Gaming phones have taken the smartphone world by storm over recent years. Models dedicated to gaming feature specialized hardware like high refresh rate displays, graphics-intensive processors, fast touch sampling rates, shoulder triggers and more to deliver an enhanced gameplay experience for mobile users. This buying guide will explore some of the best gaming phones available to purchase under a ₹15,000 budget here in India. Comparing critical aspects like CPU performance, RAM configurations, battery capacities, fast charging solutions and display features across popular options, we will highlight devices that provide maximum value specifically for gaming enthusiasts with tight budget constraints.
The iQOO Z6 Lite 5G comes with the new Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 processor making it the world’s first phone with this chipset. This ensures smooth performance and gaming. It has a 120Hz refresh rate display, one of the best in its segment. The phone comes with a 33W fast charger and travel adapter in the box.
With Qualcomm’s latest gaming-focused Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset and a high refresh rate display, the iQOO Z6 Lite 5G is arguably the best gaming phone under ₹15,000. The fast charging support and travel adapter bundled in the box make it a complete package.
The iQOO Z6 Lite 5G comes equipped with the new Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 mobile platform, making it the world’s first phone with this chipset. It is focused on offering a smooth gaming and entertainment experience. The phone also features a 6.58-inch FHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate for a seamless visual experience. It packs a 5000mAh battery with 33W fast charging support. For photography, it has a 50MP dual camera setup. Other key features include up to 6GB RAM, 128GB storage, side fingerprint scanner and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The box contains a 33W charger and travel adapter too.
The Redmi 12 5G features a powerful new Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 processor for smooth gaming performance. It comes with an ample 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. The phone packs a 5000mAh battery with 33W Pro fast charging.
Redmi has equipped the Redmi 12 5G with Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 specifically designed for gaming and entertainment. This new chipset combined with 8GB RAM ensures smooth gaming and multitasking. The 33W fast charging helps quickly replenish the large 5000mAh battery. At this price, it is undoubtedly one of the best gaming phones available.
The Redmi 12 5G features Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset built on the 6nm process for power efficiency. This octa-core chipset is coupled with 8GB LPDDR4X RAM and 256GB UFS 2.2 storage. It packs a large 5000mAh battery supporting 33W Pro fast charging. The phone sports a 50MP dual AI camera. Other key specs include a 6.67-inch FHD+ LCD with 2408×1080 pixels resolution. Additional features include a side fingerprint scanner, IR blaster, 3.5mm audio jack, stereo speakers and more.
The TECNO Spark 9 comes with the Helio G37 processor optimized for gaming. It supports memory fusion technology to expand RAM by 3GB to 7GB in total. The phone packs a 6000mAh battery and 13MP dual AI camera.
The Helio G37 gives the Spark 9 an edge for gaming in this segment. Expandable RAM further enhances multitasking and gaming capabilities. The 6000mAh battery ensures uninterrupted gaming sessions. Overall, it’s a competitively priced gaming device under ₹15,000 from TECNO.
The TECNO Spark 9 is equipped with a MediaTek Helio G37 processor built using 12nm production process for better energy efficiency and gaming. It features 4GB LPDDR4x RAM which can be expanded up to 7GB using Memory Fusion technology. For storage, it packs 64GB internal memory expandable by up to 512GB. The phone houses a 6000mAh battery and runs on HiOS 12.0 based on Android 12. It sports a 6.6″ HD+ dot notch display with 90Hz refresh rate. For optics, it has a 13MP dual AI camera with Quad Flash. Other key highlights of the phone include a fingerprint scanner, Face Unlock and more.
The POVA 5 Pro 5G offers segment-leading 68W ultra fast charging capability. It is equipped with MediaTek’s Dimensity 930 5G chipset for gaming. The phone features a unique multi-colored backlit ARC design and packs an 8GB RAM + 128GB storage configuration.
With MediaTek Dimensity 930 5G chipset, 68W fast charging support, 8GB RAM and unique backlit ARC design, the POVA 5 Pro 5G brings a perfect blend of gaming hardware and style under ₹15,000. The 50MP AI camera and FHD+ display further add appeal. It’s undoubtedly a top contender for best gaming phone in this segment.
The POVA 5 Pro 5G is equipped with an octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 930 5G processor to deliver optimized gaming performance and faster speeds. It supports LPDDR5 RAM up to 8GB and UFS 3.1 storage up to 128GB. The device houses a powerful 6000mAh battery with 68W ultra fast charging. It sports a 6.78” FHD+ dot-in display with 120Hz refresh rate. For imaging, it features a dual 50MP AI camera. The phone has a unique multi-colored back panel with LED ARC design. Other features include dual SIM 5G, side fingerprint sensor, Hi-Res audio and more.
The Narzo 50i Prime offers the fastest 33W charging in its segment. It comes with a high-res 64MP Nightscape main camera. The phone is powered by a Unisoc T612 gaming processor and features a 6.5” LCD display.
With 33W charging and Unisoc T612 chipset focused on gaming, the Narzo 50i Prime brings good hardware for mobile gaming. The high resolution main sensor also proves handy to capture gameplays and content. For an asking price below ₹15,000, it’s a decent gaming phone from realme.
The realme narzo 50i Prime comes equipped with a Unisoc T612 processor built on the power efficient 12nm architecture. It features an octa-core CPU clocked up to 1.82GHz. For graphics-intensive tasks and gaming, it has an ARM Mali G57 GPU. The Narzo 50i Prime houses a 5000mAh battery supporting 33W Dart Charge fast charging. It sports a 6.5” HD+ LCD display with 1600 x 720 pixels resolution. On the camera front, it offers a 50MP Nightscape primary sensor and a 2MP B&W lens. Other key highlights include 4G VoLTE, dedicated microSD slot, splash resistant design and more.
The Redmi 10 Power offers a large 6000mAh battery for marathon gaming sessions. It comes equipped with an octa-core Snapdragon 680 chipset and ample 8GB RAM for smooth performance. The phone features a 50MP dual camera setup.
With a 6000mAh battery, Snapdragon 680 processor and 8GB RAM configuration, Xiaomi has equipped the Redmi 10 Power nicely as a gaming device under ₹15,000. These specs combined promise long-lasting gameplay with decent graphics and performance. It’s certainly a strong competitor for the top gaming phone in this price bracket.
The Redmi 10 Power packs a powerful 6000mAh battery, supported by 18W standard charging. It features an octa-core Snapdragon 680 4G processor, paired with 8GB LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB storage. Graphics are handled by an Adreno 610 GPU. It sports a 6.7″ HD+ Dot Drop display with adaptive refresh rate up to 90Hz. For optics, the Redmi 10 Power has a 50MP + 2MP dual camera setup aided with AI processing. Additional highlights include dual 4G standby, a 3.5mm jack, IR blaster, Hi-Res audio and splash proof nano coating.
The POVA 4 from TECNO leverages a Helio G99 gaming processor and 6000mAh battery for sustained gameplay. It includes an 18W charger in the box for rapid charging support. The device also features a 50MP Nightscape camera to capture game videos and moments in detail.
With MediaTek’s Helio G99 gaming chipset under the hood and a 6000mAh battery, the POVA 4 seems well geared for mobile gaming needs. The boxed fast charger, 8GB RAM configuration and 50MP Nightscape camera make it a competitive offering in this segment for gaming enthusiasts shopping under a ₹15,000 budget.
The POVA 4 features a MediaTek Helio G99 processor fabricated using a power efficient 6nm production process. It comes equipped with an octa-core CPU clocked up to 2.2GHz and an Arm Mali G57 class GPU for graphics. On the memory front, it packs 8GB LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB storage expandable upto 2TB. The device houses a 6000mAh battery with 18W fast charging supported. It boasts a 50MP rear camera with Super Nightscape and AI Lens capabilities. Additional features include a 6.82″ 90Hz LCD, dual 4G SIM slots, a side fingerprint scanner and Hi-OS 12.0 based on Android 12.
The Redmi 12 5G offers the new Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chip focused on gaming and entertainment experiences. It packs a 5000mAh battery with 33W Pro fast charging support. The phone comes equipped with up to 4GB RAM and 128GB onboard storage.
For buyers looking to purchase a future-ready 5G gaming phone on a tight budget, the Redmi 12 5G makes a compelling case with its brand new Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 platform. Smooth gameplay is ensured by ample RAM and fast charging minimizes downtime. At its affordable pricing, this Xiaomi offering surely seems like one of the best bets for gaming under ₹15,000.
The Redmi 12 5G leverages the recently announced Snapdragon 480+ 5G chipset fabricated on a 6nm processor for efficient computing. The integrated Adreno 619L GPU enhances gaming and multimedia experiences. It packs a 5000mAh battery with 33W Pro fast charging support. Memory configurations include up to 4GB LPDDR4X RAM as well as 128GB UFS 2.2 internal storage. The device sports a 6.67″ HD+ LCD display with 90Hz refresh rate. It runs MIUI 13 interface based on Android 12. Key imaging specs include a 50MP dual camera setup aided with AI processing capabilities. Other features include splash proof design, dual 5G standby and more.
The TECNO Pova 5 comes equipped with a MediaTek Helio G88 SoC optimized for gaming. It offers best-in-class 45W fast charging support backed by a 6000mAh battery. For immersive visuals, the phone has a 6.78″ FHD+ display with 90Hz refresh rate.
With Helio G88 gaming processor, 45W charging capabilities and 6000mAh battery, the Pova 5 seems geared nicely to deliver a competitive gaming experience in its price segment. The smooth 90Hz FHD+ display and 50MP Nightscape camera add further appeal. Overall, a decent option for shoppers eyeing powerful specs under a ₹15,000 budget.
The TECNO Pova 5 packs an octa-core MediaTek Helio G88 chipset built on a power efficient 12nm manufacturing process with HyperEngine 2.0 Lite for optimized gameplay. It features 8GB LPDDR4x RAM and 128GB storage expandable by 512GB. The phone houses a 6000mAh battery and supports 45W fast charging. It flaunts a 6.78” FHD+ hole punch display with 90Hz refresh rate. On the imaging front, it sports a dual 50MP AI camera with Quad Flash and Super Nightscape. Additional highlights include a side fingerprint scanner, face unlock, splash resistant design, dual 4G SIM slots and HiOS 12.0 interface based on Android 12.
The POVA 5 Pro 5G offers segment-leading 68W ultra fast charging backed by MediaTek Dimensity 930 5G chipset. It has an industry-first multi-colored LED light bar with ARC design. The device packs a 6.78” FHD+ display and 50MP dual cameras.
With its unique ARC light bar that elevates style quotient, best-in-class 68W charging capability, Dimensity 930 gaming processor and 8GB RAM, the POVA 5 Pro 5G brings an ideal mix of utility and design for mobile gamers shopping under ₹15,000 budget.
The POVA 5 Pro 5G features an octa-core Dimensity 930 5G chipset with up to 2.4GHz clock speed aided by ARM Mali-G68 MC4 graphics. It flaunts a 6.78″ punch-hole FHD+ display with 120Hz refresh rate and 240Hz touch sampling rate. The device supports 68W Flash Charge and packs an ample 6000mAh battery. It runs HiOS 12 based on Android 12 and houses dual 50MP AI rear cameras. Unique design highlights include the multi-colored LED illuminated bar with ARC light effect. Other key specs include 8GB RAM, 128GB storage, a side fingerprint scanner and more.
Phone | Processor | RAM |
---|---|---|
iQOO Z6 Lite 5G | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 | 6GB |
Redmi 12 5G | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 | 8GB |
TECNO Spark 9 | Helio G37 | 4GB |
POVA 5 Pro 5G | Dimensity 930 5G | 8GB |
realme narzo N55 | Unisoc T612 | 6GB |
Xiaomi Redmi 10 Power | Snapdragon 680 | 8GB |
TECNO Pova 4 | Helio G99 | 8GB |
Redmi 12 5G | Snapdragon 480+ | 4GB |
TECNO Pova 5 | Helio G88 | 8GB |
POVA 5 Pro 5G | Dimensity 930 5G | 8GB |
When choosing a gaming phone in the sub-₹15000 category, key factors to consider include:
Processor: Choose a phone equipped with gaming-focused chipsets like Snapdragon 4 Gen 1, Helio G99 or MediaTek Dimensity series for optimized performance. These processors handle gaming needs better compared to regular mobile chipsets.
RAM & Storage: Having ample RAM between 6GB to 8GB ensures smooth multitasking and uninterrupted gaming by keeping more apps/games active in the background. Faster UFS 2.2/2.3 storage is also preferred.
Battery & Charging: Look for phones with 5000mAh+ batteries that facilitate longer gameplay. Fast charging support through chargers above 30W helps quickly top up battery when running low.
Display: Choose phones with at least 90Hz displays for a smoother visual experience. An FHD+ resolution results in sharper game graphics too.
Cooling System: Effective cooling prevents thermal throttling ensuring sustained peak performance during intensive gaming sessions. Some phones have dedicated cooling methods like liquid cooling chambers.
Additional Features: Side fingerprint sensors for quick biometric access, stereo speakers for immersive audio, splash proof or durable build quality add further appeal.
Keeping these vital factors in mind and comparing spec sheets thoroughly will help identify the best overall package for gaming in your budget.
Gaming phones can be differentiated based on various aspects:
Display: Basic HD+ displays vs. higher refresh rate FHD+ displays with HDR support
Performance Hardware: Entry level gaming processors vs. flagship grade chipsets and GPUs
Cooling: Standard passive cooling vs. liquid cooling technology and other dedicated mechanisms
Primary Features: Phones with extras like shoulder buttons/triggers for enhanced controls and Air Triggers software. Some even have enhancement buttons to maximize performance in gaming mode.
Design: Regular flat slab phones vs. aggressively styled phones with details like copper tubes, accent colors, angled cuts or transparent case backs to showcase internal components.
Storage: 64GB base storage going up to 512GB in premium gaming phones
Charging Tech: Standard 10-30W vs. ultra fast 100W+ charging solutions
Price: Budget phones under ₹15,000 focused on casual gamers vs. advanced gaming phones priced above ₹20,000 meant for power users and competitive gaming.
So based on budget, priorities and kind of games played, buyers can opt for the type of gaming phone that best matches their requirements.
Follow these best practices to enhance gaming phone usage experience, extend device longevity and maintain peak performance:
Based on critical gaming focused hardware, the Redmi 12 5G powered by the latest Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset seems to be the best gaming phone available under ₹15,000. The equally capable iQOO Z6 Lite 5G featuring the same processor is a close second choice. Both deliver a very smooth and consistent lag-free gaming performance thanks to optimizations done by Qualcomm specifically for this new mobile platform.
For gaming phones priced under ₹15,000, 6GB to 8GB RAM is ideal. Having at least 6GB RAM allows keeping multiple games active in background without reloading frequently. 8GB RAM configuration provides extra headroom for seamless switching between more resource intensive games or apps. Phones like realme narzo 50i Prime, Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G, TECNO POVA series offer ample 6GB/8GB RAM hardware.
The latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 and MediaTek Helio G99 are top contenders for best gaming focused processors in this budget. Xiaomi and TECNO models powered by these deliver smooth lag-free gameplay.
Yes, 6GB RAM suffices for casual gaming, moderate multitasking and running regular day-to-day apps on budget phones. It lets several games remain active in the background with minimal reloading needed.
Phones like Redmi 10 Power (6000mAh), TECNO Pova 5 Pro (6000mAh), TECNO Spark 9 (6000mAh) and Redmi 12 5G (5000mAh) offer exceptionally long battery life facilitating marathon gaming sessions. Their fast charging support minimizes downtime as well.
An FHD+ or HD+ resolution display with at least 90Hz refresh rate delivers sharp visuals and lag-free experience critical for gaming. Phones like realme narzo 50i Prime, Redmi 12 5G, TECNO Pova series and iQOO Z6 Lite 5G fit the bill.
Yes, UFS 2.2/2.3 based storage in phones like iQOO Z6 Lite 5G, realme narzo 50i Prime and Xiaomi Redmi 10 Power provides higher data speeds and responsiveness resulting in quicker game load times compared to eMMC 5.1 storage found in extremely budget options.
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