Choosing the right gaming phone involves considering several key features beyond those of a standard smartphone. High-performance processing capable of sustained gameplay is crucial, preventing slowdowns and overheating. Ample RAM and storage are essential for multitasking and accommodating large game files. 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, enjoyable gameplay, minimizing thumb obstruction. Considering these factors, here's a selection of top gaming phones:
TL;DR – Top Gaming Phones:
RedMagic 10 Pro: Best Overall
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Best iPhone Alternative
iPhone 16 Pro Max: Best iPhone for Gaming
iPhone SE (2022): Best Budget iPhone
OnePlus 12: Best Everyday Phone for Gaming
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: Best Foldable Gaming Phone
OnePlus 12R: Best Budget Android
(See our guide to the best phone controllers for accessory options.)
(Contributions by Georgie Peru and Danielle Abraham)
RedMagic 9S Pro – Photos
Detailed Reviews:
(Note: The following sections are shortened and paraphrased to meet the word count requirements while maintaining the original information.)
1. RedMagic 10 Pro: Exceptional performance and sustained gameplay thanks to its actively cooled Snapdragon 8 Elite chip. Features a large 7,050mAh battery, shoulder buttons, and a high touch-sampling rate display. Starts at $649.
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. Excellent performance and a robust camera system. Price starts at $1,299.99.
3. iPhone 16 Pro Max: The A18 Pro chip delivers strong graphics performance. Features a large 6.9" display and excellent design. High price point.
4. iPhone SE (2022): Affordable option with the A15 Bionic chip. Smaller 4.7" display with thick bezels. Good value for money.
5. OnePlus 12: Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, large AMOLED display with adaptive refresh rate, and refined design. Good balance of performance and everyday usability. Starts at $800.
6. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: Incredibly fast with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip. Features a large 7.6" internal AMOLED display and a 6.2" cover display. High price point.
7. OnePlus 12R: Budget-friendly option with a large 6.78" AMOLED display and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip. Strong battery life.
What to Look for in a Gaming Phone:
Prioritize powerful processors (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Android, A18 Pro for iPhone) and displays with high refresh rates (90Hz or higher) and fast touch sampling rates. Consider additional gaming features like shoulder buttons. Battery life is usually excellent in gaming phones.
Gaming Handhelds vs. Gaming Phones:
Gaming phones offer portability and smartphone functionality, while handhelds (like the Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch) prioritize gaming experience with dedicated controls but are less versatile. Consider your gaming preferences, budget, and desired level of versatility when choosing.
