Top Gaming Phones for 2025: Buyer's Guide

While nearly every modern smartphone can handle gaming to some extent, several key features set a good gaming phone apart from a great one. A powerful processor is essential, but it's not just about raw power; the ability to maintain high performance over time is crucial. You don't want a phone that overheats and throttles performance after a short gaming session. Ample memory and storage are also vital, allowing for smooth multitasking and ample space for your game library. Some gaming phones, like the RedMagic 10 Pro, go further with dedicated gaming enhancements such as additional shoulder buttons and improved touch sampling rates.

The display plays a significant role as well. A larger, brighter screen with a high refresh rate ensures smooth, vibrant gameplay. A larger phone also means less of the screen is obscured by your thumbs when using touch controls. With these factors in mind, let's dive into the top 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 Images1. RedMagic 10 Pro

Best Gaming Phone

Best overall### RedMagic10 Pro

11The RedMagic 10 Pro is a powerhouse designed specifically for gaming, delivering exceptional performance and sustained power in an attractive 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 delivers. Its actively cooled Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chip ensures top-tier performance, and I found it particularly impressive during extended gaming sessions. While it may not always lead in benchmarks, its sustained performance is unmatched. The massive 7,050mAh battery further supports long gaming sessions without interruption.

For gamers, the RedMagic 10 Pro includes two shoulder buttons for enhanced control, which you can map to on-screen actions, making it compatible with a wide range of games. The display boasts a high touch-sampling rate for quick and accurate input recognition, and features like supersampling and frame interpolation enhance visual clarity and smoothness.

Aesthetically, the RedMagic 10 Pro strikes a balance between style and functionality, offering various designs, including clear backs that showcase the internal components. The 6.85-inch AMOLED display, with its minimal bezels and 144Hz refresh rate, provides a stunning visual experience, while the under-display selfie camera ensures an uninterrupted view of your games.

At a starting price of $649, the RedMagic 10 Pro offers incredible value, especially when compared to competitors like the Asus ROG Phone 9, which is priced at $999.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – Photos

5 Images2. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Best iPhone Alternative for Gaming

### Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

2Experience a large, vibrant 6.8" AMOLED screen on a phone powered by a processor capable of handling multiple apps, video editing, gaming, and its exceptional 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 processors. Its performance is top-notch, making it a formidable gaming device. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, coupled with 12GB of RAM, ensures that even the most demanding games run smoothly at maximum settings. The Game Booster mode further enhances your gaming experience by managing and monitoring performance.

The 6.8" AMOLED display is a visual delight, with a peak brightness of nearly 2,600 nits, ensuring clear visibility in any lighting condition. Its 1440p resolution and 120Hz refresh rate deliver crisp, fluid gameplay, while the adaptive refresh rate optimizes battery life.

Although it may not match the RedMagic 9S Pro in raw speed, the Galaxy S24 Ultra excels in other areas, such as long-term support, superior cameras, and exceptional design quality, making it a strong contender for iPhone users looking for an alternative.

3. iPhone 16 Pro Max

Best iPhone for Gaming

### iPhone 16 Pro Max

2Powered by the A18 Pro chip, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is ready to handle any gaming challenge. 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

My experience with the iPhone 16 Pro Max confirms its prowess in gaming. The A18 Pro chip, with an additional graphics core, significantly boosts performance for graphics-intensive games. The large 6.9" display offers ample space for immersive gameplay and comfortable control usage.

Beyond gaming, the iPhone 16 Pro Max boasts an elegant design with a titanium frame and glass construction, appealing even when not in use. Its camera system is impressive, delivering high-quality photos and videos, including Dolby Vision recording and slow-motion capabilities.

Apple's push into mobile gaming is evident with titles like Assassin's Creed Mirage and various Resident Evil games available on iOS, enhancing the iPhone 16 Pro Max's appeal as a gaming device.

iPhone SE (2022) – Photos

6 Images4. iPhone SE (2022)

Best Budget iPhone for Gaming

### iPhone SE (2022)

0Get Apple iOS on a budget with this phone powered by the A15 Bionic chip, though be aware of its smaller 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 robust gaming experience at a budget-friendly price of $429, thanks to the powerful A15 Bionic chip. Running on iOS, it provides access to a wide range of games, including those exclusive to Apple Arcade.

However, the screen is a notable drawback, being only 4.7 inches with thick bezels reminiscent of older models like the iPhone 7 and 8. For a better gaming experience, consider pairing it with a phone controller to maximize screen visibility. With limited storage options starting at 64GB, cloud gaming becomes a practical solution, especially with 5G support.

See our guide to the best cheap smartphones.

OnePlus 12 – Photos

8 Images5. 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 an excellent choice for gamers seeking a versatile everyday phone. Starting at $800, it offers competitive performance against flagship models from Samsung and Apple. Its refined design and elegant software make it a discreet gaming powerhouse, while its internals, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, handle demanding games effortlessly.

The 6.82" AMOLED display is both bright and vivid, reaching up to 4,500 nits, ensuring clear visibility in any environment. The adaptive refresh rate, ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz, optimizes performance and battery life.

Games like Genshin Impact run smoothly at nearly 60fps on maximum settings, although the phone can get hot during prolonged high-performance use.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 – Photos

6 Images6. 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 visually stunning smartphone, though its aspect ratio when unfolded might feel unusual. 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, which boosts speeds by up to 22%. This upgrade is particularly beneficial for gaming, ensuring smoother gameplay in titles like Zenless Zone Zero and Wuthering Waves.

The 7.6-inch internal AMOLED screen provides a large canvas for gaming with vivid colors and high contrast. The 6.2-inch external screen offers an ultra-wide aspect ratio for versatile gaming experiences. Both screens deliver a smooth and responsive gaming experience.

When not gaming, the Z Fold 6 functions as a versatile device, acting as a small tablet when open and a regular smartphone when closed. Its powerful camera system and long-term software support from Samsung make it a worthwhile investment.

OnePlus 12R – Photos

7 Images7. OnePlus 12R

Best Budget Android for Gaming

### OnePlus 12R

1A large, vibrant display and the potent Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip make this value-focused Android phone a compelling choice for 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

The OnePlus 12R offers flagship-level features at a budget-friendly price of $499. Its 6.78" LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate is ideal for gaming, providing a stunning visual experience. Compared to the iPhone SE, the OnePlus 12R's display is notably superior.

While equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip from 2023, it still offers ample performance for most gaming needs. The 5,500mAh battery ensures extended gaming sessions.

Although the camera system is less advanced than that of the OnePlus 12, it doesn't impact the phone's gaming capabilities. For gamers on a budget, the OnePlus 12R is an excellent choice.

What to Look for in a Gaming Phone

Selecting the perfect gaming phone involves considering factors that differ from those for regular smartphones. While battery life, cameras, and other features are important for everyday use, gaming phones prioritize screens and processors above all else. Here's what to focus on:

• Processors: The latest processors provide the best gaming experience. Currently, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is the top choice for Android phones, offering powerful cores and strong graphics. Budget options with earlier chipsets like the Snapdragon 888 or 8 Gen 1/2 still offer significant performance.

• For iPhones, Apple's chipsets are highly efficient and powerful. The latest A18 Pro in the iPhone 16 Pro models delivers top performance, while the A15 Bionic in the iPhone SE (2022) offers strong gaming capabilities at a lower price.

• Displays: A high refresh rate, typically above 60Hz, is crucial for smooth gameplay. Top gaming phones often feature 120Hz or higher, with some offering variable refresh rates for energy efficiency. Fast touch sampling rates and additional shoulder buttons enhance the gaming interface.

We'll continue to update this list as new gaming-focused phones hit the market.

Gaming Handhelds vs. Gaming Phones

Choosing between a gaming phone and a gaming handheld depends on your lifestyle, gaming preferences, and desired play style.

• Gaming Phones are highly portable and multifunctional, offering not just gaming but also everyday smartphone features like cameras and navigation. Many come with cooling systems and shoulder triggers, and can be paired with phone controllers for better control.

• Gaming Handhelds like the Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch are designed primarily for gaming, with dedicated controls like joysticks and triggers. They offer a more traditional gaming experience and access to platform-exclusive titles.

• Game Selection: Mobile platforms are seeing more game releases, though often scaled down from PC versions. Cloud gaming services like Nvidia GeForce Now and Xbox Game Pass enhance the gaming experience on phones. The Steam Deck, acting as a handheld PC, provides access to your Steam library, while the ROG Ally offers a similar experience. The Nintendo Switch has its own exclusive titles.

• Battery Life: While smartphones generally offer better battery life, gaming can drain it quickly. A portable charger is advisable for extended gaming sessions. The Steam Deck is known for its shorter battery life.

• Cost: High-end gaming phones can be pricey, ranging from $700 to over $1,000. Gaming handhelds like the Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch are more affordable, starting at around $400.

Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you prefer a versatile device with slightly less intensive gaming or a dedicated gaming machine with exclusive titles.