When it comes to gaming on a budget, choosing the right phone is like picking the perfect weapon for battle: one wrong move, and you’re stuck with lag, low graphics, or overheating mid-match. Today, we’re diving into two hot contenders in the mid-range market—the Oppo A3X with its Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s Gen 1 processor and 4GB of RAM, and the Infinix Hot 50, rocking a MediaTek Helio G100 and 6GB of RAM. Both promise solid gaming experiences, but which one is truly built for gamers? Let’s break it down by focusing on three major games: Genshin Impact, Call of Duty: Mobile (CODM), and the up-and-coming Wuthering Waves.
Processor Power: The Heart of Gaming Performance
Let’s start with what drives the gaming experience—the processors. The Snapdragon 6s Gen 1 in the Oppo A3X is a newer and more advanced chipset compared to the Helio G100 in the Infinix Hot 50. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon series is well-known for its efficiency and GPU power, which is critical for high-performance games like Genshin Impact.
On the other hand, the Helio G100 is a gaming-focused processor designed for budget phones. It performs decently, but it can’t quite match Snapdragon’s Adreno GPU when it comes to rendering detailed graphics or maintaining stable frame rates in intense scenes.
So, if you’re looking to play Genshin Impact on medium to high settings with smooth performance, the Oppo A3X has the upper hand. That Snapdragon GPU will handle textures, lighting, and particle effects better than the Helio G100.
RAM: The Unsung Hero of Multitasking
Now, let’s talk about memory. The Oppo A3X has 4GB of RAM, which is sufficient for most tasks, but gaming is a different story. Games like Genshin Impact and Wuthering Waves are resource-heavy and require plenty of RAM to run smoothly, especially when paired with background processes like notifications or voice chat apps. This is where the Infinix Hot 50, with its 6GB of RAM, comes into play.
That extra 2GB can make a noticeable difference in multitasking and long gaming sessions. For example, when playing Call of Duty: Mobile, switching between apps like Discord or Chrome while still keeping the game open in memory is smoother on the Infinix Hot 50. The Oppo A3X, in contrast, might force-close background apps to conserve memory, which can be frustrating mid-game.
Display: Seeing is Believing
A phone’s display can make or break your gaming experience. Unfortunately, neither the Oppo A3X nor the Infinix Hot 50 boasts flagship-grade screens, but they get the job done for their price points.
The Oppo A3X features a sharp and vibrant display with a higher pixel density, making it a bit better for visually demanding games like Wuthering Waves, which relies heavily on detailed animations and landscapes. The Infinix Hot 50, while decent, may fall slightly short in resolution clarity, though it compensates with a larger screen, which some gamers might prefer.
Battery Life: Gaming Without Interruptions
Both phones are equipped with batteries that can handle a few hours of gaming, but the efficiency of the processor plays a big role here. The Snapdragon 6s Gen 1 in the Oppo A3X is more power-efficient than the Helio G100, meaning you’ll likely squeeze out an extra 30–45 minutes of gaming before needing a recharge.
However, if you’re a heavy gamer, you’ll want to carry a power bank regardless of which phone you choose. Both models support fast charging, but don’t expect them to top up as quickly as premium phones.
Thermal Management: Keeping It Cool
Nothing kills a gaming session faster than an overheating phone. The Snapdragon processor in the Oppo A3X runs cooler under heavy loads, thanks to Qualcomm’s optimized architecture. The Helio G100, while capable, tends to heat up more quickly during extended play sessions, which can lead to thermal throttling—a drop in performance to prevent overheating.
For games like CODM, which demand sustained performance over long periods, the Oppo A3X holds a slight edge in thermal management. If you’re planning marathon gaming sessions, this is something to keep in mind.
Game-Specific Performance
Let’s look at how these phones handle the three key games:
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Genshin Impact:Genshin Impact is one of the most demanding mobile games, requiring a strong GPU and plenty of RAM. The Oppo A3X performs better here, delivering smoother frame rates and less stuttering on medium settings. The Infinix Hot 50, while playable, may struggle with occasional frame drops on the same settings.
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Call of Duty: Mobile:CODM is well-optimized for a range of devices. Both phones can handle it well, but the extra RAM on the Infinix Hot 50 allows for a more seamless experience when switching between game modes or apps. However, if graphics quality and consistent frame rates are your priorities, the Oppo A3X is slightly better.
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Wuthering Waves:This highly anticipated game is expected to push mobile hardware to its limits with its open-world design and high-quality visuals. While neither phone will run it on max settings, the Oppo A3X’s better GPU will likely handle it more gracefully than the Infinix Hot 50.
Price vs. Performance: The Big Question
Price is often the deciding factor for budget gamers. If the Oppo A3X is significantly more expensive than the Infinix Hot 50 in your region, it might not justify the extra cost unless you’re dead set on playing graphically intense games like Genshin Impact. The Infinix Hot 50 offers great value for casual and mid-tier gaming, thanks to its extra RAM and decent processor.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
If gaming performance is your top priority, go with the Oppo A3X. Its Snapdragon 6s Gen 1 processor provides a noticeable advantage in graphics quality and thermal management, making it the better choice for demanding games like Genshin Impact and Wuthering Waves.
However, if you’re looking for a more balanced phone that handles multitasking well and offers smoother overall usability during long gaming sessions, the Infinix Hot 50 is the smarter pick, thanks to its 6GB of RAM.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your gaming needs: raw performance or smooth multitasking? For me, I’d lean toward the Oppo A3X, as I prioritize consistent frame rates and graphics over multitasking. But if your gaming style involves switching between apps frequently, the Infinix Hot 50 might be your perfect match.