While nearly every modern smartphone can handle some gaming, several key features set the best gaming phones apart from the rest. A powerful processor is crucial for delivering smooth gameplay, and the ability to maintain high performance without overheating is essential—you don't want your phone to slow down or overheat after a few minutes of play. Ample memory and storage are also vital, allowing for seamless multitasking and plenty of room for game installations. Some specialized gaming phones, such as the RedMagic 10 Pro, even come equipped with additional gaming-centric features like shoulder buttons and enhanced touch sampling rates.
The display plays a pivotal role in the gaming experience. A larger, brighter screen with a high refresh rate can make all the difference, ensuring smooth, vibrant visuals and reducing thumb coverage during gameplay. With these factors in mind, here's a curated list of the best gaming phones that excel in 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 standout choice for gamers, combining exceptional performance with sustained high-level operation. Its actively cooled Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chip ensures top-notch gaming performance, while a massive 7,050mAh battery supports extended playtime. Additional gaming-specific features include two shoulder buttons for enhanced control and a high touch-sampling rate for quick input detection. The 6.85-inch AMOLED display boasts a 144Hz refresh rate, tiny bezels, and a hidden selfie camera for uninterrupted gaming. Despite its robust capabilities, the RedMagic 10 Pro remains competitively priced at $649, offering great value compared to its peers.
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
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – Photos
5 Images
2. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Best iPhone Alternative for Gaming
### Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
2The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is a powerhouse with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and 12GB of RAM, making it ideal for gaming at top settings. The 6.8" AMOLED display offers a 1440p resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring crisp, smooth visuals. With its Game Booster mode, you can optimize performance and monitor gameplay seamlessly. The phone's titanium chassis and exceptional camera system make it a versatile device beyond gaming.
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
iPhone 16 Pro Max
Best iPhone for Gaming
### iPhone 16 Pro Max
2The iPhone 16 Pro Max is powered by the A18 Pro chip, which delivers exceptional gaming performance, especially in graphics-intensive games. Its 6.9" OLED display offers a 120Hz refresh rate and a large viewing area for immersive gameplay. Beyond gaming, the iPhone 16 Pro Max boasts a sleek titanium frame, powerful cameras, and support for high-resolution video recording. Apple's expanding gaming library, including titles like Assassin's Creed Mirage and Resident Evil, adds to its appeal as a gaming device.
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
iPhone SE (2022) – Photos
6 Images
4. iPhone SE (2022)
Best Budget iPhone for Gaming
### iPhone SE (2022)
0The iPhone SE (2022) offers a compelling gaming experience at a budget-friendly price of $429. Powered by the A15 Bionic chip, it delivers impressive performance while running on iOS, giving you access to a wide array of games. However, its 4.7" LCD screen with thick bezels may not be ideal for everyone. The limited storage can be mitigated through cloud gaming, especially with 5G support.
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
See our guide to the best cheap smartphones.
OnePlus 12 – Photos
8 Images
5. OnePlus 12
Best Everyday Phone for Mobile Gaming
### OnePlus 12
2The OnePlus 12 strikes a balance between everyday functionality and gaming prowess. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and 6.82" AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate deliver smooth gameplay and vibrant visuals. With a starting price of $800, it offers a cost-effective alternative to flagship phones from Samsung and Apple, while still providing solid battery life and performance.
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
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 offers a unique gaming experience with its foldable design. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip provides a significant performance boost, making it perfect for demanding games. The 7.6" AMOLED internal screen and 6.2" external screen both offer high resolutions and smooth gameplay. Beyond gaming, its versatile design allows for multitasking, and it features a powerful camera system backed by long-term software support.
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
OnePlus 12R – Photos
7 Images
7. OnePlus 12R
Best Budget Android for Gaming
### OnePlus 12R
1The OnePlus 12R is an excellent budget option for Android gaming enthusiasts. With its 6.78" AMOLED display and 120Hz refresh rate, it offers a stunning visual experience. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, it handles most games efficiently, while a 5,500mAh battery supports long gaming sessions. Despite some compromises in the camera system, it remains a strong contender for value-focused gamers.
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
What to Look for in a Gaming Phone
----------------------------------When selecting a gaming phone, prioritize 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 older chipsets like the Snapdragon 888 or A15 Bionic can provide a robust gaming experience at a lower cost.
Displays should feature a refresh rate higher than 60Hz, ideally 90Hz or above, with some top models reaching 120Hz. Variable refresh rates can help save battery life, and faster touch sampling rates enhance responsiveness. Additional gaming-specific features like shoulder buttons can further improve the gaming interface.
We will continue to update this list as new gaming phones and technologies emerge.
Gaming Handhelds vs. Gaming Phones
----------------------------------Choosing between a gaming phone and a gaming handheld depends on your gaming needs and lifestyle. Gaming phones offer portability and versatility, with features like cooling solutions and additional triggers. They also support cloud gaming, broadening your game library.
Gaming handhelds, such as the Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch, are dedicated gaming devices with physical controls that enhance the gaming experience. They can be more cost-effective and offer exclusive titles, but may have shorter battery life.
Consider your preference for a multi-functional device versus a dedicated gaming platform, as well as the types of games you enjoy, when deciding between these options.
