10 Best Budget Gaming Phone 2025 in the United States

The Samsung Galaxy A36 5G is a nicely balanced choice for a budget gaming phone. It features a 6.6-inch AMOLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, which means games and videos look clear and fluid without taxing the battery too much. Powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor, it offers decent speed to handle many popular games, though it’s not designed for the heaviest, most demanding titles. With 6GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, you have enough memory and space for games and apps, although some gamers might find 6GB a bit limiting for multitasking or future-proofing.

The phone’s 5000mAh battery is a standout for gaming, providing long play sessions with less frequent charging, and the included fast charging helps get you back in the game quickly. An enhanced cooling system helps keep the phone from overheating during extended gaming, which is a plus in this price range. The rugged design and water resistance add extra durability if you’re active or on the go.

The Galaxy A36 5G delivers a strong display, solid battery life, and reliable performance for casual to moderate gaming, making it a good pick if you want solid features without a high price tag.

The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G positions itself as a compelling option for those seeking a budget-friendly gaming phone. With a 2.4 GHz CPU and 4GB of RAM, it provides sufficient performance for light to moderate gaming. However, for intensive gaming, you might find the RAM limiting, as more demanding titles could struggle. The 6.7-inch AMOLED display is a highlight, offering vibrant colors and crisp detail, ideal for gaming visuals. It's also a decent size for immersive gameplay.

Battery life is another strength, with a 5000 mAh capacity that should easily last through extended gaming sessions. The super-fast charging feature is a plus, minimizing downtime between charges.

In terms of storage, the phone includes 128GB of internal storage, expandable up to 1.5TB. This is a significant advantage for gamers who want to store multiple games without constantly managing storage space. The durability of the phone, with an IP54 rating, means it's built to withstand some environmental challenges, but it isn't fully waterproof.

The phone also includes various practical features like NFC and Samsung Wallet for easy payments, which add to its value as a daily driver beyond gaming. The six years of OS and security updates is a noteworthy promise, ensuring the phone remains viable for a longer period, which is great for budget-conscious users.

The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G offers several features that make it suitable for budget gaming, including a large display and robust battery life, its RAM might limit its performance for more hardcore gaming enthusiasts.

The OnePlus Open is an impressive choice for a budget gaming phone, especially with its powerful Snapdragon processor and 16GB of RAM, which together ensure smooth performance during gaming sessions. The 120Hz refresh rate on its displays further enhances the gaming experience by providing fluid visuals, making it suitable for both casual gaming and more intense sessions. With a solid 4805 mAh battery and 67W fast charging, you won’t have to worry much about running out of power during your gaming marathons.

One standout feature is its dual-display setup, offering a 6.31" exterior display and a larger 7.82" foldable interior display, providing plenty of screen real estate for multitasking between games and other apps. The phone also comes with great camera capabilities, including a triple camera setup co-developed with Hasselblad, which is a bonus for those who enjoy photography alongside gaming.

There are some drawbacks to consider. While it is marketed as the thinnest and lightest foldable in North America, the foldable design may not be as robust as traditional smartphones, making it potentially less durable. The price point may also be higher compared to typical budget gaming phones, which could be a consideration for those looking for more economical options. Additionally, the phone may not have the same level of gaming optimization found in dedicated gaming phones, which could impact performance in graphics-heavy games. The OnePlus Open is a well-rounded smartphone that excels in display quality and performance, serving as a decent option for gaming enthusiasts.