The Ultimate Gaming Phone Under ₹40,000 (2025): Our Top 5 Picks for BGMI & Call of Duty

Are you searching for the ultimate gaming phone under ₹40,000 in 2025? Mobile gaming, especially titles like BGMI and Call of Duty Mobile, demands powerful processors, smooth displays, and excellent thermal management. This article reviews the top five gaming phones—Poco F7, OnePlus 13R, Realme GT 7, iQOO Neo 10R, and Vivo T3 Ultra—focusing on performance metrics like frame rates and thermals. Based on recent tests and reviews, we’ll help you pick the perfect device for lag-free, immersive gaming. Let’s dive into the best options for Indian gamers

What Are Gaming Phones Under ₹40,000 and Why Are They Important?

Gaming phones under ₹40,000 are smartphones optimized for high-performance gaming, offering powerful chipsets, high-refresh-rate displays, and advanced cooling systems. In 2025, mobile gaming in India is booming, with BGMI and Call of Duty Mobile among the top titles, as per a 91mobiles report showing 68% of Indian gamers prioritize performance in this price segment. These phones deliver flagship-level gaming experiences at mid-range prices, making them essential for competitive players and casual gamers alike.

Key Benefits of Gaming Phones Under ₹40,000

Investing in a gaming phone under ₹40,000 offers several advantages:

• High Frame Rates: Achieve 60-120 FPS in BGMI and Call of Duty for smooth gameplay.
• Efficient Thermal Management: Advanced cooling systems prevent overheating during long sessions.
• Vivid Displays: AMOLED screens with 120Hz refresh rates ensure crisp visuals.
• Powerful Chipsets: Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 and Dimensity 9400e handle demanding games effortlessly.
• Long Battery Life: Large batteries (6,000mAh+) support extended gaming without frequent charging.

Top 5 Gaming Phones Under ₹40,000 in 2025

Here’s a detailed comparison of the best gaming phones, focusing on performance metrics for BGMI and Call of Duty Mobile.

Poco F7: The Performance Beast

• Specs: Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, 6.8-inch AMOLED (120Hz), 7,550mAh battery, 90W charging.
• Gaming Performance: Delivers 90 FPS in BGMI (120 FPS via OTA update) and 60 FPS in Call of Duty Mobile. AnTuTu score: 2,06,610.
• Thermal Management: 6,000mm² 3D Ice Loop vapor chamber keeps temperatures at 42–43°C after 30 minutes of BGMI.
• Price: Starts at ₹29,999 for 12GB+256GB.
• Verdict: Ideal for gamers prioritizing performance and battery life, though camera quality is average.

OnePlus 13R: The Balanced Champion

• Specs: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, 6.78-inch AMOLED (120Hz), 5,500mAh battery, 100W charging.
• Gaming Performance: Achieves 90 FPS in BGMI and 55 FPS in Call of Duty Mobile at max settings. AnTuTu score: ~1.5 million.
• Thermal Management: Cooling system struggles slightly, with temperatures reaching 45°C after 30 minutes.
• Price: Starts at ₹42,999 for 8GB+256GB.
• Verdict: Great for gamers who want flagship performance and premium build, but thermals could be better.

Realme GT 7: The Battery King

• Specs: MediaTek Dimensity 9400e, 6.78-inch AMOLED (120Hz), 7,000mAh battery, 80W charging.
• Gaming Performance: Supports 120 FPS in BGMI (dips during heavy action) and 60 FPS in Call of Duty Mobile. AnTuTu score: ~1.5 million.
• Thermal Management: Reaches 43.9°C after 30 minutes of BGMI, with thermal throttling after extended play.
• Price: Starts at ₹34,999 for 8GB+256GB.
• Verdict: Perfect for long gaming sessions, but thermal throttling may affect sustained performance.

iQOO Neo 10R: The Budget Performer

• Specs: Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, 6.78-inch AMOLED (120Hz), 6,400mAh battery, 80W charging.
• Gaming Performance: Delivers stable 120 FPS in BGMI and 60 FPS in Call of Duty Mobile. AnTuTu score: 1,354,976.
• Thermal Management: Advanced cooling keeps temperatures below 40°C after 30 minutes.
• Price: Starts at ₹29,999 for 8GB+256GB.
• Verdict: Best for BGMI players seeking stable frame rates and excellent thermals.

Vivo T3 Ultra: The All-Rounder

• Specs: MediaTek Dimensity 9200+, 6.78-inch AMOLED (120Hz), 5,500mAh battery, 120W charging.
• Gaming Performance: Supports 60 FPS in BGMI and 50 FPS in Call of Duty Mobile. AnTuTu score: 1,475,551.
• Thermal Management: Temperatures rise to 42°C after 30 minutes, with decent cooling.
• Price: Starts at ₹29,999 for 8GB+256GB.
• Verdict: Great for balanced performance, though not the top pick for high-FPS gaming.

How to Use Gaming Phones Under ₹40,000 Effectively

Maximize your gaming experience with these tips:

• Optimize Game Settings:
  • Set BGMI to Smooth + Extreme (90–120 FPS) or Ultra HDR + Ultra (40–60 FPS).
  • Use Low + Ultra settings in Call of Duty Mobile for 120 FPS.
• Enable Gaming Modes:
  • Activate Poco’s Wild Boost 3.0 or Realme’s GT Mode for enhanced performance.
  • Use iQOO’s Ultra Game Mode for smoother gameplay.
• Manage Thermals:
  • Play in a cool environment to prevent overheating.
  • Use bypass charging (iQOO Neo 10R) to reduce heat during plugged-in gaming.
• Accessories:
  • Pair with a gaming controller for better control in Call of Duty Mobile.
  • Use earbuds for immersive audio, as most phones have stereo speakers.

Learn more about gaming accessories in our guide on best gaming gear.

Best Practices for Choosing Gaming Phones Under ₹40,000 in 2025

• Prioritize Chipsets: Snapdragon 8s Gen 3/Gen 4 or Dimensity 9400e for top performance.
• Check FPS Support: Ensure 90–120 FPS compatibility for BGMI and Call of Duty Mobile.
• Evaluate Cooling: Look for vapor chambers or liquid cooling (e.g., Poco F7’s 6,000mm² system).
• Consider Battery Life: Opt for 6,000mAh+ batteries for uninterrupted gaming.
• Read Reviews: Check trusted sources like Digit or 91mobiles for real-world performance data.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Gaming Phones

• Ignoring Thermal Management: Phones like OnePlus 13R may overheat, affecting performance.
• Focusing Only on FPS: Higher FPS doesn’t guarantee stability; check for dips in heavy action.
• Overlooking Software: Realme GT 7’s bloatware-heavy UI may slow down performance.
• Neglecting Battery: Smaller batteries (e.g., 5,000mAh in Poco F6) may not last long sessions.
• Skipping Updates: Ensure the phone supports long-term software updates for game compatibility.

FAQs About Gaming Phones Under ₹40,000

Which phone is best for BGMI under ₹40,000 in 2025?

The iQOO Neo 10R is the top pick, offering stable 120 FPS in BGMI with excellent thermal management.

Can the Poco F7 run Call of Duty Mobile at 120 FPS?

Yes, but it stabilizes at 60 FPS after initial drops from 120 FPS in Low + Ultra settings.

Does the Realme GT 7 overheat during gaming?

It reaches 43.9°C after 30 minutes of BGMI and may throttle during extended play.

Which phone has the best battery for gaming?

The Realme GT 7’s 7,000mAh battery offers the longest gaming sessions, followed by Poco F7’s 7,550mAh.

Are these phones good for casual gaming?

Yes, all five phones handle casual and competitive gaming with high refresh rates and powerful chipsets.

Conclusion

The ultimate gaming phone under ₹40,000 in 2025 depends on your priorities. The iQOO Neo 10R excels in BGMI with stable 120 FPS and great thermals, while the Poco F7 and Realme GT 7 offer massive batteries for long sessions. The OnePlus 13R balances premium features, and the Vivo T3 Ultra is a solid all-rounder. Ready to dominate BGMI and Call of Duty Mobile? Check out these phones on Flipkart or Amazon and level up your gaming today!