Mobile gamers do not need flagship-level devices costing millions of rupiah to play competitive titles like Mobile Legends: Bang, Free Fire, or PUBG Mobile.
As of November 9, 2026, selecting the right hardware requires a focus on specific internal components rather than high-end marketing, VIVA reported.
Gamer performance depends heavily on the chipset, thermal management, display quality, and battery capacity. Relying solely on RAM size or camera megapixels is insufficient for identifying a capable gaming device.
The chipset serves as the engine for all gaming operations, housing the CPU and GPU responsible for rendering graphics and executing game instructions. According to VIVA, buyers should investigate specific chipset models and review performance benchmarks for their preferred games.
Focus on frame rate stability and device temperature rather than synthetic benchmark scores. While MediaTek’s HyperEngine technology aims to optimize frame rates and network responsiveness, the overall experience remains tied to the quality of the chipset and how well the manufacturer has optimized the software.
For budget gaming, 8 GB of RAM acts as a reasonable baseline for smooth multitasking. While 6 GB may suffice for lighter titles, users should consider how a device manages background applications to prevent frequent reloads.
VIVA notes that internal storage is equally critical, with 128 GB offering significantly more room for game files and system updates than 64 GB models. When comparing similar price points, buyers should also look for faster storage standards, which directly impact loading times.
Effective cooling is essential for maintaining consistent performance during extended gaming sessions. Radar Tegal reported that devices like the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G utilize massive graphite sheets and Vapor Chambers to keep chipsets cool during 3D rendering.
The Tecno Pova 6 Pro 5G offers another approach, featuring a total cooling area of 27,342mm², including a 2,871mm² Vapor Chamber. This multi-layer structure helps prevent frame drops caused by thermal throttling when playing multiplayer games for long durations.
Vapor Chambers: Larger areas, such as the 6,043mm² found in the iQOO Z9 5G, are a factor to consider for effective heat dissipation.
Is virtual RAM a reliable substitute for physical memory? No. While virtual RAM uses internal storage to expand memory capacity, it does not match the speed or efficiency of physical RAM, according to VIVA.
How does the chipset influence heat management? Even mid-range options like the MediaTek Dimensity 6080 5G can perform reliably if the device has a robust thermal management system to prevent overheating.
Does high-speed charging affect gaming performance? High-wattage charging can lead to temperature spikes. Manufacturers like Redmi address this by using cooling layers to protect the battery during 120W charging, ensuring the device remains stable even during quick power-ups.
Worth a look