Today's smartphones are capable of playing games, but a truly great gaming phone boasts several key advantages. Powerful processors are essential, ensuring consistently high performance without slowdown or overheating. Ample memory and storage are crucial for multitasking and accommodating large game files. Some gaming phones, like the RedMagic 10 Pro, even include extras such as shoulder buttons and enhanced touch sampling rates for superior control.
The display is paramount. A larger, brighter screen with a high refresh rate provides smoother visuals and a more immersive experience. Larger phones also minimize thumb occlusion during touch control gameplay. With these factors in mind, let's explore the top contenders in mobile gaming.
TL;DR – The Best Gaming Phones
Best Overall: RedMagic 10 Pro
Best iPhone Alternative: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Best iPhone: iPhone 16 Pro Max
Best Budget iPhone: iPhone SE (2022)
Best Everyday Phone: OnePlus 12
Best Foldable: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
Best Budget Android: OnePlus 12R
*Check out our guide to the best phone controllers for accessory options.*
Contributions by Georgie Peru and Danielle Abraham
RedMagic 10 Pro – Photos
1. RedMagic 10 Pro: Best Overall Gaming Phone
The RedMagic 10 Pro delivers exceptional performance and sustained high frame rates. Its actively cooled Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, coupled with a powerful cooling fan, enables extended gameplay sessions without throttling. Benchmark scores consistently place it at the top, particularly in sustained performance tests. The massive 7,050mAh battery further enhances its endurance. Gamer-centric features include shoulder buttons, a high touch-sampling rate display, and options like supersampling and frame interpolation for enhanced visuals.
The RedMagic 10 Pro boasts a stylish, yet understated design, featuring options with clear backs showcasing internal components. The 6.85-inch AMOLED display, with minimal bezels and an under-display selfie camera, offers a 144Hz refresh rate, high peak brightness, and sharp visuals. Its impressive performance and features are offered at a competitive price point, starting at $649, significantly undercutting competitors.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – Photos
2. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Best iPhone Alternative
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is a powerhouse, excelling in gaming thanks to its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, featuring an 8-core CPU and a GPU with 1,536 shading units, combined with 12GB of RAM. This ensures smooth performance even with demanding games at maximum settings. Game Booster mode further optimizes performance. The large 6.8-inch AMOLED display boasts a 1440p resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of nearly 2,600 nits, providing a vibrant and immersive gaming experience. While not as fast as the RedMagic 10 Pro, its solid performance, long-term support, excellent camera system, and premium design make it a strong contender and a compelling alternative to iPhones.
3. iPhone 16 Pro Max: Best iPhone for Gaming
The iPhone 16 Pro Max leverages the power of the A18 Pro chip, featuring an additional graphics core compared to the standard A18, resulting in significantly enhanced graphics performance. Its large 6.9-inch display provides ample screen real estate for gaming and comfortable control placement. Beyond gaming prowess, it offers a premium design with a titanium frame and glass construction, a powerful camera system, and high-resolution video recording capabilities. The increasing availability of high-quality games on iOS, including titles like Assassin's Creed Mirage and various Resident Evil games, further solidifies its position as a top-tier gaming phone.
iPhone SE (2022) – Photos
4. iPhone SE (2022): Best Budget iPhone for Gaming
The iPhone SE (2022) provides a surprisingly strong gaming experience at a budget-friendly price point of $429. Powered by the A15 Bionic chip, it delivers impressive performance. Access to a wide range of iOS games, including Apple Arcade titles, enhances its appeal. While its 4.7-inch display with thicker bezels is smaller than other options, pairing it with a phone controller can mitigate this. Limited storage (64GB base) can be addressed through cloud gaming services, especially with its 5G connectivity.
OnePlus 12 – Photos
5. OnePlus 12: Best Everyday Phone for Mobile Gaming
The OnePlus 12 offers a compelling balance of everyday usability and gaming capabilities at a more accessible price point ($800). It features a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, ensuring smooth performance in demanding games. Its 6.82-inch AMOLED display with an adaptive refresh rate (1Hz-120Hz) provides vibrant visuals and power efficiency. While not explicitly marketed as a gaming phone, its refined design, excellent performance, and solid battery life make it a strong contender for gamers seeking a versatile device.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 – Photos
6. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: Best Foldable Gaming Phone
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 builds upon the strengths of its predecessor, offering improved performance thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip. Its large 7.6-inch internal display (2160x1856) and 6.2-inch external display provide versatile gaming options. The AMOLED panels deliver vibrant visuals, and the powerful processor ensures smooth gameplay. Beyond gaming, its foldable design offers multitasking capabilities and a premium overall experience, although the unusual aspect ratio when unfolded may be a consideration for some.
OnePlus 12R – Photos
7. OnePlus 12R: Best Budget Android for Gaming
The OnePlus 12R offers a compelling value proposition, providing high-end features at a significantly lower price point ($499). Its 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display (1264x2780, 120Hz) delivers a vibrant and smooth gaming experience. While featuring the slightly older Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, it still provides ample power for most games. The 5,500mAh battery ensures long gaming sessions. While some compromises were made in the camera department, its gaming performance and value make it a strong contender for budget-conscious gamers.
What to Look for in a Gaming Phone
Selecting a gaming phone differs from choosing a general-purpose smartphone. Prioritize the processor and display. The latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (Android) or Apple A18 Pro (iOS) chipsets offer optimal performance. Displays should feature refresh rates exceeding 60Hz (90Hz or higher is ideal), potentially with variable refresh rates for power saving. Faster touch sampling rates are also beneficial. Battery life is usually excellent in gaming phones, so it's less of a primary concern.
Gaming Handhelds vs. Gaming Phones
The choice between a gaming phone and a handheld device depends on individual preferences and needs. Gaming phones are ultra-portable and offer full smartphone functionality, including cameras and communication features. However, gaming handhelds (like the Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch) offer dedicated controls and may have access to exclusive titles. Consider factors like portability, game library, control scheme preference, battery life, and budget when making your decision.
