We have rounded up the best budget phones for emulation. Emulation is a fantastic way to relive the classics, allowing users to play games from consoles like the Game Boy, PlayStation, and even the Nintendo Switch, all on a single device. However, not everyone wants to invest in high-end smartphones for this purpose. Fortunately, there are several budget-friendly options that deliver excellent performance for emulation without breaking the bank.
When choosing a budget phone for emulation, factors such as processing power, GPU performance, RAM, and battery life are critical. Emulation can be demanding, especially for newer consoles like the PlayStation 2, GameCube, and beyond, so a phone with a powerful mid-range processor, such as a Snapdragon 700-series or MediaTek Dimensity chip, is ideal. Additionally, a high-refresh-rate screen and ample storage further enhance the gaming experience.
This guide explores the best budget smartphones for emulation, analyzing their specs, compatibility with popular emulators, and overall gaming performance. Whether you’re looking to play retro 2D classics or experiment with 3D gaming, these phones strike the perfect balance between affordability and functionality.
Read on to discover the top picks for budget phones that can handle your emulation needs effortlessly.
Round Up of the Best Budget Phones for Emulation
| 1 | Google Pixel 5 (Best Pick) | Check Price on Amazon |
| 2 | OnePlus 9 Pro | Check Price on Amazon |
| 3 | Google Pixel 6 | Check Price on Amazon |
| 4 | Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus | Check Price on Amazon |
| 5 | Google Pixel 7 | Check Price on Amazon |
| 6 | Samsung Galaxy A54 5G | Check Price on Amazon |
| 7 | OnePlus 7T | Check Price on Amazon |
1. Google Pixel 5 (Best Pick)
Google Pixel 5 Key Specifications
Display: 6.0-inch OLED display, 1080 x 2340 pixels | CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G | OS: Android 11 | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 128GB | Front Camera: 8 MP | Rear Cameras: 12.2 MP, 16 MP | Size: 144.7 x 70.4 x 8 mm | Weight: 0.33 pound (151 g) | Battery: 4080 mAh
Pros
- Clean and clever Android 11
- Compact and well-built
- Long battery life
- Excellent camera
- Unique features
Cons
- Audio quality could be better
The Google Pixel 5 is a pocket-sized powerhouse ready for anything you throw at it. Crafted with a sleek, grippy exterior, the Pixel 5 feels as good as it looks. And don’t let its svelte silhouette fool you. Inside, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 765G processor and 8GB of RAM pack a punch, whether you’re blazing through demanding apps or conquering Google’s cloud gaming platform.
But the Pixel 5 isn’t just about muscle. It’s also a master of media. Capture stunning landscapes with the 12.2MP wide-angle camera, snap envy-inducing selfies with the 8MP lens, and fit your entire life onto 128GB or 256GB of storage. And if that’s not enough, a 512GB option with 12GB of RAM lets you hoard videos, photos, and apps to your heart’s content.
Worried about battery life? The Pixel 5’s 4100 mAh battery is your all-day companion, keeping you juiced up even during marathon gaming sessions. Plus, the intuitive software and seamless updates make the Pixel 5 a developer’s dream, perfect for testing your latest creations.
The Google Pixel 5 is the versatile, pocket-friendly powerhouse you’ve been waiting for. It’s the phone that fits your life, not the other way around.
2. OnePlus 9 Pro
OnePlus 9 Pro Key Specifications
Display: 6.7 inches, Fluid AMOLED, 3168 x 1440 pixels | Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 | OS: Android 11 | RAM: 8GB/12GB | Storage: 128GB/256GB | Front Camera: 16 MP | Rear Cameras: 50 MP, 48 MP, 8 MP, 2 MP | Size: 163.2 x 73.6 x 8.7 mm | Weight: 0.43 pound (197 g) | Battery: 4500 mAh
Pros
- Excellent cameras
- Good battery life
- Cool 120Hz display
- Fast performance
Cons
- No microSD slot
The OnePlus 9 Pro packs a punch with specs that would make lesser devices cower. Imagine 12GB of RAM and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor tag-teaming to conquer any task you throw at them. Need a touch more breathing room? Opt for the base model with 8GB of RAM – still enough to run circles around most rivals.
But raw power is just the appetizer. Feast your eyes on a 120Hz AMOLED display that’s so vibrant and crystal-clear, it’ll feel like reality itself is bending to your fingertips. Forget squinting under the sun – this screen shines brighter than a supernova, even at midday. And while other phones are stuck in the low-refresh-rate doldrums, the 9 Pro lets you experience everything in hyper-smooth 120Hz glory. Your thumbs will thank you.
Speaking of feasts, let’s delve into the main course: the cameras. OnePlus has truly outdone themselves here. The 9 Pro boasts an arsenal of photographic firepower that can capture moments with breathtaking detail and clarity. Whether you’re a budding Ansel Adams or a social media maestro, these cameras will have you saying “cheese” with genuine excitement. And it’s not just about stills – the 9 Pro lets you paint the town red (or any other color you fancy) with stunning 8K video at 30fps. Need even more options? 4K at 30, 60, or even 120fps is just a tap away.
Sure, a phone this good might have a minor flaw or two. Like, for instance, the lack of a microSD card slot. But honestly, with 128GB or 256GB of built-in storage, who needs external memory? Think of it as a gentle nudge towards living minimally, one stunning photo at a time.
So, if you’re ready to unleash your inner powerhouse and experience a phone that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible, the OnePlus 9 Pro is your perfect match.
3. Google Pixel 6
Google Pixel 6 Key Specifications
Display: 6.4-inch AMOLED 90Hz display, 1080 x 2400 pixels | Processor: Google Tensor | OS: Android 12 | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 128GB/256GB | Front Camera: 8MP | Rear Cameras: 50MP (wide), 12MP (ultrawide) | Size: 158.6 x 74.8 x 8.9 mm | Weight: 0.46 pound (207 g) | Battery: 4614 mAh
Pros
- Eye-catching design
- Very good cameras
- lightning-fast processor
- Fast charging
Cons
- No charger in the box
Google has thrown down the gauntlet with the Pixel 6. This sleek machine isn’t just another smartphone; it’s a performance powerhouse equipped with Google’s own game-changing Tensor chip and a smooth-as-butter Android 12 OS. Forget update woes – the Pixel 6 is your ticket to the cutting edge, always.
But speed isn’t the only trick up this phone’s sleeve. The Pixel 6 packs a punch with its lightning-fast processor and generous 8GB of RAM, putting it shoulder-to-shoulder with Android royalty like the Galaxy S21 Ultra and OnePlus 9 Pro. No matter what you throw at it, from editing hefty videos to blazing through intense games, the Pixel 6 handles it all with a nonchalant smile.
Storage options might seem modest at 128GB and 256GB, but trust me, that’s all you’ll ever need. And with 8GB of RAM standard across all variants, you can rest assured everything will run like a dream.
Remember those blurry, subpar displays of past Pixel generations? Banish them from your memory! The Pixel 6 boasts a stunning 6.4-inch AMOLED screen that brings your content to life with vibrant colors and razor-sharp clarity. Scrolling through social media feels like gliding through silk, and watching movies is an immersive feast for the eyes.
But where the Pixel 6 truly shines is in its camera game. This phone takes photography to a whole new level, capturing images with breathtaking natural detail and colors that practically pop off the screen. Whether you’re a seasoned shutterbug or a casual Instagrammer, the Pixel 6’s triple-camera setup (50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and 8MP selfie) will have you snapping masterpieces like a pro.
Okay, okay, there’s one teensy-weensy caveat: no charger in the box. But honestly, with a powerful 4614mAh battery that keeps you going for up to 8 hours (and even longer if you upgrade to the Pixel 6 Pro’s 5003mAh monster), who needs to be tethered to the wall anyway?
So, if you’re craving a phone that’s equal parts lightning-fast, feature-packed, and eye-catchingly beautiful, look no further than the Pixel 6. It’s a streaming and gaming beast, a photography whiz, and a display to die for. In short, it’s a knockout. Go ahead, indulge – your thumbs will thank you.
4. Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus
Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus Key Specifications
Display: 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+ display, 1080 x 2340 pixels | CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | OS: Android 12 | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 128GB/256GB | Front Cameras: 10MP | Rear Cameras: 50MP, 10MP, 12MP | Size: 157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6 mm | Weight: 0.43 pound (196 g) | Battery: 4500 mAh
Pros
- Powerful performance
- Vivid display
- Versatile camera
- Long-lasting battery
- Sleek design
- Generous OS updates
Cons
- No expandable storage
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus exemplifies consistency in flagship design, with its evolutionary updates emphasizing refinement over dramatic innovation.
Slightly shorter, wider, thinner, and lighter than its predecessor, the S21+, the S22+ weighs in at 195/196 grams. These design changes accompany a slight battery reduction from 4800mAh to 4500mAh, balanced by promises of improved power efficiency.
The 6.6-inch screen is slightly shorter but boasts significant brightness enhancements, leveraging advancements in Samsung OLED technology.
A standout feature is the new 50MP main sensor, 23% larger than the previous 12MP, ensuring better image quality. A 10MP telephoto lens with optical 3x zoom replaces the older hybrid solution, while the ultrawide and selfie cameras remain unchanged.
The device introduces 45W fast charging, an upgrade from the previous 25W. While the practical difference may be marginal, it reflects incremental improvement.
With a starting price consistent with the S21+, the S22+ remains a solid choice for those seeking a larger display and battery without entering the Ultra tier.
The S22+ refines its predecessor’s formula, offering solid performance and incremental updates without major surprises. It’s a reliable flagship tailored for users valuing consistency.
5. Google Pixel 7 Pro
Google Pixel 7 Pro Key Specifications
Display: 6.7-inch AMOLED 120Hz display, 1440 x 3120 pixels | Processor: Google Tensor G2 | OS: Android 13 | RAM: 8GB/12GB | Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB | Front Camera: 10.8MP | Rear Cameras: 50MP, 48MP,12MP | Size: 162.9 x 76.6 x 8.9 mm | Weight: 212g | Battery: 5000 mAh | GPS: Yes
Pros
- Exceptional camera
- Clean and smooth software
- Bright and smooth display
- Unique design
- Google Tensor chip
- Competitive price
Cons
- Average battery life
Google has truly impressed us lately with their outstanding smartphones, and the Pixel 7 Pro is no exception to this trend. Loaded with state-of-the-art features and specifications that rival the best offerings from Samsung and Apple, this phone manages to carve its own niche in the bustling market.
Fueling the Pixel 7 Pro is the Google Tensor G2 processor, accompanied by 8GB of RAM. Together, they create a powerful combination that ensures an impressive level of speed and responsiveness, whether you’re multitasking or immersed in intense gaming sessions. The 6.7-inch AMOLED screen is truly breathtaking, featuring a silky-smooth 120Hz refresh rate that takes the visual experience to a whole new level.
One of the standout features of the Pixel 7 Pro is its camera system, a genuine powerhouse. The triple-lens rear camera setup, comprising a 50MP main sensor, a 48MP telephoto sensor, and a 12MP ultrawide sensor, captures stunning photos and videos across various lighting conditions.
Straight out of the box, the Pixel 7 Pro comes equipped with Android 13, ensuring users stay at the forefront of the latest and greatest Google features. Android 13 introduces notable enhancements, such as Material You, a dynamic theming system that customizes your phone’s appearance to match your personal style.
While the Pixel 7 Pro comes close to perfection, it does have a couple of minor drawbacks. The battery life is average, and the phone may warm up a bit under heavy usage. Nevertheless, these are minor concerns that don’t overshadow the overall brilliance of this device.
Overall, the Pixel 7 Pro stands as a powerful, versatile, and feature-rich smartphone, providing users with a truly fantastic and satisfying experience.
6. Samsung Galaxy A54
Samsung Galaxy A54 Key Specifications
Display: 6.4-inch Super AMOLED | CPU: Exynos 1380 | OS: Android 13
Refresh Rate: 120Hz | RAM: 6GB/8GB | Storage: 128GB/256GB | Front Camera: 32MP
Rear Cameras: 50MP, 12MP, 5MP | Size: 158.2 x 76.7 x 8.2 mm | Weight: 202g | Battery: 5000mAh
Pros
- Premium design and display
- Solid cameras
- Decent battery life
- 5G connectivity
Cons
- No headphone jack
- No HDR support
The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G emerges as a formidable contender in the realm of mid-range smartphones, earning praise for its well-rounded features and seamless integration into the high-speed domain of 5G connectivity. Distinguishing itself with a spacious 6.4-inch display, the device ensures a visually enchanting experience for its users.
Beneath the surface, the smartphone draws power from a robust 2.4 GHz octa-core processor, guaranteeing a fluid and hiccup-free performance across an array of tasks. This device goes beyond the one-size-fits-all approach, presenting users with options of 128GB and 256GB storage capacities, allowing for a tailored selection based on individual preferences and needs.
With regard to multitasking, the Galaxy A54 5G excels by generously providing 8GB of RAM, enabling users to seamlessly handle multiple tasks concurrently. As the name boldly suggests, it is fully equipped for 5G connectivity, ensuring download and streaming speeds that render buffering a distant memory.
For photography enthusiasts, this smartphone offers a haven of possibilities. Its versatile camera setup, complete with multiple lenses, captures a diverse spectrum of photographic moments with ease. Whether you are capturing scenic landscapes or candid portraits, the Galaxy A54 5G has the imaging capabilities to bring your vision to life.
7. OnePlus 7T
OnePlus 7T Key Specifications
Display: 6.55-inch, FHD+, Fluid AMOLED screen | Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+ | Operating System: OxygenOS 10 (Android 9) | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 128GB/256GB | Front Camera: 16 MP | Rear Cameras: 48 MP Main, 12 MP Telephoto,16 MP Ultrawide | Size: 160.9 x 74.4 x 8.1 mm | Weight: 0.42 pound (190 g) | Battery: 3800 mAh
Pros
- Fluid display
- Top-tier performance
- Oxygen OS
- Fast charging
- Decent cameras
- Attractive design
Cons
- No wireless charging
The 7T isn’t just an upgrade, it’s a leap forward in smoothness, power, and capturing those fleeting moments you never want to miss.
Forget choppy frames, the 7T’s Fluid AMOLED display is a silky-smooth 90Hz playground for your eyes. Games glide, videos come alive, and even scrolling through emails feels like a luxurious experience. It’s like your phone dipped into a vat of liquid responsiveness.
Under the hood, the Snapdragon 855 Plus processor is a beast, paired with 8GB of RAM for multitasking like a champ. Whether you’re crushing enemies in Arknights or conquering spreadsheets, the 7T won’t even break a sweat.
Speaking of conquering, the triple-camera setup on the back is like having a pocket-sized paparazzi entourage. Capture stunning wide-angle shots, get closer with the 2x optical zoom, and keep things steady with the OIS magic. Nighttime? No problem. The 7T’s cameras turn low-light situations into Instagram-worthy masterpieces.
And because all that power play deserves a standing ovation, the 3800mAh battery delivers a full day of juice, and maybe even a bit more. So go ahead, binge-watch your favorite show, game until dawn, and never fear the dreaded battery-level panic.
Round Up of the Best Budget Phones for Emulation
| 1 | Google Pixel 5 (Best Pick) | Check Price on Amazon |
| 2 | OnePlus 9 Pro | Check Price on Amazon |
| 3 | Google Pixel 6 | Check Price on Amazon |
| 4 | Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus | Check Price on Amazon |
| 5 | Google Pixel 7 | Check Price on Amazon |
| 6 | Samsung Galaxy A54 5G | Check Price on Amazon |
| 7 | OnePlus 7T | Check Price on Amazon |
