Finding the right affordable gaming smartphone is now easier than ever for Indonesian consumers. With more brands releasing quality options under the 2 million price mark, choosing the best device for gaming in this budget range is no longer a struggle. Gamers can now enjoy popular mobile games like Free Fire, Mobile Legends, or casual hits such as Subway Surfers smoothly, all without spending a fortune.
For those considering a new gaming phone, several well-known brands provide reliable options. Leading names like Realme, Infinix, OPPO, POCO, and others offer devices with balanced performance, long battery life, and smooth gaming experience for less than 2 million. Here’s a closer look into how each of these models compares based on credible reports and real user experience.
What to Consider When Buying an Affordable Gaming Phone
Smartphone gaming performance in this price class depends on three key specifications. First, check the processor: choose models using chipsets such as Unisoc T612, Helio G85, or entry-level Snapdragon that can handle standard graphics. Second, prioritize RAM with at least 4GB—this will help avoid lag when multitasking or switching between apps. Third, look for a minimum 5,000 mAh battery so you can play for longer without the need to recharge frequently.
Top 7 Affordable Gaming Smartphones for Entry-Level and Budget Gamers
Below are seven smartphones priced around the 1 million range, each with unique advantages for gaming:
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Realme C51 – Fast Charging, Reliable Performance
- Chipset: Unisoc Tiger T612
- RAM: 4GB
- Battery: 5,000 mAh + 33W fast charging
- Price: Around 1.26 million
This device is one of the most reasonable picks for gaming from Realme. The Tiger T612 chipset demonstrates solid performance, enabling smooth play of games like Free Fire or Mobile Legends at medium settings. The standout feature is the 33W fast charging that keeps downtime minimal, a significant advantage for gamers who dislike waiting for their phones to charge.
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Realme Narzo 50i Prime – Lightweight, Smooth Operation
- Chipset: Unisoc Tiger T612
- RAM: 4GB
- Display: 6.5-inch HD+
- Price: Starts at 1.1 million
Realme Narzo 50i Prime is designed for users seeking a simple, lightweight device that still runs light games flawlessly. The minimalistic design fits comfortably in hand for extended gaming sessions. Performance in casual games remains satisfying, making this a dependable entry-level option.
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OPPO A18 – Smooth Visuals with 90Hz Display
- Chipset: MediaTek Helio G85
- RAM: 4GB
- Display: 6.56-inch, 90Hz
- Price: Around 1.3 million
The OPPO A18 stands out with its 90Hz high-refresh screen, allowing smoother action and faster response times in gaming environments. Backed by the Helio G85 chipset paired with 4GB RAM, this phone is stable for titles like PUBG Mobile at modest graphics. The visual upgrade greatly enhances the gaming experience.
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POCO C40 – Monster 6,000 mAh Battery
- Chipset: JLQ JR510
- Battery: 6,000 mAh
- Display: 6.71-inch
- Price: Around 1.3 million
POCO C40 is made for marathon gamers who value battery life. Its massive 6,000 mAh capacity ensures playtime continues well into the next day. Though the chipset isn’t the fastest in class, it still manages light and casual games efficiently, giving budget gamers peace of mind over power longevity.
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TECNO Spark 30C – Expandable RAM for Stable Multitasking
- Chipset: Unisoc T606
- RAM: 6GB plus 6GB virtual (up to 12GB total)
- Display: 6.6-inch HD+
- Price: Around 1.4 million
TECNO Spark 30C’s use of RAM expansion technology is notable, offering up to 12GB for multitasking. This is rarely found in phones at this low cost. Users switching between games and social media apps will experience minimal slowdown, maintaining a seamless operation even as tasks pile up.
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Infinix Hot 20i – Enhanced with RAM Expansion
- RAM: 4GB plus 3GB virtual
- Chipset: Helio G25
- Battery: 5,000 mAh
- Price: Around 1.2 million
Infinix Hot 20i ensures a stable gaming result using RAM plus technology for up to 7GB total memory. This enables smoother gameplay and stable performance even with bigger games or background applications.
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Redmi A2 – Reliable at the Tightest Budgets
- Chipset: Helio G36
- Display: 6.52-inch HD+
- Battery: 5,000 mAh
- Price: Starts at 1.1 million
The Redmi A2 targets those needing to spend as little as possible. Its combination of large battery and wide display is perfect for simple games and offline titles. While not packing the highest specs, the device stands as a safe choice for anyone on a strict budget.
Quick Feature Comparison Table
| Model | Chipset | RAM (GB) | Battery (mAh) | Screen | Notable Feature | Price (mil) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Realme C51 | Unisoc T612 | 4 | 5,000 | 6.5" | 33W fast charging | 1.26 |
| Realme Narzo 50iP | Unisoc T612 | 4 | 5,000 | 6.5" | Lightweight, minimalistic | 1.1 |
| OPPO A18 | Helio G85 | 4 | 5,000 | 6.56"/90Hz | 90Hz display | 1.3 |
| POCO C40 | JLQ JR510 | 4 | 6,000 | 6.71" | Massive battery | 1.3 |
| TECNO Spark 30C | Unisoc T606 | 6+6 | 5,000 | 6.6" | Up to 12GB RAM | 1.4 |
| Infinix Hot 20i | Helio G25 | 4+3 | 5,000 | 6.6" | RAM expansion, stable | 1.2 |
| Redmi A2 | Helio G36 | 3 | 5,000 | 6.52" | Budget pick, wide display | 1.1 |
Key Buying Tips for Budget Gaming Smartphones
- Confirm the core specs: Processor, RAM, battery, and display quality.
- Read real user reviews to check gaming stability over time.
- Compare charging speed and battery endurance for long playing sessions.
- Ensure warranty and after-sales support is accessible in your area.
- Pick models with RAM expansion, if multitasking is needed.
Budget smartphones are proving their worth in daily gaming for millions of users. Tech reviewers and experienced gamers highlight that, while top-tier phones still outclass these models in graphics and performance, affordable phones now deliver more than enough for mainstream gaming needs.
Major players like Realme, Infinix, OPPO, and POCO are in fierce competition to offer the best mix of performance, battery life, and modern design in this price category. With so many options available, buyers can select a smartphone that truly suits their game preferences while saving money for other needs. The current selections ensure that everyone can stay in the game, regardless of budget.
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