This has been a long year. It is almost over, and for some reason we’re happy it’s coming to an end. It’s time for new beginnings. Yet, new year doesn’t mean that you can’t have last year’s model for your gaming phone. There were some good models coming out in 2025, and if you’re on a budget you’re going to love this list of ours.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro
You can’t go wrong with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro. The specs on this phone are going to be up to date for years to come. It comes with a Snapdragon 720G chipset, and it’s hard to get better than that with a budget phone. As far as its cores go it has two and they’re Kryo 465 Gold and six Kryo 465 Silver. Graphics are also more than solid and we’re talking about the Adreno 618 GPU. 6GB of RAM, 128GB of internal storage, and a 6.67-inch FHD+ DotDisplay scream of quality gaming. It is ideal for playing your favorite MOBA or FPS, and for online casino experience or sports betting on 10CRIC Online Betting Site. It runs smoothly even when you play the most demanding games. Its battery can hold for hours as 5020mAh battery is one of this smartphone’s best suits. It takes only an hour to be full, and 16 hours to spend the battery life. If you’re a dedicated gamer, pick the 128GB version, and you will make no mistake.
Poco X5 Pro 5G
Here’s another good place to start gaming in 2026 with a model from last year. Poco X5 Pro 5G is high value for its price. It comes with a 120hz refresh rate and you’ll love that when you start gaming on it. The AMOLED display on Poco X5 Pro 5G is one of the best in that price range, and with 5000mAh battery and super fast 67W charging this one will never leave you hanging during a round of blackjack or during an COD mission. On the inside you will find the Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G processor and it does a fine job in this setup. Gaming on a budget is one of its main traits, as it doesn’t bode too well with some of the competitors as far as cameras and a few other things go.
Red Magic 8S Pro
Value for money is what Red Magic 8S Pro both promises and delivers. It is not too different from its predecessor, and while it would be good if it featured the latest Snapdragon Gen 3 processors the current gen works just fine. As far as Android phones for gaming go, this one should be everything you’re looking for and more. The display is one of the brightest in its class standing at 1,300 nits of brightness paired with an AMOLED display. Each image it transmits looks great, and even if you find a few flaws to this model, just remember its price range, and you will be satisfied once again.
iPhone 15 Pro Max
Yes, it is an iPhone, but considering that this year we’ve had the release of iPhone 17, buying an iPhone 15 shouldn’t put too large of a dent to your budget. What matters is that you aim at Pro Max and its 6.7-inch display. Pairing this display with its A17 Pro chip and one of the better battery lives on the market is a win-win situation. Unlike some other models on this list, you can take some fabulous photos with the iPhone 15 Pro Max. As a gamer you will love that this model comes in an aluminium case which makes it lighter than some of its predecessors, and thus less tiring to your hands. While you can argue that this phone still holds quite a massive price, especially when compared to other pieces we’ve mentioned, it is worth it. 256GB of storage doesn’t come cheap, and with one of the best charging systems on the market you need to give it a go if you see yourself as a dedicated gamer.
OnePlus 11 5G
We’re wrapping up this list with OnePlus 11 5G. As far as gaming goes, this is one powerful unit. When you know it packs a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 system in the chip department you become an instant fan. Gamers such as ourselves are thrilled with its 6.7-inch display and 120Hz refresh rate. Regardless of how long your gaming sessions last, its battery life can last up to 14 hours of constant usage. Knowing that it’s cheaper from some other manufacturers and their flagships, the OnePlus 11 5G starts to make a lot of sense in no time. It was good in 2025 and it will be just fine next year. Trust us on this one, and on all the phones on this list.
