The Best Gaming Phones to Buy in 2025

In today's market, virtually every smartphone can run games, but certain features set top-tier gaming phones apart. A powerful processor is essential for smooth gameplay, but it's equally important that the phone can maintain high performance without overheating or throttling. Ample memory and storage are crucial for multitasking and storing large games. Some models, such as the RedMagic 10 Pro, go further by including dedicated gaming enhancements like additional shoulder buttons and improved touch sampling rates.

The display is another critical component. A larger, brighter screen with a high refresh rate enhances visibility and motion fluidity, making gaming more immersive. A bigger phone also means less thumb coverage on the screen, improving touch control accuracy. With these considerations in mind, here's a detailed look at the best phones for mobile gaming.

TL;DR – These Are the Best Gaming Phones:

Best Overall: RedMagic 10 Pro

11 See it at Amazon See it at RedMagic

### Best iPhone Alternative for Gaming: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 2 See it at Amazon

### Best iPhone for Gaming: iPhone 16 Pro Max 2 See it at Best Buy

### Best Budget iPhone for Gaming: iPhone SE (2022) 0 See it at Apple

### Best Everyday Phone for Mobile Gaming: OnePlus 12 2 See it at Amazon

### Best Foldable Gaming Phone: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 4 See it at Amazon

### Best Budget Android for Gaming: OnePlus 12R 1 See it at Amazon See it at Best Buy See it at OnePlus

Check out our guide to the best phone controllers for accessory options.

Contributions by Georgie Peru and Danielle Abraham

RedMagic 10 Pro – Photos

10 Images

1. RedMagic 10 Pro

Best Gaming Phone

Best Overall: RedMagic 10 Pro

11 The RedMagic 10 Pro delivers exceptional performance and sustained power in a sleek package. See it at Amazon See 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 rises to the challenge. It's equipped with an actively cooled Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, which I've seen perform wonders in devices like the Asus ROG Phone 9 and OnePlus 13. However, the RedMagic 10 Pro enhances this with a cooling fan, ensuring the chip runs efficiently during long gaming sessions. It consistently tops performance benchmarks and excels in sustained performance. The phone also boasts an impressive 7,050mAh battery, ensuring extended playtime.

For gamers, the RedMagic 10 Pro includes two shoulder buttons, allowing you to use your index fingers for additional controls. These can be mapped to on-screen actions, enhancing gameplay across various titles. The display features a fast touch-sampling rate for quick input detection, and options like supersampling and frame interpolation can enhance visuals and smoothness.

Aesthetically, the RedMagic 10 Pro is stylish yet not overly flashy, with options like clear backs that showcase its internal components. The 6.85-inch AMOLED display has minimal bezels and a high 144Hz refresh rate, offering a brilliant and expansive view. The selfie camera is cleverly hidden beneath the screen, ensuring an uninterrupted gaming experience. At a starting price of $649, it offers a compelling value compared to 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

2 Experience a stunning 6.8" AMOLED screen on a phone with a processor powerful enough to handle gaming, video editing, and more. 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 is a powerhouse, featuring a sturdy Titanium chassis and a brilliant display. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, with an 8-core CPU and a GPU boasting 1,536 shading units, ensures smooth gameplay even on the most demanding titles. Coupled with 12GB of RAM, it can effortlessly switch between apps and run games at top settings. The Game Booster mode optimizes performance, making it a top choice for mobile gaming.

The 6.8" AMOLED display offers a peak brightness of nearly 2,600 nits, ensuring visibility in any environment. With a 1440p resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, it delivers crisp, smooth visuals. The "Adaptive" refresh rate setting helps conserve battery by adjusting based on your activities.

While not as fast as the RedMagic 10 Pro, the Galaxy S24 Ultra offers long-term support, superior cameras, and excellent design quality, making it a strong iPhone alternative for gaming.

3. iPhone 16 Pro Max

Best iPhone for Gaming

### iPhone 16 Pro Max

2 Powered by the A18 Pro chip, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is ready to tackle 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:

• Power performance
• Long-term support
• Great design

CONS:

• High comparative price

The iPhone 16 Pro Max, powered by the A18 Pro chip, offers significant performance improvements, especially in graphics-intensive applications like games. Its 6.9-inch display provides ample screen real estate for immersive gameplay and precise touch controls.

Beyond gaming, the iPhone 16 Pro Max boasts a stunning design with a titanium frame and glass construction. Its camera system captures stunning photos and high-resolution videos with Dolby Vision and slow-motion capabilities. Apple's commitment to gaming is evident with titles like Assassin's Creed Mirage and Resident Evil now available on iOS, enhancing the device's gaming appeal.

iPhone SE (2022) – Photos

6 Images

4. iPhone SE (2022)

Best Budget iPhone for Gaming

### iPhone SE (2022)

0 Enjoy Apple iOS on a budget with the A15 Bionic chip, though be prepared for a 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 third-generation iPhone SE offers impressive performance at a budget-friendly price of $429, thanks to its A15 Bionic chip. It provides access to a wide range of iOS-exclusive games and Apple Arcade titles. However, its 4.7-inch screen with thick bezels may feel cramped for some gamers. Pairing it with a phone controller can help utilize more of the display. With limited storage options of 64GB or 256GB, cloud gaming is a viable solution, 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

2 With 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 a compelling package at $800, providing a balance between everyday functionality and gaming prowess. Its 6.82-inch AMOLED display delivers crisp visuals with a peak brightness of 4,500 nits, and an adaptive refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz ensures smooth gameplay and battery efficiency.

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, it handles daily tasks and demanding games with ease, even running Genshin Impact at nearly 60fps on max settings. However, be aware that prolonged gaming can cause the phone to heat up.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 – Photos

6 Images

6. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6

Best Foldable Gaming Phone

### Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6

4 An incredibly fast and gorgeous smartphone, the Z Fold 6 offers unique gaming experiences, though its aspect ratio when unfolded can be 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 enhances the gaming experience with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, boosting performance by up to 22%. It's ideal for demanding games like Zenless Zone Zero and Wuthering Waves. The 7.6-inch internal screen provides vivid colors and high contrast, while the 6.2-inch external screen offers an ultra-wide aspect ratio for versatile gaming.

When not gaming, the Z Fold 6 doubles as a small tablet for multitasking. It also features a powerful camera system and long-term software support from Samsung, justifying its investment.

OnePlus 12R – Photos

7 Images

7. OnePlus 12R

Best Budget Android for Gaming

### OnePlus 12R

1 A vibrant display and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip make this a compelling budget-friendly Android gaming phone. See it at Amazon See it at Best Buy See 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 the look and feel of the OnePlus 12 at a budget-friendly $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 ensures long gaming sessions. While the camera system is not as advanced as the OnePlus 12, it doesn't impact gaming performance, making the OnePlus 12R an excellent value-focused choice.

What to Look for in a Gaming Phone

Choosing the right gaming phone differs from selecting the best smartphone overall. While regular phones prioritize battery life, cameras, and other features, gaming phones focus on processors and displays. Most gaming phones also boast large batteries to support extended gameplay.

Processors are crucial for a smooth gaming experience. The latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 offers top performance for Android devices, while Apple's A18 Pro in the iPhone 16 Pro models excels for iOS. Even slightly older chipsets like the Snapdragon 888 or 8 Gen 1/2 can provide ample power for gaming on a budget.

Displays should be a step above standard phone screens. A refresh rate higher than 60Hz, ideally 90Hz or 120Hz, enhances fluidity. Some phones also feature variable refresh rates for power savings. Faster touch sampling rates and additional shoulder buttons can further improve the gaming interface.

We'll continue to update this list as more brands introduce gaming-focused smartphones.

Gaming Handhelds vs. Gaming Phones

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

Gaming phones are highly portable, offering all the features of a smartphone, including cameras and communication. Many come with cooling solutions and additional triggers, and you can enhance the experience with a phone controller.

Gaming handhelds like the Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch are bulkier but dedicated to gaming, providing responsive controls. While mobile games are often less demanding than their PC counterparts, cloud gaming services like Nvidia GeForce Now and Xbox Game Pass are improving.

The Steam Deck offers PC-like performance, while the Nintendo Switch provides exclusive titles. However, handhelds have shorter battery life compared to smartphones, making a portable charger essential for gaming on the go.

Gaming phones can be pricey, ranging from $700 to over $1,000, while gaming handhelds like the Steam Deck start at $400, and the Nintendo Switch is even more affordable.

Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you want a versatile device with slightly less demanding games or a dedicated gaming platform with exclusive titles.