While virtually every modern smartphone can handle gaming to some extent, the best gaming phones stand out with several key features that enhance the gaming experience. A powerful processor is essential, as it ensures smooth gameplay without lag. Equally important is the ability to sustain high performance over extended periods, avoiding the common issue of phones overheating and slowing down after a few minutes of intense gaming. Generous memory and storage are crucial for multitasking and storing numerous games, and some models, like the RedMagic 10 Pro, offer additional gaming-centric enhancements such as shoulder buttons and higher touch sampling rates.
The display is another critical factor. A larger, brighter screen with a high refresh rate not only makes games more visually appealing but also provides a smoother gaming experience. A bigger phone can also mean less thumb coverage on the screen, making touch controls more manageable. With these considerations in mind, let's explore some of the top gaming phones that excel in delivering an optimal gaming experience on the go.
TL;DR – These Are the Best Gaming Phones:
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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
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1. RedMagic 10 ProBest overall### RedMagic10 Pro
11The RedMagic 10 Pro excels with its exceptional performance and sustained capabilities, making it a top choice for gamers. Its actively cooled Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chip ensures it can handle long gaming sessions without overheating. In benchmarks, it consistently leads or closely follows the top performers, especially in sustained performance. The phone's 7,050mAh battery further supports extended gameplay.
Gamers will appreciate the RedMagic 10 Pro's dedicated features, such as two shoulder buttons for enhanced control and a high touch-sampling rate for quick input detection. Additionally, the phone offers options like supersampling and frame interpolation to enhance visual quality and gameplay smoothness.
Aesthetically, the RedMagic 10 Pro is sleek and stylish, with options like clear backs that showcase its internal components. Its 6.85-inch AMOLED display features minimal bezels and a 144Hz refresh rate, ensuring a vibrant and smooth viewing experience. The under-display selfie camera keeps the screen uninterrupted, perfect for immersive gaming.
Despite its advanced features, the RedMagic 10 Pro is competitively priced at $649, offering great value compared to similar high-end gaming phones like the Asus ROG Phone 9, which costs $999.
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2. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra### Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
2The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra combines a robust Titanium chassis with a stunning 6.8-inch AMOLED display, making it a powerhouse for gaming. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC with 12GB of RAM, it effortlessly handles intensive games and multitasks without lag. The Game Booster mode optimizes performance, enhancing the gaming experience.
The phone's display boasts a peak brightness of nearly 2,600 nits and a 1440p resolution with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring crisp and smooth visuals. The "Adaptive" refresh rate feature helps conserve battery life by adjusting based on usage.
While it may not match the RedMagic 9S Pro in speed, its long-term support, exceptional camera system, and high-quality design make it an excellent alternative to iPhones for gaming enthusiasts.
### iPhone 16 Pro Max
2The iPhone 16 Pro Max, powered by the A18 Pro chip, delivers impressive gaming performance. With an additional graphics core compared to the A18 chip in the standard iPhone 16 models, it offers a significant boost for graphics-intensive games. The phone's 6.9-inch display provides a larger canvas for gaming and better control handling.
Beyond gaming, the iPhone 16 Pro Max features a premium design with a titanium frame and glass construction. Its camera system is versatile, with capabilities for high-resolution photos, zoom, and advanced video features like Dolby Vision and slow-motion recording.
Apple's efforts to expand gaming on iOS are evident with titles like Assassin's Creed Mirage and Resident Evil now available, enhancing the iPhone 16 Pro Max's appeal as a gaming device.
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4. iPhone SE (2022)### iPhone SE (2022)
0The third-generation iPhone SE offers a budget-friendly entry into iOS gaming with its A15 Bionic chip, priced at just $429. Despite its smaller 4.7-inch LCD screen with thicker bezels reminiscent of the iPhone 7 and 8, the SE delivers strong performance. Its compact size can be advantageous for gamers using phone controllers to free up more screen space.
While the base model comes with 64GB of storage, options up to 256GB are available. For those concerned about space, cloud gaming provides a viable solution, especially with the phone's 5G support.
See our guide to the best cheap smartphones.
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5. OnePlus 12### OnePlus 12
2The OnePlus 12 strikes a balance between everyday usability and high-end gaming performance, starting at $800. It features a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, capable of running demanding games smoothly, including Genshin Impact at nearly 60fps on max settings. The phone's 6.82-inch AMOLED display reaches up to 4,500 nits brightness and offers an adaptive refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz for optimized gaming and battery efficiency.
The OnePlus 12's design is refined, with respectable cameras and user-friendly software. While it may heat up under heavy gaming loads, its overall performance and value make it an excellent choice for everyday gamers.
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6. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6### Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
4The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is a powerful foldable phone, enhanced by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, which boosts performance by up to 22%. Its 7.6-inch internal AMOLED screen offers vivid colors and high contrast, perfect for immersive gaming. The exterior 6.2-inch screen provides an alternative for those who prefer a wider aspect ratio.
Beyond gaming, the Z Fold 6 doubles as a small tablet when unfolded, offering multi-tasking capabilities. Its camera system is robust, and Samsung's long-term software support adds to its value. Though the aspect ratio when unfolded might take some getting used to, the Z Fold 6 is a versatile and powerful gaming device.
7 Images
7. OnePlus 12R ### OnePlus 12R
1The OnePlus 12R offers impressive gaming capabilities at a budget-friendly price of $499. Its 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate delivers vibrant visuals, outshining competitors like the iPhone SE. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, it provides ample performance for most gaming needs, supported by a large 5,500mAh battery.
While the camera system is less advanced than that of the OnePlus 12, it does not impact the phone's gaming performance. The OnePlus 12R is a compelling choice for budget-conscious gamers seeking a device that balances cost and capability.
Choosing the right gaming phone involves focusing on key elements that significantly impact the gaming experience. While regular smartphones prioritize battery life and cameras, gaming phones emphasize processors and displays.
Processors are crucial for a smooth gaming experience. The latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip offers top-tier performance for Android devices, while Apple's A18 Pro in the iPhone 16 Pro models provides exceptional power for iOS. Even older chipsets like the Snapdragon 888 or A15 Bionic can deliver strong gaming performance, making them viable options for budget-conscious buyers.
Displays are equally important. A refresh rate above 60Hz enhances gameplay fluidity, with 90Hz being a good starting point and 120Hz or higher seen in top gaming phones. Variable refresh rates can help conserve battery when not gaming, and faster touch sampling rates improve responsiveness. Additionally, some gaming phones include shoulder buttons, further enhancing the gaming interface.
This guide will be updated regularly to reflect the latest in gaming phone technology, as more brands continue to innovate in this space.
Choosing between a gaming phone and a gaming handheld depends on your gaming preferences, lifestyle, and the type of games you enjoy.
Gaming phones are highly portable and multifunctional, offering not just gaming but also typical smartphone features like cameras and communication. Many come with cooling systems to prevent overheating and include gaming-specific features like shoulder triggers. For those who prefer physical controls, a phone controller can enhance the experience.
Gaming handhelds, such as the Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch, are dedicated gaming devices with responsive controls, ideal for gaming enthusiasts. They are bulkier but portable enough for on-the-go gaming. While they may not match the versatility of a smartphone, they offer a more focused gaming experience with platform-exclusive titles.
The availability of games is also a factor. Mobile platforms continue to see more high-quality releases, and cloud gaming services like Nvidia GeForce Now and Xbox Game Pass are improving. However, devices like the Steam Deck provide access to a vast PC gaming library, while the Nintendo Switch offers unique exclusives.
Battery life varies, with gaming phones generally offering longer battery life than gaming handhelds like the Steam Deck, which is known for its shorter duration. A portable charger can be a useful accessory for extended gaming sessions.
Cost is another consideration. Gaming phones can be pricey, with top models ranging from $700 to over $1,000, while gaming handhelds like the Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch are more affordable, starting at around $400.
Ultimately, the choice depends on whether you prefer a device that excels in gaming and offers additional smartphone functionality or a dedicated gaming device with specialized controls and exclusive titles.
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