Top Gaming Phones for Purchase in 2025

In today's market, nearly every smartphone can handle some level of gaming, but what sets a good gaming phone apart from a great one? It's all about the key features that cater specifically to gamers. A powerful processor is crucial, ensuring your games run smoothly without lag. Equally important is the ability to maintain high performance over extended periods; you don't want your phone to overheat and throttle performance just minutes into your gaming session. Ample memory and storage are essential too, allowing for seamless multitasking and space for numerous games. Some gaming phones, like the RedMagic 10 Pro, go the extra mile with features like additional shoulder buttons and enhanced touch sampling rates, further enhancing the gaming experience.

The display is another critical component. A larger, brighter screen with a high refresh rate can make all the difference in delivering smooth, immersive gameplay. A bigger phone also means your thumbs won't obstruct as much of the screen when using touch controls. With these factors in mind, let's dive into the top gaming phones that excel in mobile gaming.

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

RedMagic 10 Pro – Photos

10 Images

1. RedMagic 10 Pro

Best Gaming Phone

Best overall### RedMagic 10 Pro

11The RedMagic 10 Pro is a powerhouse, combining exceptional performance with sustained high levels in a sleek 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 with its actively cooled Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chip. This chip, already impressive in devices like the Asus ROG Phone 9 and OnePlus 13, is enhanced here with a cooling fan that supports long gaming sessions. The RedMagic 10 Pro consistently leads in performance benchmarks and excels in maintaining performance over time, backed by a massive 7,050mAh battery.

The RedMagic 10 Pro also includes gamer-specific features like two shoulder buttons for additional control options and a display with a fast touch-sampling rate for quick inputs. Gamers can also leverage supersampling and frame interpolation for enhanced visuals and smoother gameplay. The phone's design is stylish yet functional, with options like clear backs showing off the internal components. The 6.85-inch AMOLED display boasts tiny bezels, a 144Hz refresh rate, high peak brightness, and sharp visuals, all enhanced by an under-display selfie camera.

At a starting price of $649, the RedMagic 10 Pro offers premium gaming performance at a competitive price compared to its rivals like the Asus ROG Phone 9.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – Photos

5 Images

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 power to handle 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

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra stands out with its sturdy Titanium chassis, stunning display, professional-grade cameras, powerful processors, and AI tools, making it one of the best Android phones for gaming. It features a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC with an 8-core CPU and a GPU with 1,536 shading units, paired with 12GB of RAM, ensuring smooth gameplay even at the highest settings. The Game Booster mode helps manage and monitor performance, making this phone a top choice for mobile gaming.

The 6.8" AMOLED display reaches a peak brightness of nearly 2,600 nits, ensuring visibility in any environment. With a 1440p resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, the screen delivers crisp, ultra-smooth visuals. An "Adaptive" setting adjusts the refresh rate for battery conservation, adding to the phone's appeal as a versatile gaming device.

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 any gaming challenge you throw its way. 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, delivers exceptional gaming performance. With an additional graphics core over the A18 chip found in the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, it offers a significant boost in graphics performance. The 6.9" display provides ample screen real estate for immersive gameplay and control.

Beyond gaming, the iPhone 16 Pro Max boasts a sleek design with a titanium frame and glass construction, and a powerful camera system that excels in photography and videography. Apple's strides in mobile gaming are evident with titles like Assassin’s Creed Mirage and various Resident Evil games available on iOS, enhancing the device's appeal for gamers.

iPhone SE (2022) – Photos

6 Images

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-generation iPhone SE offers strong gaming performance at a budget-friendly price of $429, thanks to the A15 Bionic chip. It provides access to a wide range of iOS games, including those in Apple Arcade. However, the 4.7" LCD screen with thick bezels may not be ideal for gaming. Pairing it with a phone controller can help maximize the display area. With limited internal storage, 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

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 an everyday phone that excels in gaming. Priced at $800, it offers a refined design, respectable cameras, and elegant software, all while delivering potent internals capable of handling demanding games. The 6.82" AMOLED display boasts crisp visuals and a peak brightness of 4,500 nits, ensuring visibility in any setting. The adaptive refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz provides smooth gameplay and conserves battery when needed.

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, the OnePlus 12 can run games like Genshin Impact at nearly 60fps on max settings, though it can get hot under heavy load.

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 is an incredibly fast and gorgeous smartphone, though its unfolded aspect ratio 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 builds on the gaming prowess of its predecessor, the Z Fold 5, with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, boosting performance by up to 22%. This makes it ideal for playing demanding games like Zenless Zone Zero and Wuthering Waves. The 7.6" internal AMOLED screen offers vivid colors and sharp contrast, while the 6.2" exterior screen provides an ultra-wide gaming experience.

When not gaming, the Z Fold 6 functions as a versatile device, capable of multitasking like a small tablet when open and as a regular smartphone when closed. It also features a powerful camera system and long-term software support from Samsung.

OnePlus 12R – Photos

7 Images

7. OnePlus 12R

Best Budget Android for Gaming

### OnePlus 12R

1A big, vibrant display and a potent Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip make this a value-focused Android gaming 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 the look and feel of the OnePlus 12 at a budget-friendly price of $499. Its 6.78" LTPO AMOLED display, with a 1264x2780 resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, is ideal for gaming. While it uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, it provides ample power for most gaming needs. The 5,500mAh battery supports extended gaming sessions.

The camera system is less robust than the OnePlus 12, but this doesn't impact its gaming capabilities. If you're seeking a cost-effective gaming phone, the OnePlus 12R is a strong contender.

What to Look for in a Gaming Phone

Choosing the right gaming phone differs from selecting the best smartphone. While regular phones focus on battery life, cameras, and other specs, gaming phones prioritize their screens and processors. Most gaming phones come with large batteries to support extended gaming sessions.

Processors are key to a superior gaming experience. The latest processors like Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in Android phones offer powerful cores and strong graphics. Budget options with earlier chipsets like the Snapdragon 888 or 8 Gen 1/2 still provide ample performance. For iPhones, the latest A-series chipsets, such as the A18 Pro in the iPhone 16 Pro models, deliver top performance, with previous generations like the A15 Bionic in the iPhone SE (2022) offering great value.

Displays are equally important. Gaming phones often feature refresh rates higher than 60Hz, with 90Hz being a good minimum for smooth gameplay. Top gaming phones now offer 120Hz or higher, and some even have variable refresh rates for power savings. Faster touch sampling rates are becoming more common, and shoulder buttons enhance the gaming interface.

We'll keep this list updated as new gaming phones hit the market, reflecting the growing interest in mobile gaming.

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, fitting easily into a pocket while offering full smartphone functionality, including quality cameras and communication features. Many come with cooling solutions and shoulder triggers, and you can enhance the experience with a phone controller.

Gaming handhelds, such as the Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch, are larger but still portable. They are dedicated gaming devices with responsive controls, ideal for gamers focused solely on gaming. While mobile games may be less demanding than their PC counterparts, cloud gaming services like Nvidia GeForce Now and Xbox Game Pass are improving the gaming experience on phones.

The Steam Deck, functioning as a handheld PC, allows you to access your Steam library on the go, while the ROG Ally offers a similar experience. The Nintendo Switch provides exclusive titles.

Battery life is a consideration; the Steam Deck has shorter battery life, while smartphones can last all day, though gaming significantly reduces this. A portable charger is a wise investment for mobile gaming.

Cost is another factor; top gaming phones can range 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 personal preference. Choose a gaming phone for a versatile device that offers a broad range of functionalities, or a gaming handheld for a device dedicated to gaming with platform-exclusive titles.