
With the current Covid situation, it seems quite challenging nationwide. As a student, going out is difficult. Also, staying at home, apart from online studying, is quite boring.
One day, while scrolling through Facebook, I noticed that many people are looking for a budget-friendly, yet branded smartphone, ensuring peace of mind with warranty and capable of handling games for entertainment during the pandemic season.

This seems like an interesting quest. So today, I'd like to recommend a few smartphones that offer great value for around $100, perfect for those on a tight budget (students, I feel your financial struggle).
Some pointers when buying budget gaming smartphones

This article covers both old and new options. I'll present you with brand-new devices for unboxing enthusiasts, while those unfazed by second-hand gadgets can explore equally powerful pre-owned models without breaking the bank.
Finding a branded smartphone within the $100 price range that can handle gaming smoothly might seem challenging, but it's not impossible. There are still some good options available at this price point that are worth experiencing.

But hey, a little heads-up folks, the models I'm about to introduce may not run every hardcore game flawlessly at this budget. You'll need to adjust the game graphics settings accordingly. Expecting a $100 smartphone to handle all games like a champ? That's a bit too much to ask for.
Branded new models
I'll give you three choices: Xiaomi Redmi 9, Vsmart Star 5, and Vsmart Joy 3. I've carefully selected these three, their specs are quite similar, ensuring a decent entertainment experience.

Let's talk about Redmi 9, which I find quite impressive. Priced around $120, it boasts a large 6.53-inch Full HD+ display, a decent MediaTek Helio G80 chipset, and a whopping 5,020 mAh battery with fast charging support. With these specs, it's hard to resist.
With such decent features packed into Redmi 9 at this price point, gaming and entertainment become a breeze. Just tweak the game settings to your liking and enjoy the experience.
Now, onto Vsmart Star 5. This phone offers a decent gaming experience with its MediaTek Helio G35 chipset, a large display, and a robust 5,000 mAh battery with 15W fast charging support.

But what sets it apart is this: when you buy the Vsmart Star 5, you'll get a bonus of 10GB 4G data per month (for 18 months). This feature allows you to game anywhere, anytime. As long as you have battery and 4G, you're good to go.
Last but not least, let's talk about a product from Vsmart, the Vsmart Joy 3. Some of you might worry about warranty issues, but rest assured, Vsmart has committed to providing lifetime warranty support for this product, so there's no need to fret.

Its strong suit lies in its price, similar to the other two models but equipped with a decent Snapdragon 632 chipset. Regardless, Snapdragon ensures gaming compatibility and longevity.
Taking a quick look at other highlights, it features a large 6.5-inch HD+ display, a robust 5,000 mAh battery, and 18W fast charging. With such affordability and great specs, what more could you ask for?
Opting for pre-owned devices
Now, this is what we call the best choice! If you're not afraid of buying used devices, then these recommendations I'm about to give you will blow your mind!

First up, we have the Redmi 9T. When it comes to gaming smartphones, Xiaomi is the go-to brand. This one packs a Snapdragon 662 chipset, perfect for gaming.
But the real highlight here is its massive 6,000 mAh battery, ensuring uninterrupted gaming sessions. And when the battery runs out, just plug it in for a quick charge - it'll be back to full in just over 2 hours with its 18W fast charging support. That's a steal for a gaming smartphone at such an affordable price!
REDMI 9T - GREAT VALUE FOR MONEY
Moving on to the second option, we have the Vsmart Joy 4. This phone boasts a powerful Snapdragon 665 chipset, a 5,000 mAh battery with 18W fast charging, and a large 6.5-inch Full HD+ display.

Gaming or watching movies on this device is a breeze with its Full HD+ display. Buying this used phone at this price range offers incredible value for money, making boredom a thing of the past!
VSMART JOY 4 - GREAT VALUE FOR MONEY
And lastly, let's wrap it up with the Vsmart Live 4 for used devices! Priced at around $120, I believe this is the ultimate choice. With a Snapdragon 675 chipset, it's a powerhouse at this price point.

Can you believe it? Just $120 and you get a Snapdragon 675, quite impressive! With specs like this, you can confidently max out settings in games like Arena of Valor or Free Fire with ease. Plus, a large 6.5-inch Full HD+ display and a 5,000 mAh battery, what more could you ask for?
VSMART LIVE 4 - AMAZING VALUE FOR MONEY
Above, I've just recommended you some smartphones around the $120 mark that offer decent gaming performance. These devices are great for gaming during the pandemic or even as secondary phones. Plus, The Gioi Di Dong is currently running a program called 'Supporting the pandemic, delivery within 1 hour, surprisingly cheap' with discounts of up to 30% on phones. You can check it out to find high-quality models for yourself!
And guess what? The Gioi Di Dong is currently running a program called 'Supporting the pandemic, delivery within 1 hour, surprisingly cheap' with discounts of up to 30% on phones. You can check it out to find high-quality models for yourself!
Need more information? Drop a comment below, and we'll be happy to assist you!
Check out: Is it worth buying Vsmart Live 4 and Joy 4 at the moment?
