The Best Gaming Phones to Buy in 2025

When it comes to choosing a gaming phone, it's crucial to understand the key features that set a great gaming phone apart from a regular smartphone. High-performance processing is essential, allowing the phone to handle demanding games without slowing down. For instance, a phone like the RedMagic 10 Pro boasts powerful internals that maintain high performance levels, preventing overheating issues that can interrupt your gaming sessions. Additionally, ample memory and storage are vital for multitasking and storing large game files, making your gaming experience seamless and uninterrupted. Some advanced gaming phones even come with extra features like shoulder buttons and enhanced touch sampling rates, such as those found in the RedMagic 10 Pro, which enhance the gaming experience significantly.

Another critical aspect is the display. A vibrant, high-resolution screen with a high refresh rate, like the 144Hz found on the RedMagic 10 Pro, ensures smooth and responsive gameplay. A larger display also means less thumb coverage, improving visibility and control. With these considerations in mind, let's explore some of the top gaming phones available that meet these criteria.

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 for gaming, combining exceptional performance with sustained efficiency in a sleek package. Its actively cooled Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chip ensures top-notch performance during long gaming sessions, keeping the phone cool and running smoothly. The 7,050mAh battery is a game-changer, providing extended playtime without constant recharging. Additionally, features like shoulder buttons and a high touch-sampling rate make it a dream for gamers, offering quick and accurate controls. The 6.85-inch OLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate delivers crisp, smooth visuals, while the design remains stylish yet functional. Starting at just $649, it's an incredible value compared to other high-end gaming phones.

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

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 is an excellent alternative for iPhone users looking to switch to Android without compromising on gaming performance. With its robust Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC and 12GB of RAM, it effortlessly handles high-intensity games at top settings. The 6.8" AMOLED display boasts a peak brightness of nearly 2,600 nits and a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring vivid and smooth gameplay. The Game Booster mode further optimizes performance, making it a top choice for gamers. While it may not be the fastest in its class, its long-term support, superior cameras, and stunning design make it a well-rounded choice.

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

3. iPhone 16 Pro Max

Best iPhone for Gaming

### iPhone 16 Pro Max

2The iPhone 16 Pro Max stands out as the best iPhone for gaming, thanks to its powerful A18 Pro chip, which delivers exceptional graphics performance. The large 6.9-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate offers a spacious and smooth gaming experience. Its elegant design, robust camera system, and long-term support further enhance its appeal. While it's priced on the higher end, its performance and features make it a worthy investment for serious mobile gamers.

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

iPhone SE (2022) – Photos

6 Images4. iPhone SE (2022)

Best Budget iPhone for Gaming

### iPhone SE (2022)

0The iPhone SE (2022) offers a compelling gaming experience at a budget-friendly price of $429. Powered by the A15 Bionic chip, it delivers impressive performance for its cost. While the 4.7-inch LCD screen with a 60Hz refresh rate may not be as advanced as higher-end models, it's still suitable for gaming, especially when paired with a phone controller. Access to iOS-exclusive games and Apple Arcade further enhances its appeal. However, its limited storage and smaller screen size might be a drawback for some.

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

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 is a stellar choice for those seeking a versatile phone that excels in gaming. With its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, it delivers smooth and responsive gameplay. The design is sleek and refined, making it suitable for everyday use, while its battery life ensures long gaming sessions. Although it may not have all the bells and whistles of dedicated gaming phones, its performance and affordability at $800 make it an attractive option.

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

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, making it ideal for demanding games. The 7.6-inch AMOLED internal display and 6.2-inch cover display both deliver vibrant visuals and smooth gameplay. Although the aspect ratio might be unusual when unfolded, the phone's versatility as both a smartphone and a small tablet, combined with its powerful camera system and long-term support, make it a standout choice for gamers.

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

OnePlus 12R – Photos

7 Images7. OnePlus 12R

Best Budget Android for Gaming

### OnePlus 12R

1The OnePlus 12R is an excellent budget-friendly option for Android gamers, starting at just $499. It features a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing a vibrant and smooth gaming experience. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip offers robust performance for most games, and the 5,500mAh battery ensures long play sessions. While it lacks some premium features like wireless charging and has a less advanced camera system, it remains a strong contender for gamers looking for value without compromising too much on performance.

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

What to Look for in a Gaming Phone

When selecting the perfect gaming phone, focus on key aspects like the processor and display. The latest processors, such as Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Android or Apple's A18 Pro for iPhones, ensure top-notch performance. Even older chipsets like the Snapdragon 888 or Apple's A15 Bionic can offer robust gaming capabilities at a more affordable price point.

For displays, opt for screens with higher refresh rates, starting at 90Hz but ideally 120Hz or more, to ensure fluid gameplay. Variable refresh rates can help save battery life when not gaming. Additionally, consider features like shoulder buttons and fast touch sampling rates, which can significantly enhance your gaming experience.

Gaming Handhelds vs. Gaming Phones

Choosing between a gaming phone and a gaming handheld depends on your needs. Gaming phones are incredibly portable, fitting easily in your pocket, and offer all the functionalities of a smartphone alongside gaming capabilities. They often come with cooling solutions and can be paired with phone controllers for better control.

Gaming handhelds, like the Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch, are dedicated gaming devices with physical controls, offering a more traditional gaming experience. They excel in performance and battery life but are less versatile than gaming phones.

Both platforms are seeing an influx of games, with cloud gaming services improving the experience on phones. However, handhelds like the Steam Deck provide access to a broader library of PC games, while the Switch offers exclusive titles.

Ultimately, if you seek a multi-functional device with good gaming capabilities, a gaming phone is ideal. For a dedicated gaming experience with platform-specific exclusives, consider a gaming handheld.