Top Gaming Phones for 2025: What to Buy

In today's market, nearly every smartphone can handle some level of gaming, but what sets a good gaming phone apart from a great one? A key differentiator is a powerful processor, which is essential for smooth gameplay. However, it's not just about raw power; a gaming phone needs to maintain high performance over long gaming sessions without overheating. This means robust thermal management is crucial. Additionally, ample memory and storage are vital for multitasking and storing large game files. Some top-tier gaming phones, such as the RedMagic 10 Pro, go the extra mile with gaming-specific enhancements like additional shoulder buttons and heightened touch sampling rates.

The display is another critical factor. A larger, brighter screen with a high refresh rate not only enhances visibility but also ensures smoother motion, which is paramount for gaming. A bigger phone can also offer more room for touch controls, reducing thumb coverage on the screen. With these considerations in mind, here's a look at the top phones for 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 stands out with its exceptional performance and sustained power, encapsulated in an attractive design. 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 excels in the gaming arena, driven by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chip with active cooling to handle prolonged gaming sessions effectively. This phone consistently performs at the top of benchmarks and is a leader in maintaining performance over time, backed by a massive 7,050mAh battery.

Specifically tailored for gamers, the RedMagic 10 Pro includes two shoulder buttons for enhanced control and a high touch-sampling rate for quick input detection. Features like supersampling and frame interpolation enhance visual quality and smoothness during gameplay.

The phone's aesthetic appeal is also noteworthy, offering various stylish designs, including clear backs that showcase internal components. The 6.85-inch AMOLED display boasts minimal bezels and a 144Hz refresh rate, delivering sharp, vibrant visuals ideal for gaming. The under-display selfie camera ensures an uninterrupted gaming view.

Despite its commanding performance, the RedMagic 10 Pro remains competitively priced at $649, significantly less than its rivals like the Asus ROG Phone 9 at $999.

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 boasts a robust 6.8" AMOLED screen and a powerful processor capable of handling intensive gaming and multitasking effortlessly. 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 durable titanium frame and stunning display, is not only a top-tier smartphone but also a gaming powerhouse. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC and 12GB of RAM, it delivers seamless performance for the most demanding games.

Its 6.8" AMOLED display, with a peak brightness of nearly 2,600 nits, ensures visibility in various lighting conditions. The 1440p resolution and 120Hz refresh rate provide crisp, smooth visuals, with an adaptive refresh rate that optimizes battery life.

While it may not match the RedMagic 9S Pro in sheer gaming speed, the Galaxy S24 Ultra offers long-term support, exceptional camera capabilities, and superior 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 well-equipped to handle high-end gaming. 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 priceThe iPhone 16 Pro Max, featuring the A18 Pro chip with an additional graphics core, offers superior gaming performance compared to its predecessors. Its 6.9-inch display provides a spacious canvas for gaming, enhancing the overall experience.

Beyond gaming, the iPhone 16 Pro Max impresses with its sleek titanium and glass design, powerful camera system, and high-resolution video capabilities, including Dolby Vision and slow-motion recording. Apple's push into mobile gaming, with titles like Assassin’s Creed Mirage and Resident Evil on iOS, further elevates its gaming credentials.

iPhone SE (2022) – Photos

6 Images4. iPhone SE (2022)

Best Budget iPhone for Gaming

### iPhone SE (2022)

0The iPhone SE (2022) offers a cost-effective way to experience iOS gaming with the A15 Bionic chip, though its screen size is a compromise. 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 is a budget-friendly option at $429, powered by the efficient A15 Bionic chip. It provides access to a wide range of iOS games, including those exclusive to Apple Arcade.

However, its 4.7-inch LCD screen with thick bezels may feel limiting for some gamers. Pairing it with a phone controller can help maximize the screen's utility. With limited onboard storage, cloud gaming becomes an attractive option, 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 offers a blend of powerful performance and a large AMOLED display, ideal 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 an excellent choice for those seeking a versatile phone that excels in gaming. At $800, it's competitively priced and offers a refined design, decent cameras, and smooth software. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor powers through demanding games, delivering near-60fps performance in titles like Genshin Impact.

The 6.82-inch AMOLED display, with a peak brightness of 4,500 nits and an adaptive refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz, ensures vivid visuals and efficient battery use.

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 is a powerful foldable device with a unique aspect ratio, perfect for gaming. 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 Galaxy Z Fold 6 enhances its predecessor's gaming capabilities with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, delivering up to 22% faster performance. Its 7.6-inch internal AMOLED screen offers a high resolution and vivid colors, while the 6.2-inch external screen provides an alternative gaming experience.

When not gaming, the Z Fold 6 functions as a versatile device, doubling as a small tablet for multitasking. Its camera system remains robust, and long-term software support ensures longevity.

OnePlus 12R – Photos

7 Images7. OnePlus 12R

Best Budget Android for Gaming

### OnePlus 12R

1The OnePlus 12R offers a vibrant display and a powerful processor at a budget-friendly price. 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 is a budget-friendly powerhouse at $499, featuring a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, perfect for gaming. While it uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, it still offers robust performance for most games, supported by a 5,500mAh battery for extended play.

Though it sacrifices some camera features, the OnePlus 12R remains a strong contender for gamers looking for value without compromising too much on performance.

What to Look for in a Gaming Phone

Selecting the ideal gaming phone involves different considerations than choosing a regular smartphone. For gaming, the focus shifts to the processor and display, with other features taking a backseat. Gaming phones often come with larger batteries to support extended play.

When shopping for a gaming phone, prioritize the processor. The latest chips like Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 provide top-tier performance, but even older chipsets like the Snapdragon 888 or 8 Gen 1/2 can suffice for budget options. For iPhones, the latest A18 Pro chip in the iPhone 16 Pro models offers exceptional performance, while the A15 Bionic in the iPhone SE (2022) remains a strong budget choice.

In terms of displays, look for features like high refresh rates (90Hz and above) for smoother gameplay, and variable refresh rates for battery efficiency. Enhanced touch sampling rates and shoulder buttons can further improve the gaming experience.

Gaming Handhelds vs. Gaming Phones

Choosing between a gaming phone and a gaming handheld depends on your gaming preferences and lifestyle. Gaming phones offer portability and versatility, handling both gaming and everyday smartphone tasks with features like cooling systems and optional controllers.

Gaming handhelds like the Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch are dedicated gaming devices with physical controls, ideal for a more traditional gaming experience. They offer exclusive games and powerful performance, though battery life can be a concern.

The decision comes down to whether you prefer a multi-functional device that excels in gaming or a dedicated gaming platform. Gaming phones provide a versatile solution, while handhelds offer a more specialized gaming experience.