Variable gain amplifier (VGA) circuits and methods implemented in such circuits are disclosed. An example VGA circuit includes a differential transistor pair for receiving a differential input signal. The differential transistor pair, in operation, conducts a substantially constant current over a linear operating range of the variable gain amplifier circuit. The VGA circuit also includes a current source that is coupled with the differential transistor pair. The current source, in operation, provides the substantially constant current to the differential transistor pair. The VGA circuit further includes a variable resistance circuit coupled with the differential transistor pair. In operation, a resistance of the variable resistance circuit is adjusted such that a gain of the variable gain amplifier circuit is adjusted. Further, in operation, the VGA circuit produces a differential output signal, the differential output signal being an amplified version of the differential input signal.