Today's smartphones are capable of playing games, but a truly great gaming phone stands out with several key features. Powerful processing is essential, as is sustained high performance—you don't want lag or overheating after just a few minutes. Ample memory and storage are crucial for multitasking and accommodating large game files. Some gaming phones, like the RedMagic 10 Pro, even offer extras such as shoulder buttons and enhanced touch sampling rates for a superior gaming experience.
The display is equally vital. A larger, brighter screen with a high refresh rate ensures smooth, enjoyable gameplay. A bigger phone also minimizes thumb occlusion when using touch controls. Considering these factors, here are some top contenders for mobile gaming.
TL;DR – The Best Gaming Phones:
Best Overall: RedMagic 10 Pro
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
iPhone 16 Pro Max
iPhone SE (2022)
OnePlus 12
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
OnePlus 12R
See 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 Gaming Phone
The RedMagic 10 Pro delivers exceptional performance and sustained high frame rates. Its actively cooled Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, combined with a built-in cooling fan, ensures long, lag-free gaming sessions. Benchmark results consistently place it at the top, especially regarding sustained performance. This powerhouse is further enhanced by a massive 7,050mAh battery.
Gamers will appreciate the included shoulder buttons, easily mappable to on-screen controls, and the fast touch-sampling rate display for quick input detection. Features like supersampling and frame interpolation further enhance visuals and smoothness. The stylish design includes options with clear backs, showcasing the internal components. The 6.85-inch AMOLED display boasts minimal bezels, a 144Hz refresh rate, high peak brightness, and sharp visuals. The under-display selfie camera keeps the screen uninterrupted. At a starting price of $649, it offers incredible value compared to competitors.
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 as a gaming powerhouse, thanks to its robust Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, featuring an 8-core CPU and a powerful GPU, paired with 12GB of RAM. The Game Booster mode enhances performance management. The large 6.8" AMOLED display, reaching almost 2,600 nits peak brightness, offers a stunning visual experience with its 1440p resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. Adaptive refresh rate technology conserves battery life. While not as fast as the RedMagic 10 Pro, its speed is excellent, and its long-term support, exceptional camera system, and high-quality design make it a strong iPhone alternative.
3. iPhone 16 Pro Max – Best iPhone for Gaming
Powered by the A18 Pro chip, the iPhone 16 Pro Max offers exceptional gaming performance. The extra graphics core compared to the standard A18 provides a significant performance boost for graphics-intensive games. Its large 6.9" display enhances the gaming experience. Beyond gaming, it boasts an excellent titanium frame and glass design, a powerful camera system with stunning photo and video capabilities (including Dolby Vision and slow-motion recording), and access to a growing library of high-quality iOS games.
iPhone SE (2022) – Photos
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4. iPhone SE (2022) – Best Budget iPhone for Gaming
The iPhone SE (2022) offers a surprisingly strong gaming experience at a budget-friendly price. Its A15 Bionic chip delivers impressive performance. While the 4.7" screen with thicker bezels is smaller than others, pairing it with a controller can mitigate this. Limited storage (64GB base) can be addressed using cloud gaming services, especially with its 5G support. Access to a wide range of iOS games and Apple Arcade makes it a compelling option.
OnePlus 12 – Photos
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5. OnePlus 12 – Best Everyday Phone for Mobile Gaming
The OnePlus 12 is a powerful everyday phone that excels at gaming. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor handles demanding games with ease, achieving near 60fps in Genshin Impact at max settings. The large 6.82" AMOLED display with adaptive refresh rate (1-120Hz) provides crisp visuals and smooth gameplay while conserving battery. The refined design and elegant software make it a stylish and capable gaming device, offering excellent value at around $800.
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 offers impressive speed and a stunning display, with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip boosting performance significantly. The large 7.6" internal AMOLED screen provides vivid visuals, while the 6.2" external screen offers an alternative aspect ratio. Beyond gaming, it functions as a tablet and smartphone, with a powerful camera system and long-term software support. The unusual aspect ratio when unfolded is the main drawback.
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 price. Its 6.78" LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate provides a stunning visual experience. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor delivers ample power for most games, and the 5,500mAh battery ensures long play sessions. While the camera system is less advanced than the OnePlus 12, it doesn't compromise gaming performance, making it a great value option.
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 processors (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Android, A18 Pro for iPhone) offer the best performance, but previous generations still provide excellent gaming capabilities. Look for displays with refresh rates exceeding 60Hz (90Hz or higher is ideal), and consider variable refresh rates for power saving. Faster touch sampling rates and shoulder buttons are also beneficial.
Gaming Handhelds vs. Gaming Phones
The choice between a gaming phone and a handheld depends on your preferences and gaming style. Gaming phones are highly portable and offer full smartphone functionality, while handhelds like the Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch are dedicated gaming devices with better controls but less versatility. Consider battery life, game libraries, and cost when making your decision.
