Choosing the right gaming phone requires considering key features that distinguish a good gaming phone from a great one. High-performance processing that sustains peak performance over extended periods is crucial. Ample RAM and storage are essential for multitasking and accommodating large game files. Some gaming phones, like the RedMagic 10 Pro, include additional gaming enhancements such as shoulder buttons and improved touch sampling rates.
Display quality is paramount. A larger, brighter display with a high refresh rate ensures smooth visuals and comfortable gameplay. A larger screen minimizes thumb occlusion during touch control. Considering these factors, here's a selection of top gaming phones:
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 our guide to the best phone controllers for accessory options.
Contributions by Georgie Peru and Danielle Abraham
Detailed Reviews:
(Reviews are summarized to avoid repetition and maintain conciseness while retaining key information.)
1. RedMagic 10 Pro: Exceptional performance and sustained high frame rates thanks to its actively cooled Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and large 7,050mAh battery. Includes shoulder buttons and a high touch-sampling rate display. Excellent 6.85-inch AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate. Affordable compared to competitors.
2. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, 12GB RAM, and a stunning 6.8" AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and high peak brightness. Excellent overall performance and a top-tier gaming experience. High price point.
3. iPhone 16 Pro Max: Powerful A18 Pro chip provides excellent gaming performance. Large 6.9" display. Excellent design and powerful camera system. High price.
4. iPhone SE (2022): Budget-friendly option with a powerful A15 Bionic chip and access to iOS games. Small 4.7" display with thick bezels. Limited storage.
5. OnePlus 12: Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, large AMOLED display (6.78 inches) with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, and refined design. Solid battery life. Mid-range price.
6. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: Incredibly fast with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip. Stunning 7.6" internal and 6.2" external AMOLED displays. Excellent multitasking capabilities. High price.
7. OnePlus 12R: Budget-friendly option with a large, vibrant 6.78" AMOLED display and a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. Strong battery life. Some compromises on camera system.
(Image galleries for each phone are omitted for brevity, but the original image links are preserved.)
What to Look For:
Prioritize processors (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Android, A18 Pro for iOS) and displays (high refresh rates, 90Hz or higher, and fast touch sampling rates). Battery life is generally excellent in gaming phones.
Gaming Handhelds vs. Gaming Phones:
Gaming phones offer portability and versatility, while gaming handhelds provide dedicated gaming controls and often access to a wider range of games. The choice depends on individual preferences and priorities.
