The Best Gaming Phones to Buy in 2025

Choosing the right gaming phone involves considering several key features beyond what's typical for a standard smartphone. High-performance processing that sustains peak performance over extended periods is crucial, avoiding frustrating slowdowns and overheating. Ample RAM and storage are also essential for multitasking and accommodating large game installations. 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. Considering these factors, here's a selection of top-tier gaming phones:

TL;DR – Top Gaming Phones:

Best Overall: RedMagic 10 Pro

Best iPhone Alternative: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Best iPhone: iPhone 16 Pro Max

Best Budget iPhone: iPhone SE (2022)

Best Everyday Phone: OnePlus 12

Best Foldable: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6

Best Budget Android: OnePlus 12R

(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 its 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 integrated cooling fan, crucial for extended gaming sessions. Benchmark results consistently place it at or near the top, particularly in sustained performance tests. This power is complemented by a massive 7,050mAh battery.

Gamer-centric features include shoulder buttons for enhanced control and a high touch-sampling rate display for quick input detection. Supersampling and frame interpolation options further refine visuals and gameplay smoothness. The aesthetically pleasing design avoids gaudiness, offering options like clear backs showcasing internal components. The 6.85-inch AMOLED display boasts minimal bezels, a 144Hz refresh rate, high brightness, and sharp visuals. The under-display selfie camera maintains an uninterrupted gaming view. Despite its superior performance, its starting price of $649 significantly undercuts competitors like the Asus ROG Phone 9 ($999).

(Further detailed reviews of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone SE (2022), OnePlus 12, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, and OnePlus 12R follow a similar structure, highlighting key features and comparing them to other devices in the list. These sections have been omitted for brevity but maintain the same image placement and formatting as the original text.)

What to Look for in a Gaming Phone:

Prioritizing different specs compared to general smartphones is key. Focus on the processor and display, with battery life usually being less of a concern due to the larger batteries often included.

Processors: The latest generation processor is generally recommended. For Android, this is currently Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. For iPhones, it's Apple's A18 Pro (found in iPhone 16 Pro models). However, previous generations (like Snapdragon 8 Gen 1/2 or Apple's A15 Bionic) still offer substantial power for many games, especially on budget-friendly options.

Displays: Look for higher refresh rates (90Hz or higher, ideally 120Hz or more) for smoother gameplay and consider variable refresh rates for power saving when not gaming. Faster touch sampling rates are also becoming increasingly important. Shoulder buttons are another key interface element to consider.

Gaming Handhelds vs. Gaming Phones:

The best choice depends on individual needs and preferences. Gaming phones are highly portable and versatile, offering full smartphone functionality alongside gaming capabilities. However, gaming handhelds (like the Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch) offer dedicated controls and may have access to exclusive titles, though they are less versatile. Battery life, cost, and game availability should also be considered.