content to readers.
Gaming phones are built with features specifically designed to enhance the gaming experience, offering more powerful processors and GPUs that can handle the intense demands of modern mobile games. Unlike regular smartphones, which prioritize sleek and slim designs, gaming phones often feature unique, futuristic aesthetics, including RGB lighting and rugged accents. Many models also come with customizable gaming controls and enhanced audio for a more immersive experience. If you're serious about mobile gaming, a dedicated gaming phone is likely to provide a significantly more satisfying experience.
Choosing the right gaming phone can significantly enhance your gaming experience. From selecting the right specs to ensuring smooth performance and comfort, the right phone can keep you fully immersed and ready for action. This guide will walk you through the key features and options, helping you find the ideal gaming phone that fits your needs and budget.
When it comes to choosing a device, checking the specs is key to ensuring it can handle your favorite games smoothly. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential specs to look for so you can find the perfect gaming phone for your budget.
A high-performance processor ensures that your games run smoothly, with minimal lag and faster load times. In gaming phones, powerful processors like the Snapdragon or MediaTek series are designed to handle the demands of modern games, allowing you to enjoy seamless gameplay even with graphics-heavy titles. A strong processor helps your phone handle demanding tasks, keeping it up-to-date even with new apps and games. This means you won't need to upgrade your phone as often, giving you better value for your money.
RAM, or random access memory, allows your phone to handle multiple tasks at once, ensuring that your phone runs smoothly without lag or interruptions. When it comes to gaming phones, opting for 8GB to 16GB of RAM is recommended, as this range ensures that your device can handle even the most demanding games without any performance drops.
Many modern games require a lot of space, so choosing a phone with ample internal storage ensures you have enough room for all your favorite titles. (Plus, it eliminates those annoying notifications about your storage being full!) With 256GB, you can easily download and store even the most demanding games, along with their updates, while still having space for your everyday needs. Ample internal storage also means that games will run better and faster as compared to those stored on expansion slots like SD cards, resulting in a smoother gaming experience.
Games often feature visually stunning and immersive graphics that enhance the overall player experience. Choosing between different screen technologies can help you decide which viewing experience you want to prioritize.
As opposed to LCD screens that depends on a backlight to display the picture, each pixel on an OLED screen lights up on its own, resulting in vibrant colors and a stark deep color contrast that bring game graphics to life with stunning clarity. These screens produce color-accurate visuals, and also helps reduce motion blur, making fast-paced action scenes smoother and more enjoyable.
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screens are known for their excellent brightness, making them easy to view even in bright outdoor settings. This makes them ideal for gaming on the go, where lighting conditions can vary. Plus, LCD screens are generally more affordable than OLED displays, giving you great value for your money. While they may not have the deep contrasts of OLED screens, their brightness and clarity make them a solid option for gamers who want a quality display without breaking the bank.
When you're deep into playing Mobile Legends, the last thing you want is for your battery to die in the middle of an intense game. That's why choosing a gaming phone with at least 4,000mAh to 5,000mAh will give you the power to game for hours without needing a recharge (or worrying about finding an outlet).
In addition, a high-capacity battery also powers demanding features like high refresh rate displays and powerful processors, ensuring your phone performs at its best throughout your gaming session. Paired with fast charging technology, you can quickly recharge and get back into the game faster, minimizing downtime even more.
Gaming can push your phone to its limits, especially during intense, extended sessions which can ultimately lead to overheating. That's why choosing a phone with an effective cooling system is important. Phones equipped with cooling features help keep your device's temperature in check, so you can enjoy your games without worrying about your phone slowing down or shutting off unexpectedly.
Additionally, a cooler phone is also more comfortable to hold, allowing you to game for longer periods without discomfort. Effective cooling systems also help maintain your phone's performance and longevity by preventing excessive heat, which can damage internal components. This not only keeps your phone running efficiently but also prevents wear and tear, ensuring your device lasts longer.
When you're playing games, both your eyes and fingers are focused on the screen. Good screen performance means not only clear visuals but also fast response times for both the display and touch input.
A higher touch sampling rate, ranging from 120Hz to 360Hz, ensures that your screen registers your touch inputs more quickly and accurately. This means that every tap, swipe, or gesture you make is reflected almost instantly in the game, giving you a smoother and more responsive experience. In fast-action games where timing is crucial, the ability to react swiftly and accurately can be the difference between winning and losing.
An ergonomic design ensures a comfortable grip, allowing you to game for longer periods without experiencing hand fatigue or discomfort. Look for phones with rounded edges, smooth finishes, and a balanced weight distribution, all of which contribute to a more natural and secure hold. Some gaming phones even feature textured backs or built-in grips to prevent slipping, making it easier to maintain control during intense gameplay. A phone that fits well in your hand ultimately reduces the strain on your fingers and wrists, allowing for quicker reactions and more precise control.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CPU | GPU | RAM | Resolution | Refresh Rate | Battery | Notable Features | |||||
1 | Infinix Note 30 | ![]() | The All-Heavyweight Performer for Gaming and All-Around Use | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Mali-G57 MC2 | 8GB | 1080 x 2460 Pixels | 120Hz | 5000mAh | Ultra-Fast Gameplay、Dual Speakers | |
2 | Xiaomi POCO M4 Pro 5G | ![]() | An Affordable 5G Phone With Great Camera | MediaTek Dimensity 810 | ARM Mali-G57 | 8GB | 2400 x 1080 Pixels | 90Hz | 5000mAh | Expendable Storage | |
3 | Oppo A78 5G | ![]() | Powerful 5G Experience at a Budget-Friendly Price | MediaTek Dimensity 700 | Mali-G57 MC2 | 8GB | 720 x 1612 Pixels | 90Hz | 4880mAh | Long Battery Life、Expendable Storage | |
4 | Xiaomi POCO X6 5G | ![]() | For On-The-Go Gamers On a Budget | Octa-core (4x2.40 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55) | Adreno 710 | 12GB | 2712 × 1220 Pixels | 120Hz | 5100mAh | unknown | |
5 | Redmi Note 13 | ![]() | Smooth Gameplay Without Interruptions | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Mali-G57 MC2 | 6GB | 2400 x 1080 Pixels | 120Hz | 5000mAh | IP54 Splash-Proof Design、Dual Speakers | |
6 | Samsung Galaxy A5 5G | ![]() | A Trusted Phone Brand That's Ultra-Fast Thanks to Its Octa-Core Processor | Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A53 | Adreno 306 | 4GB | 1080 x 2340 Pixels | 60Hz | 5000mAh | Fast Charging | |
7 | Tecno Pova 6 Pro 5G | ![]() | A Phone That Can Handle High-Demand Games Thanks to Its 120Hz Refresh Rate | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Mali-G57 | 12GB | 1080 x 2436 Pixels | 120Hz | 6000mAh | Dual Speakers、Vivid Camera | |
8 | OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite | ![]() | Elevate Your Entertainment with Dual Stereo Speakers and Exceptional Camera Quality | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) | Adreno 619 | 8GB | 1800 x 2400 Pixels | 120Hz | 5000mAh | Dual Speakers | |
9 | Itel P55 5G | ![]() | A Device That Combines Affordability and Performance in One | MTK 6080 Octa Core Up to 2.4GHz | Mali-G57 MC2 | 12GB | 720 x 1612 Pixels | 90Hz | 5000mAh | Fast Charging | |
10 | Realme Realme 12 5G | ![]() | A Phone for Top-Performing Gamers Who Want Seamless Matches | Octa-core (2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | ARM Mali-G68 MC4 | 8GB | 1080 x 2400 Pixels | 120Hz | 5000mAh | Dual Speakers |
GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 |
---|---|
RAM | 8GB |
Refresh Rate | 120Hz |
Notable Features | Ultra-Fast Gameplay、Dual Speakers |
GPU | ARM Mali-G57 |
---|---|
RAM | 8GB |
Refresh Rate | 90Hz |
Notable Features | Expendable Storage |
Looking for an affordable smartphone that offers 5G connectivity and top-notch performance? Xiaomi’s POCO M4 Pro 5G might be it! It has a 6.6-inch full HD+ display with a refresh rate of 90Hz, which is great for watching and playing fast-paced movies and games. It also sports a 5000mAh battery life that lets you use your phone all day.
In addition to its impressive display, it also has dual speakers for clearer audio. This phone likewise offers a double-camera setup on the back that captures vivid images, consisting of a 50MP main camera, an 8MP ultra-wide camera, plus a 16MP front camera. With its combination of good features and affordability, this one is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable 5G smartphone.
GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 |
---|---|
RAM | 8GB |
Refresh Rate | 90Hz |
Notable Features | Long Battery Life、Expendable Storage |
This budget-friendly phone doesn't compromise on performance. It delivers the power of 5G for super-fast downloads, smooth streaming, and an overall better online experience. The A78 5G also packs a punch with 8GB of RAM for seamless multitasking and 128GB of storage to keep your files and games close at hand.
The Oppo A78 5G features a large 6.56-inch HD+ display with a smooth 90Hz refresh rate for an immersive viewing experience. Capture life's moments in detail with the 50MP AI rear camera, while the 8MP front camera ensures you always look your best in selfies and video calls. Available in stunning Glowing Purple and Glowing Black, the A78 5G is a feature-packed phone that won't break the bank.
GPU | Adreno 710 |
---|---|
RAM | 12GB |
Refresh Rate | 120Hz |
Notable Features | unknown |
GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 |
---|---|
RAM | 6GB |
Refresh Rate | 120Hz |
Notable Features | IP54 Splash-Proof Design、Dual Speakers |
GPU | Adreno 306 |
---|---|
RAM | 4GB |
Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
Notable Features | Fast Charging |
GPU | Mali-G57 |
---|---|
RAM | 12GB |
Refresh Rate | 120Hz |
Notable Features | Dual Speakers、Vivid Camera |
GPU | Adreno 619 |
---|---|
RAM | 8GB |
Refresh Rate | 120Hz |
Notable Features | Dual Speakers |
GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 |
---|---|
RAM | 12GB |
Refresh Rate | 90Hz |
Notable Features | Fast Charging |
GPU | ARM Mali-G68 MC4 |
---|---|
RAM | 8GB |
Refresh Rate | 120Hz |
Notable Features | Dual Speakers |
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
Android-based gaming phones use the Google Play Store as their native games market, and other phones have dedicated manufacturer-developed applications. Game compatibility can also vary depending on the hardware and software requirements of specific games. Some high-end games with advanced graphics may require more powerful specs, so it’s always a good idea to check the game’s requirements against your phone’s capabilities.
On the whole, new phones that are equipped with the latest software are likely to be able to run all of the games available in the store. However, if your phone is several years outdated or you are not able to update your operating system, you might not be able to run certain games on your phone.
If you're only playing casual games like Candy Crush and aren’t interested in advanced features or future-proofing, a mid-range or standard smartphone might be a better value. However, if you value high-end features, superior display quality, and potential future use, a gaming phone could still be a worthwhile investment.
A gaming phone can serve as a substitute for a gaming console in certain scenarios, especially if you value portability and versatility. This is especially helpful now that there are game developers who can optimize their games for mobile. However, if you seek a high-end gaming experience with advanced graphics, precise controls, and a broad game selection, a dedicated gaming console might be a better choice.
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.
No. 1: Infinix|Note 30
No. 2: Xiaomi|POCO M4 Pro 5G
No. 3: Oppo|A78 5G
No. 4: Xiaomi|POCO X6 5G
No. 5: Redmi|Note 13
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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