The Best Gaming Phones to Buy in 2025

In the ever-evolving world of mobile gaming, not all smartphones are created equal. The best gaming phones are distinguished by several key features that set them apart from the rest. A powerful processor is crucial, ensuring smooth gameplay without lag. But it's not just about raw power; sustained performance is equally important. You don’t want a phone that overheats or throttles performance after a few minutes of intense gaming. Ample memory and storage are essential too, allowing you to multitask and store multiple games without breaking a sweat. Some gaming phones, like the RedMagic 10 Pro, go the extra mile with features like additional shoulder buttons and enhanced touch sampling rates, elevating your gaming experience to new heights.

The display is another critical component. A large, bright screen with a high refresh rate is a must for immersive gaming. A bigger screen not only enhances visibility but also ensures your thumbs don't cover the action. With these factors in mind, let's dive into the best gaming phones available today.

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

1. RedMagic 10 Pro

Best Gaming Phone

Best overall### RedMagic10 Pro

11The RedMagic 10 Pro combines exceptional performance with extreme sustain in a wonderful 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 rises to the challenge. I found this out firsthand during my review. Powered by an actively cooled Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, this phone handles long gaming sessions effortlessly. The cooling fan enhances the chip's efficiency, ensuring consistent performance. The RedMagic 10 Pro often leads the pack in benchmarks, particularly in sustained performance, and it's backed by a massive 7,050mAh battery.

Designed with gamers in mind, the RedMagic 10 Pro includes two shoulder buttons for added control. These can be mapped to on-screen controls, enhancing gameplay across various titles. The display boasts a fast touch-sampling rate for quick input detection, and features like supersampling and frame interpolation further enhance visuals and gameplay smoothness.

Aesthetically, the RedMagic 10 Pro doesn't skimp on style. It offers various looks, including clear backs that showcase the internal components. The 6.85-inch AMOLED display features tiny bezels and a seamless design, with the selfie camera hidden beneath the screen. This display offers a 144Hz refresh rate, high peak brightness, and sharp visuals, making it a standout for gaming.

Despite its commanding performance, the RedMagic 10 Pro remains surprisingly affordable, starting at $649. This is a steal compared to competitors 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 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

From its sturdy Titanium chassis to its stunning display, powerful processors, and AI tools, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra stands out as one of the best Android phones available. Its prowess extends into gaming, making it a top choice for gamers.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, featuring an 8-core CPU and a GPU with 1,536 shading units, is paired with 12GB of RAM. This ensures the Galaxy S24 Ultra can handle the most demanding games at top settings while effortlessly switching between apps. The Game Booster mode further optimizes performance, making it a mobile gaming powerhouse.

The 6.8" AMOLED display is a marvel, with a peak brightness of almost 2,600 nits for clear visibility in any environment. The 1440p resolution and 120Hz refresh rate deliver crisp, smooth gameplay, and the "Adaptive" setting adjusts the refresh rate to conserve battery when needed.

While it may not match the RedMagic 9S Pro's speed, the Galaxy S24 Ultra offers other advantages, including long-term support, exceptional cameras, and superior design quality.

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

After reviewing the iPhone 16 Pro Max, I can confidently say it's a formidable gaming device. The A18 Pro chip, with an additional graphics core compared to the A18 in the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, significantly boosts performance for graphics-heavy games. The large 6.9-inch display offers a spacious canvas for gaming and control, making it a step up from the iPhone 16 Pro.

Beyond gaming, the iPhone 16 Pro Max boasts an elegant design with a titanium frame and glass construction. The camera system is impressive, delivering stunning photos and advanced zoom capabilities, along with high-resolution video recording in Dolby Vision and slow-motion capture.

Apple is also expanding its gaming library, with titles like Assassin’s Creed Mirage and several Resident Evil games now available on iOS. This growing library enhances the iPhone 16 Pro Max's appeal as a gaming device.

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

You don't need to break the bank to enjoy gaming on an iPhone. The third-gen iPhone SE, powered by the A15 Bionic chip, offers robust performance at just $429. It also provides access to a vast library of iOS-exclusive games, including those available on Apple Arcade.

The downside? The 4.7-inch screen with thick bezels may not be ideal for everyone. However, pairing it with a phone controller can help maximize screen visibility. With limited storage options starting at 64GB, cloud gaming becomes a viable solution, 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 is a versatile phone that excels at gaming without compromising on everyday functionality. Priced at $800, it's a more affordable option compared to flagship models from Samsung and Apple. Its refined design and elegant software don't scream "gaming phone," but the internals are more than capable of handling demanding games.

The 6.82-inch AMOLED display offers crisp visuals and a peak brightness of 4,500 nits for clear visibility. The adaptive refresh rate ranges from 1Hz to 120Hz, ensuring smooth gameplay while conserving battery when not in use.

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the OnePlus 12 can run high-end games like Genshin Impact at nearly 60fps on max settings. However, be prepared for the phone to heat up during extended gaming sessions.

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. In our tests, it showed a speed increase of up to 22%, making it ideal for demanding games like Zenless Zone Zero and Wuthering Waves.

The 7.6-inch internal AMOLED screen provides a vivid and immersive gaming experience with a 2160x1856 resolution. For those who prefer an ultra-wide aspect ratio, the 6.2-inch exterior screen is also available. Both displays ensure a smooth, responsive gaming experience.

When not gaming, the Z Fold 6 doubles as a small tablet, perfect for multitasking. It also features a powerful camera system and comes with long-term software support from Samsung, making it a worthwhile investment despite its high cost.

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 flagship-like features at a budget-friendly price of $499. Its star attraction is the 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a 1264x2780 resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, making it an excellent choice for gaming.

While it uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip from 2023, it still delivers ample performance for most games. The 5,500mAh battery ensures long gaming sessions, and though the camera system is less impressive, it doesn't affect gaming performance.

For gamers on a budget, the OnePlus 12R is an outstanding value-focused option.

What to Look for in a Gaming Phone

Selecting the ideal gaming phone differs from choosing a typical smartphone. While regular phones focus on battery life, cameras, and other features, gaming phones prioritize their screens and processors. Here's what to consider:

**Processors**: The latest and greatest processor is key for a top-notch gaming experience. Currently, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is the go-to for Android phones, offering powerful cores and strong graphics. Budget-conscious buyers can still enjoy excellent performance with earlier chipsets like the Snapdragon 888 or 8 Gen 1/2.

For iPhones, Apple's custom chipsets are highly powerful. The latest, the A18 Pro in the iPhone 16 Pro models, provides the best performance. Even older models like the iPhone SE (2022) with the A15 Bionic chip offer great value at $429.

**Displays**: A gaming phone should feature a display that exceeds the standard. Refresh rates above 60Hz, starting at 90Hz for fluidity, are essential. Top gaming phones often reach 120Hz or higher, with some offering variable refresh rates for power efficiency. Faster touch sampling rates and additional shoulder buttons enhance the gaming interface.

We'll keep this list updated 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 and multifunctional, offering not just gaming but also features like quality cameras and communication. Many include cooling solutions and handy triggers, and you can use a phone controller for better control.

Gaming handhelds, like the Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch, are larger but still portable. They're dedicated to gaming, providing responsive controls. While mobile games are increasingly available on Android and iOS, they're often less powerful than PC versions. Cloud gaming services like Nvidia GeForce Now and Xbox Game Pass are improving, making gaming on phones easier.

The Steam Deck, acting as a handheld PC, offers access to your Steam library, while the Asus ROG Ally provides a similar experience. The Nintendo Switch has its exclusive titles.

Battery life is a concern; the Steam Deck has a shorter battery life compared to many smartphones, though gaming can significantly reduce phone battery life. A portable charger is a wise investment for mobile gaming.

Cost is another factor; 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, it's about what suits you best. If you want a versatile device with slightly toned-down gaming, a gaming phone is ideal. For a device dedicated to gaming with exclusive titles, opt for a gaming handheld.