Best Gaming Phones Under Rs 20,000: Top-tier Options for Aspiring Gamers

After months of waiting, the under-Rs 20,000 segment finally witnesses the resurgence of smartphones suitable for aspiring gamers. The inclusion of a cooling system, better optimisation, battery backup, portability, and design are essential aspects that elevate a handset to the status of a gaming phone when executed excellently. Keeping this in mind, we have curated a list of three recent smartphones under Rs 20,000 that rank significantly in most of these categories. Therefore, they stand out as perfect phones for performance-driven users. Let’s check them out.

CMF Phone 2 Pro: When Style Meets Function

The CMF Phone 2 Pro is an appealing option if you seek a blend of customisation, chic, and performance on your next smartphone. Nothing has made the phone considerably slimmer and lighter than its predecessor, the CMF Phone 1. As a result, the CMF Phone 2 Pro has an incredible in-hand experience compared to the latter. 

Yet, it has strived to maintain the customisation quotient in the CMF Phone 2 Pro, which has been a unique identity of the CMF Phone series. As it stands, the CMF Phone 2 Pro remains the only smartphone offering DIY customisation with various accessories. However, you must purchase the Universal Cover before considering customising the phone. Without it, you won’t be able to attach any accessories to the CMF Phone 2 Pro. 

The CMF Phone 2 Pro relies on the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro for performance. Nothing has worked extensively on its optimisation to enable the 120fps gameplay on BGMI. That said, you may experience this sweet frame rate on an inconsistent basis in your playthrough. But the real sweet thing about the phone is its pristine software experience with no bloatware. 

Considering the 5,000mAh battery capacity, the CMF Phone 2 Pro can last considerably on moderate usage thanks to its efficient optimisation. 

Unrelated to the performance department, the CMF Phone 2 Pro is the only phone to flaunt a full-fledged triple camera system: a primary, telephoto, and ultra-wide angle snapper. 

PROS:

1. Customisation with various accessories
2. Incredible in-hand experience due to a lighter and slimmer profile
3. Surprisingly great battery life considering its 5,000mAh battery
4. Only phone in its segment to have a triple camera system

CONS:

1. Can run BGMI at 120fps, but it is inconsistent
2. Can’t attach any accessories without the Universal Cover

• Display: 6.77-inch AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate, 3000 nits peak brightness, and 387ppi.
• Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro.
• RAM and Storage: 8GB RAM and up to 256GB of internal storage.
• Software: Nothing UI 3.2 based on Android 16
• Primary Camera: 50-megapixel, f/1.8 (EIS)
• Secondary Camera: 50-megapixel, f/1.85, 2x optical zoom (EIS)
• Tertiary Camera: 8-megapixel ultra-wide, f/2.2
• Front Camera: 16-megapixel, f/2.45
• Battery and Charging: 5,000 mAh, 33W fast charging.
• Other Features: IP54 rating, customisation with accessories, and stereo speakers.
• Dimensions and weight: 164mm x 78mm x 7.8 mm, 185 grams.
• Colours: Light Green, Red, White, and Orange

Realme P3 5G: Raw Performance Caged in a Durable Shell

Hands down, the Realme P3 5G is a perfect option for folks craving an unadulterated performance at an affordable price. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 heads its performance department. By including a 6,050mm2 vapour chamber with a hint of terrific optimisation, this smartphone has been made to rival its costlier counterparts in performance. Moreover, it can consistently run at its peak speed. 

While the Realme P3 5G may lack a style quotient compared to the above smartphone, it is much more durable thanks to its triple IP protection against dust and water. So, using it in stormy weather is hardly worrisome. Thanks to its latest chipset and some unknown trickery, its battery can act like a long marathoner with moderate usage. 

Unlike the CMF Phone 2 Pro, the Realme P3 5G’s bloatware-ridden operating system may constantly bug you with spammy notifications.

PROS:

1. Terrific performance for its price
2. Its battery can last super long on moderate usage
3. Better durability thanks to its triple IP rating

CONS:

1. Includes several bloatware 

• Display: 6.67-inch AMOLED panel, Full HD+ resolution, 2400 x 1080 pixels, 2000 nits peak brightness, and 120Hz adaptive refresh rate
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 4.
• RAM and Storage: 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of internal storage.
• Software:  Realme UI 6 based on Android 15.
• Primary Camera: 50MP, OIS with f/1.8 aperture
• Secondary Camera: 2MP Depth
• Front Camera: 16MP.
• Battery and Charging: 6,000mAh, 45W fast charging.
• Other Features: IP66+IP68+IP69 rating, an in-display fingerprint scanner, and stereo speakers.
• Dimensions and weight: 163.15mm x 75.65mm x 7.97mm, 194g
• Colours: Space Silver, Comet Grey, and Nebula Pink.

OPPO K13: A Long-Range Champ

The OPPO K13 is an obvious choice if you desire consistent performance for extended hours. It features the same processor as the Realme P3 5G and has similar optimisations. Due to these qualities and a massive 7,000mAh battery, OPPO has built it to last hours, if not days, on the condition that you moderately use your phone. If you have been terrified by its seemingly long charging duration, don’t be. This phone supports 80W superVOOC charging, so you hardly have to spend an hour or more to replenish its battery.

However, this smartphone is quite hefty and thicker due to its large battery. 

In addition to excellent optimisation, the phone is equipped with 6600mm² of graphite and 5700mm² of vapour chamber. Consequently, you can expect incredible speeds for extended periods. 

Unfortunately, the OPPO K13 also offers several bloatware apps besides speedy performance and an astonishing battery life, which may put off some folks.

PROS:

1. Consistent performance for long hours
2. Unmatchable battery life with speedy charging

CONS:

1. Contains several bloatware apps
2. Heavy and thicker due to its giant battery

• Display: 6.67-inch AMOLED panel, Full HD+ resolution, 2400 x 1080 pixels, and 120Hz adaptive refresh rate
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 4.
• RAM and Storage: 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of internal storage.
• Software: Color OS 15 based on Android 15.
• Primary Camera: 50MP, EIS with f/1.8 aperture
• Secondary Camera: 2MP Monochrome
• Front Camera: 16MP.
• Battery and Charging: 7,000mAh, 80W fast charging.
• Other Features: IP65 rating, an in-display fingerprint scanner, and stereo speakers.
• Dimensions and weight: 163.2mm x 76.1mm x 8.5mm, 208g
• Colours: Prism Black and Icy Purple.

Verdict

All these smartphones are valid in their own right due to their unique abilities. But they cater to users with different needs:

1. Want a stylish phone with the customisation factor and a triple camera system, on top of 120fps BGMI gameplay? CMF Phone 2 Pro
2. Want a great smartphone with an exceptional performance and a durable body? Realme P3 5G
3. Want a smartphone that can deliver consistent speed for extended periods? OPPO K13