Gaming Phones Under ₹20,000
Gaming phones have graduated to a level that extends beyond the premium-most segment. With technological wizardry fuelling innovations, many brands are offering high-performance gaming phones under the ₹20,000 price band, thereby equipping these devices with potent processors, high refresh rates, and reliable 5G connectivity. Fast-paced shooters or MMORPGs will enjoy a buttery-smooth performance and enriched visuals, all at an affordable price. Let us take you through our top options for February 2025.
1. Realme Narzo 70 Turbo 5G
- 6.5-inch FHD+ display
- Dimensity 7300 Energy 5G Chipset
- 5000mAh battery with 33W fast charging
- 120Hz refresh rate
The Realme Narzo 70 Turbo 5G stands tall as one of the most performance-oriented smartphones at least in its price range. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chipset, this phone has specifically been designed for gamers who rely on frame rates and responsiveness. Its 90fps gaming capabilities really stand out, making it perfect for competitive titles such as PUBG Mobile and Apex Legends. With the Mali-G57 GPU on board, expect negligible frame drops, even in the most graphics-heavy gaming.
You get a 6.6-inch FHD+ LCD display with the Narzo 70 Turbo. With a standard 120Hz refresh rate, scrolling gets smoother and more immersive. A humongous 5000mAh battery means you can game on all day without worrying about charging it. If recharging is needed, the 67W SuperVOOC power will take you from 0 to 100 in under an hour.
In addition, the phone offers a minimalistic design with solid construction that makes it both functional and undeniably stylish. It will block out all notifications and tweak the system for optimal performance during gaming mode to make sure you have no interruptions every time you hit a match. In total, the Narzo 70 Turbo is one players would take into consideration, especially gamers looking for performance and optimal visual quality.
Pros and Cons:
- Smooth 90fps gaming performance
- 67W fast charging
- Excellent battery life
- LCD display instead of AMOLED
- No IP rating for water resistance
- Limited availability in some regions
2. iQOO Z9s 5G
- 6.67-inch FHD+ 3D Curved AMOLED display
- MediaTek Dimensity 7300
- 4500mAh battery with 66W fast charging
- 120Hz refresh rate
In terms of stability and works with performance within under ₹20,000, the iQOO Z9s 5G is powerful. Powered by the Snapdragon 778G chipset, areas of performance and energy are well-balanced. This ensures stable 60fps gaming without heating issues, suitable for games like Call of Duty: Mobile and Free Fire.
The AMOLED display boasts 120Hz with a screen size of around 6.78 inches, and it promises great viewing with vivid colors and deep contrasts. Gamers will love the smooth animations and minimal delay during fast-action sequences. An Adreno 642L GPU will add to the graphics quality and enhance the performance a casual and professional gamer can expect.
With a 5000mAh unit, the iQOO Z9s allows hours upon hours of gaming. 44W fast charging help means you can get back into the game without long interruptions. Its design is sleek and contemporary, boasting a durable body and attractive finishes that appeal to both others and the general populace. All in all, the iQOO Z9s 5G is an outstanding performer, strong on stability and gaming visuals.
Pros and Cons:
- Stable 60fps gaming
- Stunning AMOLED display
- Efficient thermal management
- Moderate fast charging (44W)
- Slightly heavier design
- No headphone jack
3. POCO X7 5G
- 6.67-inch 3D Curved AMOLED display
- MediaTek Dimensity 7300
- 5000mAh battery with 33W fast charging
- 120Hz refresh rate
The POCO X7 5G is a gaming smartphone that strikes a good balance between an affordable budget and a powerful performance. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8100 chipset, this one will support 60fps gameplay without lag in the most common titles, with Genshin Impact and Asphalt 9 among them. The combination of this chipset with the Mali-G610 MC6 GPU will ensure an efficient FPS rate and little input lag during some major combat situations.
Equipped with a 6.67-inch AMOLED display that supports a refresh rate of 120Hz and HDR10+, the phone has bold colors, providing quite an experience while gaming, adding to its credence as a gaming monster and media consumption device. Also, on its own, the device has a 5000mAh battery that supports 67W fast charging and will keep you going for the next session of gameplay.
It has a separate cooling system to keep it from thermal throttling during continuous gameplay. Its plain UI without excessive bloatware is an added bonus for an optimized gaming experience. POCO X7 is a thinker's choice where gamers look at overall performance, battery, and display together.
Pros and Cons:
- Excellent thermal management
- AMOLED display with HDR10+ support
- 67W fast charging
- Slightly bulky design
- No IP rating for water resistance
- Limited software updates
4. CMF Phone 1
- 6.43-inch AMOLED display
- MediaTek Dimensity 7300
- 4500mAh battery with 33W fast charging
- 120Hz refresh rate
The CMF Phone 1 is affordable for gaming, providing the gaming experience at 90 fps and even 120 fps. The frame rate stability suffers during intensive gaming sessions. It is powered by Snapdragon 695SoC and is good for casual gaming but may not satisfy competitive players.
It's a 6.55-inch OLED touchscreen display with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing a really nice display experience. It's not too big, has rich colors, and feels very smooth in usage. It has a 4500mAh battery, with 33W fast charging: not the fastest but should be adequate for most users.
CMF Phone 1 The CMF Phone 1 is ideal for casual gamers or those searching for a budget-friendly 5G option. But its limitations in frame rates coupled with underwhelming thermal control will not appeal to hardcore gamers.
Pros and Cons:
- High refresh rate OLED display
- Compact and lightweight design
- Affordable price
- Mediocre thermal management
- Frame rate drops during gaming
- Average battery capacity No Charger Inbox
5. Samsung Galaxy M35
- 6.6-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display
- Exynos 1380 chipset
- 6000mAh battery with 25W fast charging
- 120Hz refresh rate
The Galaxy M35 has the perfect mixture of performance, stability, and brand trust for Samsung fanatics. The Exynos 1280 is the best chipset, which gives stable 60fps gameplay for games like PUBG Mobile Lite and other games requiring moderate capabilities.
On the display side, you get a large 6.6-inch AMOLED display with a refresh rate of 120 Hz that is colorful and highlights during a game or any streaming function. Furthermore, there's a gigantic 5000 mAh battery with fast 25W charging speeds for non-stop entertainment. Fast charging might not be a big deal but it is enough for most consumers.
Furthermore, the Galaxy M35 grants Samsung’s One UI for easier multitasking and greater customization options. The phone has solid gaming capabilities, regular software updates, and brand reliability-a must for any Samsung fan.
Pros and Cons:
- Vibrant AMOLED display
- Reliable 60fps gaming performance
- Samsung brand value
- Slower charging speed
- Less powerful chipset
- No high refresh rate support for gaming
6. iQOO Z9
- 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED display
- Dimensity 7200 5G Processor
- 5000mAh battery with 66W fast charging
- 120Hz refresh rate
Another worthy competitor in budget gaming is the iQOO Z9. It runs the MediaTek Dimensity 920 chipset, responsible for a stable 60fps gaming experience, while multitasking and functioning efficiently are assured with this chipset.
That display is simply amazing, with its 6.7 inches, and it can refresh 120 times a second. Playing games and consuming media would be amazing. When the engagement is intense, you sure won't care about running out of power because of its 4700mAh battery and 66W fast charging. As such, the iQOO Z9 ultimately is a modern, veritable mouthpiece for budget-conscious gamers.
Pros and Cons:
- Stable performance for demanding games
- AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
- Fast 66W charging
- Slightly smaller battery
- No headphone jack
- Limited availability in some regions
Final Thoughts
Each phone on this list caters to different gaming needs. The Realme Narzo 70 Turbo 5G and POCO X7 5G stand out for their performance and visuals, while the iQOO Z9s 5G and iQOO Z9 offer balanced features. Samsung enthusiasts will enjoy the reliability of the Galaxy M35, and budget-conscious buyers can consider the CMF Phone 1.
Choose the one that aligns with your priorities and enjoy uninterrupted, immersive gaming!
