Mobile gaming is super popular these days, with everyone from students to professionals jumping into games like Mobile Legends, PUBG Mobile, or Free Fire. The best part? You don’t need to drop a ton of cash to get a phone that can keep up. In 2025, there are some awesome budget gaming phones under $200 that come with solid processors, plenty of RAM, smooth 90Hz or 120Hz screens, and batteries that last for hours. These phones can even handle demanding games like Genshin Impact or Honkai: Star Rail at decent settings, making them perfect for budget-conscious gamers looking for affordable gaming phones.
Here’s a rundown of the top gaming phones under $200 for 2025, packed with features for smooth mobile gaming:
1. Infinix GT 10 Pro – Budget Powerhouse with Cool Design
- Price: Starts at $180 (sometimes as low as $160 on sale)
- Chipset: MediaTek Dimensity 8050 (matches older flagship chips)
- Display: 6.67-inch AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- RAM & Storage: 8GB RAM (plus virtual RAM boost), 256GB storage
The Infinix GT 10 Pro is a beast for budget gaming phones in 2025. Its Dimensity 8050 chip delivers performance close to older high-end phones, letting you play heavy games like Honkai: Star Rail or Genshin Impact on medium-to-high settings without lag. The 120Hz AMOLED screen makes gameplay super smooth, and the 256GB storage means you can keep all your favorite mobile games installed. Plus, its cyberpunk-inspired look is a head-turner for gamers who want style.
Main highlights: Top-tier performance, smooth AMOLED display, tons of storage, stylish design.
2. POCO M5 – Solid Pick for Competitive Gaming
- Price: About $140
- Chipset: MediaTek Helio G99
- Display: 6.58-inch IPS LCD, 90Hz refresh rate
- RAM & Storage: 4GB or 6GB RAM, 128GB storage
For gamers into competitive titles like Mobile Legends or PUBG Mobile, the POCO M5 is a reliable choice among affordable gaming smartphones. The Helio G99 chip keeps things steady, so you won’t lose matches due to frame drops. Its battery lasts long, perfect for grinding through daily events or long gaming sessions. The 90Hz screen is smooth enough for fast-paced multiplayer games, even if it’s not the flashiest.
Main highlights: Dependable performance, long-lasting battery, budget-friendly price.
3. Redmi 13C – Big Screen on a Small Budget
- Price: Around $130
- Chipset: MediaTek Helio G85
- Display: 6.74-inch IPS LCD, 90Hz refresh rate
- RAM & Storage: 6GB RAM, 128GB storage
If you’re after the cheapest gaming phone that still performs well, the Redmi 13C is a great pick. Its massive 6.74-inch screen makes battle royale games feel immersive, perfect for budget mobile gaming. The Helio G85 chip handles popular titles like Mobile Legends and Free Fire with ease, and you can even play heavier games like Honkai: Star Rail on low settings. It’s a solid choice for casual gamers on a tight budget.
Main highlights: Huge display, low price, decent for casual and mainstream games.
4. Tecno Pova 5 – Battery Champ for Non-Stop Gaming
- Price: Around $150
- Chipset: MediaTek Helio G99
- Display: 6.78-inch FHD+, 120Hz refresh rate
- RAM & Storage: 8GB RAM, 128GB storage
- Battery: 6,000mAh with fast charging
The Tecno Pova 5 is built for gamers who play for hours, thanks to its huge 6,000mAh battery that lasts all day. Fast charging gets you back in the game quickly, too. The 120Hz FHD+ screen keeps gameplay smooth, and the Helio G99 chip handles most modern mobile games without breaking a sweat. With 8GB of RAM, multitasking is no issue, making it one of the best budget gaming phones for heavy users.
Main highlights: Massive battery, smooth 120Hz display, great value for long gaming sessions.
5. Realme Narzo 50 – Smooth Visuals and Steady Performance
- Price: $145–$160
- Chipset: MediaTek Helio G96
- Display: 6.6-inch IPS LCD, 120Hz refresh rate
- RAM & Storage: 6GB RAM, 128GB storage
The Realme Narzo 50 is a strong option for gamers who want a smooth screen and consistent performance. Its 120Hz display makes games like Mobile Legends and PUBG Mobile feel fluid, and the Helio G96 chip keeps frame rates stable. It’s also a great all-around phone for browsing, streaming, and multitasking, making it a versatile pick among affordable gaming smartphones.
Main highlights: Smooth 120Hz display, reliable gaming performance, good for daily use.
Tips for Picking the Best Gaming Phone Under $200
To get the most bang for your buck when choosing a budget gaming phone in 2025, consider these factors:
- Processor (Chipset): Go for Helio G85/G96 or Dimensity 800 series for solid gaming performance.
- RAM: Aim for 6GB minimum, but 8GB is better for smoother gameplay and multitasking.
- Display: A 90Hz or 120Hz refresh rate makes fast-paced games look and feel better.
- Battery: Choose at least 5,000mAh for long gaming sessions without constant recharging.
- Storage: 128GB or more is ideal since modern mobile games take up a lot of space.
Conclusion
In 2025, you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a phone that’s great for mobile gaming. For under $200, you can find budget gaming phones with powerful chips, smooth displays, long-lasting batteries, and cool designs.
- Infinix GT 10 Pro: Best for high performance and sleek looks.
- POCO M5: Perfect for competitive gamers needing stability.
- Redmi 13C: Cheapest option with a big screen for immersive gaming.
- Tecno Pova 5: Ideal for marathon sessions with its huge battery.
- Realme Narzo 50: Great for smooth visuals and steady frame rates.