Despite the attention on next-gen consoles and high-end graphics cards, mobile gaming remains as popular as ever. Phones have become so powerful that it's harder to distinguish their performance from dedicated gaming systems and high-end PCs. The variety of titles on Android and iPhone devices is extraordinary, with graphically impressive mobile versions of Call of Duty and Rainbow Six due out in 2023. As a result, there is now a crop of gaming phones designed to provide the smoothest gameplay possible with even the most demanding games.

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When shopping for the best gaming phone the critical factors include screen resolution, processing power, battery life, and how responsive a device is to touch commands. Normally features like camera quality come into the equation with mobile phones, but these concerns become secondary when gaming is the priority. The choice of a processor in a phone largely dictates the performance level a buyer can expect. Also, high-resolution AMOLED displays with 120 Hz or higher refresh rates allow gamers to see the action unfold with maximum clarity and smoothness. The following gaming phones lead the most competitive gamers to victory, whether they are at home or on the road.

With some of the most popular smart TVs on the market, it's no surprise that Samsung offers the best gaming phone, thanks to its stunning display. The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is Samsung's de facto flagship this year, and it comes packed with hardware that delivers excellent performance to match those expectations. With a native 120Hz screen and a 240Hz sampling rate for touch, the S23 Ultra delivers a highly responsive input and output for gamers. It powers games via its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip manufactured using a 4nm process for efficiency coupled with the currently best-in-class Adreno 740 GPU that ensures games run to their full potential without running into hardware limitations.

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To cap it off, it has excellent audio backed by a far better than the average smartphone battery which means your sessions can last hours at a time. Gamers can also recognize and differentiate between the different sounds of gunfire and spells being thrown at you depending on whether you like FPS games or MOBAs. Samsung's bundled Game Optimizing Service however has mixed reviews with some people preferring to keep it turned off to max out their FPS while others claim it is an effective tool for a more consistent experience.

The OnePlus 10T is our pick for the best gaming phone for budget shoppers and for all the right reasons. It's currently available for just under $500 and offers specifications that easily exceed anything you would be able to get within the same price range. Despite the price point, you get a functional smartphone that doubles down as one of the best gaming smartphones that you could purchase for under $700-800. Powered by a Gen 1 Snapdragon 8+ SoC, the OnePlus 10T isn't out to win performance awards, but it does tend to level the field with multiple devices that often cost twice as much.

The OnePlus 10T has excellent battery life thanks to its massive 4800 mAh battery coupled with the bundled HyperBoost Gaming Engine that includes a General Performance Adapter (GPA) Frame Stabilizer, GPU Load Control (GLC), and LSTouch. The GPA Frame Stabilizer provides a more consistent FPS experience, and the GLC aspect allows more efficient and lower power consumption while gaming or creating content. The LSTouch takes advantage of the 1000Hz polling rate on the OnePlus 10T's 120Hz display to offer a very responsive experience to gamers. Despite not having the most cutting-edge specs, the OnePlus is still fully capable of playing the most demanding mobile games.

If you can find it available in your market, the recently released OnePlus 11 also warrants consideration for a marginally higher MSRP, with an improved curved display and better camera.

Although ASUS makes some of the most powerful laptops like the ROG Strix Star 18, they still aren't portable enough for some gamers. The ASUS ROG Phone 6D Ultimate is a premium gaming device no matter how you go about looking at it, and it makes its identity quite clear with the ROG badge along with much of its design philosophy on display. The phone's display is a notch-less 6.78' Samsung-made AMOLED behemoth that offers up to 165Hz refresh rates while retaining a 1ms latency.

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The SoC used by ASUS is a curious choice. It does end up being faster than the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 in some cases, but the MediaTek Dimensity 9000+ seems to be somewhat weaker than competing Snapdragon Gen 2 devices while having a GPU that is inferior to the Gen 1 in most benchmarks.

The ASUS ROG Phone 6D Ultimate however happens to be the only device with a detachable discrete cooler that allows it to max out (it does throttle somewhat without this) its performance using superior cooling to prevent bottlenecks. All in all, The ROG device is currently ASUS's best offering and has multiple features such as a 2' back OLED display and extremely fast internal storage (UFS 3.1) coupled with a plentiful amount of LPDDR5X memory (16GB). These specs make it our premium pick for gaming even if it currently sells close to S23 price levels.

Buyers should note that the ASUS ROG Phone 7 and ROG Phone 7 Ultimate with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processors are already out in some parts of the world. However, North American buyers are still awaiting its arrival.

When it comes to iPhones, picking the best gaming phone is an easy task compared to other devices where you must look at a myriad of options to make your pick; the iPhone 14 Pro Max is a no-brainer choice given that it is the latest and highest-end model possible with the A16 bionic SoC that Apple ships with it. While the bundled 6GB of ram might look low compared to the Android ecosystem, Apple's iOS is far more optimized and has to deal with a lot less in terms of different chipsets to support. As a result, it can hold its own in terms of both processing power and memory requirements versus android-centric chipsets which seem more powerful on paper.

With a large battery life for an iPhone, the highest single-core performance for a smartphone yet thanks to Apple's custom silicon, and a 120Hz screen, there is not much to complain about when it comes to the iPhone 14 Pro Max. That is not to say that it does not have issues at all; users have reported their devices routinely drop brightness during gaming sessions simply to deal with the heat emanating from the SoC; the OLED panel also gets hot and Apple seems to throttle brightness in a bid to keep things cooler. Apple's App Store is a market leader, and you tend to get more curated content compared to the competition. The Apple Arcade subscription seems to be the beginning of a Game Pass style mobile competitor. If worried about compatibility beyond the Apple platform, there are even methods to play some Xbox games on the iPhone.

The RedMagic 8 Pro sports an extremely thin bezel design that reminds one of a boxy Sony Xperia phone. On the back of the phone, things get a bit more interesting with a semi-transparent look complete with numerous but understated logos and branding. The overall appearance of the phone will depend somewhat on whether a buyer selects the Titanium, Void, or Matte color. While it won't match the dramatic lighting of Razer Chroma peripherals, there is also a small area of customizable RGB effects.

Even though the RedMagic 8 Pro blends in with the crowd better than some other gaming phones, its specs are clearly aimed at gamers. Like with other top-tier phones, the RedMagic 8 Pro ships with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor complemented by cutting-edge LPDDR5X RAM. There are several versions of the phone with either 12 or 16 GB of memory, and 256 GB or 512 GB of storage.

One common complaint when gaming on phones is that many games drain a battery within hours. Relying on 2 internal 3000 mAh batteries, the RedMagic 8 Pro compares best to the Asus ROG 6D. However, some tests give the RedMagic phone a slight edge in endurance, with software doing an excellent job of throttling performance just enough to maintain ideal frame rates. Using fast 65-watt fast charging, the phone can be topped up with power in 47 minutes, and last during mixed usage for over 2 days. The phone is capable of 80-watt charging as well, but this functionality is currently limited to Chinese markets. Unfortunately, wireless charging isn't an option with the RedMagic 8 Pro.

The display of the RedMagic 8 Pro isn't compromised in order to boost its battery life. A 6.8-inch enhanced AMOLED screen delivers over 2 million bright and vivid pixels with a maximum brightness of 1300 nits. A refresh rate of 120Hz means that competitive gamers can fire off attacks with surgical precision. Responsive 520Hz shoulder buttons lessen the need to use a separate wireless controller.

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Software and UI are common complaints with RedMagic phones, and things haven't improved that significantly with their latest offering. One highlight however is the Game Space launcher which makes it simple to adjust performance settings on the fly. An aspect of the phone that gamers may want to tweak is the highly effective Ice 11.0 Cooling System which includes a 20,000 RPM fan that can get a bit noisy at times.

Despite disappointments with some less-than-intuitive software, the ultra modern-looking RedMagic 8 Pro delivers just about everything a gamer could want from a phone, without the extreme price tag of other flagship devices.

Folding phones are the subject of some heated debates about whether they truly represent the future of mobile devices. Although the recently announced Google Pixel Fold has stolen some thunder from Samsung, the Galaxy Z Fold4 is the current foldable phone most buyers aspire to own. Compared to the Galaxy Z Fold3, the 6.2-inch AMOLED cover display on Samsung's latest device benefits from a slightly different aspect ratio, which makes the screen seem larger. The inner foldable display is what sets the Galaxy ZFold4 apart from traditional phones, expanding to a 7.6-inch screen supporting a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+.

For gaming purposes, the prospect of using a phone with a screen that's larger than any portable gaming device is tempting, to say the least. The Nintendo Switch OLED and Steam Deck displays max out at 7 inches but at a far lower resolution than the 1812 x 2176 mark of the Galaxy ZFold4. With a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, Samsung's phone has plenty of horsepower for intense gaming with a 120Hz refresh rate for incredibly smooth frame rates. Also, storage is as ample as any smartphone on the market, with up to 1 TB available to install the beefiest titles. A pair of powerful internal speakers embracing Dolby Atmos makes for an engaging gaming experience even without earbuds or headphones.

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Of course, with an unusual aspect ratio of 21.6:18 on an unfolded Samsung Galaxy ZFold4, some games more than others will look stretched. On-screen controls and info may be cut off in some titles, making it somewhat awkward to play games without a wireless controller. Additionally, the battery life of 4400 mAh is about average for a flagship phone but does fall short of some top-tier gaming alternatives. Thankfully, a more efficient OLED display than its predecessor helps to keep the Galaxy ZFold4 going for a full day, even with some gaming involved.

Truthfully, the foldable screen of the Galaxy ZFold4 rises to its full potential for productivity and multitasking purposes. Users can take notes during meetings with the included S Pen on part of the screen, while the other portion of the display plays a video. Regardless, even though most games aren't designed to take full advantage of the added real estate, the Samsung Galaxy ZFold4 is still the best gaming phone with a foldable screen.

It would seem odd not to talk about a Sony phone when it comes to mobile gaming, considering the company's influence in the gaming industry. Although the Xperia 5 IV isn't directly marked toward PlayStation or console users, there are several reasons why a gamer should consider the phone. Most noticeably, the Xperia 5 IV has a somewhat unusual 6.1 inch 16:9 1080x2520 display which is ideal for watching widescreen movies and gaming at a maximum of 120 fps. The display isn't as large as some other elite gaming phones, but its aspect ratio also contributes to a more compact form factor and 172-gram weight.

The smaller size of the Xperia 5 IV doesn't come at the expense of performance, with the capable Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor powering the phone. A 5000 mAH Battery life is also slightly above average for a high-end phone, which suits users who engage in lengthy gaming sessions. On the negative side, the Xperia 5 IV does tend to get run quite hot which could potentially throttle some of the device's power.

To gain favor with competitive mobile gamers, Sony touts the fact that Xperia phones partnered with professional Esports teams competing at PUBG mobile global tournaments. The Game Enhancer feature is a major reason why the Xperia 5 IV appeals to mobile gamers looking for an edge. The software enables streamers to broadcast their victories with minimal hassles as well as have instant access to adjust video and audio settings to instantly recognize approaching enemies. Also, a 240 Hz touch scanning rate ensures that touch gestures in games are processed in time to avoid untimely deaths.

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The Sony Xperia 5 IV has some features that high-end phones have gradually discarded over recent years. A 3.5 mm headphone jack caters to gamers who prefer wired earbud connections without using additional adapters. Also, the phone ships with a maximum of 256 GB of storage, but also includes an increasingly rare microSDXC slot for more flexible storage options.

Although its compact appearance and traditional widescreen aspect ratio carry with them obvious appeal, the Xperia 5 IV remains fairly pricey compared to gaming phones with slightly newer processors and more generous storage. Especially with the release of the Xperia 5 V anticipated later this year, some gamers are hesitant to make the investment in the Xperia 5 IV. Even so, for streamers and gamers who don't enjoy carrying a huge device in their pockets, the Sony Xperia 5 IV is the best gaming phone.

Which Phone Provides No-Compromise Mobile Gaming?

If you still can't decide on which gaming phone to purchase, it's understandable with a growing list of powerful mobile devices available. The shopping ordeal becomes easier when a buyer narrows down the list keeping in mind the importance of processor power, battery life, and how instantly a phone responds to touch commands.

With PCs, graphics cards are the most influential in terms of how many frame rates a system can push during gameplay. However, when it comes to gaming phones, processors determine what resolution graphics are rendered at how smooth the gameplay experience is. Ideally, a buyer will want to decide on a phone with at least a Snapdragon 8 processor like the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. Carrying a steep asking price, there are more affordable alternatives with similar specs such as the OnePlus 10T which possesses plenty of raw power to accommodate the latest mobile titles.

Another key consideration when searching for the best gaming phone is battery life. Since prolonged gaming is an assault on battery life, contenders like the RedMagic 8 Pro boast enormous battery capacity that can easily outlast typical mobile phones. Gamers will also want to make sure a gaming phone has a proper cooling system since some games can easily overheat a compact device.

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If ultimately you decide that you want a phone that's perfect for photography, productivity, and gaming, a candidate like the Sony Xperia 5 IV is a great all-around selection. For a non-gaming phone that's completely built for gaming, it's still worth considering the Asus ROG Ally which will soon arrive with the ability to play almost any PC title that gets thrown at it.

You likely won't regret any gaming phone that you end up purchasing since the future of mobile gaming has never been brighter.

FAQ:Q: Is the iPhone 14 Pro Max better than the iPhone 14 Pro for gaming?

A: Yes, it has a better battery and is less likely to throttle thanks to its form factor. However, the iPhone 14 Pro might be more compact, something that some people prefer, and the decision could come down to an individual's preference.

Q: What is the best Android smartphone currently available for gaming?

A: Arguably the Samsung S23 Ultra. While it isn't made from the ground up for gaming in particular, it has multiple features and services that make it one of the best smartphones for gaming, as well as an amazing all-around device.

FAQ

Q: Is the iPhone 14 Pro Max better than the iPhone 14 Pro for gaming?

Yes, it has a better battery and is less likely to throttle thanks to its form factor but the iPhone 14 Pro might be more compact, something that some people prefer and it could come down to individual choices.

Q: What is the best Android smartphone currently available for gaming?

Arguably the Samsung S23 Ultra. While it isn't made from the ground up for gaming in particular, it has multiple features and services that make it not only one of the fastest smartphones for gaming but one with multiple benefits to be had as a primary gaming device.