Best Budget Phones for Gaming

Mobile gaming has come a long way from simple puzzle apps. It's now a serious hobby for both casual and competitive players. With more demanding games hitting the market, having the right phone can make all the difference in terms of performance, visuals, and overall experience.

So, what makes the best phone for gaming? For starters, you want a powerful processor, a smooth high-refresh-rate display, solid battery life and great cooling efficiency to avoid throttling during intense sessions. The good news is you don’t need to spend thousands to get a great gaming phone anymore.

Our experts at Mobile Guru have compiled a hand-picked list of the best gaming mobile phones available in Australia, across both Android and iPhone models. Whether you’re after a budget gaming phone or a flagship beast, we’ve got something for every gamer. Read on to explore some of the exceptional models that you can buy today.

What Makes a Good Cheap Gaming Phone?

Before diving in, let’s go over what a budget phone for gaming should have to improve the overall experience. These include:

• Fast chipset (A-series or efficient Snapdragon/Exynos)
• High refresh‑rate display (ideally 90 Hz or above)
• Sufficient RAM (6 GB or more)
• Solid battery (4000 mAh or more with fast charging)
• Thermal design or software to sustain performance

Top Picks for Smooth Game: Budget Phones for Gaming

Here’s a list of the best phones for gaming that deliver excellent performance at a bargain:

• iPhone SE (3rd Gen, 2022): The Compact Gaming Package

  Don’t let the size fool you; the iPhone SE 2022 is a performance beast in disguise. It packs the same A15 Bionic chip found in the iPhone 13, offering smooth 60 fps gameplay in demanding titles like Genshin Impact. Sure, the 4.7” LCD and 60Hz refresh rate aren’t top-tier specs, but the raw power under the hood makes it one of the best iPhones for gaming when you're sticking to a budget. This is a solid pick for those who want Apple performance in a smaller, more affordable package.

• iPhone 13: Affordable OLED Gaming for iOS Fans

  Do you wish to get a premium iPhone feel without paying a hefty price? The iPhone 13 brings the A15 chip, a 6.1″ Super Retina XDR OLED screen, and Face ID into play. These features make it the ideal platform for immersive gaming.

  It’s responsive, visually stunning, and runs today’s top games without a hitch. Even better, you get all this without breaking the bank, especially when buying refurbished models. They are often priced between $230-$300, making it a savvy pick for anyone chasing a cheap gaming phone that doesn’t skimp on quality.

• Samsung Galaxy A36 5G: Budget Phone for Android Gamers

  The Galaxy A36 5G is one of Samsung’s strongest mid-range releases in recent years. With a Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 under the hood, it also has a crisp 120Hz AMOLED display. Moreover, the big 5000mAh battery allows uninterrupted gaming sessions without lag. It’s fast, smooth, and built to keep up with modern mobile titles. So, if you're searching for the best gaming Android device that’s affordable, this one's a standout.

• Samsung Galaxy A56 5G: Affordable Gaming with a Premium Feel

  If you have some extra cash to spare, go for the Galaxy A56 5G. While a little pricier, it rewards you with an upgraded Exynos 1580 chip and Xclipse 540 GPU, stereo speakers and IP67 water resistance. Plus, with the 120Hz FHD+ Super AMOLED screen, you’ll get a phone that’s just as good for Netflixing as it is for playing Fortnite. It’s a top-tier budget gaming phone for players who want great visuals, decent audio, and longer play time without hiccups.

• Google Pixel 9a: Fast, and Ready to Game

  If you want to experience a pure Android feel with no fluff and top-notch gaming chops, the Pixel 9a delivers exactly that. Powered by Google’s Tensor G4 chip, it features a stunning 120Hz OLED screen, IP68 water protection, and Google’s signature smooth UI. Its thermal performance is solid too, and software support is unmatched. For those after a cheap gaming phone with long-term value, this is one of the smartest picks in the market.

Tips to Maximise Gaming on Budget Devices

You always want to get the most out of your budget gaming phone. With a few smart tweaks, even cheap gaming phones can deliver smooth, immersive gameplay. Here’s what you can do:

• Enable 120 Hz mode where available (Samsung, Pixel), or play on the highest graphics option on A15 devices.
• Use a breathable case or clip fan to reduce thermal throttling during long sessions.
• Update to the latest OS—especially on Pixel and Galaxy devices—to ensure optimised performance and bug fixes.
• Clear background apps for smoother multitasking, especially on 4 GB RAM devices like the SE.
• Invest in a pair of good earbuds or mobile triggers to improve reaction time in competitive games.

How to Choose the Best Phone for Gaming

Are you still not sure which phone suits your gaming preferences? Don’t worry, we have some tips for picking the perfect gaming phone:

• Processor: It’s best to go for high-performance chips like the Snapdragon 8 series, A15/A16 Bionic or similar.
• Display: Get a device with a 120Hz refresh rate or higher for buttery-smooth visuals.
• Battery: 4,500 mAh or more ensures you won’t be searching for a charger mid-game.
• Cooling: This is important for long sessions and to avoid thermal throttling.
• Storage: 128GB is the sweet spot for most games. If you're a heavy user, we recommend going higher.

Most importantly, make sure you’re buying from a trusted shop like Mobile Guru. We offer refurbished phones that are thoroughly tested, backed by a warranty, and are ready to use. Whether you want a flagship or a cheap gaming phone, we help you get more value for less.

Summary of Our Picks

Check out this quick comparison to help you choose the best phone for gaming purposes:

Upgrade Your Gaming Sessions with Mobile Guru

Don’t let lag, low battery, or slow performance ruin your gaming experience. The right phone makes all the difference, so explore our range of budget gaming phones today. We have a wide range of refurbished iPhones and top-tier Androids, all available at very competitive prices.

Shop at Mobile Guru and grab the best phone for gaming today without blowing your budget. To know more, call us on 1300 362 017 or email us your questions at hello@mobileguru.com.au.