Gaming on a budget doesn’t mean compromising on quality anymore, especially in 2024. With technological advancements, you can now find powerful gaming smartphones that deliver high performance, all without burning a hole in your pocket. If you're looking for a solid gaming phone under ₹20,000, you're in the right place. Here’s a roundup of the best options available this August.
1) iQOO Z9s: A Powerhouse for Gamers
The iQOO Z9s has quickly become a crowd favorite in the budget gaming category. Sporting a massive 6.77-inch Full HD AMOLED display, this phone offers a peak brightness of 1800 nits and a super smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Gamers will particularly appreciate the 300Hz touch sampling rate, which ensures a highly responsive experience.
Under the hood, the Z9s is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 processor, which is built on an advanced 4nm process. This chipset, coupled with the Mali G615 MC2 GPU, makes handling graphics-intensive games a breeze. The device offers up to 12GB of LPDDR4X RAM and a generous 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage, providing ample space for all your apps and media.
The iQOO Z9s runs on FuntouchOS 14, based on Android 14, and the brand has committed to offering 2 years of OS updates and 3 years of security patches. Battery life is another highlight, with a robust 5,500 mAh battery that supports 44W fast charging. Whether you're gaming or streaming, this phone won’t let you down.
2) Vivo T3: Mid-Range Marvel
Next up is the Vivo T3, which has made waves with its high-end features at an affordable price. The 6.67-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display, with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels, is perfect for gaming and multimedia. The 120Hz refresh rate, along with a 360Hz touch sampling rate, ensures fluid and responsive gameplay.
The Vivo T3 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 chipset, also based on a 4nm process, making it energy-efficient yet powerful. The Mali G610 MC4 GPU handles all the graphic-intensive tasks with ease. The phone comes with up to 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and up to 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage, which is expandable up to 1TB via a microSD card slot.
This device also boasts HDR 10+ certification and up to 1800 nits of peak brightness, making it a treat for watching videos and playing games. If you're after a balanced phone that delivers solid performance without breaking the bank, the Vivo T3 is a great choice.
3) CMF Phone 1: The New Kid on the Block
The CMF Phone 1 is a fresh entrant in the budget gaming phone market and it’s already turning heads. It’s powered by the same MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset as the iQOO Z9s, ensuring top-notch performance. The Mali G615 MC2 GPU further adds to its gaming credentials.
With up to 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage, expandable up to a staggering 2TB, storage concerns are a thing of the past. The phone runs on Nothing OS 2.6, which is based on Android 14, and Nothing promises 2 years of OS updates and 3 years of security patches.
The CMF Phone 1 is not just about power; it also looks sleek with a 6.7-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display, which supports a 120Hz refresh rate. Whether you’re gaming or scrolling through social media, this phone offers an immersive experience at an unbeatable price.
4) OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite: Reliable and Robust
The OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite continues the brand’s tradition of offering high-quality devices at affordable prices. It features a 6.67-inch full-HD+ AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 2,100 nits. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset, paired with the Adreno 619 GPU, ensures that the phone can handle games and multitasking with ease.
OnePlus has also focused on the camera setup, which includes a dual rear camera with a 50MP Sony LYT-600 primary sensor with OIS and a 2MP depth sensor. For selfies, there’s a 16MP front camera supported by EIS.
Battery life is impressive with a 5,500mAh battery that supports 80W wired SuperVOOC fast charging. Plus, the phone also supports 5W reverse charging, which can come in handy in emergencies.
5) Realme Narzo 70 Pro: A Feature-Packed Budget Option
Finally, we have the Realme Narzo 70 Pro, another excellent choice for gamers on a budget. This device sports a 6.7-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display with a resolution of 2400 x 1800 pixels. The 120Hz refresh rate and up to 2,000 nits peak brightness make it a solid choice for gaming and media consumption.
The Realme Narzo 70 Pro is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7050 processor, which is based on the TSMC 6nm process. Coupled with the Mali G68 MC4 GPU, this phone delivers smooth gaming performance. It comes with up to 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and up to 256GB of internal storage.
What sets this phone apart is its IP54 rating, which offers some protection against splashes and dust, a rare feature in this price range. The Realme Narzo 70 Pro is a great option for anyone looking for a durable, high-performance device under ₹20,000.
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Conclusion: Choose the Best Budget Gaming Phone for You
With so many great options available under ₹20,000, finding the perfect gaming phone is easier than ever. Whether you prioritize display quality, processing power, or battery life, there’s a device out there that fits your needs. The iQOO Z9s, Vivo T3, CMF Phone 1, OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite, and Realme Narzo 70 Pro all offer excellent value for money, making them the top choices for budget-conscious gamers this August.
So, which one will you choose? Each of these phones brings something unique to the table, so take your pick based on what matters most to you. Happy gaming!
