Kha Y Tran Mobile gaming is growing very fast. Games like Mobile Legends, PUBG Mobile, and Genshin Impact are becoming more demanding. As a result, users need stronger smartphones. Therefore, choosing a good gaming phone is very important, especially for budget users.
Moreover, brands like Xiaomi, Realme, Infinix, OPPO, and Samsung now offer strong gaming phones at low prices. Consequently, players can enjoy smooth gaming without spending too much money.
Below are the key factors and the best gaming smartphones in 2026.
You can check out the product at: https://www.samsung.com/us/
Key Criteria for Choosing a Gaming Smartphone
Firstly, the processor is the most important factor. It controls gaming performance. Popular chips include Snapdragon 680, 695, Helio G99, and Dimensity 6100+.
Secondly, RAM is also important. A minimum of 6GB RAM is recommended. In addition, 128GB storage is better for large games.
Thirdly, the display affects the gaming experience. A 90Hz or 120Hz screen feels much smoother. As a result, gameplay becomes more responsive.
Finally, battery life is essential. A 5000mAh battery or higher is ideal. Meanwhile, fast charging from 18W to 67W helps reduce waiting time.
Best Affordable Gaming Smartphones
1. RedMagic 11 Air
The RedMagic 11 Air stands out with its premium design. It features a transparent glass back and an aluminum frame. As a result, it delivers a luxurious feel.
The phone includes an active cooling fan. It also has touch-sensitive shoulder triggers on the right edge. Therefore, users can customize in-game actions. These features are especially useful in shooting games like Call of Duty: Mobile.
It comes with a 6.85-inch OLED display. The screen supports a 144Hz refresh rate. As a result, the gaming experience feels very smooth.
In addition, the 7,000mAh battery supports all-day usage. Meanwhile, 80W fast charging can fully charge the device in about one hour.
However, the RedMagic 11 Air only receives two major Android updates and three years of security updates. Therefore, its software support is shorter compared to devices from Xiaomi or Samsung.
2. Poco F7
The POCO F7 makes a strong impression with its elegant dual-tone design. It also features a premium glass back. As a result, the phone looks modern and stylish.
Its 6.83-inch AMOLED display supports HDR and Dolby Vision. Therefore, it delivers a high-quality entertainment experience.
The device uses the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset. It provides powerful performance. In fact, it can compete with rivals like the Galaxy A56.
The 6,500mAh battery allows all-day usage. In addition, 90W fast charging can fully charge the phone in about 45 minutes.
Moreover, Xiaomi promises four major Android updates and six years of security updates. As a result, the POCO F7 has a strong advantage over the RedMagic 11 Air in long-term software support.
3. Galaxy S24 FE
If you prioritize a smooth software experience, stable connectivity, and high-quality cameras, the Galaxy S24 FE is a better choice than many Chinese smartphones. Although it is not a new model, it still offers strong value at under 13 million VND.
The device has a 6.7-inch AMOLED display. It supports a 120Hz refresh rate. The screen looks bright. It also feels responsive. As a result, it performs well for gaming.
In terms of performance, the Exynos 2400e chipset runs demanding games like Genshin Impact smoothly. However, the 4,700mAh battery only provides decent battery life. Still, it is smaller than the 6,500mAh silicon-carbon batteries found in some Chinese phones.
Most importantly, Samsung provides up to 7 years of OS and security updates. Therefore, the Galaxy S24 FE will stay supported until 2031.
4. OnePlus 13R
Although it is a previous-generation device, the OnePlus 13R offers better cameras, a more attractive design, and a brighter display than the newly launched OnePlus 15R.
It uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. Even so, it still delivers strong performance. As a result, it handles heavy graphics games smoothly.
The 6,000mAh battery supports all-day usage. In addition, 55W fast charging can fully charge the device in about one hour.
The phone features a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It also reaches a peak brightness of up to 4,500 nits. As a result, it performs very well for gaming and video viewing.
Notably, it includes a 50MP telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom. This is a feature the OnePlus 15R does not offer.
5. Galaxy A36 5G
Like most Galaxy A series phones, the Galaxy A36 gives users a sense of reliability and safety. It uses the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset. It also comes with 12GB RAM and a 5,000mAh battery. As a result, it handles daily tasks smoothly.
In addition, the phone supports 45W fast charging. This feature stands out even compared to some higher-end Samsung models.
The device features a 6.7-inch AMOLED display. It also supports a 120Hz refresh rate and high brightness. Therefore, gaming feels smooth and responsive.
It can run most heavy games at medium settings. It also maintains a stable 60fps. Although the design is not very eye-catching, it still offers strong long-term value.
Most importantly, Samsung provides 6 years of software updates. As a result, the Galaxy A36 will stay supported until 2031. Therefore, it is a smart choice for users who do not upgrade their phone often.
Tips for Choosing a Gaming Smartphone
Firstly, serious gamers should choose stronger chips like Snapdragon 695 or Dimensity 7050 and above. This improves FPS stability.
However, casual players do not need high-end chips. Helio G99 or Snapdragon 685 is enough.
In addition, cooling is very important. Good cooling prevents lag. It also keeps performance stable during long gaming sessions.
Conclusion
The gaming phone market in 2026 is very diverse. Therefore, users can easily find a suitable device.
In summary, RedMagic, Galaxy, POCO and Oneplus are strong choices. They offer good performance, large batteries, and smooth displays.
Finally, these smartphones are excellent options for gaming without spending too much money.
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