Let’s cut to the chase.
The smartphone market is flooded with devices labeled as “gaming phones,” even in the budget-friendly Php 10k range. But are these devices truly capable of delivering a satisfying gaming experience?
The Truth Behind the Label
While these phones may boast powerful processors and large displays, they often fall short when it comes to sustained performance, thermal management, and specialized gaming features. Here’s why:
- Limited Processing Power: While budget-friendly processors can handle casual gaming, demanding titles like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile may struggle to maintain smooth frame rates, especially at higher graphics settings.
- Thermal Throttling: Lower-end processors often lack efficient cooling solutions. This can lead to thermal throttling, where the device’s performance is reduced to prevent overheating. This can significantly impact gaming performance, especially during long gaming sessions.
- Subpar Displays: While some budget phones offer decent displays, they may lack high refresh rates, HDR support, and accurate color reproduction, which are crucial for immersive gaming experiences.
- Lack of Specialized Features: Gaming phones often come with features like trigger buttons, vibration motors, and dedicated cooling systems. Budget phones, on the other hand, typically lack these enhancements.
So, Should You Buy a Budget “Gaming” Phone?
If you’re a casual gamer who enjoys mobile titles like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang or PUBG Mobile, a budget “gaming” phone can be a decent choice. However, if you’re looking for a device that can handle demanding games(such as Hoyoverse games and Wuthering Waves for example) at high settings, you’ll likely need to invest in a more premium option.
There are only a handful of sub-Php 10k devices that can be called gaming phones, such as the nubia Neo 2 5G with its trigger buttons and bypass charging feature, as well as the itel RS4 with bypass charging and fast 45W charging.
A Word of Advice
Before purchasing a budget “gaming” phone, do your research and read reviews from reputable sources. Consider factors like processor performance, cooling system, display quality, and battery life. It’s also worth checking online forums and communities to see what other gamers are saying about the device.
By carefully evaluating these factors, you can make an informed decision and avoid disappointment.
