We all know that mobile gaming has grown tremendously in popularity over the last decade, transforming smartphones into a robust handheld gaming console. With the advent of big games like PUBG Mobile, BGMI, Call of Duty Mobile, and Genshin Impact, gamers are demanding phones with excellent performance without incurring significant costs.This is where the best gaming phones under ₹20,000 fall short.
Gone are the days when you had to spend over Rs 50,000 to get a great gaming device with smooth graphics and no major lag. Today, some of the best brands like iQOO, Poco, Realme and Xiaomi are competing fiercely to offer premium-level performance at mid-range prices. All these devices are equipped with flagship-grade processors, high refresh rates, AMOLED displays, big batteries, and special optimizations.
This article is your complete guide to choosing the best gaming phone under ₹20,000 in 2025. We will review the top models, their pros and cons, and also determine which phone will best suit your gaming style. So if you are looking to buy a new gaming phone without a budget, keep reading.
What to Look for in a Gaming Phone Under 20000
Choosing the right gaming phone isn’t just about buying the latest model. It’s about finding the best balance between hardware performance and battery life. Here are the key factors to consider when purchasing a gaming device under ₹20,000.
Processor & GPU Performance
The processor is the heart of any gaming smartphone. Budget phones under 20000 mostly have MediaTek Dimensity 8200, Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, or Snapdragon 778G+ processors. These chipsets provide very smooth gaming at high frame rates. The CPU’s graphics processing unit also plays a crucial role in delivering exceptional performance. For the best gaming graphics, check out Adreno 642L or Mali-G610 MC6.
Display Quality & Refresh:
The large AMOLED display with Full HD+ resolution is ideal for an immersive gaming experience. High refresh rates, such as 120Hz / 144Hz, ensure smoother animations and minimal color blur. HDR10+ support further enhances the visuals in games with vibrant graphics, such as Genshin Impact.
RAM & Storage:
Games like BGMI and Call of Duty require ample memory to run efficiently. Gaming phones under ₹20,000 should have 8GB RAM with virtual RAM expansion and at least 128GB UFS 2.2/3.1 storage. Helps in faster loading speeds and avoids lag while gaming.
Battery Capacity & Charging Speed:
Playing games drains the battery very quickly. People mostly prefer phones with 5000mAh or 6000mAh batteries, and fast charging of 67W or more ensures that you can start playing games in a few minutes. Some brands also offer adaptive charging, which prevents the phone from heating up while playing games.
Cooling Technology:
Cooling is an essential feature in gaming smartphones that prevents the phone from overheating and is often overlooked.
Extended sessions can cause fatigue, which can lead to a drop in performance. To maintain stable performance, the phone must be equipped with vapour chamber cooling, a graphite sheet or liquid cooling.
Top Gaming Phone Brands in the Budget Segment
The budget gaming market in India is dominated by several smartphone brands, with each brand offering unique features to attract gamers.
Xiaomi/Redmi: Xiaomi has consistently dominated the mid-range market. High refresh rate displays and powerful processors are commonly found in the Redmi Note series, which strikes a balance between performance and affordability.
Realme: Young gamers who seek performance at a budget are served by Realme’s Narzo and several series, which are known for their stylish designs and powerful chipsets.
iQOO: Iqoo has established itself as a brand that focuses on gaming. Advanced cooling, AMOLED panels, and powerful MediaTek processors are utilized in models like the Neo series to enhance gaming performance.
POCO: A sub-brand of Xiaomi, POCO is famous for its X-series and F-series smartphones. These phones are equipped with gaming-centric features, including 120Hz AMOLED screens and Snapdragon processors.
Samsung & Others: While Samsung’s M-series and F-series may not be particularly focused on gaming, they still provide exceptional battery life and reliable performance for casual gamers. Motorola and Infinix make occasional forays into the budget gaming market.
Best Phones for Gaming Under 20000
Here is a list of the best gaming smartphones you can buy in India in 2025 without going over the 20,000 budget:
iQOO Z10R – MediaTek Dimensity 7400, 120Hz AMOLED display, 44W flash charging.
POCO X5 Pro – Snapdragon 778G, 120Hz AMOLED, 67W charging
Realme Narzo 80x – Dimensity 7400, 120Hz AMOLED, 6000mAh battery
Redmi Note 13 Pro – Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, AMOLED, Dolby Atmos sound
Samsung Galaxy A17 5G –Octa-Core, 5000mAh battery, 90Hz display
.The advantages offered by these devices vary depending on whether you value raw power, long battery life, or display quality.
Detailed Review: iQOO Z10R
Vivo’s sub-brand, iQOO, has launched the iQOO Z10R 5G in India in 2025, focusing on both performance and affordability. As an entry-level 5G device, it aims to deliver a reliable core experience with minimal interruptions, particularly in terms of performance and battery life.
At its core is the MediaTek Dimensity 7400 chipset, which delivers excellent performance for tasks such as multitasking, video streaming, and light photo editing. You also get this premium feel with its efficient LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 2.2 storage. To take full advantage of its robust capabilities and for gaming, you can opt for a model with up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, which is considered a strong and great model.
The vapor chamber liquid cooling system is a crucial advantage that prevents overheating during extended gaming sessions. Benchmarks indicate that it is capable of running Genshin Impact at high settings with a stable 60 FPS, which is uncommon at this price point.
Pros: Blazing, efficient performance (Dimensity 7300 is a class-leader)
. Perfect 45W fast charging
. Smooth 120Hz display for fluid visuals
. Excellent gaming capabilities for the price
Cons: Average camera system, especially in low light; lacks an ultra-wide sensor
. LCD lacks the punch and contrast of AMOLED panels
Detailed Review: POCO X5 Pro
The POCO X5 Pro is an excellent choice for gamers seeking powerful performance for less than 20000. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G chipset in this phone provides a balance between performance and power efficiency. Call of Duty Mobile and BGMI can run at 60–90 frames per second, posing no problem for them when it comes to playing demanding games.
With its 6.67-inch AMOLED display and 120Hz refresh rate, you can expect ultra-smooth gameplay and stunning visuals. HDR10+ support allows colors to pop out vividly, making games more immersive. POCO also offers a 240Hz touch sampling rate, which is a significant advantage for competitive gamers who require lightning-fast response times.
The 5000mAh unit with 67W fast charging provides longer battery life for gaming. While it’s not as fast as the iQOO Neo 7’s 120W charger, it still fills up the battery in under 45 minutes. The cooling system is decent, though not as aggressive as iQOO’s.
Pros:
AMOLED 120Hz display with HDR10+
Reliable Snapdragon 778G chipset
67W fast charging
Lightweight design
Cons:
Camera performance is average.
Gets slightly warm during prolonged heavy gaming
Detailed Review: Realme Narzo 80 Pro
The Realme Narzo 80 Pro positions itself in a highly competitive mid-range segment, aiming to impress with a premium design, a curved display with a high refresh rate, and a powerful processor. The Narzo 80 Pro offers seamless multitasking and gaming performance, along with Realme UI 6.0 based on Android 15, which provides a smooth and modern software experience.
The Realme Narzo 80 Pro 5G features a 6.7-inch 120Hz OLED display, MediaTek Dimensity 7400 chipset, 50MP Sony OIS primary camera, 6000mAh battery with 80W SuperVOOC charging, and runs on Android 15 with Realme UI 6.0. It features up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage, supporting features such as a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and IP69 waterproofing.
Realme has also equipped its device with an extensive 6,050 mm² VC cooling system to maintain optimal heat during intense gaming. Interestingly, the device supports 90fps in BGMI. Apart from this, the Narzo 80 Pro packs a massive 6,000mAh battery with 80W SuperVOOC charging and 65W reverse charging.
Pros: Stunning 120Hz curved AMOLED display with high brightness
. Outstanding battery life with a 6000mAh battery
. Decent performance with Dimensity 7400
. 90 FPS Support For BGMI
Cons:
Charging speed could be faster.
Lacks an advanced cooling system
Detailed Review: Redmi Note 13 Pro
The Redmi Note series has consistently been regarded as one of the top choices in the mid-range category, and the Redmi Note 13 Pro is no exception. The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor is included, which provides a perfect balance of gaming power and battery efficiency.
This device stands out due to its 6.67-inch AMOLED display with Dolby Vision and 120Hz refresh rate, which provides a rich, immersive gaming experience. The immersion factor is enhanced by the sound quality, which is enhanced with Dolby Atmos dual speakers, making it an ideal phone for story-driven games like Genshin Impact.
Enjoying long gaming marathons without worrying about downtime is possible with its 5100mAh battery and 67W turbo charging. PUBG Mobile runs smoothly at Ultra HD + Extreme settings, which is a rare feat in this price range based on benchmarks.
Pros:
Dolby Vision AMOLED display
Balanced gaming + multimedia performance
Strong battery life with 67W charging
Premium design
Cons:
Software has some bloatware.
Thermal management could be better.
Detailed Review: Samsung Galaxy A17 5G
Samsung continues to expand its popular Galaxy A series with the launch of the Galaxy A17 5G. It is a very affordable smartphone designed to offer reliable and robust performance, modern features, and 5G connectivity at an affordable price. Announced on August 6, 2025, and scheduled for release on August 18, 2025, the Galaxy A17 5G builds on the success of its predecessor, the Galaxy A16 5G, which was one of Samsung’s best-selling phones that year.
It has a 6.7-inch 90Hz FullHD+ Super AMOLED display on the front with a 13MP selfie camera notch. The device features a triple camera setup at the back, comprising a 50MP primary camera, a 5MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP macro lens. The Samsung Galaxy A17 5G features a 5,000 mAh battery that supports up to 25W charging via USB-C.
With its 2.4 GHz octa-core processor, the Galaxy A17 5G delivers smooth HD streaming, responsive gaming, and seamless social sharing.
Pros:
Excellent 90Hz FHD+ display
Outstanding battery life
Strong software support (4 OS updates)
Cons:
PLASTIC BUILD (feels less premium)
No charger in the box
Ultra-wide and macro cameras are low resolution
Comparison Table: Best Gaming Phones Under 20000
| Phone Model | Processor | Display | Battery | Charging | Best For |
|---|
| iQOO Z10R | Dimensity 7400 | 120Hz AMOLED | 6000mAh | 44W | Hardcore gaming |
| POCO X5 Pro | Snapdragon 778G | 120Hz AMOLED | 5000mAh | 67W | Balanced gaming |
| Realme Narzo 80x | Dimensity 7400 | 120Hz AMOLED | 6000mAh | 80W | Stylish + casual gaming |
| Redmi Note 13 Pro | Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 | 120Hz AMOLED | 5100mAh | 67W | Multimedia + gaming |
| Samsung Galaxy A17 5G | 2.4GHz, 2GHz Octa-Core | 1080 x 2340 (FHD+) | 5000mAh | 25W | Best for Gaming |
Best Phone for PUBG Mobile & BGMI Under 20000
Consistent frame rates, fast touch response, and effective thermal management are essential for gamers when it comes to PUBG Mobile and BGMI. The iQOO Z10R is the most suitable phone among the ones we’ve discussed. Competitive gaming is made possible by its Dimensity 8200 processor, 120Hz AMOLED display, and 120W fast charging.
Running BGMI at Ultra HDR graphics with an Extreme frame rate smoothly is possible with the Z10R. The vapor chamber cooling ensures that the phone doesn’t overheat, even during 2-3 hour-long battle royale sessions. The importance of this is due to thermal throttling’s ability to cause critical FPS drops in a game.
BGMI users can expect excellent performance from the POCO X5 Pro, with 90 FPS support in smooth graphics mode. Hardcore BGMI enthusiasts who play daily and competitively will benefit from the iQOO Z 10R superior cooling and charging speed.
The Redmi Note 13 Pro is a solid choice if you’re into casual BGMI play, as it has a Dolby Vision AMOLED display and a stable Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset.
Best Phone for Call of Duty Mobile Under 20000
Another graphics-intensive title, Call of Duty Mobile (CODM) demands pure performance, responsive controls, and exceptional sound quality. For this game, the POCO X5 Pro is the most affordable phone.
The Snapdragon 778G processor is optimized for CODM, and the 240Hz touch sampling rate offers lightning-fast response times, which can lead to victory or defeat. Due to its HDR10+ AMOLED screen’s enhanced contrast and detail, it becomes much easier to detect enemies on dark maps.
POCO’s dual stereo speakers provide immersive sound, which aids in accurately detecting footsteps and gunfire direction, which is something that serious players truly value.
Despite the iQOO Z10R overall power, the POCO X5 Pro’s optimization with Snapdragon chips slightly enhances its performance for this game. Casual CODM players can opt for the Realme Narzo 60x as a budget-friendly option that provides stable gameplay on high graphics settings.
Tips to Improve Gaming Experience on Budget Phones
Optimization is necessary for even the best gaming phone under 20000. To maximize your gaming experience, here are some tips:
1. Optimize Game Settings
To improve frame rates, lower the graphics settings.
Disable background apps to free up RAM.
Utilize the game booster applications that are pre-installed, like iQOO Game Mode, POCO Game Turbo, and Realme Game Space.
2. Keep the Device Cool
To reduce heat, it’s best to avoid playing while charging.
If you play for an extended period, consider using external cooling fans or triggers.
Minimize thermal throttling by playing in a calm environment.
3. Invest in Gaming Accessories
In shooting games like BGMI, gaming triggers can give you an advantage.
Bluetooth controllers are perfect for RPGs and racing games.
Competitive play benefits from the use of good, wired or wireless earphones that enhance audio cues
4. Update Software & Games
To enhance performance, it’s essential to update your phone’s firmware regularly.
To optimize your chipset, make sure to keep games updated.
These tips can help you maximize the gaming potential of your budget smartphone.
Conclusion
The process of finding the best gaming phone under 20000 in 2025 is no longer complicated. Multiple solid choices are available depending on your gaming needs.
The iQOO Z10R delivers an exceptional all-around gaming experience and raw power.
The POCO X5 Pro is the best choice if you prioritize CODM optimization and a great display.
The Real Me Narzo 80x is an excellent option for those seeking stylish looks and casual gaming.
The Redmi Note 13 Pro is the best choice for balanced gaming entertainment.
If battery backup is of utmost importance, the Samsung Galaxy A17 5G is the clear winner.
While each phone is unique, one thing is clear: budget gamers have never had it better.