Despite the attention on next-gen consoles andhigh-end graphics cards, mobile gaming remains as popular as ever. Smartphones have become so powerful that it’s harder to distinguish their performance from consolesand high-end PCs. The variety of titles on Android and iPhone devices is extraordinary, with graphically impressive mobile versions of popular games now more commonplace. As a result, there is a growing segment of phones designed to provide the smoothest mobile gameplay possible for graphically advanced titles.
Sony Xperia 5 IV
Motorola Edge | 2023
Normally, features like camera quality come into the equation with mobile phones, but these concerns become secondary when gaming is the priority. Game Rant has selected the best gaming phones that will lead the most competitive players to victory, whether they are at home or on the road.
Updated on May 23rd 2024, by Charlie Vin Tony: In this update, the Game Rant team has expanded the insights on our best overall pick as well as the best budget options, ensuring you find a phone that delivers an excellent gaming experience. These updates aim to give readers a detailed understanding of what makes these phones stand out in gaming.
Factors to Consider When Shopping for the Best Gaming Smartphones in 2024
Gaming smartphones come in different shapes and sizes. However, their specifications determine whether they are worth purchasing. The following are the factors to consider when shopping for thebest gaming smartphones in 2024:
Operating System
The operating system is the primary factor to consider when purchasing a smartphone for gaming. While both Android and iOS offer a plethora of games to enjoy, most of which are available on either platform, there are still some games that are exclusive to either Android or iOS.
Processor
The type of CPU used in a smartphone is the most important factor to consider for all shoppers. Since it is the brain of the phone, the processor determines how well it performs during gaming sessions. At the very least, a good smartphone should have a CPU with multiple cores.
Screen Resolution and Size
Gaming phone displays have evolved to the point where buyers can carry around smaller versions of elite gaming monitors in their pockets. A phone with a large screen estate and great resolution is ideal for gaming, especially for competitive titles like Call of Duty.
Battery Life
Another key consideration when searching for the best phone for gaming is battery life. Since prolonged gaming is an assault on battery life, it makes sense to go after phones with an enormous battery capacity that can easily outlast typical mobile phones.
Extra features
Some phones take it to the next level by offering shoulder buttons for extra controls while gaming. They also incorporate features like active cooling, vapor chambers, dual USB Type-C ports, and more to improve the gaming experience.
These Are the Best Mobile Gaming Phones of 2024
Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro
The ROG Phone 8 Pro is Asus’s latest and greatest Android gaming smartphone offering. It packs the Snapdragon 8 Gen3 processor which, accompanied by up to 25 GB of RAM, delivers an unmatched gaming experience. The AirTrigger shoulder buttons return with this generation of ROG phones and so does the headphone jack as well as the two USB Type-C ports. There is also a customizable display at the back of the ROG Phone 8.
Although Asus makes some of the most powerful laptops like the ROG Strix Star 18, these notebooks still aren’t portable enough for some gamers. The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro is a premium gaming device that makes its identity quite clear with the subtle ROG badge on its rear with much of its design philosophy on display. The phone’s screen is a 6.78'' Samsung-made AMOLED behemoth that offers up to 165 Hz refresh rates while retaining a 1ms latency. The display also features a 720Hz touch sampling rate, which results in amazingly responsive touch controls, giving users an edge in competitive gaming.
The ROG Phone 8 Pro utilizes the powerhouse Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor which leads the pack of available Android CPUs. Known for consuming less power than other high-end processors, it also facilitates excellent GPU performance for hardcore gaming.
The gaming-oriented features of the ROG Phone 8 Pro extend to its cooling, where the GameCool 8 system uses a combination of thermal compounds, a vapor chamber, and a graphite sheet on one side of the CPU. During the most intense gaming, gamers can attach the improved AeroActive Cooler X to the back of the ROG Phone 8 Pro to blow air near the CPU socket.
Another important feature is the device’s 6000mAH battery, which provides gamers with extended playtime. Additionally, it supports 65W HyperCharge technology, which allows you to get back to full power faster, meaning less downtime as you wait for the phone to charge.
Also, the ROG is designed for avid gamers with its bold aesthetics and customizable Armoury Crate software that allows gamers to change performance settings according to their preferences.
The ROG Phone 8 Pro comes complete with a 3.5 mm headphone jack with no annoying adapters required. Unfortunately, the bottom USB-C port is still off-center, which could cause problems withaccessories and mobile controllerssuch as the Backbone One. Fortunately, there may not be any need for a separate controller since the ROG Phone 8 Pro sports two ultrasonic buttons on its top edge. There are nine total gestures possible with gyroscope aiming, which is also an option for FPS titles.
OnePlus 10T
The OnePlus 10T is an excellent budget-tier device that doubles as pretty much an excellent gaming phone thanks to its powerful Gen 1 Snapdragon SoC, an exceptional 120Hz AMOLED display, and excellent battery life. The phone also has fast charging, 8 gigabytes of RAM, and 128 gigabytes of fast storage. For those that cameras are important, this smartphone comes with three separate cameras for great images.
The OnePlus 10T is Game Rant’s pick for the best gaming phone for budget shoppers, and for all the right reasons. It’s currently available for under $400 and offers specs that easily exceed anything anyone would be able to get within the same price range. Despite the price point, buyers get a functional smartphone that doubles as one of the best gaming smartphones available for under $500-600.
Under the hood is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, which is well known for its power and robust performance. Although it doesn’t outdo other expensive phones in this regard, it ensures that even the most demanding titles run seamlessly with swift loading times and minimal lag, which is essential for gaming.
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 efficiency and lower power consumption while gaming or creating content. The LSTouch takes advantage of the 1000 Hz polling rate on the OnePlus 10T’s 120 Hz 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 visually stunning mobile games.
Also, the budget phone sports a 6.7-inch Full HD+ display that delivers stunning visuals and supports high refresh rates, making it run all types of games with precision, including fast-paced action titles.
Even though the OnePlus 10T is now a few generations old in the company’s lineup, it is still very capable of running AAA games at acceptable quality and frame rates. If a gamer has more money to spend, the newerOnePlus 11offers newer features like a more powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, an improved curved display, and a sharper camera. For a bit more cash, gamers can make the jump to the latest generation of phones from the company and get theOnePlus 12R.
Motorola Edge+
The Motorola Edge+ features a quad-curved endless edge design, a design that aims to enhance both aesthetic appeal and user comfort. This innovative design includes curves on every side of the phone.Equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, the Motorola Edge+ offers industry-leading performance. This latest mobile platform from Qualcomm is top-notch in terms of speed. The Motorola Edge+ also comes with a high-resolution triple camera system and a telephoto portrait lens, enabling the capture of great photos in all kinds of conditions and situations.
The 2023 edition of the Motorola Edge+ isn’t marketed specifically as a gaming phone but offers impressive specs for less money than premium alternatives. At its price point, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor is a welcome upgrade over the Gen 1 model. The previous Edge+ also had some competitive hardware but lacked a premium feel with plastic construction. The 2023 version feels more solid in hand, thanks to an aluminum frame. Also, Gorilla Glass Victus is here to make the smartphone more resistant to scratches and cracks.
A 6.7" pOLED screen is certainly substantial enough to provide a wow factor, but the 1080p resolution trails that of some of the highest-end gaming phones. Regardless, the screen is sufficiently bright supporting HDR10+, and pushing fewer pixels may help keep temperatures in check during intensive gaming. True to its name, the Edge+ features an edge-to-edge display that wraps around the sides of the phone. Most apps or games won’t take full advantage of the phone’s maximum 165 Hz refresh rate, but the Edge+ is sufficiently future-proof to avoid needing an upgrade within a year. If the 6.7" screen isn’t large enough, Motorola also makes it possible for the phone to wirelessly display games on thelatest OLED TVs.
With a battery capacity of 5100 mAh, it’s not unusual to get a day or more use out of the Edge+, even with some gaming involved. If the phone does need some sudden topping up, 68-watt turbocharging can provide 24 hours of additional battery life in just 9 minutes.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is a beast of a phone powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen3 SoC. It is packed to the brim with features like the included S Pen, four rear cameras without a camera bump, and a massive 6.8-inch display. On both the front and the back, the Galaxy S24 Ultra comes with Gorilla Glass and around the sides is a Titanium frame for a more premium feel.
Having manufactured some of the most popular smart TVs on the market, it’s no surprise that Samsung offers one of the best gaming phones. The Samsung Galaxy S24 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 120 Hz screen and a 240 Hz sampling rate for touch, the S24 Ultra delivers a highly responsive input and output for gamers. As for brightness, the screen can now go up to 2600 nits, which makes it easily viewable even in direct sunlight.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra powers games via its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip that is manufactured using a 4nm process for efficiency. This is coupled with the currently best-in-class Adreno 750 GPU that ensures games run to their full potential without running into hardware limitations.
To cap it off, it has excellent audio backed by a far better-than-average smartphone battery which means sessions can last hours at a time. Gamers can also recognize and differentiate between the different sounds of gunfire and spells being thrown at them depending on whether they like FPS games or MOBAs. However, Samsung’s bundled Game Optimizing Service 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.
It holds the title of the best multipurpose gaming phone because of the extra functionality it offers beyond raw gaming performance. The large flat display is perfect for media consumption, while the built-in S Pen allows for quick note-taking and some other shortcuts for improved productivity. And, the cameras on the Galaxy S24 Ultra deliver some of the best-looking photos in the market.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
Offering bigger battery life (4,422 mAh), USB-C charging capabilities, and better performance thanks to a new A17 Pro chip, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is Apple’s most powerful phone today. It also serves the needs of gamers, content creators, and other high-end users. Weighing 221 grams, the iPhone 15 Pro Max gets a 6.7-inch OLED display and a 120 Hz refresh rate.
At Apple’s Wanderlust event, the manufacturer said the iPhone 15 (Pro and Pro Max models) can natively play console games with ease. As the latest high-end iPhone, it’s no surprise that it is the best gaming phone Apple can offer today. It gets a new and improved processor, A17 Pro, which features a new 6-core CPU, 6-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. The chip greatly improves the iPhone’s graphics processing abilities, making it ideal for those looking for the ultimate Apple gaming device. The 15 Pro Max gets a 4,422 mAh battery, an upgrade from the 4,323 mAh battery that the 14 Pro Max offered.
During the launch, Apple noted that high-end games likeThe Division ResurgenceandResident Evil 4could be played on the phone’s 6.7-inch OLED screen. The new Apple phone gets a titanium body design, comes in three storage options (256GB, 512GB, and 1TB), and packs a suite of other premium features. Apple’s App Store is a market leader, and iPhone users 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 toplay some Xbox games on the iPhone.
Nubia Redmagic 9 Pro
The REDMAGIC 9 Pro offers the internals of a flagship with significant aesthetic upgrades, a massive battery, and a price tag that makes it worth considering over the competition for gamers and enthusiasts looking for a new device this year.With Gorilla Glass 5 protecting the front screen in addition to extensive gaming-centric cooling options including a dedicated vapor chamber and a turbo fan on offer, the REDMAGIC can win both, performance and durability tests with ease, making it a force to be reckoned with going into 2024.
Like with other top-tier phones, the RedMagic 9 Pro ships with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 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. The RedMagic 9 Pro sports an extremely thin bezel that reminds one of a boxy Sony Xperia phone. On the back of the phone, things get a bit more interesting with numerous logos and branding. The overall appearance of the phone will depend somewhat on whether a buyer selects the Sleet, Cyclone, or Snowfall color.
One common complaint when gaming on phones is that many games drain a battery within hours. Relying on a 6500 mAh battery, the RedMagic 9 Pro even outlasts the ROG Phone 8 Pro. The RedMagic takes a slight edge in endurance, with the software doing an excellent job of throttling performance just enough to maintain ideal frame rates. Using 80-watt fast charging, the phone can be topped up with power in under 35 minutes, and it can last during mixed usage for over two days. Unfortunately, wireless charging isn’t an option with the RedMagic 9 Pro.
The display of the RedMagic 9 Pro isn’t compromised to boost its battery life. A 6.8'' enhanced AMOLED screen delivers over 2 million bright and vivid pixels with a maximum brightness of 1600 nits. A refresh rate of 120 Hz and a touch sampling rate of 960 Hz means that competitive gamers can fire off attacks with surgical precision. Responsive 520 Hz shoulder buttons lessen the need to use a separate wireless controller.
This is the best gaming smartphone for individuals looking for fast internet connectivity. Fresh off the shelf, the phone comes 5G-ready for 3.0Gbps upload and 7.5Gbps download speeds. Users can also connect to the internet via Wi-Fi 7 and download videos, games, apps, and everything else. Additionally, the smartphone has a GN5 50MP wide, 50MP ultrawide, and 2MP macro cameras. So, besides playing games, users can take vivid photos and videos.
It runs REDMAGIC OS 9 based on Android 14, and the software and UI are common complaints with RedMagic phones. Things haven’t improved significantly with their latest offering.
OnePlus Open
The OnePlus Open is the company’s first attempt at a folding phone, but it seems to have done a great job. The Open comes with the Snapdragon 8 Gen2 processor that can run all modern graphics-intensive games without any issues. It features a large 7.82-inch internal display with a 120 Hz refresh rate. It also houses a 4805 mAh battery that supports 65W fast charging.
Folding phones are the subject of some heated debates about whether they truly represent the future of mobile devices. That said, the OnePlus Open is a first-generation folding phone from the company that has learned quite a lot from its competition and got a lot of things right. It boasts a bigger and sharper internal display at 7.82'' when compared to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5. The phone is larger but also lighter than the Samsung offering, making it more ergonomic, especially when it comes to long gaming sessions.
Both the cover screen and the inside screen have a refresh rate of 120 Hz, which trails some premium gaming phones but still ranks highly among premium all-around smartphones. But, when it comes to brightness, the OnePlus Open stands among the best with 2800 nits for both displays, which is superior to the Galaxy Z Fold5 and the Pixel Fold. It is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and comes with 16 GB of RAM along with 512 GB of storage. This is the only configuration available with the OnePlus Open.
Additionally, the battery life of 4805 mAh is about average for a flagship non-folding phone but is at the higher end of what folding phones offer. It also supports 67-watt fast charging, but there is no wireless charging with the OnePlus offering.
The Sony Xperia 5 IV is the ultimate smartphone for content creators and gamers, offering a 6.1" FHD OLED screen with an unusual 16:9 widescreen display. The aspect ratio of the Xperia 5 IV leads it to be easier to hold but also ideal for watching videos and streaming without black bars. Offering 4K HDR 120 fps video recording quality on all cameras, videographers flock to the Xperia 5 IV to make professional quality productions.
It would seem odd not to talk about Sony when it comes to the best gaming phones, considering thecompany’s influence in the gaming industry. Although the Xperia 5 IV isn’t directly marketed 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 is average or better for a premium phone, which suits users who engage in lengthy gaming sessions. On the negative side, the Xperia 5 IV does tend to 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 atPUBGmobile 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.
Straight off the rack, the phone features the MediaTek Dimensity 7030 chipset for smoother gameplay, lightning-fast file transfers, and high-resolution graphics. Users can connect it wirelessly to a larger screen such as a TV and conveniently play mobile games, use other apps, or make video calls thanks to its “Ready For” feature. Another impressive feature is the 68W TurboPower charging. It is blazing-fast and can provide an entire day’s power in ten minutes. The 6.6-inch borderless display gives a vivid view of in-game details. Its 144Hz refresh rate ensures fast response during gaming sessions.
Released on June 07, 2025, Motorola Edge is one of the best mid-range gaming smartphones in 2024. Straight off the rack, the phone features the MediaTek Dimensity 7030 chipset for smoother gameplay, lightning-fast file transfers, and high-resolution graphics. Users can connect it wirelessly to a larger screen such as a TV and conveniently play mobile games, use other apps, or make video calls. The people at Motorola call the feature that enables wireless connectivity to a TV “Ready For.”
One of the phone’s most impressive features is the 68W TurboPower charging. It is blazing-fast and can provide an entire day’s power in ten minutes. The 6.6-inch borderless display gives a vivid view of in-game details and the 144 Hz refresh rate ensures fast response during gaming sessions.
Additionally, the phone is IP68 rated and is waterproof. It has a 50MP camera with the most comprehensive smartphone aperture. Users can operate it via Android and Moto gesture controls, allowing for effective personalization using MY UX.
How To Choose A Great Phone For Mobile Gaming
The difficulty with choosing the right gaming phone is understandable thanks to a growing list of available options. To make the process easier, here are some tips on how to buy the right gaming phone.
The operating system is the primary factor to consider when purchasing a smartphone for gaming. While both Android and iOS offer a plethora of games to enjoy, most of which are available on either platform, there are still some games that are exclusive to either Android or iOS. When it comes to gaming on Android, there are far too many options to choose from in a wide variety of budgets. On the other hand, the options for iOS users are fairly limited. Other than raw performance, iPhones don’t offer any additional features dedicated to gaming.
With PCs, graphics cards are the most influential regarding how many frame rates a system can push during gameplay. However, when it comes to gaming phones, processors have the most impact on what resolution graphics are rendered and 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 OnePlus 10T or the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro. However, it comes at a steep retail price, so if budget is an issue, it’s best to explore more affordable phones.
Display
Gaming phone displays have evolved to the point where buyers can carry around smaller versions of elite gaming monitors in their pockets. A phone with a large screen estate and great resolution is ideal for gaming, especially for competitive titles like Call of Duty. Most phones offer higher than 1080p resolution at an average of 6.5'' screen size, which is sharp enough for gaming or media consumption. Similarly, most phones come with a 120 Hz refresh rate, which is ideal in games that support it. Gaming phones also come with higher touch sampling rates for a smoother and more responsive experience.
Another key consideration when searching for the best phone for gaming is battery life. Since prolonged gaming is an assault on battery life, it makes sense to go after phones with an enormous battery capacity that can easily outlast typical mobile phones. A 4800 mAh to 5000 mAh battery is pretty standard these days, but it’s not just about the size of the battery, it is also about the optimizations built into the software. Along with a large battery, the charging speeds also dictate the overall experience of using a phone and there is some form of fast charging built into most Android phones. Wireless charging, however, is a bonus and not a necessity when it comes to gaming smartphones.
A powerful processor and a brilliant screen aren’t of much use if a gamer can’t control the action with any degree of accuracy. Fortunately, some gaming phones employ highly responsive virtual buttons on their edges that simulate physical controllers. For anyone looking to simulate the precise controls of a standalone gaming controller, keep an eye out for phones with touch controls like the ROG Phone 8 Pro and the RedMagic 9 Pro. Some phones also incorporate features like active cooling, vapor chambers, dual USB Type-C ports, as well as RGB lights and displays on the back.
FAQ
Q: Which phone is the god of gaming?
While there are a handful of high-performance phones for gaming, the Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate is arguably the best option for mobile gamers today. It packs many exciting features that set it apart from the competition.
Q: How do I choose a good gaming phone?
When shopping for a gaming phone, it’s best to consider the processor, RAM, battery life, and screen size/resolution. It’s also advisable to get a phone that doesn’t have the tendency to overheat immediately after some minutes of gameplay.
Q: How much RAM is needed for gaming on a phone?
Plenty of RAM doesn’t instantly translate into smooth gameplay. The processor is another factor that must be strongly considered. As such, 4GB of RAM is a decent amount though, it doesn’t hurt to aim for higher RAM.
Q: What gaming smartphone has the most RAM?
Many gaming smartphones have RAM over 16GB. However, the Nubia REDMAGIC 8S Pro+ has 24GB of RAM. While many phone manufacturers still produce phones with RAM under 8GB, they are soon catching up with higher-capacity phones.
