Choosing the right gaming phone requires considering key features beyond those of a standard smartphone. High-performance processing capable of sustained gameplay is crucial; you need a phone that won't overheat or slow down after a few minutes. Ample RAM and storage are also essential for multitasking and accommodating large game files. 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. Larger phones also minimize thumb occlusion during touch control. With these factors in mind, here are top contenders for mobile gaming:
TL;DR – Top Gaming Phones:
Best overall### RedMagic 10 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 OnePlus
Consider a phone controller for enhanced gameplay.
Reviewed by Georgie Peru and Danielle Abraham
RedMagic 9S Pro – Additional Images
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RedMagic 10 Pro – Detailed Review
Best overall### RedMagic 10 Pro
11The RedMagic 10 Pro excels with exceptional performance and sustained high frame rates. Its active cooling system ensures consistent power during extended gaming sessions. Benchmark results consistently place it at the top or near the top, particularly in sustained performance tests. This power is complemented by a massive 7,050mAh battery.
Its gamer-centric features include shoulder buttons for enhanced control and a high touch-sampling rate display for rapid input detection. Options like supersampling and frame interpolation further enhance visuals and smoothness.
The aesthetically pleasing design avoids gaudiness while maintaining style. Variants with clear backs showcase internal components. The 6.85-inch rectangular AMOLED display boasts minimal bezels, a 144Hz refresh rate, high peak brightness, and sharp visuals. The under-display selfie camera avoids interrupting gameplay.
The RedMagic 10 Pro offers impressive gaming capabilities at a competitive price, significantly undercutting competitors like the Asus ROG Phone 9.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – Additional Images
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Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – A Top Android Contender
### Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
2The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra's robust build, stunning display, and professional-grade cameras translate into exceptional gaming performance. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, featuring an 8-core CPU and a powerful GPU, coupled with 12GB of RAM, handles demanding games effortlessly. A Game Booster mode optimizes performance.
The large 6.8-inch AMOLED display offers a 1440p resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and incredibly high peak brightness, ensuring vibrant, smooth visuals. An adaptive refresh rate conserves battery life.
While not as fast as the RedMagic 9S Pro, its performance is excellent, and it offers advantages over iPhones, including long-term software support, superior cameras, and premium design.
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iPhone 16 Pro Max – Best iPhone for Gaming
### iPhone 16 Pro Max
2The iPhone 16 Pro Max, powered by the A18 Pro chip with an enhanced graphics core, delivers strong gaming performance. Its large 6.9-inch display provides ample screen real estate for gaming and control.
Beyond gaming, it boasts a premium titanium frame, glass construction, and a powerful camera system with impressive photo and video capabilities, including high-resolution recording in Dolby Vision. The growing availability of high-quality games on iOS further enhances its appeal.
iPhone SE (2022) – Additional Images
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iPhone SE (2022) – Budget-Friendly iPhone Gaming
### iPhone SE (2022)
0The iPhone SE (2022) provides a surprisingly capable gaming experience at a budget-friendly price. The A15 Bionic chip delivers impressive performance. Access to iOS games and Apple Arcade is a significant advantage.
However, the smaller 4.7-inch display with thick bezels is a limitation. Using a phone controller can mitigate this. Limited storage (64GB base) can be addressed through cloud gaming, especially with 5G support.
OnePlus 12 – Additional Images
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OnePlus 12 – Everyday Phone, Powerful Gaming
### OnePlus 12
2The OnePlus 12 balances everyday usability with strong gaming performance. Its refined design, respectable cameras, and clean software make it a versatile device. The powerful internal components handle demanding games effectively.
The large 6.82-inch AMOLED display offers crisp visuals and high brightness. The adaptive refresh rate (1Hz-120Hz) optimizes smoothness and battery life. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor delivers excellent performance, even handling games like Genshin Impact at near 60fps with maximum settings. Note that it may overheat under extreme load.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 – Additional Images
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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 – Foldable Gaming Excellence
### Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
4The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 offers impressive speed and a stunning display, although the unfolded aspect ratio may be unusual for some. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip provides a significant performance boost.
The large 7.6-inch internal AMOLED display offers vibrant colors and high contrast. The 6.2-inch external display provides an alternative gaming experience. Beyond gaming, it functions as a tablet and smartphone, with a powerful camera system and long-term software support.
OnePlus 12R – Additional Images
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OnePlus 12R – Budget Android Gaming
### OnePlus 12R
1The OnePlus 12R offers flagship-level features at a budget-friendly price. Its vibrant 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate is a highlight. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor provides ample power for most games. A large 5,500mAh battery ensures extended playtime.
While some compromises were made, such as a less advanced camera system, these have minimal impact on gaming performance. It presents a strong value proposition for gamers on a budget.
What to Look for in a Gaming Phone
Prioritize processing power (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Android, A18 Pro for iPhone) and display quality (high refresh rate, 90Hz or higher, and fast touch sampling rate). Battery life is generally excellent in gaming phones, so it's less of a primary concern. Consider additional gaming features like shoulder buttons.
Gaming Handhelds vs. Gaming Phones
Gaming phones offer ultimate portability and versatility, functioning as full-fledged smartphones. Handhelds (like the Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch) prioritize gaming experience with dedicated controls but are less versatile and typically have shorter battery life. The choice depends on individual preferences and priorities.
