The Best Gaming Phones to Buy in 2025

Modern smartphones easily handle gaming, but top-tier gaming phones offer significant advantages. Powerful processors ensure sustained high performance, preventing slowdowns and overheating during extended play sessions. Ample memory and storage allow for multitasking and accommodate large game installations. Some, like the RedMagic 10 Pro, include extras such as shoulder buttons and enhanced touch sampling rates for superior control. The display is crucial; larger, brighter screens with high refresh rates deliver smoother, more immersive gameplay, minimizing thumb occlusion.

Got gaming questions or want to connect with fellow gamers? Join our Discord community for discussions and support!

Top Gaming Phones

RedMagic 10 Pro
See it at Amazon See it at RedMagic
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
See it at Amazon
iPhone 16 Pro Max
See it at Best Buy
iPhone SE (2022)
See it at Apple
OnePlus 12
See it at Amazon
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
See it at Amazon
OnePlus 12R
See it at Amazon See it at Best Buy See it at OnePlus

Check out our guide to the best phone controllers for accessory options.

Contributions by Georgie Peru and Danielle Abraham

RedMagic 10 Pro: Best Overall Gaming Phone

The RedMagic 10 Pro excels with its powerful, actively cooled Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, ensuring sustained high performance for marathon gaming sessions. Its massive 7,050mAh battery provides ample power. Gamer-centric features include shoulder buttons and a high touch-sampling rate display. The stunning 6.85-inch AMOLED display boasts a 144Hz refresh rate, vibrant colors, and minimal bezels. Its competitive price point makes it an exceptional value.

Product Specifications: Screen: 6.85-inch OLED, 1216x2688, 431 ppi, 144Hz; Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite; Camera: 50MP Wide, 50MP Ultrawide, 2MP Macro, 16MP Selfie; Battery: 7,050mAh; Weight: 229g.

Pros: Excellent gaming performance, great display. Cons: Underwhelming cameras, shorter software support.

What to Look for in a Gaming Phone

Gaming phones prioritize different specs than general smartphones. Focus on the processor and display. The latest generation processors (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Android, A18 Pro for iPhone) offer peak performance. Displays should have refresh rates exceeding 60Hz (90Hz or 120Hz ideal), and consider variable refresh rates for battery optimization. Faster touch sampling rates enhance responsiveness. Shoulder buttons are a valuable addition for many.

Gaming Phones vs. Handheld Consoles

The choice depends on your needs and preferences. Gaming phones are ultra-portable, versatile devices offering full smartphone functionality alongside gaming capabilities. Handheld consoles (Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch) are dedicated gaming devices with superior controls but less versatility. Consider game library, battery life, and budget when making your decision.