Gaming on mobile devices has evolved tremendously, and you no longer need to break the bank to enjoy console-quality games on your smartphone. The UK market offers several excellent gaming phones under £300 that deliver impressive performance, smooth gameplay, and solid build quality.
Key Features to Look For
Performance Specifications
When choosing a gaming phone on a budget, the processor is your most critical consideration. Look for devices powered by Snapdragon 695, MediaTek Dimensity 6020, or newer chipsets that can handle demanding games without significant frame drops. RAM is equally important, with 6GB being the minimum recommended for smooth multitasking and gaming performance.
Display Quality
A responsive display makes all the difference in competitive gaming. Prioritize phones with refresh rates of 90Hz or higher, as this provides smoother animations and more responsive touch controls. Full HD+ resolution ensures crisp visuals, while good color accuracy enhances your gaming experience.
Best Gaming Phones Under £300
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 stands out as an exceptional gaming phone in this price range. Powered by the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 processor and featuring 6GB of RAM, it handles most modern games with ease. The 6.67-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate provides incredibly smooth gameplay, while the 5000mAh battery ensures extended gaming sessions.
Realme 10
Realme 10 offers solid gaming performance with its MediaTek Helio G99 chipset. The phone features a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display with 90Hz refresh rate, delivering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. With 8GB of RAM and 128GB storage, you have ample space for multiple games while maintaining consistent performance.
Samsung Galaxy A34 5G
Samsung’s Galaxy A34 5G combines reliable performance with excellent build quality. The MediaTek Dimensity 1080 processor handles gaming admirably, while the 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate ensures responsive gameplay. The phone’s 5000mAh battery provides impressive longevity for marathon gaming sessions.
Performance Optimization Tips
System Settings
Maximize your gaming performance by enabling game mode settings available in most modern Android phones. These modes prioritize system resources for games, reduce background app activity, and can block notifications during gameplay. Additionally, ensure your phone has adequate storage space, as low storage can significantly impact performance.
Cooling Considerations
Extended gaming sessions can cause thermal throttling, which reduces performance. Consider using a phone cooler or taking regular breaks to prevent overheating. Keep your device updated with the latest software patches, as manufacturers often include performance improvements and thermal management enhancements.
Conclusion
The UK market offers several excellent gaming phones under £300 that don’t compromise on essential features. Whether you choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 for its superior display, the Realme 10 for balanced performance, or the Samsung Galaxy A34 5G for brand reliability, you can enjoy high-quality mobile gaming without exceeding your budget. Focus on processors, display refresh rates, and battery capacity when making your decision, and you will find a device that serves your gaming needs excellently.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a phone good for gaming under £300?
A good gaming phone under £300 should have a capable processor like Snapdragon 695 or MediaTek Dimensity series, at least 6GB RAM, a display with 90Hz or higher refresh rate, and a battery capacity of 4000mAh or more. These specifications ensure smooth gameplay and extended gaming sessions.
Can budget gaming phones run demanding games like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty?
Yes, most gaming phones under £300 can run demanding games like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile on medium to high settings. However, you may need to adjust graphics settings for the most intensive games to maintain stable frame rates.
How important is the refresh rate for mobile gaming?
Refresh rate is crucial for mobile gaming as it affects how smooth the gameplay appears. A 90Hz or 120Hz display provides noticeably smoother animations and more responsive touch controls compared to standard 60Hz displays, giving you a competitive advantage in fast-paced games.
Do gaming phones under £300 overheat during extended play?
Most modern gaming phones under £300 have adequate thermal management, but extended gaming sessions can cause some heating. To prevent overheating, take regular breaks, avoid charging while gaming, and consider using a phone cooler for marathon sessions.
Which brand offers the best gaming phones under £300 in the UK?
Xiaomi, Realme, and Samsung currently offer the best gaming phones under £300 in the UK. Xiaomi excels in display quality and performance, Realme provides balanced features, while Samsung offers superior build quality and software support.
How much storage do I need for gaming on a budget phone?
For gaming, 128GB storage is recommended as modern games can be 2-8GB each. If you plan to install multiple large games, consider phones with expandable storage or opt for 256GB variants when available within your budget.
Are 5G gaming phones worth it under £300?
5G capability can be beneficial for cloud gaming services and downloading large game updates quickly. However, prioritize overall gaming performance over 5G if you must choose, as processing power and display quality have more immediate impact on gaming experience.
