While nearly every phone can handle gaming to some extent, several key features set a fine gaming phone apart from a great one. A powerful processor is essential for smooth gameplay, but it's equally important that the phone can maintain high performance over time without overheating. Additional memory and storage are crucial for multitasking and storing numerous games. Some gaming phones, like the RedMagic 10 Pro, go a step further by offering gaming-specific enhancements such as shoulder buttons and improved touch sampling rates.

The display is another critical component. A larger, brighter screen with a high refresh rate can significantly enhance your gaming experience. A bigger phone also means less thumb coverage on the screen, making touch controls more manageable. With these factors in mind, here's a closer look at the best phones for gaming on the go.

TL;DR – These Are the Best 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 OnePlusCheck out our guide to the best phone controllers for accessory options.

Contributions by Georgie Peru and Danielle Abraham

RedMagic 10 Pro – Photos

10 Images1. RedMagic 10 Pro

Best Gaming Phone

Best overall### RedMagic 10 Pro

11The RedMagic 10 Pro delivers exceptional performance and sustained power in a sleek package. See it at AmazonSee it at RedMagicProduct SpecificationsScreen6.85-inch OLED, 1216x2688, 431 ppi, 144Hz refresh rateProcessorSnapdragon 8 EliteCamera50-Megapixel Wide, 50-Megapixel Ultrawide, 2-Megapixel Macro, 16-Megapixel SelfieBattery7,050mAhWeight229g (0.5lb)PROSExcellent gaming performanceGreat displayCONSUnderwhelming camerasShorter software supportGaming demands a lot from a phone, and the RedMagic 10 Pro rises to the challenge, as demonstrated in my review. It's powered by an actively cooled Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, which I've seen perform exceptionally in other devices like the Asus ROG Phone 9 and OnePlus 13. The RedMagic 10 Pro enhances this with a cooling fan that ensures the chip runs efficiently during long gaming sessions. It consistently led in sustain benchmarks and was always near the top in performance tests. The phone's massive 7,050mAh battery further supports extended gameplay.

The RedMagic 10 Pro also includes gaming-specific features like two shoulder buttons for additional control inputs, which can be mapped to on-screen controls for enhanced gameplay. The display boasts a fast touch-sampling rate for quick input detection and supports features like supersampling and frame interpolation for sharper visuals and smoother action.

Design-wise, the RedMagic 10 Pro is stylish yet functional, with options like clear backs showcasing internal components. The 6.85-inch AMOLED display has minimal bezels and hides the selfie camera under the screen for an uninterrupted view. It boasts a 144Hz refresh rate, high peak brightness, and excellent sharpness.

This phone is perfectly tailored for gaming, offering top-tier performance at a competitive price of $649, significantly less than rivals like the Asus ROG Phone 9 at $999.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – Photos

5 Images2. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Best iPhone Alternative for Gaming

### Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

2Experience a stunning 6.8" AMOLED screen on a phone powered by a processor that effortlessly handles multiple apps, video editing, gaming, and top-notch cameras. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen size6.8 inchesRear cameras4Front cameras1ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 8 (third generation)Battery life5,000mAhStorage256GB, 512GB, 1TBStarting price$1,299.99PROSIncredible performanceExceptional camera systemCONSTitanium makes the device big and heavyFrom its robust Titanium chassis and stunning display to its professional-grade cameras, powerful processors, and AI tools, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra stands out as one of the best Android phones available. This excellence extends to its gaming capabilities.

It's equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, featuring an 8-core CPU and a GPU with 1,536 shading units, paired with 12GB of RAM. This combination ensures smooth gameplay even with the most demanding games at the highest settings, and the phone can switch between apps without any lag. The Game Booster mode helps manage and monitor performance, making it a top choice for mobile gaming.

The 6.8" AMOLED display offers a peak brightness of nearly 2,600 nits, ensuring visibility in any environment. With a 1440p resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, the screen provides crisp, smooth visuals. The "Adaptive" refresh rate setting optimizes battery life by adjusting the refresh rate based on your activity.

While it may not match the speed of the RedMagic 10 Pro, the Galaxy S24 Ultra offers long-term support, superior cameras, and exceptional design, making it a compelling alternative to the iPhone.

3. iPhone 16 Pro Max

Best iPhone for Gaming

### iPhone 16 Pro Max

2Powered by the A18 Pro chip, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is ready to handle any gaming task. See it at Best BuyProduct SpecificationsScreen6.9-inch OLED, 1320x2868, 460 ppi, 120Hz refresh rateProcessorA18 ProCamera48-Megapixel Wide, 48-Megapixel Ultrawide, 12-Megapixel Telephoto, 12-Megapixel SelfieBattery4,685mAhWeight227g (0.5lb)PROSPowerful performanceLong-term supportGreat designCONSHigh comparative priceMy review of the iPhone 16 Pro Max confirms its prowess in gaming. The A18 Pro chip includes an additional graphics core compared to the A18 chip in the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, providing a significant boost for graphics-intensive games. Additionally, the 6.9-inch display offers a spacious canvas for immersive gaming and control management.

Beyond gaming, the iPhone 16 Pro Max boasts an elegant design with a titanium frame and glass construction. Its camera system delivers stunning photos and advanced zoom capabilities, along with high-resolution video recording in Dolby Vision and slow-motion features.

Apple is also expanding into more serious gaming, with titles like Assassin’s Creed Mirage and Resident Evil now available on iOS. This access to high-quality games enhances the iPhone's appeal as a gaming device.

iPhone SE (2022) – Photos

6 Images4. iPhone SE (2022)

Best Budget iPhone for Gaming

### iPhone SE (2022)

0Enjoy Apple iOS at a budget-friendly price with the A15 Bionic chip, though be aware of the smaller screen. See it at AppleProduct SpecificationsScreen4.7-inch LCD, 750x1334, 326ppi, 60Hz refresh rateProcessorA15 BionicCamera12-Megapixel Wide | 7-Megapixel SelfieBattery2,018mAhWeight144g (0.32lb)PROSGreat value for moneyThin and lightweightCONSScreen is a little too smallThe third-gen iPhone SE offers impressive performance at a budget-friendly $429, thanks to the fluid A15 Bionic chip. Running on iOS, it provides access to a vast array of games, including those exclusive to Apple Arcade.

However, the screen, at only 4.7 inches with thick bezels, may feel limiting. For a better gaming experience, consider pairing it with a phone controller to maximize screen visibility. The limited storage of 64GB (expandable to 256GB) can be managed with cloud gaming, especially with 5G support.

See our guide to the best cheap smartphones.

OnePlus 12 – Photos

8 Images5. OnePlus 12

Best Everyday Phone for Mobile Gaming

### OnePlus 12

2With its powerful processor, large AMOLED display, and refined design, this mid-range flagship is a true gem. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen6.78-inch AMOLED, 1440x3168, 510 ppi, 120Hz refresh rateProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 3Camera50-Megapixel Wide | 48-Megapixel Ultra-wide | 64-Megapixel Telephoto | 32-Megapixel SelfieBattery5,400mAhWeight220g (0.49lb)PROSSolid battery lifeGreat performanceCONSLimited featuresFor those seeking a versatile phone that excels in gaming, the OnePlus 12 is an excellent choice. Priced at $800, it offers a cost-effective alternative to flagships from Samsung and Apple while providing a refined design, impressive cameras, and user-friendly software. Inside, it's powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, capable of handling demanding games like Genshin Impact at nearly 60fps on max settings.

The OnePlus 12 features a 6.82-inch AMOLED display with vibrant visuals and a peak brightness of 4,500 nits, ensuring clear visibility in any lighting. The adaptive refresh rate ranges from 1Hz to 120Hz, offering smooth gameplay and energy efficiency.

Be prepared for the phone to heat up under heavy use, but overall, it's a powerful and efficient gaming device.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 – Photos

6 Images6. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6

Best Foldable Gaming Phone

### Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6

4The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 offers incredible speed and a stunning display, despite its unique aspect ratio when unfolded. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen7.6-inch 2160 x 1856 AMOLED (Main); 6.2-inch 968 x 2376 AMOLED (Cover)ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3Camera50MP Wide, 12MP Ultra Wide, 10MP frontBattery4400mAhWeight239g (0.52 lb)PROSStunning displays, inside and outExtremely powerfulCONSAspect ratios can be weirdThe Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 enhances the gaming experience of its predecessor with the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, offering up to a 22% performance boost. This upgrade makes it ideal for intensive games like Zenless Zone Zero and Wuthering Waves, ensuring you can keep up with fast-paced action and enjoy detailed graphics.

The 7.6-inch internal AMOLED screen provides vivid colors and high contrast, while the 6.2-inch exterior screen offers an ultra-wide aspect ratio for versatile gaming. Both screens deliver a smooth and responsive gaming experience.

When not gaming, the Z Fold 6 transforms into a compact tablet for multitasking or a sleek smartphone when closed. It features a robust camera system and is backed by Samsung's long-term software support, making it a worthwhile investment despite its higher cost.

OnePlus 12R – Photos

7 Images7. OnePlus 12R

Best Budget Android for Gaming

### OnePlus 12R

1A large, vibrant display and the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip make this a value-focused Android gaming phone. See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuySee it at OnePlusProduct SpecificationsScreen6.78-inch AMOLED, 1264x2780, 450 ppi, 120Hz refresh rateProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 2Camera50-Megapixel Wide, 8-Megapixel Ultrawide, 2-Megapixel Macro, 16-Megapixel SelfieBattery5,500mAhWeight207g (0.46lb)PROSLarge, vibrant displayStrong battery lifeGood main cameraCONSNo wireless chargingOnly IP64 water and dust resistanceThe OnePlus 12R offers flagship-quality features at a budget-friendly price of $499. Its 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display, with a 1264x2780 resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, provides a stunning platform for gaming, outshining budget competitors like the iPhone SE.

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, it offers ample performance for most games, supported by a robust 5,500mAh battery that ensures long gaming sessions. While the camera system may not match the OnePlus 12, it doesn't impact the phone's gaming capabilities, making the OnePlus 12R an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers.

What to Look for in a Gaming Phone

Selecting the ideal gaming phone differs from choosing the best smartphone. For regular phones, factors like battery life, cameras, and other specs are key, but for gaming phones, the focus shifts to screens and processors. Battery life is typically less of a concern, as gaming phones often come with large batteries.

Starting with processors, the latest and greatest chipsets offer the best gaming experience. Currently, Android phones benefit from Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which features powerful processing cores and robust graphics. Budget options can still perform well with earlier chipsets like the Snapdragon 888 or 8 Gen 1/2.

For iPhones, Apple's proprietary chipsets are extremely powerful. The latest, the A18 Pro in the iPhone 16 Pro models, provides top-tier performance, though previous generations like the A15 Bionic in the iPhone SE (2022) offer compelling performance at a lower price.

When it comes to displays, look for screens that go beyond the standard. Gaming phones often feature refresh rates above 60Hz, with 90Hz being a good starting point and top models reaching 120Hz or more. Variable refresh rates can enhance energy efficiency, and faster touch sampling rates improve responsiveness. Additionally, some gaming phones include shoulder buttons, enhancing the gaming interface.

This guide will be updated periodically as new gaming phones enter the market.

Gaming Handhelds vs. Gaming Phones

Choosing between a gaming phone and a gaming handheld depends on your lifestyle, game preferences, and play style.

Gaming phones are highly portable and multifunctional, offering not just gaming but also standard smartphone features like quality cameras and communication. Many come with cooling solutions and triggers, and can be paired with phone controllers for better control.

Gaming handhelds, such as the Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch, are larger but still portable. They are dedicated gaming devices with responsive joysticks, triggers, and buttons, ideal for gaming enthusiasts.

While mobile platforms like Android and iOS are gaining more gaming titles, these are often less powerful than their PC counterparts. Cloud gaming services like Nvidia GeForce Now and Xbox Game Pass are improving, making gaming on phones more accessible.

The Steam Deck offers PC-like power and access to your Steam library, while the Asus ROG Ally provides a similar experience. The Nintendo Switch offers exclusive titles.

Battery life varies; the Steam Deck's battery life is notoriously short, while smartphones generally last longer, though gaming can drain them quickly. A portable charger is advisable for extended gaming sessions.

Cost is another factor; gaming phones can be pricey, ranging from $700 to over $1,000, while gaming handhelds like the Steam Deck start at $400, and the Nintendo Switch is even more affordable.

Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you prefer a versatile device with slightly less powerful gaming capabilities (gaming phone) or a dedicated gaming device with exclusive titles (gaming handheld).