Top Gaming Phones for Purchase in 2025

In today's market, virtually every smartphone can handle some level of gaming. However, certain features set a good gaming phone apart from a great one. At the forefront is powerful processing, which ensures smooth gameplay. Equally important is the ability to maintain high performance over time—nobody wants a device that overheats and slows down after just a few minutes of play. Ample memory and storage are crucial as well, enabling multitasking and providing enough space for numerous games. Some gaming phones, like the RedMagic 10 Pro, go the extra mile with specialized features such as additional shoulder buttons and enhanced touch sampling rates.

The display is another critical factor. A larger, brighter screen with a high refresh rate can significantly enhance your gaming experience, ensuring smooth visuals and responsive touch controls. A larger phone also means your thumbs won't obscure as much of the screen, making gameplay more comfortable. With these considerations in mind, here's a roundup of the top phones for 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 Images1. RedMagic 10 Pro

Best Gaming Phone

Best overall### RedMagic 10 Pro

11The RedMagic 10 Pro excels in delivering exceptional performance and sustained power in a sleek package. Its actively cooled Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chip ensures top-notch performance during extended gaming sessions. In benchmarks, it consistently ranks among the leaders, particularly in sustained performance, supported by an impressive 7,050mAh battery.

The RedMagic 10 Pro also boasts gamer-centric features like shoulder buttons for enhanced control and a high touch-sampling rate for quick input detection. Additionally, it offers visual enhancements like supersampling and frame interpolation, making gameplay smoother and more detailed.

Aesthetically, the phone balances style and functionality with a range of design options, including clear backs that showcase its internals. The 6.85-inch AMOLED display, with minimal bezels and a 144Hz refresh rate, provides a stunning visual experience. The under-display selfie camera ensures an uninterrupted gaming view.

Despite its powerful capabilities, the RedMagic 10 Pro remains competitively priced at $649, offering great value compared to rivals like the Asus ROG Phone 9, which costs $999.

See it at AmazonSee it at RedMagicProduct SpecificationsScreen6.85-inch OLED, 1216x2688, 431 ppi, 144Hz refresh rateProcessorSnapdragon 8 EliteCamera50-Megapixel Wide, 50-Megapixel Ultrawide, 2-Megapixel Macro, 16-Megapixel SelfieBattery7,050mAhWeight229g (0.5lb)PROSExcellent gaming performanceGreat displayCONSUnderwhelming camerasShorter software support

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – Photos

5 Images2. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Best iPhone Alternative for Gaming

### Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

2The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra combines robust performance with a stunning 6.8" AMOLED screen, making it a formidable gaming device. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC with 12GB of RAM, it handles intensive games effortlessly and switches between apps without lag. The Game Booster mode further optimizes performance, making it a top choice for mobile gaming.

The display boasts a peak brightness of nearly 2,600 nits and a 1440p resolution with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring vivid and smooth gameplay. The adaptive refresh rate helps conserve battery life, enhancing overall usability.

While it may not match the raw speed of some dedicated gaming phones, its long-term support, exceptional cameras, and premium design make it a compelling alternative to the iPhone.

See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen size6.8 inchesRear cameras4Front cameras1ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 8 (third generation)Battery life5,000mAhStorage256GB, 512GB, 1TBStarting price$1,299.99PROSIncredible performanceExceptional camera systemCONSTitanium makes the device big and heavy

3. iPhone 16 Pro Max

Best iPhone for Gaming

### iPhone 16 Pro Max

2The iPhone 16 Pro Max, powered by the A18 Pro chip, is a powerhouse for gaming. Its extra graphics core significantly boosts performance for visually demanding games. The large 6.9" display enhances the gaming experience, offering a bigger canvas for gameplay and controls.

Beyond gaming, the iPhone 16 Pro Max impresses with its sleek titanium and glass design, powerful camera system, and high-resolution video capabilities. The growing library of high-quality games on iOS, including titles like Assassin’s Creed Mirage and Resident Evil, further solidifies its status as a premier gaming device.

See it at Best BuyProduct SpecificationsScreen6.9-inch OLED, 1320x2868, 460 ppi, 120Hz refresh rateProcessorA18 ProCamera48-Megapixel Wide, 48-Megapixel Ultrawide, 12-Megapixel Telephoto, 12-Megapixel SelfieBattery4,685mAhWeight227g (0.5lb)PROSPower performanceLong-term supportGreat design CONSHigh comparative price

iPhone SE (2022) – Photos

6 Images4. iPhone SE (2022)

Best Budget iPhone for Gaming

### iPhone SE (2022)

0The iPhone SE (2022) offers a budget-friendly entry into iOS gaming with its A15 Bionic chip, providing robust performance at a $429 price point. While its 4.7" LCD screen may lack the flair of more premium models, it still delivers a solid gaming experience, especially when paired with a phone controller to maximize screen visibility.

Storage is limited to 64GB, but options up to 256GB are available, and cloud gaming can mitigate space concerns, especially with 5G support.

See it at AppleProduct SpecificationsScreen4.7-inch LCD, 750x1334, 326ppi,60Hz refresh rateProcessorA15 BionicCamera12-Megapixel Wide | 7-Megapixel SelfieBattery2,018mAhWeight144g (0.32lb)PROSGreat value for moneyThin and lightweightCONSScreen is a little too small

See our guide to the best cheap smartphones.

OnePlus 12 – Photos

8 Images5. OnePlus 12

Best Everyday Phone for Mobile Gaming

### OnePlus 12

2The OnePlus 12 strikes a balance between everyday usability and gaming prowess. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor delivers strong performance, capable of running demanding games like Genshin Impact at nearly 60fps on max settings. The 6.78-inch AMOLED display, with a peak brightness of 4,500 nits and an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz, ensures a smooth and vivid gaming experience.

Despite its gaming capabilities, the OnePlus 12 maintains a refined design and respectable cameras, making it a versatile choice at a starting price of $800.

See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen6.78-inch AMOLED, 1440x3168, 510 ppi, 120Hz refresh rateProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 3Camera50-Megapixel Wide | 48-Megapixel Ultra-wide | 64-Megapixel Telephoto | 32-Megapixel SelfieBattery5,400mAhWeight220g (0.49lb)PROSSolid battery lifeGreat performanceCONSLimited features

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 offers a unique gaming experience with its foldable design. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, it provides a significant performance boost, ideal for demanding games. The 7.6-inch AMOLED main screen and 6.2-inch cover screen offer versatile options for gaming and multitasking.

Despite the unusual aspect ratio when unfolded, the Z Fold 6 excels with its stunning displays and powerful performance. Its camera system and long-term software support further enhance its value, though it remains a high-end investment.

See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen7.6-inch 2160 x 1856 AMOLED (Main); 6.2-inch 968 x 2376 AMOLED (Cover)ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3Camera50MP Wide, 12MP Ultra Wide, 10MP frontBattery4400mAhWeight239g (0.52 lb)PROSStunning displays, inside and outExtremely powerfulCONSAspect ratios can be weird

OnePlus 12R – Photos

7 Images7. OnePlus 12R

Best Budget Android for Gaming

### OnePlus 12R

1The OnePlus 12R offers a compelling budget option for Android gaming. Its 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate provides a vibrant and smooth gaming experience. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip delivers solid performance for most games, supported by a large 5,500mAh battery.

While the camera system is less impressive than its flagship counterpart, it doesn't detract from the OnePlus 12R's gaming capabilities. At $499, it's a great value for gamers looking to maximize their budget without sacrificing too much performance.

See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuySee it at OnePlusProduct SpecificationsScreen6.78-inch AMOLED, 1264x2780, 450 ppi, 120Hz refresh rateProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 2Camera50-Megapixel Wide, 8-Megapixel Ultrawide, 2-Megapixel Macro, 16-Megapixel SelfieBattery5,500mAhWeight207g (0.46lb)PROSLarge, vibrant displayStrong battery lifeGood main cameraCONSNo wireless chargingOnly IP64 water and dust resistance

What to Look for in a Gaming Phone

When selecting a gaming phone, focus on key aspects like processors and displays. The latest processors, such as Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Android or Apple’s A18 Pro for iPhones, offer the best gaming performance. Even older chipsets like Snapdragon 888 or 8 Gen 1/2 can still provide excellent gaming experiences at a lower cost.

Displays with refresh rates above 60Hz, ideally 90Hz or 120Hz, contribute to smoother gameplay. Variable refresh rates can help save battery life when not gaming, and faster touch sampling rates improve responsiveness. Additionally, consider phones with shoulder buttons for enhanced control.

Gaming Handhelds vs. Gaming Phones

Choosing between a gaming phone and a gaming handheld depends on your needs. Gaming phones offer versatility, combining gaming with everyday smartphone functions, and can be enhanced with cooling solutions and phone controllers. Gaming handhelds, like the Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch, focus solely on gaming, providing dedicated controls and platform-exclusive titles.

While gaming phones can run a growing library of games, including cloud gaming options, handhelds like the Steam Deck offer powerful performance for your Steam library. However, handhelds often have shorter battery life and are generally more affordable than high-end gaming phones.

Ultimately, your choice hinges on whether you prefer a multi-functional device with slightly toned-down gaming or a dedicated gaming machine with exclusive titles.