10 Best Gaming Phones Compared for 2024

The best gaming phones provide a perfect blend of hardware and software packed in a convenient, portable device. They need to have a crystal-clear display that’s large enough to deliver mind-blowing graphics – not to mention a high refresh rate and a long-lasting battery.

The gaming world is a jungle of different devices and hardware, and when it comes to smartphones, it’s even more challenging to decipher if a device is made for gaming. We’ve reviewed and compared the 10 best gaming phones on the market to help you find the perfect fit for you and your budget.

The Best Phones for Gaming for 2024 Ranked

This list contains something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a premium device or a budget option, we’ve got you covered:

  1. Asus ROG Phone 6 — Overall, the best gaming smartphone, which offers tons of great gaming features, like an external cooling fan and 16GB RAM.
  2. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra — The best Android gaming device around, with a custom gaming chip for blazing-fast peak performance.
  3. Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max — The top iPhone for gaming thanks to the A16 Bionic chip and ProMotion display for sharp, smooth graphics.
  4. RedMagic 8 Pro — A true dedicated gaming phone with one of the largest batteries on offer, which lasts nearly 40 hours with intense usage.
  5. OnePlus 11 — An excellent mid-range option with a vivid AMOLED display and 256GB onboard storage.
  6. Xiaomi Redmi K50 Gaming — A popular dedicated gaming phone fitted with RGB lighting and a powerful X-axis motor for excellent haptic feedback.
  7. Motorola Edge+ — This phone offers the highest refresh rate of any device at a whopping 165Hz. Experience the smoothest display on the market.
  8. Black Shark 5 Pro — A stand-out option thanks to its signature magnetic pop-up triggers. Great for FPS games like Call of Duty mobile.
  9. Nothing Phone 1 — The best budget gaming phone at only $395. It comes with a powerful Snapdragon 778G+ processor and a total of 8GB RAM and offers excellent value for money.
  10. Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro — An excellent affordable option with premium-level features such as a 5,000mAh battery and 3GB RAM expansion.

How Do Gaming Phones Work?

A gaming phone is similar to a regular smartphone but with some distinct differences. Gaming phones generally have the latest hardware, such as ultra-fast processors capable of delivering peak gaming performance, in addition to fast, responsive touch screens and long-lasting batteries.

Some have been designed with physical triggers to make gameplay more comfortable and accessible. Cooling systems are also an important element when it comes to gaming phones, as these devices generate a lot of heat.

Does Refresh Rate Matter for Mobile Gaming?

When it comes to the best mobile phones for gaming, a higher refresh rate makes all the difference. A high refresh rate contributes to the smoothness with which graphics are displayed, so it’s something that’s very important for good gaming phones.

For example, a refresh rate of 120Hz will update the screen 120 times a second. This ensures no slow frame rates and an overall smoother experience.

The Best Gaming Cell Phones Reviewed

With some of the basics of what makes a good gaming phone covered, let’s look at our in-depth reviews and figure out what the best gaming phones can really do for you.

1. Asus ROG Phone 6 — Overall, the Best Gaming Phone with First-Rate Features and 16GB of RAM

In first place, we have the best gaming phone currently on the market. ROG – or Republic of Gamers – has delivered an outstanding gamer phone with a host of accessories to choose from, such as an AeroActive cooling fan which can be attached to the back of the phone to keep it cool and improve performance.

The two touch triggers are sensitive and provide fast reaction times, and the device has two front-facing speakers for great sound. There are also two USB-C ports at your disposal, so you can charge your phone while comfortably playing in portrait or landscape mode.

Best gaming cell phone

Price OS Dimensions Screen Size Processor Storage and RAM Cameras Battery Life
$794 Android 12.0 6.7 x 3 x 0.4 inches 6.78 Inches Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 512GB Storage

16GB RAM

50MP (Main)
13MP (Ultra Wide)
5MP (Macro)
6,000mAh
45 Hours (Intense Usage)

Unlike most devices, which are capped at 120Hz, the Asus ROG 6 comes with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, and it boasts a refresh rate of 165Hz. This means that no matter what game you throw at it, the ROG 6 is sure to meet its demands.

Gaming software is definitely something you might expect from the ROG 6. It offers Game Genie, which allows you to customize game settings like the refresh rate while monitoring critical information like temperature and the CPU/GPU status. You can also create game-specific profiles, making it easy to jump from one game to another.

The Armory Crate lets you easily access your games and control your accessories. And if you still want to push boundaries, the ROG 6 has X-Mode, which boosts the performance of the phone and even changes the background — at the cost of battery life, of course. However, you can also switch to Durable Mode to prioritize battery life.

The battery is a monster, and at 6,000mAh, it’s among the largest on offer and delivers all-day performance while the phone is at its maximum settings. The charging bypass system is also impressive and allows you to bypass the battery while the phone is plugged in, powering up the system without powering up the battery. This extends the overall battery life and manages heat more efficiently.

Thermal protection is always important as it affects the performance of the device, and as you’d expect, this Asus has its own system, GameCool 6. It has an optimized design that cools the CPU from every direction, ensuring the phone remains at the optimum temperature. All these features add up to make arguably the best gaming Android phone around.

The Asus ROG 6 is a powerful gaming phone built with purpose, and if it does have any flaws, its weaknesses lie with the camera and the fact that it doesn’t have wireless charging.

Pros pros

  • Offers 165hz frame rate
  • Front-facing speakers offer powerful sound
  • Long-lasting battery
  • Intuitive gaming software
  • Best phone for gaming

Cons cons

  • Cameras could be better
  • No wireless charging

2. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra — One of the Best Gaming Phones

It should come as no surprise that the Samsung Galaxy range is still at the top, but with the S23 Ultra, you’ll have access not only to the best Samsung phone going but also to Samsung’s top phone for gaming. It’s a beautiful blend of hardware and software that brings you the fastest mobile graphics a phone has to offer.

Its performance is backed by a custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset that delivers a higher clock speed than the standard version of the same chip. Thanks to this, the phone has accelerated performance and champion-level gameplay in addition to 12GB of RAM, making it one of the best cell phones for gaming.

Price OS Dimensions Screen Size Processor Storage and RAM Cameras Battery Life
$1,140 Android 13.0 7.09 x 3.78 x 1.06 inches 6.8 Inches Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 512GB Storage
12GB RAM
200MP (Main)
12MP (Selfie)
5,000mAh
42 Hours (Intense usage)

The side rails have been reshaped into a flatter shape for an improved feel which aids in keeping those gaming sessions comfortable for longer periods. With a QHD OLED display, the colors are vibrant, and the 3,088 x 1,400-pixel resolution is sure to deliver the highest quality images and graphics.

That’s not all – it offers an adaptive refresh rate of 120Hz that can be scaled all the way down to 1Hz to save battery power. The S23 Ultra also offers eye-comforting features, and its advanced vision booster has been designed to adjust color and contrast according to ambient lighting conditions. Simply put, you can easily get immersed in a game outside without glare getting in the way.

All in all, it’s an outstanding handset and is undoubtedly one of the best mobile phones for gaming, which can easily outperform other purpose-built phones – and with a battery life of around 42 hours of intense usage, you can be sure it won’t die on you. That’s not to mention it’s the first flagship phone to have a massive 200MP camera, so although it’s expensive, it’s a worthy investment.

Pros pros

  • Custom processor
  • Long-lasting battery
  • Vapor cooling chamber reduces heat
  • Equipped with S-Pen
  • 200MP main camera

Cons cons

  • Expensive

3. Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max Best iPhone for Gaming 

This list wouldn’t be complete without the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max. This is, without a doubt, the best iPhone for gaming out there – and the best iPhone, period – thanks to its A16 Bionic chip. It delivers unparalleled performance and can handle console-grade games in addition to the most graphically intense mobile games.

The screen produces brighter colors thanks to features like HDR or High-Dynamic Range, which can more accurately distinguish the difference in the levels of darkness and brightness an image may have, thus producing a clearer, more detailed image.

Price OS Dimensions Screen Size Processor Storage and RAM Cameras Battery Life
$1,109.88 iOS 16 6.33 x 3.06 x 0.31 inches 6.7 Inches A16 Bionic Chip 256GB Storage
6GB RAM
48MP (Wide)
12MP (telephoto)
12MP (Ultrawide)
4,323mAh
40 Hours (Intense usage)

The iPhone 14 Pro Max has a ProMotion display, deploying Apple’s adaptive high refresh rate technology. This gives the phone a refresh rate of 120Hz while gaming which then automatically drops down to 60Hz when you’re done. As with the Samsung S23 Ultra, it also has the ability to drop the refresh rate right down to 1Hz, depending on what’s being done on the phone, to save the battery.

The Apple Arcade is exclusive to Apple users, and it comes with a fantastic range of games that are guaranteed to run perfectly on your device. It also offers loads of storage for the biggest games and files – plus, you can opt for the 1TB version, though this does cost more.

The device has an always-on display that looks amazing and lets you view the time and other notifications with ease. If you’re worried about battery life, you can simply switch this feature off. Speaking of the battery, it’s capable of 29 hours of video playback and an even longer 75 hours of pure audio playback. The battery certainly won’t be letting you down here.

A notable drawback, however, is its thermal management. The powerful A16 Bionic chip produces a good amount of heat, and this is where thermal management could be improved. You can say it’s almost too powerful for its own good.

Pros pros

  • One of the fastest CPU chips around
  • Big library of games from the Apple Arcade
  • Dynamic Island is intuitive
  • Always on display

Cons cons

  • Expensive
  • Thermal management could be improved

4. RedMagic 8 Pro — Equipped With One of The Largest Batteries Around

The RedMagic 8 Pro comes with a dedicated hardware switch that boots the device into a gaming-focused launcher. And with RGB lighting effects, you’re sure to stand out in a crowd. The previous model had many issues, but we’re happy to see that many of these have been ironed out.

It boasts the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor capable of delivering peak performance at a smooth 120Hz. Like the Samsung S23, the refresh rate can be scaled down from 120Hz to 60Hz to save battery power when you aren’t gaming.

Price OS Dimensions Screen Size Processor Storage and RAM Cameras Battery Life
$899 Android 13.0 6.47 x 3.03 x
0.37 inches
6.8 Inches Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 512GB Storage
16GB RAM
50MP (Wide)
8MP (Ultrawide)
2MP (Macro)
6,000mAh
39 Hours (Intense usage)

It boasts a full HD AMOLED display for vivid colors and maximum detail, and the dedicated gamer software is really easy to use and easily secures it as one of the best gaming phones. This software allows you to create game shortcuts and adjust your trigger sensitivity.

You can also tweak the refresh rate, go into the settings of the built-in fan, and of course, view critical information like the details of the CPU/GPU. The RedMagic 8 Pro has amazing gaming potential as games like Genshin Impact stayed at a smooth 60FPS at the maximum graphics. In fact, it boasts a 25% improvement when compared to the older version.

You can charge it fully in an hour, and the speakers produce immersive sound. The problem with this device is the fact that it doesn’t support Google Pay. The same was true for its predecessor until they made it a possibility. We can only hope they do the same with this model.

Pros pros

  • Excellent gaming performance
  • Dedicated gaming software
  • Quiet internal fan
  • Subtle RGB lighting

Cons cons

  • No Google Pay

5. OnePlus 11 — One of the Best Mid-Range Options, with a Stunning AMOLED Display

The OnePlus 11 is a flagship phone with an incredible price. Like many of the best mobile gaming devices, this one comes with an advanced Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor capable of producing crisp graphics at blistering gaming speeds.

It’s equipped with a triple camera system that delivers high-quality photos and video. Paired with a 120Hz AMOLED display, it just about guarantees an engaging and cinematic experience. In fact, the screen is so good that it competes with Apple products, and that’s not to mention the Dolby Atmos audio delivers the best audio to immerse yourself in.

Price OS Dimensions Screen Size Processor Storage and RAM Cameras Battery Life
$799.99 Android 13.0 6.42 x 2.92 x 0.33 Inches 6.7 Inches Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 256GB Storage
16GB RAM
50MP (Wide)
48MP (Ultrawide)
32MP(Portrait)
5,000mAh
34 Hours (Intense usage)

It’s easy to see why the OnePlus 11 is one of the best phones for gaming, as it comes equipped with 16GB RAM, which is insane for a phone. Thanks to the powerful processor mixed in with the massive memory, games like Genshin Impact and Asphalt 9 are amazing, even at the highest settings possible, it doesn’t skip a beat.

The screen is made from tough Gorilla Glass, so it won’t break easily, and it’s got an advanced active cooling system that ensures longevity by keeping the phone cooler for longer. It also offers something called Battery Health Engine for improved battery health, but if you’re really worried about the battery, the OnePlus 11 has an adaptive refresh rate that’ll automatically drop to extend the battery life.

Overall this is a really good device, especially when you consider what it has to offer. It can handle just about anything you’d find in the Play Store — producing crystal-clear media content, all for a reasonable price. Unfortunately, wireless charging didn’t make it to this device, but that being said, a charge from 0 to 100 takes less than 30 minutes.

Pros pros

  • 16GB RAM
  • Affordable price
  • Long-lasting battery (46 to 48 hours)
  • High-speed charging

Cons cons

  • No wireless charging
  • Feels slippery

6. Xiaomi Redmi K50 Gaming — Built-in RGB Lighting and a Powerful X-Motor for Realistic Feedback

Here we have a gamer’s phone that’s done away with the loud gamer design. It’s equipped with all the bells and whistles, like a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor and 12GB RAM, making it perfect for gaming.

It also has RGB backlighting, but it’s not over the top, as it only lights up while the device is charging or when you receive a message. The super AMOLED display produces a more vivid picture and renders faster motion responses while using less power. The brightness goes up to 1212 nits, so being immersed in a game outside is also an option.

Price OS Dimensions Screen Size Processor Storage and RAM Cameras Battery Life
$487.25 Android 12.0 6.42 x 3.03 x 0.35 inches 6.67 Inches Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 256GB Storage
12GB RAM
64MP (Wide)
8MP (Ultrawide)
2MP (Macro)
20MP (Front)
4,800mAh
24 Hours
(Intense usage)

What’s more, it has a big X-axis linear motor for powerful haptic feedback comparable to an iPhone motor, but like the iPhone, there’s no headphone jack. You’ll need to rely on the powerful speakers from the reputable brand JBL or the best wireless earbuds. Not a deal breaker, but it would be nice to see a headphone jack.

The Xiaomi Redmi K50 deals with heat effectively with its advanced heat sink technology, so while the phone performs at a smooth 120Hz, this gaming device can disperse the heat to keep the phone below 40 degrees Celsius. In other words, it’ll deliver an authentic mobile gaming experience, and games like PUBG are perfect with not even the slightest drop in performance at max settings.

Xiamoi has been shipping fast-charge units out for a while now, so it comes as no surprise that this gaming phone features the same and is capable of reaching a full charge in less than 20 minutes.

Pros pros

  • Full charge in less than 20 minutes
  • RGB lighting
  • Affordable price
  • Powerful JBL speakers

Cons cons

  • No headphone port

7. Motorola Edge+ — Boasting a Whopping 165Hz Refresh Rate

The Motorola Edge+ is an excellent mid-range option with premium-range gaming capabilities. The flagship chipset delivers peak graphics while producing a very smooth 165Hz refresh rate. You’ll also get top-notch audio quality that’s sure to immerse you.

The screen is comparable to specialty devices like the Asus ROG 5, meaning it can hold its own against gaming powerhouses. The OLED screen delivers vibrant colors, and thanks to the powerful chip, the graphics are smooth and impressive. The Motorola Edge+ also offers a feature called Ready For which allows you to seamlessly connect to a TV to play games.

Price OS Dimensions Screen Size Processor Storage and RAM Cameras Battery Life
$699.99 Android 13.0 6.34 x 2.91 x 0.34 Inches 6.7 Inches Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 512GB Storage
8GB RAM
50MP (Main)
50MP (Ultrawide)
12MP (Telephoto)
5,100mAh
12 Hours
(Intense usage)

Many phones today come out with a gaming section built into the device, and with the Motorola Edge+, the same is true. GameTime offers quick access to game settings like high-performance mode, boosting the performance of the phone or dropping the frame rate to conserve battery power.

Speaking of the battery, it’s a pretty large one at 5,100mAh to deliver around 17 hours. You can also charge it wirelessly, and it’s IP68-rated, meaning it can handle the odd dip in the pool. It boasts the best camera ever fitted to a Motorola device, making it Motorola’s best camera phone, however, it must be said that there’s a fair amount of bloatware which is an inconvenience to remove.

Pros pros

  • High-performance mode
  • Wireless charging
  • Excellent audio quality
  • 165Hz Refresh rate

Cons cons

  • Loaded with bloatware

8. Black Shark 5 Pro — Signature Magnetic Pop-up Triggers for a Controller-like Experience

The Black Shark 5 Pro is a gaming beast with its powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor and signature magnetic pop-up triggers. This Android device is guaranteed to give you a memorable mobile gaming experience.

The screen is a surprise, especially when you consider the affordable price, as it boasts a 144Hz refresh rate, the same as the best gaming monitors, but it can be set to 90Hz. You’ll experience smooth animations and graphics, and with a 1300-nit brightness level, gaming outdoors is a welcomed option.

Price OS Dimensions Screen Size Processor Storage and RAM Cameras Battery Life
$599 Android 12.0 6.45 x 3.01 x 0.37 Inches 6.67 Inches Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 128GB Storage
8GB RAM
108MP (Main)
13MP (Wide Angle)
5MP (Macro)
4,650mAh
13 Hours (Intense usage

Like many of the best gaming devices, the Black Shark 5 Pro has a dedicated gaming space called Shark Space. It acts as a gaming portal, and when you launch a game, it’ll turn into a settings overlay in which you’ll be able to see game-centric data like frame rate, internet strength, and battery usage.

While playing games like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty Mobile, it maintains a smooth 60FPS and only suffers minor jitters when playing on maximum settings.

This is definitely one of the best gaming phones around, but nothing is perfect. There’s no headphone jack, and the battery is a touch on the smaller side, so playing games at max settings will drain the power within six hours. That being said, it reaches full charge in 15 minutes, which is extremely fast.

Pros pros

  • Magnetic pop-up triggers
  • Super fast charging
  • Premium gaming performance

Cons cons

  • No headphone port
  • Small battery

9. Nothing Phone 1 — The Best Budget Gaming Phone

Here we have an excellent budget entry that has a unique design. It’s called the Nothing Phone 1 because it has a clear panel on the back that exposes a lot of the inner parts. It’s also equipped with an eye-catching LED arrangement or the Glyph Interface on the back that lights up while charging.

With a low price of only $395, it’s a surprise to see that it offers a Snapdragon 778G+ processor with a whopping 8GB RAM. This kind of power makes the Nothing Phone an excellent gaming device capable of delivering a memorable mobile gaming experience.

Price OS Dimensions Screen Size Processor Storage and RAM Cameras Battery Life
$395 Android 13.0 6.26 x 2.98 x 0.33 Inches 6.55 Inches Snapdragon 778G+ 256GB
Storage
8GB RAM
50MP (Main)
50MP (Ultrawide)
4,500mAh
18 Hours (Intense usage)

The OLED display is bright and colorful, offers haptic feedback when triggered, and has a 24Hz touch sampling rate for rapid response times. The Nothing Phone 1 excels at bringing you an enhanced gaming experience with phenomenal graphics to boot. It’s also really nice to see these devices use eco-friendly materials.

Another feature on offer is wireless charging, which is great to see on a budget model. You can get around 18 hours of usage, and it’ll charge 50% in 30 minutes. The Nothing Phone 1 is certainly not a flagship phone, but it definitely feels like one, with snappy Android interactions that make the phone feel responsive to a fantastic 50MP camera.

Pros pros

  • Unique design
  • Good performance
  • Eco-friendly design and build

Cons cons

  • Charger sold separately
  • Quiet top speaker

10. Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro — Low Price with Flagship-Level Features

Similar to the previous entry, the Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro is another powerful budget option with features worthy of being in a flagship device. It’s equipped with an AMOLED display for ultra-vivid color and unparalleled clarity with a dynamic refresh rate of between 60 and 120Hz.

The fast Snapdragon Chipset puts this phone in the gaming arena though it may be at the lower end, that’s not to say it’s bad, in fact, if you’re looking for a phone that’s capable of delivering an immersive mobile gaming experience, then look no further.

Price OS Dimensions Screen Size Processor Storage and RAM Cameras Battery Life
$318 Android 13.0 6.53 x 3 x 0.31 Inches 6 Inches Snapdragon 695 5G Octa-core 128GB Storage
6GB RAM
108MP (Wide)
8MP (Ultrawide)
2MP (Macro)
16MP (Selfie)
5,000mAh
20 Hours
(Intense usage)

Gamers appreciate the flat design as it offers comfort over longer periods of time. It also boasts dynamic RAM expansion, allowing you to increase your RAM from 6GB to 9GB, which is perfect for those more demanding 3D games like Asphalt 9. This also keeps your phone performing smoothly while there are multiple apps running in the background.

There are powerful speakers at the top and the bottom of the phone to deliver a more cinematic audio experience. Plus, while many flagship models offer in-display biometrics for fingerprint scanning, the Poco X5 Pro has a physical fingerprint scanner that works well — a perfect example of how the right compromise can bring a quality low-cost device to consumers.

The Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro also has an excellent battery that’ll easily last 20 hours or more but keep in mind that playing games at higher settings will deplete the battery quicker. Not to worry, though, as it boasts an exceptional fast charge feature that actually charges faster than the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.

That being said, the camera isn’t something to write home about, which isn’t a huge surprise when you consider the low cost. However, it does have Dolby Vision Support and 4K video capture, so frankly, it could be worse. Overall it’s a very good phone for the price, and even though some compromises were made, like the body being mostly plastic, it feels and performs like a more premium device.

Pros pros

  • Great value for money
  • 3GB RAM expansion
  • Consistent gaming performance
  • Long-lasting battery

Cons cons

  • Camera could be improved

Best Mobile Gaming Phones Compared

We’ve condensed all the important features into an easy-to-read table. Take a look for a quick comparison:

Model Price OS Dimensions Screen Size Processor Storage and RAM Cameras Battery Life
Asus Rog Phone 6 $794 Android 12.0 6.7 x 3 x 0.4 inches 6.78 Inches Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 512GB Storage
16GB RAM
50MP (Main)
13MP (Ultra Wide)
5MP (Macro)
6,000mAh
45 Hours (Intense Usage)
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra $1,140 Android 13.0 7.09 x 3.78 x 1.06 inches 6.8 Inches Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 512GB Storage
12GB RAM
200MP 5,000mAh
42 Hours (Intense usage)
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max $1,109.88 iOS 16 6.33 x 3.06 x 0.31 inches 6.7 Inches A16 Bionic Chip 256GBStorage
6GB RAM
48MP (Wide)
12MP (telephoto)
12MP (Ultrawide)
4,323mAh
40 Hours (Intense usage)
RedMagic 8 Pro  $899 Android 13.0 6.47 x 3.03 x
0.37 inches
6.8 Inches Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 512GB Storage
16GB RAM
50MP (Wide)
8MP (Ultrawide)
2MP (Macro)
6,000mAh
39 Hours (Intense usage)
OnePlus 11 $799.99 Android 13.0 6.42 x 2.92 x 0.33 Inches 6.7 Inches Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 256GB Storage
16GB RAM
50MP (Wide)
48MP (Ultrawide)
32MP(Portrait)
5,000mAh
34 Hours (Intense usage)
Xiaomi Redmi K50 Gaming $487.25 Android 12.0 6.42 x 3.03 x 0.35 inches 6.67 Inches Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 256GB Storage
12GB RAM
64MP (Wide)
8MP (Ultrawide)
2MP (Macro)
20MP (Front)
4,800mAh
24 Hours (Intense usage)
Motorola Edge+ $699.99 Android 13.0 6.34 x 2.91 x 0.34 Inches 6.7 Inches Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 512GB Storage
8GB RAM
50MP (Main)
50MP (Ultrawide)
12MP (Telephoto)
5,100mAh 12 Hours (Intense usage)
Black Shark 5 Pro $599 Android 12.0 6.45 x 3.01 x 0.37 Inches 6.67 Inches Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 128GB Storage
8GB RAM
108MP (Main)
13MP (Wide Angle)
5MP (Macro)
4,650mAh
13 Hours (Intense usage)
Nothing Phone 1 $395 Android 13.0 6.26 x 2.98 x 0.33 Inches 6.55 Inches Snapdragon 778G+ 256GB
Storage
8GB RAM
50MP (Main)
50MP (Ultrawide)
4,500mAh
18 Hours (Intense usage)
Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro $318 Android 13.0 6.53 x 3 x 0.31 Inches 6 Inches Snapdragon 695 5G Octa-core 128GB Storage
6GB RAM
108MP (Wide)
8MP (Ultrawide)
2MP (Macro)
5,000mAh
20 Hours
(Intense usage)

Factors to Consider When Buying a Gaming Phone

Mobile gaming has grown in popularity over the years, and thanks to the leaps and bounds made in technology, mobile gaming experiences are only getting better and more immersive. So what should you look for when you’re shopping for the best cell phone for gaming? Let’s see:

Display

When it comes to mobile gaming, having a large enough screen is vital. Be sure to look out for the screen-to-body ratio. The higher the ratio, the larger the screen. You’ll also want to look at the display resolution, as some of the best gaming phones have full HD + Super Retina, or they have OLED displays which offer vivid colors perfect for gaming.

Another important aspect to keep in mind is the refresh rate. This dictates how often a frame is changed. For example, a refresh rate of 120Hz refreshes the screen 120 times a second. A high refresh rate of around 90Hz to 120Hz is perfect for gaming.

Processor

Arguably the most important piece of hardware a gaming phone should have is a powerful processor, as it determines the speed at which the device performs. We’re sure you’ll agree that a slow phone is extremely annoying.

An advanced chip like the Qualcomm Snapdragon — which is equipped in most of the best Android gaming phones — or the Bionic Chip in the case of Apple iPhones are excellent processors capable of delivering the highest graphics, which is obviously something you’d want.

RAM

Random Access Memory, or RAM, is another important factor to keep in mind. Phones with a high amount of RAM are capable of switching from different applications faster than those with low amounts of RAM. The lower the RAM, the slower your phone will perform.

Devices that have RAM between 8 and 16GB are perfect for gaming phones, just like the Samsung S23 Ultra or the Asus ROG 6.

Cooling System

High processing power gives off heat, and a hot phone performs poorly. So a capable cooling system is important. If you play a graphically demanding game like Genshin Impact, your phone will heat up due to the processing that the phone has to do, so these systems use thermal technology to keep the device cool.

Some devices incorporate liquid cooling, while others use an internal fan. It’s always worth checking out the cooling system before making a decision.

Battery

This may seem pretty obvious, but having a device with impressive battery life can make a huge difference. Due to the demands of many mobile games, the battery can drain quickly and hinder your experience.

A smartphone with at least a 4,500mAh battery should be enough to give you a memorable gaming session. Another important aspect is the fast charging feature. Most of the best gaming phones are able to get a full charge in less than an hour.

Are Apple Phones Better Than Androids for Gaming?

This is a debate that’s been going on for a long time, and a likely reason for that is that it mostly comes down to preference. Both Android and iOS have over a million applications on their respective stores, and their leading handsets are very evenly matched in terms of technology – so how can one really tell which is best? Let’s take a look.

While both iOS and Android have over one million apps, Android has roughly 500,000 games, while iOS has around 200,000. The updates for those games also tend to arrive faster on Android than those on iOS.

That being said, games on the Apple Store seem to be less buggy when compared to Android games, and iOS will receive a new game before it’s released on Android. Small indie games are also far better on iOS than on Android, which might explain why some people are more willing to spend money on an iOS game than they are on an Android game.

Nevertheless, we’d argue Android offers the best phone gaming experience, as iPhones aren’t built for gaming. So while some of their specs might be better than Androids, such as better processors, their cooling systems typically aren’t great, plus, they don’t have a high touch response, and they tend to have lower refresh rates.

Conclusion – What is the Best Phone for Gaming for 2024?

We’ve determined that the Asus ROG Phone 6 is the overall best gaming phone for a number of reasons. Firstly it’s a true dedicated gaming phone, and it comes with 16GB of RAM. It also has a powerful processor and one of the bigger batteries on offer.

It comes with a host of other features, as well, like a charging bypass system that allows you to power the device directly while it’s plugged in, extending the overall battery life. There’s also the option to add an external fan to ensure the device always works smoothly.

Click below to check out what many people rate as the best gaming phone in the world today.

Game Cell Phone FAQs

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Are iPhones better than dedicated gaming phones?

Justin Van Gent
Technology Writer
Justin Van Gent
Technology Writer

With a background in telecommunications and renewable energy, and having studied engineering and web design, Justin’s technical expertise shines through with his content. He has written pieces spanning numerous tech verticals for Techopedia and The Tech Report, but he specializes in VPN, antivirus, and hosting content. His pieces are known for their accuracy and insight and for delivering informative content for Techopedia's audience.