Top 2025 Gaming Phones: Best Buys Revealed

Today's smartphones are capable of playing games, but a truly great gaming phone offers much more. High-performance processors are essential, maintaining smooth gameplay for extended periods without overheating. Ample RAM and storage are crucial for multitasking and accommodating large game files. Some gaming phones, like the RedMagic 10 Pro, even include extra gaming features such as shoulder buttons and enhanced touch response rates.

The display is paramount. A larger, brighter screen with a high refresh rate ensures smooth visuals and comfortable gameplay. Larger phones also minimize thumb obstruction during touch controls. Considering these factors, here are some top contenders for mobile gaming.

TL;DR – Best Gaming Phones:

RedMagic 10 Pro
Best Overall
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Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Best iPhone Alternative
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iPhone 16 Pro Max
Best iPhone
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iPhone SE (2022)
Best Budget iPhone
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OnePlus 12
Best Everyday Phone
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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
Best Foldable
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OnePlus 12R
Best Budget Android
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*Check out our guide to the best phone controllers for accessory options.*

Contributions by Georgie Peru and Danielle Abraham

RedMagic 10 Pro – Photos

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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, already impressive in phones like the Asus ROG Phone 9 and OnePlus 13, is further enhanced by an internal fan for extended gaming sessions. Benchmark results consistently place it at the top, particularly in sustained performance. This power is complemented by a massive 7,050mAh battery.

Gamer-centric features include shoulder buttons for enhanced control and a fast touch-sampling rate for responsive inputs. Supersampling and frame interpolation options further enhance visuals and smoothness. The phone boasts a stylish design, a near bezel-less 6.85-inch AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, high brightness, and sharp resolution. The under-display selfie camera maintains an uninterrupted gaming view. Despite its leading performance, it's priced competitively, starting at $649, significantly less than competitors like the Asus ROG Phone 9 at $999.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – Photos

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2. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Best iPhone Alternative for Gaming

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra excels in gaming thanks to its robust Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, featuring an 8-core CPU and a powerful GPU, paired with 12GB of RAM. Its Game Booster mode optimizes performance. The massive 6.8-inch AMOLED display offers exceptional brightness (nearly 2,600 nits), 1440p resolution, and a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals. Adaptive refresh rate technology conserves battery life. While not as fast as the RedMagic 10 Pro, its performance is solid, complemented by long-term software support, excellent cameras, and premium design.

iPhone 16 Pro Max – Photos

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3. iPhone 16 Pro Max: Best iPhone for Gaming

Powered by the A18 Pro chip, the iPhone 16 Pro Max delivers excellent gaming performance, boasting an extra graphics core compared to the standard A18 chip. Its large 6.9-inch display provides ample screen real estate. Beyond gaming, it offers a premium design with a titanium frame and glass construction, a powerful camera system, and high-resolution video recording capabilities. Apple's expanding iOS game library, including titles like Assassin's Creed Mirage and several Resident Evil games, further enhances its gaming appeal.

iPhone SE (2022) – Photos

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4. iPhone SE (2022): Best Budget iPhone for Gaming

The iPhone SE (2022) offers surprisingly strong gaming performance for its price point, thanks to the A15 Bionic chip. It provides access to a wide range of iOS games, including Apple Arcade titles. While the 4.7-inch screen is smaller and has thicker bezels, it can be paired with a controller to improve the experience. Limited storage (64GB base) can be mitigated by cloud gaming services, especially with 5G support.

OnePlus 12 – Photos

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5. OnePlus 12: Best Everyday Phone for Mobile Gaming

The OnePlus 12 offers a compelling balance of everyday usability and gaming prowess. Its powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor handles demanding games with ease, even running Genshin Impact at near 60fps with maximum settings. The large 6.78-inch AMOLED display boasts high brightness (4,500 nits) and an adaptive refresh rate (1-120Hz) for smooth gaming and battery efficiency. While it can get warm under heavy load, its refined design, respectable cameras, and elegant software make it a versatile choice.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 – Photos

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6. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: Best Foldable Gaming Phone

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 builds upon the success of its predecessor, offering enhanced performance with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip. Its 7.6-inch internal AMOLED display provides a large gaming surface with high resolution, while the 6.2-inch cover screen offers an alternative aspect ratio. Beyond gaming, it functions as a versatile device, offering multitasking capabilities and a powerful camera system. Long-term software support adds to its value.

OnePlus 12R – Photos

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7. OnePlus 12R: Best Budget Android for Gaming

The OnePlus 12R offers flagship-level features at a budget-friendly price. Its 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate provides a vibrant gaming experience. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, while a generation older, still delivers ample power for most games. A large 5,500mAh battery ensures extended playtime. While the camera system is a compromise, it doesn't detract from its gaming capabilities.

What to Look for in a Gaming Phone

Choosing a gaming phone differs from selecting a general-purpose smartphone. Prioritize the processor and display. The latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (Android) or A18 Pro (iPhone) chipsets offer top performance. For displays, look for high refresh rates (90Hz or higher), and consider variable refresh rates for power saving. Faster touch sampling rates are also beneficial. Shoulder buttons are a welcome addition on many gaming phones.

Gaming Handhelds vs. Gaming Phones

Gaming phones are ultra-portable and offer full smartphone functionality. Gaming handhelds (like the Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch) are bulkier but offer dedicated controls. Game availability varies across platforms, with cloud gaming services bridging the gap. Consider battery life, cost, and personal preferences when choosing.