The Best Gaming Phones to Buy in 2025

When it comes to gaming on your smartphone, not all phones are created equal. Several key features set apart a good gaming phone from a great one. At the forefront is powerful processing, which ensures your games run smoothly and efficiently. Sustained high performance is crucial—you don't want a phone that overheats and throttles down after just a few minutes of play. Ample memory and storage are also essential, allowing you to multitask and store a hefty library of games. Some gaming phones, like the RedMagic 10 Pro, go the extra mile with features like shoulder buttons and enhanced touch sampling rates, further elevating the gaming experience.

The display plays a pivotal role as well. A large, bright screen with a high refresh rate is a game-changer, providing smooth and vibrant visuals. A bigger phone also means your thumbs won't obscure as much of the screen during gameplay. With these factors in mind, let's dive into the top gaming phones that are perfect for on-the-go gaming.

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 of gaming performance, combining exceptional processing power with sustained performance in a sleek package. 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 SeflieBattery7,050mAhWeight229g (0.5lb)PROSExcellent gaming performanceGreat displayCONSUnderwhelming camerasShorter software supportThe RedMagic 10 Pro stands out with its actively cooled Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, which I found to deliver top-tier performance during my review. This chip, already impressive in phones like the Asus ROG Phone 9 and OnePlus 13, is enhanced by a cooling fan that maintains its efficiency during long gaming sessions. The RedMagic 10 Pro consistently led the pack in sustain tests and came close to the top in benchmarks. A massive 7,050mAh battery further supports its gaming prowess.

The RedMagic 10 Pro offers additional features tailored for gamers, including two shoulder buttons that can be mapped to on-screen controls for an enhanced gameplay experience. Its display boasts a high touch-sampling rate for quick input detection, and features like supersampling and frame interpolation enhance visual quality and smoothness.

Aesthetically, the RedMagic 10 Pro doesn't disappoint. It has a stylish design with options for clear backs that showcase its internal components. The 6.85-inch AMOLED display has minimal bezels and a 144Hz refresh rate, ensuring a stunning visual experience. The under-display selfie camera keeps your view uninterrupted during gameplay.

Despite its high performance, the RedMagic 10 Pro is competitively priced at $649, significantly less than competitors like the Asus ROG Phone 9, which retails at $999.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – Photos

5 Images2. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Best iPhone Alternative for Gaming

### Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

2Experience gaming on a massive 6.8" AMOLED screen with a powerful processor capable of running multiple apps, editing videos, and delivering stunning camera performance. 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 heavyThe Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, with its robust titanium chassis and stunning display, is a powerhouse in the Android world. It's equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, an 8-core CPU, and a GPU with 1,536 shading units, paired with 12GB of RAM. This combination ensures smooth gameplay, even at the highest settings, and effortless multitasking.

The phone's 6.8" AMOLED display boasts a peak brightness of almost 2,600 nits and a 1440p resolution with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering crisp and fluid visuals. An "Adaptive" setting optimizes the refresh rate, conserving battery life while maintaining performance.

While it may not match the speed of the RedMagic 9S Pro, the Galaxy S24 Ultra offers long-term support, excellent cameras, and top-notch design, making it a compelling alternative to the iPhone for gaming enthusiasts.

3. iPhone 16 Pro Max

Best iPhone for Gaming

### iPhone 16 Pro Max

2Powered by the A18 Pro chip, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is ready to handle any gaming challenge with ease. 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 priceIn my review of the iPhone 16 Pro Max, I found it to be a formidable gaming device. The A18 Pro chip features an additional graphics core compared to the A18 chip found in the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, delivering superior performance for graphics-intensive games. Its large 6.9-inch display offers ample screen real estate for immersive gaming.

Beyond gaming, the iPhone 16 Pro Max boasts a sleek design with a titanium frame and glass construction, making it visually appealing whether on or off. Its camera system excels with stunning photo quality and advanced zoom capabilities, and it supports high-resolution video recording with Dolby Vision and slow-motion features.

Apple's push into mobile gaming is evident with titles like Assassin's Creed Mirage and various Resident Evil games available on iOS, enhancing the iPhone 16 Pro Max's appeal for gamers.

iPhone SE (2022) – Photos

6 Images4. iPhone SE (2022)

Best Budget iPhone for Gaming

### iPhone SE (2022)

0Experience Apple's iOS at a budget-friendly price with the A15 Bionic chip, though be prepared for a smaller screen. 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 smallThe third-generation iPhone SE packs a punch with its A15 Bionic chip, offering robust gaming performance at an affordable $429 price point. Running on iOS, it provides access to a wide range of games, including those available through Apple Arcade.

However, the iPhone SE's 4.7-inch screen with thick bezels may feel cramped for some gamers. Using a phone controller can help maximize screen visibility. The limited 64GB storage can be a constraint, but upgrading to 256GB or utilizing cloud gaming with 5G support can mitigate this issue.

See our guide to the best cheap smartphones.

OnePlus 12 – Photos

8 Images5. OnePlus 12

Best Everyday Phone for Mobile Gaming

### OnePlus 12

2Equipped with a powerful processor, a large AMOLED display, and a refined design, the OnePlus 12 is an excellent choice for everyday gaming. 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 featuresThe OnePlus 12 is a versatile device that offers impressive gaming capabilities at a reasonable starting price of $800. It features a refined design, good cameras, and user-friendly software, making it an attractive option for those seeking a daily driver with gaming prowess.

The phone's 6.82-inch AMOLED display delivers crisp visuals and reaches a peak brightness of 4,500 nits, ensuring visibility in various lighting conditions. Its adaptive refresh rate, ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz, optimizes performance and battery life.

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

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 – Photos

6 Images6. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6

Best Foldable Gaming Phone

### Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6

4Experience the power and beauty of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, a foldable smartphone with a unique aspect ratio. 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 weirdThe Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 builds on the success of its predecessor, the Z Fold 5, with significant performance upgrades. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip boosts speeds by up to 22%, making it ideal for gaming-intensive titles like Zenless Zone Zero and Wuthering Waves.

The phone's 7.6-inch internal screen offers a 2160x1856 resolution on an AMOLED panel, delivering vivid colors and sharp contrasts. The 6.2-inch external screen provides an ultra-wide aspect ratio for versatile gaming experiences.

Beyond gaming, the Z Fold 6 functions as a versatile device, transforming into a small tablet when unfolded and maintaining a sleek smartphone profile when closed. Its powerful camera system and long-term software support from Samsung add to its appeal, despite the high cost.

OnePlus 12R – Photos

7 Images7. OnePlus 12R

Best Budget Android for Gaming

### OnePlus 12R

1Experience a large, vibrant display and robust performance from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip in this budget-friendly Android phone. 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 resistanceThe OnePlus 12R offers premium gaming features at a budget-friendly $499 price point. Its 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a 1264x2780 resolution and 120Hz refresh rate provides an excellent gaming platform, outshining the iPhone SE's screen.

While it uses the 2023 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, the OnePlus 12R still delivers ample performance for most gaming needs. Its 5,500mAh battery ensures extended gaming sessions.

Although the camera system is less advanced than the OnePlus 12, it doesn't impact the phone's gaming capabilities. The OnePlus 12R is an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers seeking a capable gaming phone.

What to Look for in a Gaming Phone

When choosing a gaming phone, focus on the key aspects that enhance gaming performance. While regular smartphones prioritize battery life and cameras, gaming phones emphasize powerful processors and high-quality displays. Most gaming phones also come with large batteries to support extended play.

Processors are crucial for a smooth gaming experience. The latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip offers top-tier performance for Android phones, while Apple's A18 Pro chip in the iPhone 16 Pro models delivers exceptional power for iOS devices. Even older chipsets like the Snapdragon 888 or 8 Gen 1/2 can provide satisfactory performance at a lower cost.

Displays should go beyond the standard smartphone screen. Look for refresh rates higher than 60Hz, with 90Hz being a good starting point and 120Hz or higher preferred for the smoothest gameplay. Variable refresh rates can help save battery when not gaming, and fast touch sampling rates improve responsiveness. Some gaming phones also feature shoulder buttons, enhancing the gaming interface.

Stay tuned, as we'll regularly update this list to include the latest and greatest gaming phones as more brands enter the market.

Gaming Handhelds vs. Gaming Phones

Choosing between a gaming phone and a gaming handheld depends on your gaming preferences and lifestyle. Gaming phones are highly portable, fitting easily into a pocket while offering full smartphone functionality, including cameras and communication. Many also feature cooling solutions and optional triggers, and can be paired with a phone controller for enhanced gameplay.

Gaming handhelds like the Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch are larger but still portable, designed primarily for gaming with responsive controls. While smartphone games may be less powerful than PC versions, cloud gaming services like Nvidia GeForce Now and Xbox Game Pass are improving, making gaming on phones more accessible.

The Steam Deck offers PC-like gaming power and access to your Steam library, while the Asus ROG Ally provides a similar experience. The Nintendo Switch has its own exclusive titles.

Battery life varies, with gaming handhelds often requiring more frequent charging, especially the Steam Deck. Gaming phones typically last longer, but heavy gaming can reduce their battery life. A portable charger is a wise investment for on-the-go gaming.

Cost is a significant factor, with top gaming phones 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, if you want a versatile device that can handle gaming and more, a gaming phone is the way to go. If you're looking for a dedicated gaming experience with platform-exclusive games, a gaming handheld might be the better choice.