Top 10 Gaming Mobiles Under 100USD

Finding a "gaming mobile" for under $100 in mid-2025 is extremely challenging, as most new smartphones in that price range are designed for basic daily use rather than demanding games. Modern mobile games require decent processors, sufficient RAM, and good displays, which typically push phones above the $100 mark, even for entry-level models.

The devices you might find in this price bracket will likely be:

Older models: Phones released a year or two ago that have seen price drops.

Entry-level new models: These prioritize affordability and basic functionality over gaming performance.

Used or refurbished phones: Your best bet for getting slightly better specs within this budget.

Important Considerations for "Gaming" at Under $100:

Expect limitations: Don't expect to play graphics-intensive games like Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile, or PUBG Mobile smoothly at high settings. You'll likely be limited to lower settings and simpler games.

Older Android versions: Some phones might still be running older Android versions, which could affect compatibility with newer games.

Low refresh rates: Most displays will be 60Hz, not the smoother 90Hz or 120Hz found on slightly more expensive phones.

Limited storage: You might find 64GB or even 32GB of storage, which fills up quickly with games.

Heating: Budget phones tend to heat up more easily during gaming sessions.

Given these limitations, here are some phones that might be available under or very close to $100 (new or used) in mid-2025 and offer the best possible gaming experience for that price point. They are generally equipped with chipsets like the MediaTek Helio G85 or Unisoc T606, which are common in this budget segment and can handle light to moderate gaming.

Top 10 (Realistic) Options for Gaming Under $100 (in 2025):

Please note that actual prices can vary based on region, sales, and whether the phone is new, used, or refurbished.

Infinix Hot 40i (or similar recent Infinix Hot series model):

Why it's on the list: Often uses Unisoc T606, which can handle casual games. Comes with a large battery and often a 90Hz display. Infinix's "Xboost" gaming engine aims to optimize performance.

Gaming Performance: Can handle light games well, but struggles with intensive games like BGMI/PUBG Mobile, showing frame drops and heating.

 POCO C65:

Why it's on the list: Powered by the MediaTek Helio G85, a slightly better chipset than the T606 for gaming. Often offers decent RAM/storage options for its price.

Gaming Performance: Better than Unisoc T606 for light to moderate games. Can run less demanding titles smoothly, but don't expect a great experience with graphics-heavy games like Genshin Impact.

Redmi 13C:

Why it's on the list: Another device with the MediaTek Helio G85, offering similar gaming capabilities to the POCO C65. Often has a 90Hz display and a large battery.

Gaming Performance: Similar to the POCO C65. Good for casual and less demanding games, but not for high-end titles.

Tecno Spark 20 (or similar recent Tecno Spark series model):

Why it's on the list: Also commonly features the MediaTek Helio G85. Tecno phones often offer good battery life and sometimes larger screens.

Gaming Performance: Provides a similar experience to other Helio G85 phones, suitable for casual gaming with some optimization features (e.g., Darwin Engine for frame rate enhancement).

Samsung Galaxy A05s:

Why it's on the list: Runs on the Snapdragon 680, which is generally more stable than the Helio G85 for gaming, though still a budget chip. Offers a Full HD+ display (rare in this price).

Gaming Performance: Can handle popular games at low settings. The FHD+ display is a plus for visuals, but the 60Hz refresh rate and limited RAM (often 4GB) can be a bottleneck. May show lag with demanding apps.

Realme C51 / C53 (or similar budget C-series model):

Why it's on the list: Often come with Unisoc T612 or T616 chipsets, which are decent for entry-level gaming. Usually have large batteries and reasonable displays.

Gaming Performance: Comparable to the Infinix Hot 40i. Suitable for casual gaming, but struggles with more graphically demanding titles.

Motorola Moto G Play (Older Models, e.g., 2023):

Why it's on the list: Motorola's budget offerings can sometimes be found in this range. They often provide a clean Android experience.

Gaming Performance: Depends heavily on the specific SoC (e.g., Helio G37 or Snapdragon 460). Best for very light games.

Nokia C-series (e.g., C21 Plus, C30 - if available for this price, likely used):

Why it's on the list: Known for stock Android and decent battery life. Often found at very low prices.

Gaming Performance: These are usually powered by very basic Unisoc chipsets (e.g., SC9863A). Only suitable for extremely light, casual games.

Itel S23+ (or other Itel budget models):

Why it's on the list: Itel focuses heavily on the ultra-budget segment. They often pack large batteries and decent screens for the price.

Gaming Performance: Very basic performance, suitable for hyper-casual games. Don't expect much beyond that.

Used/Refurbished Older Mid-Range Phones (e.g., Samsung Galaxy A1x series, older Redmi Note series):

Why it's on the list: If you can find a slightly older mid-range phone (e.g., a Galaxy A14, Redmi Note 11, or a POCO M5 from 2023) in good condition for under $100, it will likely offer a significantly better gaming experience than a brand new sub-$100 phone. Check local second-hand markets carefully.

Before buying any phone in this price range for gaming, it's highly recommended to:

Check specific reviews: Look for reviews that explicitly mention gaming performance for the games you intend to play.

Verify current prices: Prices fluctuate rapidly, especially for budget phones.

Consider used/refurbished: This often provides the best value for money in the sub-$100 category.