Industry trends show manufacturers like Samsung, Redmi, and Itel are increasingly prioritizing 8GB of physical RAM and expanded storage options to handle mobile gaming demands at entry-level price points, according to reports from Gadgetren and Radar Cirebon.
The Shift Toward High-Capacity RAM in Entry-Level Devices
Performance in budget smartphones is no longer dictated solely by the main processor. Manufacturers are addressing the bottleneck of limited memory by integrating “Extended RAM” technology. This software-based feature converts a portion of the internal storage (ROM) into temporary virtual memory, allowing devices with 8GB of physical RAM to function as 16GB systems.
Did you know?
Extended RAM (virtual memory) is not a replacement for physical RAM. While it helps keep apps active in the background, it operates at the speed of the phone’s internal storage (UFS or eMMC), which is slower than physical LPDDR RAM.
Top Affordable Gaming Smartphone Picks
Current market options for budget-conscious gamers rely on a combination of chipset efficiency and memory capacity.
- Samsung Galaxy A07: Priced at approximately Rp1.4 million, this device offers 8GB of physical RAM and 128GB of storage. It includes an additional 4GB of Extended RAM and utilizes the MediaTek Helio G99 chipset, a processor frequently cited for its balance of power and efficiency in mobile gaming.
- Redmi A7 Pro: Retailing for about Rp1.6 million, this model features 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage using UFS 2.2 technology, which provides faster data read/write speeds compared to older eMMC standards. It is powered by the UNISOC T7250 chipset.
Evaluating Long-Term Performance for Mobile Gamers
When selecting a budget gaming phone, storage speed is as important as capacity. The transition to UFS (Universal Flash Storage) in entry-level segments—as seen in the Redmi A7 Pro—marks a significant improvement over previous years. Devices using UFS 2.2 allow for faster game loading times and reduced stuttering during texture-heavy gameplay. Consumers should prioritize devices that list UFS storage in their specifications to ensure the hardware can keep up with modern online multiplayer requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Extended RAM actually improve gaming performance?
It primarily helps with multitasking. It allows you to switch between a game and other apps without the game needing to reload from scratch, which improves the overall user experience.
Is 8GB of RAM enough for modern mobile games?
What chipset should I look for in a 1-million-rupiah phone?
Look for chipsets like the MediaTek Helio G-series or modern UNISOC chips, which are specifically optimized for budget gaming performance.
Are you currently using a budget device for gaming, or are you planning an upgrade? Share your experiences in the comments below, or explore our latest smartphone performance reviews to find your next device.