The Best Gaming Phones to Buy in 2025

Today's smartphones are capable of playing games, but a truly great gaming phone stands out with several key features. Powerful processing is essential, ensuring consistently smooth performance even during extended play sessions. Ample memory and storage are crucial for multitasking and accommodating large game files. Some gaming phones, like the RedMagic 10 Pro, even boast extra gaming enhancements such as additional shoulder buttons and improved touch sampling rates.

The display is equally vital. A larger, brighter screen with a high refresh rate delivers a smoother, more immersive gaming experience. Larger phones also minimize thumb occlusion during touch control gameplay. With these factors in mind, let's explore some top contenders in mobile gaming.

Top Gaming Phones

RedMagic 10 Pro

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Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

iPhone 16 Pro Max

iPhone SE (2022)

OnePlus 12

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6

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OnePlus 12R

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*Check out 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 delivers exceptional performance and sustained high frame rates. Its actively cooled Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, coupled with a large 7,050mAh battery, ensures long gaming sessions without performance drops. Gamer-centric features include shoulder buttons, a fast touch-sampling rate, and options for supersampling and frame interpolation. The 6.85-inch AMOLED display boasts a 144Hz refresh rate, high brightness, and minimal bezels. At a starting price of $649, it offers exceptional value compared to competitors.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – Detailed Review

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is a powerhouse, boasting a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, 12GB of RAM, and a Game Booster mode for optimized performance. Its large 6.8-inch AMOLED display offers a 120Hz refresh rate and exceptional brightness. While not as fast as the RedMagic 10 Pro, its overall performance, coupled with features like its exceptional camera system and long-term software support, makes it a strong contender.

What to Look for in a Gaming Phone

Choosing a gaming phone differs from selecting a general-purpose smartphone. Prioritize the processor and display. The latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (Android) or A18 Pro (iOS) chipsets offer top-tier performance. For displays, look for refresh rates exceeding 60Hz (90Hz or 120Hz are ideal) and fast touch sampling rates. Battery life is generally excellent in gaming phones.

Gaming Handhelds vs. Gaming Phones

Gaming phones are ultra-portable and versatile, offering smartphone functionality alongside gaming capabilities. Gaming handhelds like the Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch provide dedicated controls but are less portable and primarily focused on gaming. Consider your preferred gaming style, game library access, and budget when making your choice.