Choosing from the Best Gaming Phones Under 97000 in India in 2026 requires more than checking processor speed or RAM. A powerful CPU and GPU, an effective cooling system, and stable sustained performance help deliver smoother gameplay in demanding titles such as BGMI, Call of Duty: Mobile, and Genshin Impact.
A high-refresh-rate AMOLED or OLED display, responsive touch controls, sufficient battery capacity, and fast charging also matter during long gaming sessions. This guide compares the iQOO 15, OPPO Find X8 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, Xiaomi 17T, and Samsung Galaxy S25+ for different gaming and everyday needs.
Flagship cameras, AI features and productivity tools can add value, but they do not automatically make a phone the best for gaming. Advertised specifications describe hardware capabilities; actual FPS, heating and battery drain depend on game support, graphics settings, software optimisation and thermal conditions. Check independent gaming benchmarks, current prices and availability before deciding.
Table of Contents
1: Best Gaming Phones Under 97000 in India (2026)
1.1: iQOO 15 (Legend 2026, 16GB RAM, 512GB Storage)
The iQOO 15 is a premium gaming smartphone featuring the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, a 2K Samsung M14 LEAD OLED display, and OriginOS 6. Its powerful hardware targets gamers seeking flagship performance and immersive visuals.
Key Specifications
| Specification | iQOO 15 Legend 16GB + 512GB |
|---|---|
| Brand | iQOO |
| Model | iQOO 15 5G |
| Variant | Legend, 16GB RAM + 512GB storage |
| Network | 5G, 4G LTE, 3G, 2G |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 |
| CPU architecture | Octa-core, 3nm process |
| GPU | Qualcomm Adreno 840 |
| Gaming chip | Supercomputing Chip Q3 with ray tracing |
| RAM | 16GB LPDDR5X Ultra |
| Internal storage | 512GB UFS 4.1 |
| Expandable storage | Not supported |
| Operating system | OriginOS 7, based on Android 17 |
| Display size | 6.85 inches (17.39cm) |
| Display type | Samsung 2K M14 LEAD AMOLED |
| Display resolution | 3168 × 1440 pixels |
| Refresh rate | Up to 144Hz |
| Pixel density | 508 PPI |
| Peak brightness | Up to 6,000 nits local peak |
| High-brightness mode | Up to 2,600 nits |
| Colour gamut | P3 |
| Rear camera | 50MP Sony IMX921 main + 50MP ultra-wide + 50MP Sony IMX882 periscope telephoto |
| Main camera aperture | f/1.88 |
| Ultra-wide aperture | f/2.05 |
| Periscope aperture | f/2.65 |
| Optical zoom | 3× periscope optical zoom |
| Front camera | 32MP, f/2.2 |
| Battery capacity | 7,000mAh (typical) |
| Wired charging | 100W FlashCharge |
| Wireless charging | 40W |
| Cooling system | 8K single-layer VC cooling system |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7, Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 5 |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 6.0 |
| USB | USB Type-C |
| SIM | Dual Nano-SIM, dual standby |
| Fingerprint sensor | Ultrasonic in-display |
| Navigation | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, NavIC and QZSS |
| NFC | Supported |
| OTG | Supported |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, ambient light, proximity, e-compass and gyroscope |
| Audio | Stereo support |
| Dimensions | Approximately 163.35 × 76.8 × 8.17mm |
| Weight | Approximately 220g |
| Back material | Glass |
| Available colours | Legend, Alpha and Apex; availability varies by market |
| Official India listed price | ₹93,999 at the time of checking |
Gaming Performance
The iQOO 15 combines flagship processing power, advanced cooling, and a dedicated Q3 gaming chip. Its 144Hz display supports responsive gameplay, although actual FPS depends on game compatibility and settings.
Who Should Buy It?
Choose this phone if you want premium gaming performance, generous storage, and a high-quality display for demanding games and everyday multitasking.
Pros and Cons
✓ Pros
- Powerful flagship processor
- Sharp 2K OLED display
- Smooth 144Hz refresh rate
- Large 7,000mAh battery
- Fast wired and wireless charging
- Generous 16GB RAM and 512GB storage
× Cons
- Premium price
- Large size may not suit everyone
- Sustained gaming performance varies by conditions
Best For
1.2: OPPO Find X8 Pro 5G (16GB RAM, 512GB Storage)
The OPPO Find X8 Pro 5G combines flagship performance, premium design, and versatile photography. Its MediaTek Dimensity 9400 processor, 120Hz LTPO AMOLED display, and quad 50MP rear cameras make it a strong premium smartphone for gaming and everyday use.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | OPPO |
| Model | OPPO Find X8 Pro 5G |
| Model Number | CPH2659 |
| Variant | Space Black, 16GB RAM + 512GB Storage |
| Network | 2G, 3G, 4G LTE, 5G |
| SIM Type | Dual SIM |
| Build | Glass Front and Back, Aluminium Frame |
| Water and Dust Resistance | IP68 and IP69 |
| Chipset | MediaTek Dimensity 9400 |
| Manufacturing Process | 3nm |
| CPU | Octa-core |
| GPU | Arm Immortalis-G925 MC12 |
| RAM | 16GB LPDDR5X |
| Virtual RAM | RAM Expansion Supported |
| Internal Storage | 512GB UFS 4.0 |
| Expandable Storage | No microSD Card Slot |
| Display Size | 6.78 inches (17.22cm) |
| Display Type | Flexible LTPO AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2780 × 1264 pixels (FHD+) |
| Refresh Rate | Up to 120Hz |
| Touch Sampling Rate | Up to 240Hz |
| Pixel Density | Approximately 450 PPI |
| Colour Depth | 10-bit, Up to 1.07 Billion Colours |
| Colour Gamut | 100% DCI-P3 in Supported Display Modes |
| Typical Brightness | 800 nits |
| High-Brightness Mode | 1,600 nits |
| Peak Brightness | Up to 4,500 nits |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 7i |
| Main Camera | 50MP Sony LYT808, f/1.6, OIS |
| Ultra-Wide Camera | 50MP Samsung JN5, f/2.0, 120° Field of View |
| Telephoto Camera | 50MP Sony LYT600, f/2.6, 3× Optical Zoom, OIS |
| Periscope Telephoto Camera | 50MP Sony IMX858, f/4.3, 6× Optical Zoom, OIS |
| Digital Zoom | Up to 18× |
| Rear Video Recording | Up to 4K at 60fps |
| Slow-Motion Video | Up to 1080p at 240fps |
| Camera Features | Night, Portrait, Panorama, Cinematic, Time-lapse, XPAN and Hi-Res |
| Front Camera | 32MP Sony IMX615 |
| Front Camera Aperture | f/2.4 |
| Front Video Recording | Up to 4K at 60fps |
| Battery Type | Silicon-Carbon |
| Battery Capacity | 5,910mAh (Typical), 5,770mAh (Rated) |
| Wired Charging | 80W SUPERVOOC |
| Wireless Charging | 50W AIRVOOC |
| Battery Removal | Non-removable |
| Operating System at Launch | Android 17 |
| Software Interface at Launch | ColorOS 17 |
| AI Features | AI Telescope Zoom, AI Clarity Enhance, AI Unblur, AI Reflection Remover, and AI Writer |
| 5G | Supported; Bands Vary by Region |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7, Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 5 |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.4 |
| NFC | Supported; Regional Availability May Vary |
| USB Port | USB Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 1 |
| Audio Jack | No 3.5mm Headphone Jack |
| GPS and Navigation | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, NavIC and QZSS |
| Infrared Blaster | Supported |
| Fingerprint Sensor | In-Display Optical Fingerprint Sensor |
| Face Unlock | Supported |
| Other Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Ambient Light, E-Compass and Colour Temperature Sensors |
| Height | Approximately 162.27mm |
| Width | Approximately 76.67mm |
| Thickness | Approximately 8.24mm (Space Black) |
| Weight | Approximately 215g |
| Colours in India | Space Black and Pearl White |
| In the Box | Smartphone, Charger, USB Data Cable, SIM Ejector Tool and Documentation (Contents May Vary) |
Gaming Performance
The Dimensity 9400 and Immortalis-G925 GPU deliver flagship-class gaming capabilities. The 120Hz display enables smooth gameplay in supported titles, although sustained FPS and temperatures depend on game settings and cooling conditions.
Who Should Buy It?
Choose this phone if you want powerful gaming hardware, versatile photography, generous storage, and premium everyday performance.
Pros and Cons
✓ Pros
- Powerful Dimensity 9400 processor
- Smooth 120Hz LTPO AMOLED display
- Versatile quad 50MP rear cameras
- Large 5,910mAh battery
- Fast 80W wired charging
- 50W wireless charging
× Cons
- Premium flagship pricing
- No expandable storage
- Large display and camera module may not suit everyone
Best For
1.3: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G (Titanium Gray, 12GB RAM, 256GB Storage)
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G combines flagship performance, Galaxy AI features, a versatile 200MP camera system, and an integrated S Pen. Its Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor and premium QHD+ display make it a compelling choice for gaming, photography, productivity, and entertainment.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Samsung |
| Model | Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G |
| Variant | Titanium Gray, 12GB RAM, 256GB storage |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy |
| CPU | Octa-core |
| GPU | Adreno GPU |
| Manufacturing Process | 3nm |
| RAM | 12GB |
| Storage | 256GB |
| Expandable Storage | Not supported |
| Display Size | 6.9 inches |
| Display Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 3120 × 1440 pixels (QHD+) |
| Refresh Rate | Adaptive 1–120Hz |
| Display Protection | Corning Gorilla Armor 2 |
| Rear Main Camera | 200MP, f/1.7, OIS |
| Ultra-Wide Camera | 50MP, f/1.9 |
| Telephoto Camera | 10MP, 3× optical zoom, OIS |
| Periscope Telephoto | 50MP, 5× optical zoom, OIS |
| Digital Zoom | Up to 100× |
| Front Camera | 12MP, f/2.2 |
| Rear Video Recording | Up to 8K at 30fps |
| Battery | 5,000mAh |
| Wired Charging | Up to 45W |
| Wireless Charging | Supported |
| Operating System at Launch | Android 15, One UI 7 |
| AI Features | Galaxy AI, Gemini integration, Photo Assist, Audio Eraser |
| S Pen | Built-in |
| Security | Samsung Knox, fingerprint sensor |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, UWB |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 |
| Water and Dust Resistance | IP68 |
| Frame | Titanium |
| Dimensions | 162.8 × 77.6 × 8.2mm |
| Weight | 218g |
| Colours | Titanium Gray and other market-dependent options |
Gaming Performance
The Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, Adreno GPU, and adaptive 120Hz display deliver powerful gaming capabilities. Performance in BGMI, Call of Duty: Mobile, and demanding games depends on supported frame rates, graphics settings, thermals, and software updates.
Who Should Buy It?
Choose the Galaxy S25 Ultra if you want a premium smartphone combining gaming performance, advanced photography, Galaxy AI tools, and productivity features.
Pros and Cons
✓ Pros
- Powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite processor
- Sharp QHD+ AMOLED display
- Adaptive 120Hz refresh rate
- Versatile 200MP quad-camera system
- Built-in S Pen for productivity
- Long-term software and security support
× Cons
- Premium purchase price
- No expandable storage
- Large size and weight may not suit everyone
Best For
1.4: Xiaomi 17T 5G (Blue, 12GB RAM, 512GB Storage)
The Xiaomi 17T 5G combines Leica camera technology, powerful everyday performance, and a large battery. Its Dimensity 8500-Ultra processor, 1.5K AMOLED display, and 5× periscope telephoto camera make it an appealing choice for gaming, photography, and entertainment.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Xiaomi |
| Model | Xiaomi 17T 5G |
| Colour | Blue |
| RAM | 12GB LPDDR5X |
| Storage | 512GB UFS 4.1 |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 8500-Ultra |
| CPU | Octa-core, up to 3.4GHz |
| Manufacturing Process | 4nm |
| GPU | Arm Mali-G720 MC8 |
| Display Size | 6.59 inches (16.74cm) |
| Display Type | AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2756 × 1268 pixels (1.5K) |
| Refresh Rate | Up to 120Hz |
| Peak Brightness | Up to 3,500 nits under specified conditions |
| Display Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 7i |
| Main Camera | 50MP Leica, f/1.7, OIS |
| Ultra-wide Camera | 12MP, 120° field of view |
| Periscope Telephoto | 50MP, 5× optical zoom, OIS |
| Digital Zoom | Up to 120× AI Zoom |
| Front Camera | 32MP |
| Battery | 6,500mAh silicon-carbon |
| Wired Charging | 67W HyperCharge |
| Reverse Charging | Up to 22.5W wired |
| Operating System | Xiaomi HyperOS 3, Android 16 |
| Cooling System | Xiaomi 3D IceLoop |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC |
| SIM | Dual SIM; eSIM availability varies |
| Security | In-screen fingerprint sensor, AI face unlock |
| Water and Dust Resistance | IP68 |
| Audio Port | No 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Dimensions | Approximately 157.6 × 75.2 × 8.17mm |
| Weight | Approximately 200g |
Gaming Performance
The Dimensity 8500-Ultra, Mali-G720 MC8 GPU, and Xiaomi 3D IceLoop cooling system provide capable hardware for demanding mobile games. The 120Hz display enables smoother gameplay in supported titles, while actual FPS and thermal performance depend on game settings and testing conditions.
Who Should Buy It?
Choose the Xiaomi 17T if you want a feature-rich smartphone with Leica photography, substantial storage, a large battery, and responsive gaming performance.
Pros and Cons
✓ Pros
- Powerful Dimensity 8500-Ultra processor
- Smooth 120Hz AMOLED display
- Versatile Leica triple-camera system
- Dedicated 5× optical periscope zoom
- Large 6,500mAh battery
- Generous 512GB storage
× Cons
- No expandable microSD storage
- No 3.5mm headphone jack
- 67W charging is slower than some competing flagship charging systems
Best For
1.5: Samsung Galaxy S25+ 5G (Silver Shadow, 12GB RAM, 256GB Storage)
The Samsung Galaxy S25+ 5G combines flagship performance, Galaxy AI features, and a premium design. Its Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor, QHD+ AMOLED display, and versatile triple-camera system make it an excellent choice for gaming, photography, and everyday productivity.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Samsung |
| Model | Galaxy S25+ 5G |
| Colour | Silver Shadow |
| RAM | 12GB LPDDR5X |
| Storage | 256GB |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy |
| CPU | Octa-core, up to 4.47GHz |
| GPU | Adreno 830 |
| Display | 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 3120 × 1440 pixels (QHD+) |
| Refresh Rate | Adaptive 1–120Hz |
| Peak Brightness | Up to 2,600 nits |
| Main Camera | 50MP, OIS |
| Telephoto Camera | 10MP, 3× optical zoom |
| Ultra-wide Camera | 12MP |
| Front Camera | 12MP |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K at 30fps |
| Battery | 4,900mAh |
| Wired Charging | 45W |
| Wireless Charging | Supported |
| Operating System at Launch | Android 15, One UI 7 |
| AI Features | Galaxy AI, Gemini, Circle to Search |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC |
| Security | Samsung Knox, in-display fingerprint sensor |
| Water Resistance | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 158.4 × 75.8 × 7.3mm |
| Weight | 190g |
Gaming Performance
The Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy and Adreno 830 GPU deliver powerful gaming capabilities. The adaptive 120Hz display provides smooth visuals in compatible games, although sustained FPS and temperatures depend on game settings and thermal conditions.
Who Should Buy It?
Choose the Galaxy S25+ if you want flagship gaming performance, a premium display, useful AI tools, and reliable everyday multitasking without the Ultra model’s larger camera system.
Pros and Cons
✓ Pros
- Powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite processor
- Sharp QHD+ AMOLED display
- Smooth adaptive 120Hz refresh rate
- Versatile triple-camera system
- Premium, lightweight design
- Seven years of OS and security updates
× Cons
- No expandable storage
- No 3.5mm headphone jack
- Charger sold separately in many markets
Best For
2: Comparison Table
| Smartphone | Processor | Display | Battery | Main Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iQOO 15 | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | 6.85-inch 2K OLED, 144Hz | 7,000mAh | Competitive gaming and high-performance gameplay |
| OPPO Find X8 Pro 5G | MediaTek Dimensity 9400 | 6.78-inch AMOLED, 120Hz | 5,910mAh | Gaming and premium photography |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz | 5,000mAh | Gaming, photography and productivity |
| Xiaomi 17T 5G | MediaTek Dimensity 8500-Ultra | 6.59-inch AMOLED, 120Hz | 6,500mAh | Gaming, Leica photography and battery endurance |
| Samsung Galaxy S25+ 5G | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | 6.7-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz | 4,900mAh | All-round flagship performance and entertainment |
3: Which Gaming Phone Should You Buy Under 97000?
- Best for gaming: iQOO 15
- Best for gaming and photography: OPPO Find X8 Pro
- Best for gaming and productivity: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
- Best for battery and value: Xiaomi 17T
- Best premium all-rounder: Samsung Galaxy S25+
Final Verdict: The iQOO 15 is my first choice for gaming, thanks to its powerful processor, 144Hz display, and large battery. Check current prices and independent gaming benchmarks before buying to ensure the phone fits your budget.
4: Display and Cooling Comparison
The iQOO 15 stands out for gaming with its 2K 144Hz OLED display, up to 6,000-nit local peak brightness, and 8K vapour-chamber cooling system. Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra and S25+ offer sharp QHD+ AMOLED displays at 120Hz, while the OPPO Find X8 Pro and Xiaomi 17T provide smooth 120Hz AMOLED visuals.
Verdict: Choose the iQOO 15 for gaming-focused display features. However, verify sustained FPS and heat management through independent gaming tests before buying.
5: Gaming Performance Comparison
| Smartphone | BGMI (FPS) | COD Mobile (FPS) | Genshin Impact (FPS) | Peak Thermal / Heating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iQOO 15 | Up to 120 FPS in supported settings | Up to 120 FPS in supported settings | Around 59–60 FPS at High settings, 60 FPS mode | Around 40–43°C in reported tests |
| OPPO Find X8 Pro | Around 87–90 FPS in tested Smooth settings | Exact result not verified | Around 59 FPS in tested settings | Around 38°C in one Genshin test |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | Around 118 FPS in tested Smooth settings | Exact result not verified | Around 60 FPS in tested settings | Exact gaming surface temperature not established here |
| Samsung Galaxy S25+ | Around 120 FPS in tested Smooth settings | Exact result not verified | Around 60 FPS in tested settings | Up to around 44.1°C in stress testing |
| Xiaomi 17T | Average 86.8 FPS (Smooth) | Average 52.4 FPS (Very High graphics) | Average 49.7 FPS (High settings) | No reliable device-specific test verified |
Independent testing supports the reported iQOO 15, OPPO Find X8 Pro, and Samsung results shown above. Still, the figures come from different test conditions and are not a controlled head-to-head comparison.
6: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Which is the best gaming phone under 97000 in India in 2026?
The iQOO 15 is a strong gaming-focused choice, with a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, a 144Hz OLED display, and a 7,000mAh battery. Check the current price and supported FPS modes before buying.
Q2. Which processor is best for gaming under 97000?
The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, and MediaTek Dimensity 9400 are powerful options. Actual gaming performance also depends on cooling and game optimisation.
Q3. Is the iQOO 15 better than the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra for gaming?
The iQOO 15 prioritises gaming features, while the Galaxy S25 Ultra offers premium cameras, Galaxy AI and an integrated S Pen. Compare sustained gaming benchmarks and current prices before deciding.
Q4. Which gaming phone has the best battery life?
The iQOO 15 and Xiaomi 17T are worth considering for their large 7,000mAh and 6,500mAh batteries, respectively. Actual battery life varies with brightness, settings, and usage.
Q5. Which phone is best for BGMI and Call of Duty: Mobile?
The iQOO 15 is a promising option for competitive gaming. However, check each game’s supported FPS modes and sustained performance before purchasing.
7: Final Verdict
The Best Gaming Phones Under ₹97,000 include options for different needs. The iQOO 15 suits gaming-focused users, while the OPPO Find X8 Pro is worth considering for photography and gaming. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra offers productivity features, and the Galaxy S25+ provides a balanced flagship experience.
For battery capacity and value, consider the Xiaomi 17T. Before buying, compare current prices, sustained gaming benchmarks, thermal stability, and battery life. Choose the phone that best matches your gaming habits and budget rather than relying on processor specifications alone.