Looking to get a great mobile gaming experience without spending a fortune? The good news is that in 2025, you can find top-performing gaming smartphones under $300 that can run popular titles like Call of Duty: Mobile, PUBG, Genshin Impact, and Asphalt 9 with ease.
In this guide, we review the best gaming phones under $300, focusing on performance, display, battery life, cooling, and gaming features — all while keeping affordability in mind.
What Makes a Great Gaming Phone Under $300?
Before diving into the list, here are the essential features to consider in a gaming smartphone:
H3: 1. Processor & GPU
- Look for Snapdragon 6 or 7 series, MediaTek Helio G or Dimensity series
- A strong GPU like Adreno or Mali is essential for smooth graphics
H3: 2. Display
- Aim for Full HD+ resolution
- 90Hz or 120Hz refresh rate for smoother gameplay
- AMOLED is preferred, but IPS LCDs can still deliver solid visuals
H3: 3. RAM & Storage
- Minimum 6GB RAM, preferably 8GB
- At least 128GB storage or microSD support
H3: 4. Battery Life & Charging
- A 5000mAh battery or more is ideal
- Look for fast charging (18W+)
H3: 5. Cooling & Gaming Mode
- Phones with gaming modes and heat dissipation tech offer better sustained performance
Best Gaming Phones Under $300 in 2025
1. Poco X5 Pro 5G
- Chipset: Snapdragon 778G
- Display: 6.67″ FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz
- Battery: 5000mAh, 67W fast charging
- Why it’s great: Amazing performance for the price, gaming-focused features
- Price: ~$280
2. Redmi Note 13 5G
- Chipset: MediaTek Dimensity 6100+
- Display: 6.6″ FHD+ LCD, 120Hz
- Battery: 5000mAh, 33W charging
- Why it’s great: Excellent value, great for casual and mid-level gaming
- Price: ~$229
3. Motorola G73 5G
- Chipset: MediaTek Dimensity 930
- Display: 6.5″ FHD+ LCD, 120Hz
- Battery: 5000mAh, 30W TurboCharge
- Why it’s great: Near-stock Android with powerful specs
- Price: ~$249
4. Infinix Zero 5G 2023
- Chipset: Dimensity 920
- Display: 6.78″ FHD+ IPS LCD, 120Hz
- Battery: 5000mAh, 33W charging
- Why it’s great: Large screen, good thermals, excellent budget gamer
- Price: ~$199
5. Samsung Galaxy A14 5G
- Chipset: Exynos 1330 / Dimensity 700
- Display: 6.6″ PLS LCD, 90Hz
- Battery: 5000mAh, 15W charging
- Why it’s great: Samsung reliability with solid casual gaming performance
- Price: ~$199
6. Realme Narzo 60 5G
- Chipset: Dimensity 6020
- Display: 6.43″ AMOLED, 90Hz
- Battery: 5000mAh, 33W SuperVOOC
- Why it’s great: Stylish design, decent mid-range gaming
- Price: ~$239
Gaming Phone Comparison Table
| Model | Processor | Display | Battery | Refresh Rate | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poco X5 Pro 5G | Snapdragon 778G | AMOLED 6.67″ | 5000mAh / 67W | 120Hz | ~$280 |
| Redmi Note 13 5G | Dimensity 6100+ | LCD 6.6″ | 5000mAh / 33W | 120Hz | ~$229 |
| Moto G73 5G | Dimensity 930 | LCD 6.5″ | 5000mAh / 30W | 120Hz | ~$249 |
| Infinix Zero 5G | Dimensity 920 | IPS LCD 6.78″ | 5000mAh / 33W | 120Hz | ~$199 |
| Galaxy A14 5G | Exynos 1330 | PLS LCD 6.6″ | 5000mAh / 15W | 90Hz | ~$199 |
| Realme Narzo 60 5G | Dimensity 6020 | AMOLED 6.43″ | 5000mAh / 33W | 90Hz | ~$239 |
Tips for Mobile Gaming on a Budget Phone
- Lower Graphics Settings: For smoother FPS and longer battery life
- Close Background Apps: Free up RAM for better performance
- Use a Game Booster App: Many phones include built-in tools for optimizing gaming
- Cool Your Phone: Avoid gaming in hot environments; consider a cooling fan
- Keep Storage Free: Games like Genshin Impact require a lot of space
Conclusion
You don’t have to spend $1,000 to enjoy mobile gaming. These phones under $300 offer surprisingly good performance, excellent displays, and gaming features that will satisfy even demanding players.
For heavy gaming, go for the Poco X5 Pro or Moto G73. If you want value for money, the Infinix Zero 5G or Redmi Note 13 are excellent choices.
Pick the one that fits your gaming style and budget—and game on!