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Best Gaming Phones Under $500 in the USA (2025)

Best Gaming Phones Under $500 in the USA (2025)
7 hours ago

Looking for the best gaming phone under $500 in the USA (2025)? You no longer need to spend over $1,000 to enjoy flagship-like performance. Phones in this range now offer:

  • 120Hz AMOLED displays for buttery smooth gameplay.

  • Flagship or near-flagship processors capable of running Genshin Impact and Fortnite.

  • Large batteries for marathon gaming sessions.

In this guide, we’ll break down the top 5 picks, review their strengths, compare gaming performance, and help you decide which one fits your needs.

Top 5 Gaming Phones Under $500

1. OnePlus 12R – The Flagship Killer for Gamers

Price: $499
Best For: Gamers who want raw power and sustained performance.

  • Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (flagship-tier).

  • Display: 6.78” LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate.

  • Battery: 5500mAh + 100W fast charging.

Gaming Performance: Easily runs Genshin Impact at high settings 60fps. Thermal management allows long gaming sessions without throttling.citeturn14search4turn14search8

Pros:

  • Flagship power at mid-range price.

  • Huge battery with super-fast charging.

  • Premium display with LTPO tech.

Cons:

  • Cameras aren’t flagship level.

  • No wireless charging.

2. Google Pixel 8a – Software King with Long Updates

Price: $499
Best For: Gamers who want smooth software and guaranteed updates.

  • Chipset: Tensor G3.

  • Display: 6.1” OLED, 120Hz.

  • Updates: 7 years of Android + security patches (best in class).citeturn0search1turn12search7turn11news18

Gaming Performance: COD Mobile maxes out on graphics. Genshin Impact plays smoothly on medium-high settings.

Pros:

  • Clean software and longest support.

  • Compact and lightweight.

  • Great AI features.

Cons:

  • Battery smaller than rivals.

  • Can heat up in long gaming sessions.

3. Samsung Galaxy A35 5G – Budget-Friendly Choice

Price: $399
Best For: Gamers on a tight budget who still want 120Hz AMOLED.

  • Chipset: Exynos 1380.

  • Display: 6.6” Super AMOLED, 120Hz.

  • Battery: 5000mAh.citeturn13search9

Gaming Performance: Handles PUBG Mobile at HDR + Ultra fps. Asphalt 9 and Mobile Legends run effortlessly.

Pros:

  • Cheapest 120Hz AMOLED in the USA.

  • Big 5000mAh battery.

  • Samsung ecosystem perks.

Cons:

  • Not as powerful as OnePlus 12R.

  • Slower charging.

4. Samsung Galaxy S23 FE – Discounted Flagship Gaming

Price: $449–$499 (often on sale)
Best For: Deal hunters who want near-flagship performance.

  • Chipset: Snapdragon/Exynos (depending on region).

  • Display: 6.4” AMOLED, 120Hz.

  • Cooling: Flagship thermal design.citeturn0search6

Gaming Performance: Plays Fortnite and Apex Legends Mobile at high settings with minimal frame drops.

Pros:

  • Premium build and display.

  • Strong GPU performance.

  • Good thermal cooling.

Cons:

  • Average battery life.

  • Must wait for deals to hit sub-$500.

5. Nothing Phone (2a) – Stylish and Affordable

Price: $349–$399
Best For: Gamers who want a stylish, unique device.

  • Chipset: Dimensity 7200 Pro.

  • Display: 6.7” AMOLED, 120Hz.

  • Design: Glyph LED interface.citeturn0news10turn0news11

Gaming Performance: COD Mobile and Mobile Legends run smoothly at high fps. Genshin Impact best at medium settings.

Pros:

  • Unique design with glyph lighting.

  • Solid mid-range gaming performance.

  • Affordable pricing.

Cons:

  • Limited U.S. availability.

  • Software updates not as strong as Pixel/Samsung.

Quick Comparison Table

Phone Price (USD) Key Gaming Feature
OnePlus 12R $499 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 + 120Hz AMOLED
Google Pixel 8a $499 Tensor G3 + 7 Years of Updates
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G $399 Super AMOLED 120Hz + 5000mAh Battery
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE $449–$499 (on sale) Flagship Snapdragon/Exynos + Premium Cooling
Nothing Phone (2a) $349–$399 Unique Glyph Lighting + Dimensity 7200 Pro

Buyer’s Guide – What to Look for in a Gaming Phone Under $500

  1. Processor & GPU – Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (best) > Tensor G3 > Dimensity 7200 Pro > Exynos 1380.

  2. Display – At least 120Hz AMOLED for smooth gameplay.

  3. Battery – 5000mAh or bigger is ideal.

  4. Cooling System – Important for long gaming sessions.

  5. Software Updates – Pixel 8a leads with 7 years of support.

Gaming Accessories to Enhance Experience

  • Game Controllers: Razer Kishi V2, Backbone One.

  • Cooling Fans: Black Shark Magnetic Cooler.

  • Low-Latency Earbuds: Razer Hammerhead, Sony InZone.

FAQs

Q: Can these phones run Fortnite and Genshin Impact?
Yes. OnePlus 12R and S23 FE run them at high settings, while Pixel 8a and A35 handle them at medium-high.

Q: Which phone has the best battery life?
Galaxy A35 5G and OnePlus 12R (5000mAh+).

Q: Which phone is the most future-proof?
Pixel 8a with 7 years of updates.

Final Verdict

  • Best Overall Gaming Power: OnePlus 12R.

  • Best for Longevity: Pixel 8a.

  • Best Budget Pick: Galaxy A35 5G.

  • Best Discount Flagship: Galaxy S23 FE (when on sale).

  • Best Unique Design: Nothing Phone (2a).