Top Gaming Phones for 2025: What to Buy

In today's mobile market, virtually every phone can handle some level of gaming, but what sets a good gaming phone apart from a great one? The key lies in several critical features. At the forefront is powerful processing, which is essential for smooth gameplay. However, it's not just about raw power; the ability to maintain high performance over extended periods is crucial. You don't want a phone that overheats or slows down after a few minutes of intense gaming. Additionally, ample memory and storage are vital for multitasking and storing a large library of games. Some specialized gaming phones, like the RedMagic 10 Pro, go a step further with features such as additional shoulder buttons and enhanced touch sampling rates, enhancing the gaming experience.

Another pivotal aspect is the display. A vibrant, large screen with a high refresh rate ensures that you can see every detail and enjoy smooth motion. A larger display also means your thumbs won't obscure as much of the screen when using touch controls. With these considerations in mind, let's explore the top phones that excel in mobile 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 combines exceptional performance with impressive endurance, making it a top choice for gamers. It features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, enhanced by an active cooling system that prevents thermal throttling during long gaming sessions. While it may not lead in every benchmark, its sustained performance is unparalleled, supported by a massive 7,050mAh battery.

The phone is equipped with gamer-specific features like dual shoulder buttons, which can be mapped to on-screen controls, enhancing gameplay across various titles. Its 6.85-inch OLED display boasts a 144Hz refresh rate, tiny bezels, and a hidden selfie camera, ensuring an immersive gaming experience. Additionally, the fast touch-sampling rate and options like supersampling and frame interpolation further elevate the visual and tactile feedback.

Despite its high-end capabilities, the RedMagic 10 Pro is priced competitively at $649, offering excellent value compared to its rivals like the Asus ROG Phone 9.

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 stands out as a premium alternative to the iPhone for gaming, boasting a robust Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor with 12GB of RAM. This powerhouse can handle the most demanding games with ease, complemented by a Game Booster mode for optimized performance.

Its 6.8-inch AMOLED display is a visual treat, with a peak brightness of nearly 2,600 nits and a 1440p resolution at a 120Hz refresh rate. The adaptive refresh rate conserves battery life when not gaming, making it a versatile choice. Despite not being the fastest in the market, its long-term support, exceptional camera system, and premium design make it a compelling option.

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 formidable gaming device. It offers enhanced graphics performance, thanks to an additional graphics core over the standard A18 chip. The large 6.9-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate provides a spacious and smooth gaming canvas.

Beyond gaming, the iPhone 16 Pro Max excels in design with its titanium frame and glass construction, and its camera system captures stunning photos and high-resolution videos. Apple's push into serious mobile gaming, with titles like Assassin's Creed Mirage and Resident Evil on iOS, adds to its appeal.

iPhone SE (2022) – Photos

6 Images4. iPhone SE (2022)

Best Budget iPhone for Gaming

### iPhone SE (2022)

0The third-generation iPhone SE is a budget-friendly option for gamers, powered by the A15 Bionic chip. It offers robust performance at a starting price of $429, providing access to a wide range of iOS games, including those in Apple Arcade.

However, its 4.7-inch LCD screen with thick bezels may not be ideal for gaming, though using a phone controller can help. The limited storage can be mitigated with cloud gaming, especially with 5G support.

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. With a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and a 6.78-inch AMOLED display boasting a 120Hz refresh rate, it delivers smooth gameplay and vivid visuals. The phone's battery life is solid, though it can get warm under heavy load.

Priced at $800, it offers a refined design and respectable cameras, making it an attractive option for those seeking a versatile device.

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. It features a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, delivering a 22% performance boost over its predecessor. The 7.6-inch AMOLED internal screen and 6.2-inch external screen provide versatile viewing options.

When not gaming, it doubles as a small tablet for multitasking, and its camera system is top-notch. Despite its high cost, the long-term software support from Samsung adds value.

OnePlus 12R – Photos

7 Images7. OnePlus 12R

Best Budget Android for Gaming

### OnePlus 12R

1The OnePlus 12R offers a compelling budget-friendly option for Android gamers. 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 ensures solid performance, while the 5,500mAh battery supports extended gaming sessions.

Though it compromises on camera quality and lacks wireless charging, its focus on gaming performance and value at $499 makes it a strong contender.

What to Look for in a Gaming Phone

When selecting a gaming phone, the focus shifts from typical smartphone features like battery life and cameras to the quality of the screen and the power of the processor. Gaming phones usually come with larger batteries to support long gaming sessions, but it's the processor and display that truly matter.

Processors are crucial; the latest models, such as Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Android or Apple's A18 Pro for iPhones, offer the best performance. However, even slightly older chipsets can provide ample power for most games.

Displays should feature high refresh rates, starting at 90Hz but ideally reaching 120Hz or higher, for fluid gameplay. Variable refresh rates can help save battery life when not gaming. Fast touch sampling rates and additional shoulder buttons can further enhance the gaming interface.

We'll keep this list updated as more brands release phones optimized for gaming.

Gaming Handhelds vs. Gaming Phones

Choosing between a gaming phone and a gaming handheld depends on your lifestyle and gaming preferences. Gaming phones are highly portable and multifunctional, offering not just gaming but also smartphone features like cameras and communication. They often include cooling systems and may require a phone controller for optimal control.

Gaming handhelds like the Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch are dedicated gaming devices with physical controls, offering a more traditional gaming experience. They support exclusive games and can be more cost-effective, with the Steam Deck starting at $400 and the Switch even less.

Consider battery life, as handhelds may not last as long as phones, and cost, as gaming phones can range from $700 to over $1,000. Your choice hinges on whether you prefer a versatile device with slightly less intense gaming or a dedicated gaming machine with exclusive titles.