While nearly every modern smartphone can handle gaming to some extent, certain features set exceptional gaming phones apart from the rest. At the core, powerful processing is crucial for smooth gameplay. It's not just about initial performance; sustained high performance is essential to avoid slowdowns and overheating during extended gaming sessions. Ample memory and storage are also key, allowing for seamless multitasking and ample space for your game collection. Some specialized gaming phones, such as the RedMagic 10 Pro, offer additional gaming-centric features like shoulder buttons and enhanced touch sampling rates.
The display is another critical component. A larger, brighter screen enhances visibility, while a high refresh rate ensures smooth motion. Larger phones also benefit from less thumb coverage on the screen, making touch controls more accessible. Keeping these factors in mind, let's explore the top contenders for mobile gaming excellence.
TL;DR – These Are the Best Gaming Phones:
Best overall### RedMagic 10 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
1. RedMagic 10 Pro
Best Gaming Phone
Best overall### RedMagic 10 Pro
11The RedMagic 10 Pro delivers exceptional performance with sustained power in an impressive 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
Gaming demands a lot from a phone, and the RedMagic 10 Pro stands out as a top performer. Powered by the actively cooled Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, this phone excels in long gaming sessions. Its performance is bolstered by a robust 7,050mAh battery, ensuring you stay in the game longer.
The RedMagic 10 Pro also includes gaming-specific enhancements like two shoulder buttons for added control, and a fast touch-sampling rate for quick responsiveness. You can customize these buttons to map to on-screen controls, enhancing gameplay across various titles. The display is another highlight, featuring tiny bezels and a full 6.85-inch rectangular screen without significant corner cropping. The hidden selfie camera ensures an uninterrupted gaming experience, and the AMOLED panel boasts a 144Hz refresh rate, high peak brightness, and sharp visuals.
Despite its commanding performance, the RedMagic 10 Pro remains competitively priced at $649, offering great value compared to rivals like the Asus ROG Phone 9, which costs $999.
2. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Best iPhone Alternative for Gaming
### Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
2Enjoy a massive 6.8" AMOLED screen on a phone that packs a processor powerful enough to run multiple apps, edit videos, game, and power 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 professional-grade cameras. Its powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, equipped with an 8-core CPU and a GPU with 1,536 shading units, coupled with 12GB of RAM, ensures top-tier gaming performance. The Game Booster mode optimizes your gaming experience, allowing seamless multitasking and high-intensity gameplay.
The 6.8" AMOLED display offers a peak brightness of nearly 2,600 nits, making it ideal for gaming in any environment. With a 1440p resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, the screen delivers crisp, fluid visuals. The adaptive refresh rate further enhances battery efficiency.
While it may not match the raw speed of some dedicated gaming phones, the Galaxy S24 Ultra's long-term support, superior camera system, and exceptional design make it a strong contender for iPhone users looking to switch.
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, including gaming. 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
- Powerful performance
- Long-term support
- Great design
CONS
- High comparative price
The iPhone 16 Pro Max, powered by the A18 Pro chip with an additional graphics core, delivers enhanced performance for gaming. Its large 6.9-inch display offers ample space for immersive gameplay and precise touch controls.
Beyond gaming, the iPhone 16 Pro Max boasts a stunning titanium frame and glass construction, making it a visual delight. Its camera system captures stunning photos and high-resolution videos in Dolby Vision, and the availability of premium games like Assassin’s Creed Mirage and Resident Evil on iOS further solidifies its gaming credentials.
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 third-gen iPhone SE offers robust gaming performance at a budget-friendly price of $429, thanks to its A15 Bionic chip. It provides access to a wide range of iOS games and the Apple Arcade library.
However, the 4.7-inch LCD screen with thick bezels may not be ideal for gaming. To mitigate this, pairing it with a phone controller can help. Limited storage options can be addressed with cloud gaming, especially with 5G support.
See our guide to the best cheap smartphones.
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 offers flagship-level gaming performance at a more accessible price of $800. Its 6.82-inch AMOLED display delivers crisp visuals and reaches a peak brightness of 4,500 nits. The adaptive refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz ensures smooth gameplay and efficient battery use.
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, the OnePlus 12 handles demanding games like Genshin Impact with ease, though it may heat up under prolonged use.
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 enhances its gaming capabilities with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, offering a significant performance boost. Its 7.6-inch internal AMOLED screen provides vivid colors and high contrast, ideal for gaming. The 6.2-inch exterior screen offers an alternative for ultra-wide aspect ratio gaming.
When not gaming, the Z Fold 6 serves as a versatile device, functioning as a small tablet when open and a standard smartphone when closed. Its powerful camera system and long-term software support add to its appeal.
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 with a 120Hz refresh rate is perfect for gaming. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip provides ample power for most games, and the 5,500mAh battery supports extended gaming sessions.
While the camera system may not match the OnePlus 12, it doesn't impact the phone's gaming capabilities. If you're looking for a cost-effective gaming phone, the OnePlus 12R is an excellent choice.
What to Look for in a Gaming Phone
Choosing the right gaming phone involves focusing on key features. Unlike regular smartphones, where battery life, cameras, and other specs are crucial, gaming phones prioritize processors and displays. Here's what to consider:
Processors: The latest processors offer the best gaming experience. For Android, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is a top choice, while for iPhones, the A18 Pro in the iPhone 16 Pro models is ideal. Even older chipsets like the Snapdragon 888 or 8 Gen 1/2 provide substantial performance.
Displays: Look for displays with refresh rates above 60Hz. A 90Hz rate is a good start, but top gaming phones often reach 120Hz or higher. Variable refresh rates can help save power, and fast touch sampling rates enhance responsiveness. Some gaming phones also include shoulder buttons for better control.
We'll continue to update this list as new gaming phones enter the market, ensuring you stay informed about the latest and greatest options.
Gaming Handhelds vs. Gaming Phones
Choosing between a gaming phone and a gaming handheld depends on your lifestyle, preferred games, and play style.
Gaming Phones: Highly portable and multifunctional, gaming phones offer all the features of a regular smartphone, including quality cameras and communication tools. They often include cooling solutions and additional triggers. If touch controls aren't your preference, consider using a phone controller.
Gaming Handhelds: Devices like the Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch are dedicated to gaming and offer physical controls like joysticks and buttons. They're bulkier but still portable. While mobile games may be less powerful than PC versions, cloud gaming services are improving.
Games: The Steam Deck acts like a handheld PC, allowing access to your Steam library. The ROG Ally offers a similar experience, and the Nintendo Switch has exclusive titles. Battery life varies, with smartphones generally lasting longer than the Steam Deck, though gaming can drain batteries quickly. A portable charger is advisable for on-the-go gaming.
Cost: Gaming phones can be expensive, ranging from $700 to over $1,000. Gaming handhelds are more affordable, with the Steam Deck starting at $400 and the Nintendo Switch being even less.
Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you prefer a versatile device with slightly toned-down gaming or a dedicated gaming platform with exclusive titles.
