Android Authority

This budget flagship might be the most value for money gaming smartphone around

I never thought a budget iPhone would replace my Android flagship for gaming, but here we are.

Apr 21, 2025 - 13:34

This budget flagship might be the most value for money gaming smartphone around

Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority

Opinion post by

Dhruv Bhutani

If you’d told ten-year-old me that I’d be able to play the latest console games like Resident Evil on a device that fit in my pocket, I’d have refused to believe you. But it’s 2025, and that possibility is now reality. Except, for the longest time, that would require a top-tier flagship Android smartphone to get a rock-solid framerate or support for the latest titles. So imagine my surprise when for the last month, instead of my Pixel 9 Pro or OnePlus 13, I’ve been reaching out to Apple’s budget-minded iPhone 16e as my portable console of choice.

After a few weeks of using it as my main mobile gaming device, I honestly think this is the best value-for-money gaming phone that most people should buy. It’s high-end gaming — just without the high-end price tag. Here’s why.