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Gaming phones under ₹12,000 in India: Buying guide

Last Published on Feb 15, 2023 12:15 IST

Summary:

Driven by proactive pricing by manufacturers, India's affordable handset market is improving steadily. Due to the overwhelming amount of options available, it is easy to sense overwhelmed when searching the industry for the finest gaming phones under 12,000 in India.


Gaming has become a recreational activity for a lot of smartphone users. Mobile games are becoming advance every day with new graphics and requirements. This has led to companies coming out with dedicated gaming phones. Gaming phones come with powerful processors that can handle all the games available on the mobile platform.

Gaming smartphones are expensive, and not everyone who likes playing games on a smartphone can afford one. This does not mean that you can not game at all without spending a healthy amount of money on a smartphone. That's why we have listed the best gaming smartphones under 12,000. You can play light games on these smartphones and the healthy battery life will let you game all day long.

The greatest possibilities for your upcoming buy, if you're seeking the best gaming phone under 12,000, are listed below:

1. Redmi Note 11

The Redmi Note 11 is a powerful phone with the Snapdragon 680 processor. The 6 nm processor is fast and can handle regular games. You might not be able to play high-end games on the highest graphics settings. The 50MP primary camera takes good photos and has multiple modes. The 5,000mAh battery with 33W fast charging can go on for the entire day on single charge.

Specification

MRP : 11,999

Processor: Snapdragon 680

Memory: 4 GB RAM, 64 GB Storage

Display: 6.43-inch AMOLED, 90Hz Refresh Rate

Camera: 50MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP Camera MP Quad Camera Rear camera, 13 MP selfie Camera

Battery: 5000 mAh battery with a USB Type-C connection and rapid charging

ProsCons
Good designUltrawide camera can be better
90Hz display works like a charmCan not handle high-end games

2. Redmi 10A Sport

The Redmi 10A Sport is a good budget6 phone that can handle light gaming. It powered by the MediaTek Helio G25 2Ghz octa-core processor. The 4G has a 6.53-inch IPS LCD with sharp colour production. The 5,000mAh battery is also good for gaming and can last you an entire day on regular use.

Specification:

MRP : 10,499

Processor: MediaTek Helio G52 Octa core

Memory: 6 GB RAM, 128 GB Storage

Display: 6.53″ IPS LCD

Camera: 13MP, 5 MP Front Camera

Battery: Fast-charging 5000 mAh battery with a USB Type-C connector

ProsCons
Good displayCharging could be faster
Good battery life 

3. REALME NARZO 50A

A 50-megapixel prime camera, a sizable 6,000mAh capacity, and a rear-mounted biometric recognition are just a few things the Realme Narzo 50A has to deliver for less than 12,000. The screen-to-body proportion of the device's 6.5-inch IPS LCD panel, which has a resolution of 720x1600 pixels, is 81.7 percentile. The handset comes pre-installed with Android 11 and Realme UI 2.0. The phone can run applications like COD: Mobile and Asphalt 9 on Medium graphics presets thanks to its MediaTek Helio G85 SoC. Yes, RealMe has done cost-cutting here, which you can see on the display and camera setup.

The device we are reviewing is the 4GB+128GB storage model in Oxygen Blue, which has a suggested retail price of $12,499. The 4GB+64GB model, which costs $11,499, is an entry-level device in terms of storage. Oxygen Green is the additional colour option.

Specification

MRP : 11,499

Processor: Octa-core MediaTek Helio G85 (2 GHz, 1.8 GHz)

Camera: 50 + 2 + 2 MPTriple Rear camera, 8 MP Front Camera with Video recording

Battery: Fast-charging 6000 mAh battery with a USB Type-C connector

ProsCons
Massive 6000 mAh BatteryOnly HD Display
MediaTek Helio G85 SoCOverpriced
18W Charging SupportNo Secondary Microphone
Waterdrop NotchNo Ultra-Wide Lens
SD-Card SlotDecent Cameras
 Single Speaker

4. REALME C35

The company's affordable smartphone, the Realme C35, was unveiled in March this year. This gadget provides reasonable value and doesn't skimp on many features while keeping the price low. A 4GB RAM + 64GB storage edition of the smartphone costs Rs. 11,999, and a 128GB ROM model costs Rs. 12,999. There is a substantial 6.6-inch IPS LCD screen with FHD+ resolution available. The smartphone is powered by the Unisoc T616 12 nm SoC, with 4GB RAM and 64/128GB storage. The smartphone sports a huge 5,000mAh battery with 18W quick charging capabilities.

I was probably expecting the model I've been using to glow in the dark because it is a particularly stunning shade of Glowing Green. Although it doesn't, it is still noticeable under normal illumination. There is a choice with the perplexing moniker Glowing Black for those seeking something a touch more sober and professional

Specification

MRP : 11,999

Processor: Unisoc T616 Octa core (2x2.0, 6x1.8)

Memory: 4 GB RAM, 64 GB Storage

Display: 6.6″ (2408 x 1080) screen, 401 PPI, 60 Hz Refresh Rate

Camera: 50 + 2 + 0.3 MPTriple Rear camera, 8 Mexa pixel

Battery: 5000 mAh battery with a USB Type-C connection and rapid charging

ProsCons
Good designPerformance could be better
Favourable DisplayStill on Android 11
Decent Battery life 

5. INFINIX HOT 11S

The 6.78-inch full-HD (1,080x2,480 pixels) LTPS LCD screen of the Infinix Hot 11S has NEG Dinorex T2X-1 Glass coverage, a 90Hz refresh frequency, and a 20.5:9 aspect ratio. The device's MediaTek Helio G88 SoC and 4GB of LPDDR4 RAM make up its fundamental hardware. A 50-megapixel major sensor with an f/1.6 aperture lens, a 2-megapixel subsidiary sensor, and an AI-powered lens with a quad-LED flash make up the triple rear camera arrangement on the Infinix Hot 11S.

The smartphone has 6.0 GB of RAM. It comes with 64 GB capacity. Up to is supported for expandable storage. Android v11 is the operating system used by Infinix. A 5000 mAh battery is inside. Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz) processors power it. It supports 4G (Indian bands), 3G, and 2G for connectivity.

Specification

MRP : 10,499

Processor: MediaTek Helio G88 Octa core (2 GHz, 1.8 GHz)

Memory: 4 GB RAM, 64 GB Storage

Display: 6.78″ (2480 x 1080) screen, 394 PPI

Camera: 50 + 2 + AI MPTriple Rear camera, 8 MP Front Camera with Video recording

Battery: 5000 mAh battery with fast Charging and USB Type-C port

ProsCons
Long-lasting battery performanceProtection is not as good as Corning glass
Decent performance chipset at an average priceAverage gaming experience
18W Charging SupportNo image stabilization software
Decent performance chipset at an average priceNo NFC support
Support for 1440p video recordingWithout fast charging support
NEG Dinorex T2X-1 Protection.Ultra wide camera is missing
90Hz refresh rate display 

6. XIAOMI REDMI NOTE 10T

The 6.5-inch Full HD (2400x1080 pixels) screen of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10T supports up to a 90Hz adjustable reload speed. The Gorilla Glass 3 display sports a punch-hole notch design for the selfie camera. It weighs 190 grammes and measures 8.9 millimetres wide.

It holds 190 grammes and has a width of 8.9 mm. An octa CPU supports it with a maximum clock speed of 2.2 GHz and a Mali-G57 MC2 GPU, the MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset. This is available in capacity configurations of up to 128 GB and 6 GB RAM.

A side-mounted fingerprint scanner is integrated into the power button, and the display has an in-screen camera with an 8 MP selfie camera. In addition, Xiaomi claims that its EVOL design features corrosion-proof ports, rubberized seals, and splash-proof construction.

The phone's Android 11 + MIUI 12 operating system ensures a lag-free performance. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10T 5G comes in various colours, including Graphite Black, Metallic Blue, Mint Green, and Chromium White.

Specification

Mrp : 11,999

Processor: MediaTek MT6833 Dimensity 700 5G Octa-core core (2x2.2 GHz, 6x2.0 GHz)

Memory: 6 GB RAM, 128 GB Storage

Display: 6.5″ (1080 x 2400) screen, 405 PPI

Camera: 48 + 2 + 2 MPTriple Rear camera, 8 MP Front Camera with Video recording

Battery: 5000 mAh battery with fast Charging and USB Type-C port

SIM: Dual SIM with 5G support

Features: LED Flash

ProsCons
Decent PerformanceLow-light photography could be better
Good Battery LifeA tad underwhelming compared to other Notes
Capable Primary CameraSlow charging

7. POCO M4 5G

Introduced in April 2022, the Poco M4 5G is a powerful entry-level gaming phone. It appears to be a Redmi Note 11E 5G with new branding. The device has a 6.58-inch FHD+ display with a refresh rate of 90 Hz. It has a touch processing frequency of 240 Hz, enabling fluid performance. The smartphone has a MediaTek Dimensity 700 SoC inside, 128 GB of memory and up to 6 GB of RAM. On top of Android 12.1, MIUI 13 runs on the device. A compatible 5,000 mAh battery powers the device.

The POCO M4 Pro has a lot of traits that are better than those of its predecessor. As a result, it offers features like stereo speakers, a wide-angle camera, and almost twice as quick charging. But is the update worthwhile?

The bumper is made of translucent silicone, so it won't last long before it loses its original appearance. However, it will initially be a big help. The key factor is that the sides of the cover protect the screen and camera unit. The manufacturer also applied a protective film to the display and the bumper.

Specification

MRP : RS 9070

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 678 Octa-core core (2.2GHz, 1.7GHz)

Memory: 4 GB RAM, 128 GB Storage

Display: 6.53″ (1080 x 2340) screen, 395 PPI

Camera: 64 + 8 + 2 MPTriple Rear camera, 13 MP Front Camera with Video recording

Battery: 6000 mAh battery with fast Charging and USB Type-C port

ProsCons
MediaTek Dimensity 810Widevine L1 Support
LCD DisplayBit Pricey
Stereo SpeakersNo Ads in UI
7 5G BandsPlastic Build
3.5mm Audio Jack 
Solid Battery Life 
Carrier Aggregation Support 
33W Fast Charging Support 
Decent Cameras 

8. MOTOROLA MOTO G30

Combined with the Motorola Moto G10 Power, the Motorola Moto G30 is the industry's newest addition to its G line in India. The G30 costs more than the other two devices but is still reasonably priced at 10,999. The smartphone has a 64GB internal memory space and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 SoC with 4GB of RAM. The smartphone has a 6.5-inch HD+ display with a refresh rate of 90Hz. The smartphone also has a quad-camera system with a 64MP primary lens, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and two 2MP depth and macro lenses.

The Moto G30's camera features a 64 MP primary sensor with Quad Pixel technology, an 8 MP ultra-wide-angle camera with a field of view of 118 degrees, a 2 MP macro camera, and a 2 MP depth sensor. The Moto G30 has a 13 MP selfie camera in a notch for taking selfies. The smartphone features 64 GB of internal storage. The phone has a 5,000 mAh battery with a 20W charging speed that can operate for up to two days.

The Motorola Moto G30 smartphone costs Rs. 10999 in India. On March 17, 2021, it was introduced in India. The smartphone is available in Pastel Sky and Dark Pearl.

Specification

MRP : RS 10,999

Processor: Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 Octa-core core (4x2.0 GHz, 4x1.8 GHz)

Memory: 4 GB RAM, 128 GB Storage

Display: 6.5″ (720 x 1600) screen, 269 PPI

Camera: 64 + 8 + 2 + 2 MPQuad Rear camera, 13 MP Front Camera with Video recording

Battery: 5000 mAh battery with fast Charging and USB Type-C port

ProsCons
High-contrast, high-refresh rate displayUnremarkable low-light image quality
Good Battery LifeNo 4K video recording

9. REALME NARZO 20

The corporation's entry-level device, the Micromax In Note 1, features a vanilla Android interface free of malware. This gadget is a fantastic choice in the sub-12K price bracket for enthusiasts who want a clear and uncluttered performance. Costs range from Rs. 10,999 for the entry-level model with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage to Rs. 12,499 for the model with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. The device is powered by the MediaTek Helio G85 chipset, typically found in budget smartphones.

Glory Silver and Victory Blue are the two colours available. Starting on September 28, it will be offered on Flipkart and realme.com for 10,499 and 11,499 in two storage capacities: 64GB and 128GB.

Specification

MRP : RS 10,499

Processor: MediaTek Helio G85 Octa-core core (2x2.0 GHz, 6x1.8 GHz)

Memory: 4 GB RAM, 64 GB Storage

Display: 6.5″ (720 x 1600) screen, 270 PPI

Camera: 48 + 8 + 2 MPTriple Rear camera, 8 MP Front Camera with Video recording

Battery: 6000 mAh battery and USB USB port

SIM: Dual SIM

Features: LED Flash

ProsCons
Huge 6,000mAh batteryVery bulky
Performance is greatMacro camera isn’t very useful

10. MICROMAX IN NOTE 1

The industry's entry-level device, the Micromax In Note 1, features a vanilla Android interface free of malware. This gadget is a fantastic choice in the gaming phone sub-12K price bracket for fanatics who want a clean and uncluttered interface. A sizable 5,000mAh battery with wired reversible charging and support for 18W fast charging is included. At this pricing point, the cell should be able to support light customers for about two days of activity.

The In Note 1 has a nearly stock version of the Android 10 operating system, which means it lacks bloatware, another rarity for a device in this price bracket. Another benefit is that Micromax has committed to providing users with updates for two years.

Specification

MRP : RS 10,999

Processor: MediaTek Helio G85 Octa-core core (2x2.0 GHz, 6x1.8 GHz)

Display: 6.67″ (1080 x 2400) screen, 395 PPI

Camera: Quad Rear Camera, 48 + 5 + 2 + 2, 16 MP Front Camera

Battery: 5000 mAh battery with a USB Type-C connection and rapid charging

 ProsCons
PerformanceNo Mention of Display Protection
Stock UIAverage Cameras
Great Display QualityUnoptimized UI
Made in India Brand 
5,000mAh Battery 

How to find the perfect gaming phone under 12,000?

Cell Phone technology has rarely been as developed as it is right now. They can be deployed for nearly everything, including contact, business, leisure, gaming, and recreation.

The latest focus in the manufacturers' minds appears to be mobile multimedia in today's fast-paced, technologically insane world of wireless handheld entertainment and the all-powerful mobile phone with its promise to satisfy all of man's aspirations. The once-strictly professional business phones, such as RIM's BlackBerrys, which served as a benchmark for enterprise phones created for the mobile professional, have moved in a new direction by developing and integrating powerful multimedia capabilities into their phones.

It could be challenging to know what to search for if you prefer a smartphone for gaming, though. The key features to search for in a gaming cell phone are listed below.

1) Screen

2) CPU

3) Battery

4) Cooling

5) Peripheral Support

Price of gaming phones under 12,000 at a glance:

ProductPrice
Redmi Note 11 11,999
Redmi 10A Sport 10,499
REALME NARZO 50A 11,499
REALME C35 11,499
INFIX HOT 11S 11,999
XIAOMI REDMI NOTE 10T 9070
POCO M4 5G 9070
MOTOROLA MOTO G30 10,999
REALME NARZO 20 10,499
MICROMAX IN NOTE 1 10,999

FAQs

For gaming, which Snapdragon is the finest?

The deal-breaker is that the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen1 chipset is the finest potent Android mobile CPU.

What is RAM on a handset?

Mobile storage is RAM (Random Access Memory). The RAM component of the smartphone is where the operating system (OS) and any applications and information that are now open are stored.

Which smartphone has the quickest processor?

The top cell phone CPUs for Android devices are the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888, Dimensity 1000+, and Huawei Kirin 9000.

How many GHz are suitable for phones?

The best smartphone processors available now have clock rates between 1.8 and 2.2 GHz, while anything over 1 GHz should be sufficient.

Is gaming on cellphone devices dangerous?

On our cellphones, we primarily play applications from the Play Store. They are, therefore, completely secure.

At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase.

Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so ... we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority. Read more

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