Cheap Gaming Phones in the UK Under £300 (2025 Guide)

Why Choose a Gaming Phone Under £300?

Gaming on a budget doesn’t always mean laggy performance or tiny screens. In 2025, there are several affordable Android phones available in the UK that deliver a surprisingly good gaming experience — especially for casual or mid-level mobile gamers. These devices offer respectable CPUs, decent GPUs, enough RAM, and good battery life — all without breaking the £300 mark.

From my own experience, finding a cheap gaming phone meant sacrificing premium camera tech or super-fast charging, but gaining a device that could run popular mobile titles smoothly and last through prolonged sessions.

What to Look for in a Budget Gaming Phone

  • Performance (CPU + GPU): Look for processors with good single-core or mid‑tier performance; gaming depends heavily on GPU.
  • RAM: Minimum 4 GB is acceptable, but 6 GB or more helps for multitasking and heavier games.
  • Battery Capacity: A big battery helps — you’ll want at least ~4,000 mAh for meaningful gaming time. See more in our Battery & Power hub.
  • Screen Quality: A good panel (IPS or AMOLED) with at least 60 Hz refresh rate is useful; higher refresh rate is a bonus but uncommon in this price range.
  • Thermal Management: Budget phones can heat up quickly – good design, cooling, or efficient chips help maintain performance.
  • Connectivity: Solid 4G / 5G and good Wi‑Fi are important to avoid lag in online games. Use our Connectivity & Network hub for tips on coverage and performance.

Top Cheap Gaming Phones Under £300 in the UK

Here are some great budget-friendly gaming handsets available (or commonly found) in UK retailers or import-friendly sources.

  • Poco M5 (4G, 128 GB)
    With a MediaTek Helio G99 chipset, this phone handles many popular mobile games with ease. It has 6 GB of RAM in common bundles, a 5,000 mAh battery, and a large 6.58‑inch FHD+ display. Refurb or discounted units often fall just under or near the £300 mark.
  • Motorola Moto G54 (4G)
    Equipped with a Snapdragon 680 and 6 GB RAM in many SIM‑free UK deals, this model provides a decent gaming experience in lighter games. The battery is 5,000 mAh, and it's comfortable for long sessions.
  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 (4G / 5G)
    The Note 12 series often includes variants around or slightly below £300 (especially in sale). With decent RAM options (6 GB) and a capable Snapdragon / MediaTek chip depending on variant, it's solid for gaming and media.
  • Realme C55
    A very budget‑oriented gaming pick, this phone often has a Unisoc T612 / T610 CPU, which can handle casual or 2D mobile games. Bonus: 5,000 mAh+ battery and low price, making it a good entry point.
  • Nokia G42 5G
    Occasionally available in UK outlets or refurbished just under £300. While not a “flagship gamer,” it offers a balanced Snapdragon chip, reliable battery, and the benefit of long-term Android support from Nokia.

Tips to Maximise Gaming Performance on Budget Phones

  1. Use “Game Mode” or Performance Booster: Many Android phones have built‑in gaming modes to prioritise CPU/GPU and limit background processes.
  2. Lower Graphics Settings: Reducing resolution or frame rate in games can significantly improve playability on mid‑tier chips.
  3. Close Background Apps: Shut down unnecessary apps before starting a gaming session to free up RAM.
  4. Optimize Battery Usage: Use settings like “Battery saver” off, or set screen brightness manually — helps keep your game running longer.
  5. Consider Cloud Gaming: If device performance is weak, try cloud gaming (e.g., Xbox Cloud, Steam Link) over Wi‑Fi or 5G for better graphics.

Potential Trade‑offs with Budget Gaming Phones

  • Heating risk: Cheap chips may run warm under load, which can throttle performance during long sessions.
  • Reduced update support: Lower‑cost models may not get as many Android or security updates.
  • Limited display features: You won’t likely get 120 Hz or HDR on sub‑£300 phones.
  • Charger limitations: Budget devices may come with slower chargers, so gaming + charging is slower.

Why These Picks Are Smart for UK Gamers on a Budget

For gamers in the UK who don’t want to splash out on a flagship but still want a phone that can reliably run popular mobile games, these devices provide the best balance of performance, battery, and cost. They may not top tier gaming beasts, but they offer excellent value — and when combined with smart performance tweaks, they can produce a very respectable mobile gaming experience.

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