Gaming Test Deep Dive: Can the Redmi Note 15 Pro+ Replace a Budget Gaming Phone?

on

Smartphone gaming has come a long way. Not too long ago, smooth 60fps gameplay was reserved for flagship devices and dedicated gaming phones. But Xiaomi’s latest Redmi Note 15 Pro+ is challenging that status quo, bringing powerful specs like the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4, advanced liquid cooling, and a 7,000mAh battery into a mid-range price bracket.

The big question: is it good enough to replace a budget gaming phone? We put the device through its paces with popular titles like PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact, and Call of Duty Mobile to see if it lives up to the hype.

1. Device Specifications Overview

According to NanoReview, the Redmi Note 15 Pro+ is built on Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 7s Gen 4, a mid-range chipset fabricated on a 4nm process. While only offering a modest ~7% performance gain over the Gen 3, Qualcomm has baked in gamer-focused features like Game Super Resolution and Adaptive Performance Engine 3.0 (source) to help smooth out demanding workloads.

Gaming-friendly highlights:

  • 6.83-inch AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate, 240Hz touch sampling – crucial for responsive controls.

  • Up to 12GB RAM / 256GB UFS 2.2 storage – quick loading and multitasking support.

  • 7,000mAh battery with 90W fast charging – long sessions, quick top-ups.

  • Advanced liquid cooling (vapor chamber + graphite pads) – improved thermal consistency.

2. Testing Methodology

We tested under controlled conditions:

  • Room temperature: 24°C, ~55% humidity.

  • Device setup: 120Hz refresh rate, brightness locked at 200 nits, “Performance Mode” enabled.

  • Tools: PerfDog for FPS monitoring, FLIR camera for thermals, and system battery stats.

  • Games tested: PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile (CODM).

  • Test duration: 30 minutes per setting to check stability, not just bursts.

3. Gaming Performance Breakdown

PUBG Mobile

Graphics Setting                Avg FPS    FPS Stability    Device Temp
HD + High (60fps)59.898.2%38.2°C
HDR + Ultra (60fps)59.597.8%40.7°C
Smooth + Extreme (90fps)88.996.5%42.3°C

PUBG Mobile is where the Note 15 Pro+ shines. Even at 90fps (Extreme mode), it maintains excellent stability without excessive heating. For competitive players, this is as close as you’ll get to a budget gaming phone experience.

Genshin Impact

Graphics Setting    Avg FPS    FPS Stability    Device Temp
Medium (60fps)58.795.4%39.8°C
High (60fps)57.293.1%42.9°C
Ultra (60fps)52.388.7%45.1°C

As expected, Genshin Impact pushes the hardware hardest. Playable at High settings, but Ultra introduces frame drops, especially during effects-heavy combat. Temps peak at 45°C—warm, but still usable.

Call of Duty Mobile

Graphics Setting    Avg FPS    FPS Stability    Device Temp
Medium (60fps)59.998.7%37.9°C
High (60fps)59.798.3%39.2°C
Very High (90fps)88.497.1%41.5°C

CODM feels buttery smooth, with stable frame rates even at 90fps. Combined with the 240Hz touch response, the Note 15 Pro+ offers a premium, snappy shooter experience that rivals dedicated gaming models.

4. Battery Endurance

Game                    Settings                                Drain (per 30 min)    Est. Playtime
PUBG MobileSmooth + Extreme (90fps)14%~3.5 hrs
Genshin ImpactHigh (60fps)18%~2.8 hrs
CODMVery High (90fps)15%~3.3 hrs

The 7,000mAh battery holds its own. You’ll get 3–3.5 hours of heavy gaming on high settings. And thanks to 90W charging, a 15-minute break gives you 50% back—perfect for marathon sessions. (Notebookcheck)

5. Beyond Numbers: The Gaming Experience

  • Thermals: Liquid cooling isn’t just marketing. Even after 30 minutes, no harsh throttling, and heat spreads evenly instead of creating “hot spots.”

  • Software: HyperOS game mode blocks distractions, optimizes resources, and supports quick tools like screen recording.

  • Ergonomics: Balanced weight, symmetrical bezels, tactile haptics, and stereo speakers make long sessions comfortable and immersive.

6. Conclusion: Can It Replace a Budget Gaming Phone?

Performance Verdict

For PUBG Mobile and CODM, the Redmi Note 15 Pro+ is practically indistinguishable from specialized gaming phones. With Genshin Impact, it’s solid on High but not flawless on Ultra—expected for this chipset class.

Value Proposition

Unlike dedicated gaming phones, the Note 15 Pro+ doesn’t compromise on cameras, design, or usability. It’s a true all-rounder with gaming chops that casual-to-moderate gamers will appreciate.

Who Should Buy It?

✅ Ideal for: Gamers who want strong performance without giving up daily-driver features.
❌ Not for: Competitive esports players chasing maxed-out Ultra settings.

💡 Final Word: The Redmi Note 15 Pro+ delivers 85–90% of the performance of budget gaming phones while offering a better-rounded smartphone experience. For most gamers, that’s more than enough to make it a credible alternative. 

7. Further Reading

Comments

Post a Comment