Affordable gaming smartphones with 120Hz refresh rate are increasingly available in Indonesia in 2026. This feature offers smoother visuals, enhancing gaming and daily phone experience without a hefty price tag.
The 120Hz refresh rate means the screen updates 120 times per second. This is double the standard 60Hz, which makes animations and transitions look much smoother, beneficial for gaming, scrolling, and video playback.
Previously, this high refresh rate was mostly found in mid-range or flagship devices. Now, smartphone makers embed it into entry-level phones priced around Rp1 million (~$66). Some models even go below that, offering excellent value for budget-conscious users.
Below is a list of seven affordable gaming smartphones with 120Hz displays priced in the Rp900,000 to Rp1.7 million (~$60-$112) range. These devices strike a balance between affordability and decent performance for casual gaming.
1. Nubia V70 Max
Priced around Rp1.3 million (~$86), Nubia V70 Max features a large 6.9-inch IPS LCD with 120Hz refresh rate. It packs a Unisoc T606 chipset, 6GB RAM (expandable to 12GB virtual), 128GB storage, and a massive 6000mAh battery with 22.5W fast charging.
Its 50MP main camera and durable body with IP54 rating add to overall value.
2. Itel P70
At Rp1.2 to Rp1.5 million (~$80-$100), Itel P70 offers a 6.67-inch HD+ IPS LCD with an adaptable refresh rate of 90Hz or 120Hz. MediaTek Helio G50 Ultimate powers it, paired with up to 16GB RAM (8GB + virtual 8GB) and 128GB storage.
The 6000mAh battery supports 18W charging, and additional features include side fingerprint, IP54 splash resistance, and Android 14.
3. Realme P3 Lite
Coming in at Rp1.2 to Rp1.7 million (~$80-$112), Realme P3 Lite brings a 6.67-inch HD+ display with 120Hz refresh rate. It uses the Unisoc T7250 chipset, combined with 4GB RAM (expandable by 8GB virtual) and 128GB storage.
A large 6300mAh battery with 15W fast charge supports extended use. The 50MP AI main camera and IP54 water resistance are notable inclusions.
4. Tecno Spark Go 2
One of the cheapest with price around Rp900,000 to Rp1.2 million (~$60-$80), Tecno Spark Go 2 features a 6.67-inch HD+ 120Hz IPS LCD. It’s powered by the Unisoc T7250 and offers 3GB or 4GB RAM plus up to 128GB storage.
A 5000mAh battery supports 15W or 18W fast charging. Unique features include stereo speakers, IP64 rating (better splash protection), and Android 15 Go edition.
5. Infinix Smart 10
Priced between Rp1.3 and Rp1.6 million (~$86-$106), this phone has a 6.67-inch HD+ 120Hz IPS LCD with up to 700 nits brightness. It runs on the Unisoc T7250 chip with 4GB RAM and either 64GB or 128GB storage.
A 5000mAh battery with 15W charge keeps it powered throughout the day. IP64 water resistance and dual speakers make it a solid daily driver.
6. Redmi A5
Offering a large 6.88-inch HD+ display with 120Hz refresh rate, Redmi A5 costs around Rp1.1 to Rp1.3 million (~$73-$86). It incorporates the Unisoc T7250 chipset with 4GB RAM expandable virtually to 8GB, and 128GB storage.
The 5200mAh battery supports 15W charging. With a 32MP primary camera and IP52 rating, it balances photography and durability.
7. Poco C71
Available in the price range Rp900,000 to Rp1.1 million (~$60-$73), Poco C71 provides a 6.88-inch IPS LCD with HD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. It runs on Unisoc T7250 with 4GB RAM (expandable) and 128GB storage.
Its 5200mAh battery and 32MP AI camera complement a sleek design with side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
Benefits of 120Hz Refresh Rate for Gaming
Smooth animation enhances visual comfort during fast-paced gameplay. Quick frame updates improve touch responsiveness, making controls feel more precise. This refresh rate also benefits general usage like navigating the user interface or scrolling through content.
Not all games support 120Hz yet. Some popular titles limit frame rates, but many casual and mobile competitive games are optimized to take advantage of higher refresh rates.
Things to Consider
Entry-level phones with 120Hz often feature entry-level chipsets, suitable for light to medium gaming but not demanding AAA titles. Screen resolution is typically HD+, which balances performance and cost. Camera systems focus on basic photography needs.
Users should set realistic expectations, understanding these devices target affordable, everyday gaming and consumption rather than flagship-level performance.
Market Trends in Affordable Gaming Phones
Smartphone makers increasingly include high-refresh-rate screens in budget models. This reflects growing digital content consumption and mobile gaming popularity in Indonesia and other emerging markets.
Device makers also optimize software, offering gaming modes and power management to improve user experience even on modest hardware.
The availability of sub-$70 smartphones with 120Hz refresh rates exemplifies how advanced display tech is becoming mainstream. This widens accessibility, allowing more people to enjoy smoother visuals and more responsive interaction without significant financial investment.
These developments indicate a positive trajectory in smartphone innovation, especially for users seeking gaming and media capabilities on limited budgets. As competition intensifies, expect continued improvements in specs and features at low price points.
