Choosing the right gaming phone requires considering key features beyond those of a typical smartphone. High-performance processing capable of sustained gameplay is crucial, preventing slowdowns and overheating. Ample RAM and storage are essential for multitasking and game capacity. Some gaming phones, such as the RedMagic 10 Pro, offer additional gaming enhancements like shoulder buttons and improved touch sampling rates.
The display is paramount. A larger, brighter screen with a high refresh rate ensures smooth visuals and comfortable gameplay. A larger phone also minimizes thumb obstruction during touch control. Considering these factors, here are top contenders for mobile gaming:
TL;DR – Top Gaming Phones:
RedMagic 10 Pro: Best Overall
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Best iPhone Alternative
iPhone 16 Pro Max: Best iPhone for Gaming
iPhone SE (2022): Best Budget iPhone
OnePlus 12: Best Everyday Phone
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: Best Foldable Gaming Phone
OnePlus 12R: Best Budget Android
(See our guide to the best phone controllers for accessory options.)
(Contributions by Georgie Peru and Danielle Abraham)
RedMagic 10 Pro – Detailed Review:
The RedMagic 10 Pro excels with exceptional performance and sustained high frame rates. Its actively cooled Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, coupled with a cooling fan, ensures consistent performance during extended gaming sessions. Benchmark results consistently place it at the top or near the top, particularly in sustained performance tests. The massive 7,050mAh battery further enhances its endurance.
Gamer-centric features include shoulder buttons for enhanced control and a fast touch-sampling rate for responsive inputs. Supersampling and frame interpolation options further optimize visuals and smoothness. Its stylish design features a high-quality 6.85-inch rectangular AMOLED display (144Hz refresh rate) with minimal bezels and an under-display selfie camera. Despite its superior performance, it's competitively priced at $649, significantly undercutting competitors.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – Detailed Review:
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is a powerful gaming contender, boasting a robust Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, 12GB RAM, and a Game Booster mode for performance management. Its large 6.8-inch AMOLED display (120Hz adaptive refresh rate) offers vibrant visuals and high peak brightness. While not as fast as the RedMagic 10 Pro, its performance is excellent, complemented by long-term software support, superior cameras, and premium build quality, making it a strong Android alternative to iPhones.
iPhone 16 Pro Max – Detailed Review:
Powered by the A18 Pro chip (featuring an additional graphics core compared to the standard A18), the iPhone 16 Pro Max delivers impressive gaming performance. Its large 6.9-inch display provides ample screen real estate. Beyond gaming, it offers a premium design, a powerful camera system, and high-resolution video recording capabilities. Apple's growing iOS game library, including titles like Assassin's Creed Mirage and various Resident Evil games, further enhances its gaming appeal.
iPhone SE (2022) – Detailed Review:
The iPhone SE (2022) provides a surprisingly strong gaming experience at a budget-friendly price ($429). Its A15 Bionic chip delivers impressive performance, and access to the iOS game library and Apple Arcade is a significant advantage. However, its 4.7-inch display with thick bezels is a drawback, although using a controller can mitigate this. Limited storage (64GB base, expandable to 256GB) can be addressed through cloud gaming, especially with its 5G support.
OnePlus 12 – Detailed Review:
The OnePlus 12 offers a compelling balance of everyday usability and gaming prowess at a more accessible price point ($800). Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, coupled with a large 6.78-inch AMOLED display (120Hz adaptive refresh rate), provides smooth gaming performance. It handles demanding games like Genshin Impact effectively, though it may get warm under heavy load. Its refined design and elegant software experience set it apart from dedicated gaming phones.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 – Detailed Review:
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 improves upon its predecessor with a faster Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, resulting in a noticeable performance boost. Its large 7.6-inch internal AMOLED display offers vibrant visuals, while the 6.2-inch external display provides an alternative gaming experience. Its versatility as a smartphone and tablet, combined with a powerful camera system and long-term software support, makes it a premium foldable gaming option.
OnePlus 12R – Detailed Review:
The OnePlus 12R offers excellent value, providing flagship-level features at a budget price ($499). Its 6.78-inch AMOLED display (120Hz refresh rate) delivers a stunning visual experience. While using the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (slightly older than the Gen 3), it still offers ample gaming performance, supported by a large 5,500mAh battery. Its camera system is a compromise compared to the OnePlus 12, but this doesn't significantly impact its gaming capabilities.
What to Look for in a Gaming Phone:
Processor selection is key. The latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (Android) or A18 Pro (iPhone) chipsets offer optimal performance. However, previous-generation chipsets still provide excellent gaming experiences, particularly in budget-friendly options.
Displays should surpass standard smartphone screens. Look for high refresh rates (90Hz or higher), potentially with variable refresh rates for power saving. Faster touch sampling rates are also beneficial. Consider shoulder buttons as a significant part of the gaming interface.
Gaming Handhelds vs. Gaming Phones:
The choice depends on individual preferences and usage. Gaming phones offer ultimate portability and smartphone functionality, with some including cooling solutions and trigger buttons. Gaming handhelds (Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch, ROG Ally) provide dedicated gaming controls but are less portable and primarily focused on gaming. Game availability, battery life, and cost are also important considerations.
