The gaming world has changed. It’s not just the territory of consoles or PCs anymore. The benefits of playing on a mobile include portability, a variety of games, and often, lower costs.
# 1 – Xiaomi Poco X3
The Xiaomi Poco X3 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G chipset, specifically designed to enhance the gaming experience on mid-range devices. Coupled with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and the Adreno 618 GPU, it can run the most popular games smoothly with details on high settings.
Screen
The device stands out with its 6.67-inch IPS LCD screen with FHD+ resolution, and most importantly for gamers, a 120Hz refresh rate. This high rate ensures smoother transitions and movements, essential for games requiring quick reactions.
Battery
The Poco X3 features a 5160mAh battery, allowing for long gaming sessions without interruptions. Plus, its 33W fast-charging support means you can get back in the game shortly after charging.
Game Mode
Xiaomi includes Game Turbo, a mode that optimizes performance for games, enhances touch response, and minimizes distractions by blocking notifications and calls. It’s a crucial tool for serious gamers.
Sound
This model comes with stereo speakers that provide a more immersive and detailed sound experience, elevating the overall gaming experience.
Design and Ergonomics
With a plastic back featuring a circular design around the camera and the POCO logo, it’s a device that feels sturdy in hand. Its design and ergonomics make it easy to grip during intense gaming sessions.
Price
The Xiaomi Poco X3 offers an unbeatable price-performance ratio in the mid-range segment, making it one of the most popular options among gamers looking for power without spending too much.
The Xiaomi Poco X3 is undoubtedly one of the most recommended smartphones for mid-range gamers. Its combination of a powerful chipset, high refresh rate screen, and game-specific optimizations make it a standout choice for those looking for outstanding performance without breaking the bank. If mobile gaming is your passion, the Poco X3 will not disappoint.
- Pros:
- Up to 6GB RAM ensures apps and games remain in the background.
- Liquid cooling for handling long gaming sessions without overheating.
- Stereo speakers for an immersive sound experience.
- Cons:
- Somewhat heavy in hand due to its large battery.
#2 – Motorola Moto G Power
The Motorola Moto G Power is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 processor, backed by 4GB of RAM. While this chipset isn’t the most powerful on the market, it’s still capable of handling popular games at medium settings. The Adreno 610 GPU ensures decent performance for most mid-range games.
Display
This device sports a 6.4-inch IPS LCD screen with an FHD+ resolution. While it might not be as vibrant as AMOLED screens, it still delivers a clear and detailed visual experience for gaming.
Battery
One of the standout features of the Moto G Power is its 5000mAh battery. It’s a gamer’s delight, allowing for extended play sessions without constantly worrying about charging the device. Motorola claims up to three days of use on a single charge, although actual usage might vary.
Gaming Mode
Even though Motorola doesn’t incorporate a specific “gaming mode” as some other manufacturers do, the near-stock Android experience ensures that there aren’t many distractions or bloatware that can interfere with the gaming experience.
Sound
The device boasts stereo speakers, which is a plus for gamers. This provides a more immersive sound experience, elevating in-game immersion.
Design and Ergonomics
With a sturdy design and plastic construction, the Moto G Power is comfortable to hold and play with for extended periods. The durable design also ensures the device can handle everyday wear and tear.
Price
The Motorola Moto G Power is a mid-range device that offers great value for money, especially when considering its hefty battery.
For budget-conscious gamers, the Motorola Moto G Power is an option to ponder. Even though it’s not specifically designed for gaming, its ample battery and decent performance promise a commendable experience for popular mid-range games. If you’re a casual gamer who also values battery life for daily tasks, this device might just be the one for you.
- Pros:
- Sturdy and durable design.
- Battery that can last more than a day even with intensive use.
- Near-stock Android software, meaning faster updates and less bloatware.
- Cons:
- Lack of a high refresh rate on the display.
#3 – Samsung Galaxy A50
The Samsung Galaxy A50 is powered by Samsung’s Exynos 9610 processor, complemented by options of either 4GB or 6GB of RAM. While it may not be in the range of the most powerful chipsets, it can handle many of the market’s most popular games at medium settings. Its Mali-G72 MP3 GPU ensures decent graphics across most game titles.
Display
The A50 stands out with its 6.4-inch Super AMOLED screen boasting an FHD+ resolution. This screen delivers vibrant colors and deep blacks, elevating the visual gaming experience. Moreover, its Infinity-U display ensures a wide field of view for gamers.
Battery
The device comes equipped with a 4000mAh battery, ensuring that most gamers can enjoy extended play sessions before needing a recharge. While it doesn’t support ultra-fast charging, its fast charging capability lets users juice up the device in a reasonable timeframe.
Gaming Mode
Samsung introduces the Gaming Mode, tailored to optimize performance and minimize notifications during gameplay. This assists in minimizing distractions and ensures that the device performs at its peak during gaming sessions.
Sound
The Galaxy A50 has a decent bottom-firing speaker. However, for a truly immersive sound experience, it’s recommended to use headphones, especially for games that rely heavily on audio cues.
Design and Ergonomics
With a sleek design and a prismatic effect plastic back, the A50 is not only appealing but also comfortable to hold during prolonged gaming sessions.
Price
This device sits in the mid-range in terms of price, offering a fair value for money, especially for those seeking a versatile device capable of handling both gaming and other tasks effectively.
It stands as a solid choice for gamers on the lookout for a mid-range device. While it might not offer top-tier performance for intensive games, it will serve well for most popular titles. If you’re a casual gamer looking for a balance between performance, design, and cost, the A50 could be a worthy contender.
- Pros:
- AMOLED display ensures deep blacks and vibrant colors.
- Face recognition and on-screen fingerprint sensor.
- Memory expansion with microSD.
- Cons:
- Samsung’s customization layer can sometimes feel overwhelming.
#4 – Realme Narzo 20 Pro
The Realme Narzo 20 Pro is powered by the MediaTek Helio G95 processor. This chipset, specially designed for mid-range gaming, is complemented by options of either 6GB or 8GB of RAM. The Mali-G76 MC4 GPU ensures that the most popular titles run smoothly and stand out in this segment.
Display
The device sports a 6.5-inch FHD+ display, translating into sharp and clear visuals. Moreover, it boasts a 90Hz refresh rate, offering a more fluid and responsive gaming experience, an essential feature for gamers.
Battery
The battery is another strength of the Narzo 20 Pro. Its 4500mAh capacity combined with the 65W SuperDart fast charging technology means not only can you play for extended periods, but you can also recharge the device in just minutes.
Gaming Mode
Realme has integrated the Competition Mode, crafted to provide the best gaming experience. This feature optimizes performance, minimizes notifications, and boosts connectivity for online gaming, ensuring that gamers immerse themselves in their games without distractions.
Sound
Although the device lacks stereo speakers, it delivers decent sound through its mono speaker. However, for a more immersive experience, using headphones is recommended.
Design and Ergonomics
With an appealing and ergonomic design, the Narzo 20 Pro feels good in hand and is comfortable for extended gaming sessions.
Price
The Realme Narzo 20 Pro offers outstanding value for money, positioning itself as one of the most competitive mid-range gaming smartphones.
If you’re in search of a device offering a seamless gaming experience without breaking the bank, the Realme Narzo 20 Pro is a contender to consider. Its robust chipset, high-refresh-rate screen, and gaming-specific optimizations place it prominently amongst mid-range gaming smartphones. It’s a smart choice for those wanting commendable gaming performance without splurging.
- Pros:
- Extremely efficient fast charging.
- Eye-catching design with a distinctive shine on the back.
- Realme UI operating system with extensive customization options.
- Cons:
- The camera might not be on par with other mid-range devices.
#5 – Oppo A53
The Oppo A53 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 processor, paired with options of 4GB or 6GB of RAM. While it isn’t the most robust chipset available, it can handle popular games at medium settings. The Adreno 610 GPU supports graphic tasks, ensuring most titles run with relative smoothness.
Display
The smartphone features a 6.5-inch display with HD+ resolution. Although some gamers might prefer a higher resolution, the panel offers a 90Hz refresh rate, ensuring a more fluid visual experience and reduced latency for supported games.
Battery
Another highlight of the Oppo A53 is its 5000mAh battery. This capacity promises extended gaming sessions without the constant need to recharge the device. Plus, it supports 18W fast charging.
Gaming Mode
Oppo has incorporated the Gaming Mode, which optimizes the phone’s performance during gameplay. This feature minimizes notifications and frees up system resources to offer a smoother gaming experience.
Sound
The stereo sound with Dirac effects is another plus for the gaming experience, delivering a more immersive and clear audio.
Design and Ergonomics
The design of the Oppo A53 is modern and ergonomic, making it comfortable to hold during prolonged gaming sessions without discomfort.
Price
The Oppo A53 falls in the mid-range in terms of pricing, offering good value for money for budget-conscious gamers.
While it may not be the most potent device on the market, it’s a solid choice for those seeking a decent gaming experience without shelling out too much. The combination of its 90Hz refresh rate screen, enduring battery, and specific gaming optimizations make it worth considering if you’re in the market for mid-range phones with acceptable gaming capabilities. However, if high-end games and peak performance are your priorities, you might want to explore more powerful options.
- Pros:
- Sleek design with a color gradient on the back.
- 90Hz refresh rate at this price range is a rarity.
- Cons:
- Somewhat basic processor for high-end games.
#6 – Asus Zenfone Max Pro M2
The Asus Zenfone Max Pro M2 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 processor. Paired with options of 3GB, 4GB, or 6GB of RAM, it delivers commendable performance for mid-range gaming. Its Adreno 512 GPU handles graphics and ensures that most popular games run smoothly without notable hitches.
Display
Sporting a 6.3-inch FHD+ display, the Zenfone Max Pro M2 offers exceptional clarity and sharpness for its price bracket. The inclusion of Corning Gorilla Glass 6 protection is an added bonus, especially for gamers who might be a bit accident-prone.
Battery
One of the most standout features of this device is its colossal 5000mAh battery. Such a capacity allows for prolonged gaming sessions without fretting about charging, making it an ideal partner for gaming marathons.
Sound
With its 5-magnet speaker and NXP smart amplification, the Max Pro M2 offers an enriched audio experience beneficial for both gaming and multimedia.
Gaming Optimization
While Asus hasn’t included a specific gaming mode as some other manufacturers do, the sheer hardware performance ensures games run optimally. The company has also minimized bloatware, meaning you get a cleaner, more efficient system.
Design and Ergonomics
Marrying aesthetics with practicality, the Max Pro M2 design is comfortable to hold even during the lengthiest gaming sessions. Its sturdy yet lightweight construction ensures it feels solid in the hand.
Price
The Asus Zenfone Max Pro M2 boasts excellent value for money. Considering its specifications and performance, it’s an affordable device that outshines many of its peers in the same price range.
It’s a solid choice for gamers seeking a balance between performance and cost. Its powerful battery, high-quality screen, and competent processor ensure the gaming experience is more than satisfactory for mid-range users. If you’re on the hunt for a phone offering hours of uninterrupted gaming, good quality, and without burning a hole in your pocket, the Max Pro M2 might be your best bet.
- Pros:
- Near-stock Android software.
- Outstanding battery life.
- Great value for money.
- Cons:
- The user interface might seem dated.
#7 – Huawei P40 Lite
The Huawei P40 Lite boasts the Kirin 810 processor, manufactured using a 7nm process. This chipset has proven itself capable in handling popular games. Paired with 6GB of RAM, it promises a smooth gaming experience on titles like “Mobile Legends”, “PUBG Mobile”, and “Asphalt 9”. The Mali-G52 GPU renders commendable graphics, though for particularly demanding games, settings might need to be adjusted to mid-range for a lag-free experience.
Refresh Rate and Display
Its 6.4-inch LCD screen provides a nice representation of colors and sharp details. While it doesn’t sport a high refresh rate like some more gaming-oriented devices, the visual experience is more than adequate for most games.
Battery
For extended gaming sessions, the P40 Lite’s 4200mAh battery is a godsend. Even though gaming can be power-draining, the device supports several hours of continuous play. If you run out of juice, the 40W SuperCharge technology gets you back in the game quickly, charging the phone up to 70% in roughly 30 minutes.
Gaming Mode
The P40 Lite features game-specific software optimizations. These include resource allocation to ensure uninterrupted gameplay and reducing notifications to avoid distractions during your sessions.
Lack of Google Services
One major consideration for gamers is that the P40 Lite doesn’t have access to the Google Play Store due to trade restrictions between the U.S. and China. This means some popular games might not be directly available. However, Huawei has its AppGallery store, and there are multiple methods to install games and apps outside this platform.
The Huawei P40 Lite is a strong choice for casual gamers and enthusiasts alike. Its solid performance combined with a durable battery and game-optimized features make it a contender in this realm. While it might not match up to a dedicated gaming phone, for those seeking a balanced device catering to both gaming and daily needs, the P40 Lite is worth considering. Just make sure you’re okay with Huawei’s software solutions!
- Pros:
- Quad rear cameras offer versatility in photography.
- Premium and appealing design.
- Cons:
- Lack of Google services and apps could be a drawback for some users.
#8 – Redmi Note 9S
The Redmi Note 9S is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G chipset, tailored specifically with gaming in mind. This octa-core processor, combined with options of 4GB or 6GB RAM, ensures that games run smoothly. The Adreno 618 GPU handles graphics, delivering a visually pleasing experience on most popular titles.
Display
Featuring a 6.67-inch IPS LCD with Full HD+ resolution, games look sharp and vibrant on this device. While it doesn’t boast a higher refresh rate, the screen is more than adequate for immersive gaming sessions.
Battery
Gaming can be quite power-consuming, but that’s where the Redmi Note 9S shines with its hefty 5020mAh battery. This battery capacity ensures that you can game for hours without the need to frequently charge. And when you do, it supports 18W fast charging to get you back into the game quicker.
Gaming Mode
Xiaomi, the brand behind Redmi, includes a Gaming Mode in its MIUI customization layer. This mode optimizes the device’s performance for games, minimizing notification distractions and ensuring that system resources are primarily allocated to the game being played.
Sound
Sound plays a pivotal role for an immersive gaming experience. The Note 9S provides decent audio output through its single speaker. However, for a richer experience, it’s recommended to use headphones.
Price
One of the most appealing factors of the Redmi Note 9S is its outstanding value for money. For an affordable price tag, you get a device that’s quite capable in the gaming realm.
For gamers seeking commendable performance without breaking the bank, the Redmi Note 9S is a contender. While not a “gaming phone” in the strictest sense, its hardware and software optimizations ensure a very competent gaming experience in the mid-range sector. If you’re a gaming enthusiast looking for a device that won’t let you down without burning a hole in your pocket, the Note 9S might just be your ideal companion.
- Pros:
- Large community support, meaning user-driven support and customizations.
- Sturdy build quality.
- Cons:
- MIUI, its operating system, can be ad-heavy in certain regions.
#9 – Vivo Y20
The Vivo Y20 is armed with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 processor. While not the most potent chipset available, coupled with 4GB of RAM, it’s capable of handling popular games on medium settings. The Adreno 610 GPU takes care of graphic demands, ensuring a decent visual experience.
Display
This smartphone boasts a 6.51-inch IPS LCD with an HD+ resolution. While it’s not Full HD, the resolution is suitable for many gamers seeking a satisfactory visual experience without splurging.
Battery
A standout feature of the Vivo Y20 is its 5000mAh battery, allowing prolonged gaming sessions without the constant need for recharging. Furthermore, its 18W fast charging diminishes downtime when you need to power up the device.
Gaming Mode
Vivo incorporates the Ultra Game Mode into its system, a feature designed to optimize gaming performance. This mode curtails interruptions and enables custom adjustments for different games — ideal for ensuring each gaming session is as seamless as possible.
Design and Ergonomics
For gamers who also value aesthetics, the Vivo Y20 showcases a sleek and modern design. Plus, its shape and size are crafted to be comfortably held during extended gameplay.
Price
The pricing of the Vivo Y20 is one of its primary strengths. It strikes a balance between performance and cost, making it a viable choice for gamers unwilling or unable to splurge on high-end devices.
The Vivo Y20 is a worthy contender for gamers seeking a budget-friendly device without significant performance sacrifices. While it doesn’t rival premium or specialized gaming phones, its feature blend makes it apt for casual or even slightly intense gaming. If you’re a gamer who requires a decent balance between price and performance, the Y20 might just be your match. And its design isn’t too shabby either!
- Pros:
- FunTouch OS offers a plethora of features and customizations.
- Swift side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Cons:
- Lacks power for high-demanding games.
#10 – Nokia 5.3
The Nokia 5.3 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 chipset. When combined with options of 3GB, 4GB, or 6GB of RAM, it delivers a decent performance for mid-range standards. The Adreno 610 GPU handles graphics and, while not the most potent in the market, it can efficiently manage popular games on medium settings.
Display
The device sports a 6.55-inch HD+ screen. Although it doesn’t boast Full HD resolution, the image quality ensures that most games are displayed clearly with sharp details. The visual experience meets the expectations for a majority of titles.
Battery
One of the highlights of the Nokia 5.3 is its 4000mAh battery. Though not the largest available, it is sufficient to deliver several hours of gameplay without the need for a recharge — a boon for gamers who indulge in long playing sessions.
Gaming Mode
Even though Nokia adheres to a pure Android approach with Android One, gaming performance benefits from the optimizations the Snapdragon 665 provides. This results in a smoother gaming experience with reduced lags and hangs.
Sound
Sound plays a pivotal role in a full-fledged gaming experience. The Nokia 5.3 renders clear sound through its speaker, but for an immersive experience, using headphones is always recommended.
Price
The Nokia 5.3 stands out for its value for money. Its performance-to-cost ratio makes it an enticing choice for gamers seeking a competent device without breaking the bank.
While the Nokia 5.3 isn’t strictly a gaming phone, its feature set makes it a solid option for casual gaming in the mid-range segment. Its performance, paired with a decent battery and a wide screen, ensures a satisfying gaming experience for most users. If you’re a gamer on the lookout for an affordable device that doesn’t compromise, the Nokia 5.3 could be an excellent pick. And let’s not forget Nokia’s promise of swift updates with Android One!
- Pros:
- Android One ensures swift and pure updates.
- Sturdy build and design.
- Cons:
- The camera might not be the best in its range.
Choose the best phone based on your needs
Ultimately, your choice should hinge on your priorities. If battery longevity matters most, the Moto G Power or the Asus Zenfone are great options. For performance enthusiasts, the Poco X3 or the Narzo 20 Pro might be more fitting. If software updates concern you, the Nokia 5.3 with Android One could be your match. Evaluate these features thoroughly and make an informed decision! For Free Fire gamers, we have a post discussing the best phones for Free Fire don’t miss out!
