When it comes to mobile gaming, not all phones are created equal. A top-tier gaming phone stands out with several key features that cater specifically to gamers. First and foremost, a powerful processor is essential for smooth gameplay. High-performance chips ensure that games run seamlessly without lag. However, it's not just about raw power; sustained performance is crucial. You don't want your phone to overheat and throttle performance mid-game, so effective cooling systems are a must. Additionally, ample memory and storage are vital. These allow for multitasking and storing a large library of games without compromise. Some gaming phones, like the RedMagic 10 Pro, go a step further with dedicated gaming enhancements such as shoulder buttons and enhanced touch sampling rates, providing a more immersive gaming experience.
The display is another critical component. A larger, brighter screen enhances visibility, while a higher refresh rate ensures smooth motion. A bigger phone can also mean less thumb coverage, improving touch control usability. With these factors in mind, let's explore the best phones for mobile gaming.
TL;DR – These Are the Best Gaming Phones:
Best overall### RedMagic10 Pro
11See it at AmazonSee it at RedMagic
### Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
2See it at Amazon
### iPhone 16 Pro Max
2See it at Best Buy
### iPhone SE (2022)
0See it at Apple
### OnePlus 12
2See it at Amazon
### Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
4See it at Amazon
### OnePlus 12R
1See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuySee it at OnePlusCheck out our guide to the best phone controllers for accessory options.
Contributions by Georgie Peru and Danielle Abraham
RedMagic 9S Pro – Photos
10 Images
1. RedMagic 10 Pro
Best Gaming Phone
Best overall### RedMagic10 Pro
11The RedMagic 10 Pro is a powerhouse for mobile gaming, combining exceptional performance with sustained playtime in an elegant package. See it at AmazonSee it at RedMagic
Product Specifications
- Screen: 6.85-inch OLED, 1216x2688, 431 ppi, 144Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite
- Camera: 50-Megapixel Wide, 50-Megapixel Ultrawide, 2-Megapixel Macro, 16-Megapixel Selfie
- Battery: 7,050mAh
- Weight: 229g (0.5lb)
PROS
- Excellent gaming performance
- Great display
CONS
- Underwhelming cameras
- Shorter software support
The RedMagic 10 Pro is designed to meet the rigorous demands of gaming. Its actively cooled Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chip ensures top-notch performance, even during long gaming sessions. The cooling fan helps maintain the chip's efficiency, keeping the phone running smoothly. While it may not always lead in raw benchmarks, its ability to sustain performance is unmatched. Coupled with a massive 7,050mAh battery, the RedMagic 10 Pro is built to last.
For gamers, the RedMagic 10 Pro includes two shoulder buttons, allowing for more intuitive control mapping. Its display boasts a fast touch-sampling rate, ensuring quick response to inputs. Features like supersampling and frame interpolation enhance visual quality and smoothness, making it a top choice for serious gamers.
The design is sleek yet stylish, with options including clear backs that showcase the internal components. The 6.85-inch AMOLED display features minimal bezels and a high 144Hz refresh rate, offering a crisp, vibrant gaming experience. The hidden selfie camera beneath the display ensures an uninterrupted view of the action.
Priced at $649, the RedMagic 10 Pro offers incredible value, significantly undercutting competitors like the Asus ROG Phone 9 at $999.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – Photos
5 Images
2. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Best iPhone Alternative for Gaming
### Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
2Enjoy a massive 6.8" AMOLED screen on a phone packing a processor with enough brawn to run multiple apps, edit videos, game, and power the stunning cameras. See it at Amazon
Product Specifications
- Screen size: 6.8 inches
- Rear cameras: 4
- Front cameras: 1
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 (third generation)
- Battery life: 5,000mAh
- Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
- Starting price: $1,299.99
PROS
- Incredible performance
- Exceptional camera system
CONS
- Titanium makes the device big and heavy
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra stands out with its robust Titanium chassis, stunning display, and powerful internals. It features a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC with an 8-core CPU and a GPU with 1,536 shading units, paired with 12GB of RAM. This combination ensures that it can handle the most demanding games at top settings and switch between apps seamlessly. The Game Booster mode further optimizes performance, making it an excellent choice for mobile gaming.
The 6.8" AMOLED display boasts a peak brightness of nearly 2,600 nits, ensuring clear visibility in any lighting. With a 1440p resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, the screen delivers crisp, smooth action. The adaptive refresh rate helps conserve battery life, making this phone a versatile gaming champion.
While it may not match the RedMagic 9S Pro in raw speed, the Galaxy S24 Ultra offers long-term support, superior cameras, and exceptional design quality, making it a strong alternative to the iPhone.
3. iPhone 16 Pro Max
Best iPhone for Gaming
### iPhone 16 Pro Max
2Running on an A18 Pro chip, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is ready to tackle anything you throw its way, gaming included. See it at Best Buy
Product Specifications
- Screen: 6.9-inch OLED, 1320x2868, 460 ppi, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: A18 Pro
- Camera: 48-Megapixel Wide, 48-Megapixel Ultrawide, 12-Megapixel Telephoto, 12-Megapixel Selfie
- Battery: 4,685mAh
- Weight: 227g (0.5lb)
PROS
- Power performance
- Long-term support
- Great design
CONS
- High comparative price
The iPhone 16 Pro Max delivers top-notch gaming performance with its A18 Pro chip, which includes an extra graphics core for enhanced visuals. Its 6.9-inch display provides ample space for immersive gaming and precise control. Beyond gaming, the iPhone 16 Pro Max boasts a sleek titanium frame and glass construction, making it a visually appealing device.
The camera system is equally impressive, offering stunning photos and advanced video capabilities, including Dolby Vision and slow-motion recording. Apple's push into higher-tier gaming is evident with titles like Assassin’s Creed Mirage and Resident Evil coming to iOS, enriching the gaming ecosystem.
iPhone SE (2022) – Photos
6 Images
4. iPhone SE (2022)
Best Budget iPhone for Gaming
### iPhone SE (2022)
0Get Apple iOS on the cheap with this phone running on an A15 Bionic chip, but be prepared for a lackluster screen. See it at Apple
Product Specifications
- Screen: 4.7-inch LCD, 750x1334, 326ppi, 60Hz refresh rate
- Processor: A15 Bionic
- Camera: 12-Megapixel Wide | 7-Megapixel Selfie
- Battery: 2,018mAh
- Weight: 144g (0.32lb)
PROS
- Great value for money
- Thin and lightweight
CONS
- Screen is a little too small
The iPhone SE (2022) offers a solid gaming experience at a budget-friendly price of $429, thanks to the powerful A15 Bionic chip. It provides access to a wide range of iOS games, including those exclusive to Apple Arcade. However, the 4.7-inch screen with thick bezels may feel cramped for gaming. Using a phone controller can help maximize the display area. While storage is limited to 64GB, upgrading to 256GB is an option, and cloud gaming can alleviate storage concerns, especially with 5G support.
See our guide to the best cheap smartphones.
OnePlus 12 – Photos
8 Images
5. OnePlus 12
Best Everyday Phone for Mobile Gaming
### OnePlus 12
2With a powerful processor, a large AMOLED display, and a refined design, this mid-range flagship is a true gem. See it at Amazon
Product Specifications
- Screen: 6.78-inch AMOLED, 1440x3168, 510 ppi, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- Camera: 50-Megapixel Wide | 48-Megapixel Ultra-wide | 64-Megapixel Telephoto | 32-Megapixel Selfie
- Battery: 5,400mAh
- Weight: 220g (0.49lb)
PROS
- Solid battery life
- Great performance
CONS
- Limited features
The OnePlus 12 is a compelling choice for those seeking an everyday phone that excels at gaming. Starting at $800, it offers a competitive price point with a refined design and respectable cameras. The 6.82-inch AMOLED display is bright and vivid, with an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz for smooth gameplay and battery savings.
Powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, the OnePlus 12 handles demanding games like Genshin Impact with ease, though it may get warm under heavy load. Its elegant software and versatile capabilities make it a well-rounded option for gamers who need a phone for more than just gaming.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 – Photos
6 Images
6. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
Best Foldable Gaming Phone
### Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
4The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is an incredibly fast and gorgeous smartphone, held back only by the weird aspect ratio when unfolded. See it at Amazon
Product Specifications
- Screen: 7.6-inch 2160 x 1856 AMOLED (Main); 6.2-inch 968 x 2376 AMOLED (Cover)
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- Camera: 50MP Wide, 12MP Ultra Wide, 10MP front
- Battery: 4400mAh
- Weight: 239g (0.52 lb)
PROS
- Stunning displays, inside and out
- Extremely powerful
CONS
- Aspect ratios can be weird
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 builds on the success of its predecessor, offering enhanced performance with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip. This upgrade results in a significant speed boost, ideal for demanding games like Zenless Zone Zero and Wuthering Waves. The 7.6-inch internal AMOLED display provides vivid colors and high contrast, while the 6.2-inch external screen offers an ultra-wide aspect ratio for versatile gaming.
Beyond gaming, the Z Fold 6 doubles as a small tablet when open, perfect for multitasking, and a regular smartphone when closed. Its powerful camera system and long-term software support from Samsung make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a foldable gaming phone.
OnePlus 12R – Photos
7 Images
7. OnePlus 12R
Best Budget Android for Gaming
### OnePlus 12R
1A big, flashy display and potent Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip are the heart and blood of this value-focused Android phone. See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuySee it at OnePlus
Product Specifications
- Screen: 6.78-inch AMOLED, 1264x2780, 450 ppi, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
- Camera: 50-Megapixel Wide, 8-Megapixel Ultrawide, 2-Megapixel Macro, 16-Megapixel Selfie
- Battery: 5,500mAh
- Weight: 207g (0.46lb)
PROS
- Large, vibrant display
- Strong battery life
- Good main camera
CONS
- No wireless charging
- Only IP64 water and dust resistance
The OnePlus 12R offers top-tier gaming performance at a budget-friendly price of $499. Its 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display boasts a 1264x2780 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, providing a stunning platform for gaming. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip ensures smooth gameplay, while the 5,500mAh battery supports extended gaming sessions.
While the camera system is less advanced than the OnePlus 12, it doesn't impact gaming performance. If you're looking for a value-focused gaming phone, the OnePlus 12R is an excellent choice.
What to Look for in a Gaming Phone
When selecting a gaming phone, focus on the processor and display. The latest processors, such as Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Android or Apple's A18 Pro for iPhones, offer the best gaming performance. Even slightly older chipsets like the Snapdragon 888 or 8 Gen 1/2 can handle most games efficiently.
Displays should have a refresh rate higher than 60Hz, ideally 90Hz or 120Hz, for smoother gameplay. Variable refresh rates can help save power when not gaming. Faster touch sampling rates and additional shoulder buttons enhance the gaming interface.
Gaming Handhelds vs. Gaming Phones
Choosing between a gaming phone and a handheld gaming device depends on your needs. Gaming phones are highly portable, offering all smartphone features alongside gaming capabilities, including cooling solutions and optional controllers. They're ideal for casual and hardcore gamers who need a versatile device.
Gaming handhelds like the Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch are dedicated gaming machines with physical controls, suitable for those focused on gaming. They offer access to exclusive titles and have different battery life and cost considerations. Gaming phones are typically more expensive but versatile, while handhelds are more affordable but less multifunctional.
We'll keep this list updated as new gaming phones enter the market, ensuring you have the latest information to make an informed choice.
