Gaming smartphones in the mid-range category are becoming more powerful, offering flagship-level performance at a fraction of the price. If you're looking for a gaming phone under PHP 20K, we've rounded up five of the best options: POCO X7 Pro, POCO F6, Infinix GT 20 Pro 5G, TECNO CAMON 30 Pro 5G, and realme 13+ 5G.
Each device packs impressive hardware, from high-refresh-rate AMOLED displays to powerful chipsets optimized for gaming. But which one is the best buy? Let's break down their strengths and find out.
1. POCO X7 Pro
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| Image Credit: POCO Global |
Key Strengths: MediaTek Dimensity 8400-Ultra, 3200 nits peak brightness, large 6,000 mAh battery with 90W charging
The POCO X7 Pro outshines many competitors with its powerful MediaTek Dimensity 8400-Ultra chipset, featuring a 3.25GHz octa-core CPU for exceptional gaming and multitasking performance. Its high refresh rate AMOLED display, boasting a peak brightness of 3200 nits, ensures vibrant visuals even in bright conditions, while its stereo speakers with Hi-Res Audio certification deliver an immersive sound experience. Additionally, it equips the largest battery with 90W fast charging support in this price point.
Quick Specs:
- 6.67-inch WFHD+ AMOLED display, 120Hz, 3200nits peak, Dolby Vision, HDR10+
- MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Ultra (4 nm)
- 3.25GHz Octa-core CPU
- Mali-G720 MC7 GPU
- 8GB or 12GB RAM
- Stereo Speakers
- 5G, 4G LTE
- Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac/6
- Bluetooth v5.4
- GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BeiDou, QZSS, NavIC
- HyperOS 2, based on Android 15
- 160.75 x 75.24 x 8.29 mm, 195 grams
- 6000 mAh Li-Po Si/C battery w/ 90W fast charging
- ₱16,999 (8GB+256GB)
- ₱17,999 (12GB+512GB)
- ₱19,999 (12GB+512GB)
2. POCO F6
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| Image Credit: POCO Global |
Key Strengths: Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, 2400 nits brightness, 90W fast charging
For those who prefer Qualcomm chipsets, the POCO F6 is an excellent choice. Powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, it delivers flagship-like performance with a smooth gaming experience. It also has a bright 120Hz AMOLED display and 90W fast charging, making it one of the top contenders in the budget gaming segment.
Key Specs:
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4 nm)
- 1x Cortex-X4 @ 3.0GHz , 4x Cortex-A720 @ 2.8GHz & 3x Cortex-A520 @ 2.0GHz
- Adreno 735 GPU
- 8GB + 256GB or 12GB + 512GB
- 6.67-inch WFHD+ AMOLED display with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus,120Hz, 2400nits peak brightness, Dolby Vision
- 5G, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5.4
- Xiaomi HyperOS, based on Android 14
- USB Type-C
- Stereo Dual Speakers with Dolby ATMOS
- 5000 mAh Li-ion battery
- 90W fast charging
- 160.5 x 74.4 x 7.8 mm, 179 grams
- ₱17,999 (8GB+256GB) in Shopee
- ₱18,999 (12GB+512GB) in Shopee
3. Infinix GT 20 Pro 5G
Key Strengths: Dimensity 8200, 144Hz display, Pixelworks X5 Dedicated Gaming Display Chip
The Infinix GT 20 Pro is designed for gaming enthusiasts. With a Pixelworks X5 gaming display chip and 144Hz refresh rate, it ensures fluid gameplay, especially for fast-paced games. It also features a 120FPS Stable Frame-rate Engine, optimizing gaming performance without overheating.
Key Specs:
- MediaTek Dimensity 8200 (4 nm)
- 1x Cortex-A78 @ 3.1GHz + 3x Cortex-A78 @ 3.0GHz + 4x Cortex-A55 @ 2.0GHz
- Mali-G610 MC6 GPU
- 12GB + 256GB
- 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED display, 144Hz Refresh Rate, 1300nits peak brightness
- 5G, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac/6, Bluetooth
- XOS 14, based on Android 14
- USB Type-C
- Stereo dual Speakers tuned by JBL
- 5000 mAh Li-Po battery with 45W charging
- 164.26 x 75.43 x 8.15 mm, 187 grams
- ₱16,539 (12GB+256GB) in Shopee
"The smartphone is designed to deliver an unparalleled gaming experience with its beefy hardware that includes the MediaTek Dimensity 8200 Ultimate chipset, Mali-G610 MC6 graphics, 12GB of RAM, Pixelworks X5 Dedicated Gaming Display Chip, and 120FPS Stable Frame-rate Engine. This feature set ensures top-notch performance and power efficiency. Needless to say, the Infinix GT 20 Pro is a tough smartphone to beat in this price range." – Infinix GT 20 Pro: MLBB Proleague Phone, Dual Chipset Pro Gaming | Pinoy Metro Geek
4. TECNO CAMON 30 Pro 5G
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| Image credit: TECNO Mobile Philippines |
Key Strengths: Dimensity 8200, 144Hz AMOLED, 70W fast charging
TECNO’s CAMON 30 Pro 5G shares the same Dimensity 8200 chipset as the Infinix GT 20 Pro. It adds an elegant design, in contrast to the gaming-centric design of the GT 20 Pro, as well as a slightly better fast-charging capabilities. The 144Hz AMOLED display and stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos also contribute to a high-end-like gaming experience.
Key Specs:
- MediaTek Dimensity 8200 (4 nm)
- 1x Cortex-A78 @ 3.1GHz + 3x Cortex-A78 @ 3.0GHz + 4x Cortex-A55 @ 2.0GHz
- Mali-G610 MC6 GPU
- 12GB + 256GB
- 6.78-inch FHD+ AMOLED Display, 144Hz
- 5G, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth
- USB Type-C
- Stereo Speakers with Dolby ATMOS
- HiOS 14, based on Android 14
- 5000 mAh Li-Po battery with 70W fast charging
- 164 x 74.53 x 7.68 mm (Glass) ~ 7.8 mm (PU), 189 grams
- ₱15,999 Flash deal in Shopee
5. realme 13+ 5G
Key Strengths: Dimensity 7300 Energy, 80W charging
The realme 13+ 5G is a solid budget gaming phone with a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Energy chipset, optimized for efficiency. It performs well in games like Mobile Legends, while offering an ultra-bright AMOLED display and fast 80W charging.
Key Specs:
- MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Energy (4 nm)
- 4x Cortex-A78 @ 2.5GHz + 4x Cortex-A55 @ 2.0GHz
- Mali-G615 MC2 GPU
- 12GB RAM + 256GB ROM, expandable
- 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED display, 120Hz, 2000 nits peak
- 5G, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac/6, Bluetooth 5.4
- USB Type-C
- Stereo Dual Speakers
- realme UI 5.0, based on Android 14
- 5000 mAh battery, 80W fast charging
- 161.7 x 74.7 x 7.6 mm, 185 grams
- ₱19,999 (12GB+256GB)
Based on our review of this device:
"The chipset is quite remarkable knowing that it’s specifically tailored for mobile gaming. Of course, it’s not a perfect chipset considering that we are in the mid-range category, but the overall feel when pulling up apps, navigating the UI, and playing games are zippy."
"The chipset is well suited for MOBA games like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Honor of Kings, and the likes. The phone supports up to Ultra graphics in MLBB and Ultra Resolution in Honor of Kings. Genshin Impact is also playable with this smartphone." – Pinoy Metro Geek
Summary Recap:
- Best Overall Gaming Performance: POCO X7 Pro (Dimensity 8400-Ultra, 3200 nits peak, Largest battery with 90W fast charging)
- Best Qualcomm Alternative: POCO F6 (Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, 2400 nits brightness, 90W fast charging)
- Best for Hardcore Gaming: Infinix GT 20 Pro 5G (144Hz display, Pixelworks X5 chip, stable frame rate)
Which One is the Best Buy?
The best gaming phone under PHP 20K depends on your priorities. If you're looking for raw performance and the best overall gaming experience, the POCO X6 Pro is the top pick, thanks to its Dimensity 8400-Ultra chipset. For those who prefer a Snapdragon-powered alternative, the POCO F6 is a great choice, offering similar power with a bright display and fast charging. And if you’re a hardcore gamer, the Infinix GT 20 Pro 5G stands out with its dedicated gaming display chip, stable frame-rate engine, and gaming-centric design. Whichever you choose, all these phones in the list offer excellent gaming experiences without breaking the bank.
