The Ultimate Guide to the Best Gaming Phones in 2025 Gaming smartphones have revolutionized mobile gaming, bringing high-performance processors, ample RAM, and high-refresh-rate displays to users who demand the best experience. With the growth of cloud gaming services like Xbox Cloud, mobile gaming is bigger than ever, and there are numerous options for gamers looking for a powerful device. Finding the right gaming phone can be challenging, given the range of features and price points available. Fortunately, as gaming phones become more advanced, prices are gradually becoming more affordable, ensuring that there’s an option for every budget. Our team of experts has carefully reviewed the best gaming phones on the market, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision. While these phones won’t completely replace gaming laptops or tablets, they are the best handheld devices for immersive gaming experiences. Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro – Best Overall Gaming Phone Specifications: Display: 6.78-inch AMOLED Resolution: 2448 x 1080 Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Cameras: 32MP front, 50MP main rear, 13MP ultra-wide Storage: Up to 1TB Water Resistance: IP54 Dimensions: 163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9mm Weight: 225g Pros: Sleek new design Innovative rear dot matrix display Powerful gaming performance Surprisingly good camera Touch-sensitive trigger buttons Cons: High price tag Offset USB-C port makes mobile controllers difficult to use The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro is a powerhouse, boasting the cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor within a slim yet premium design. It features a high-refresh-rate 165Hz AMOLED display, ensuring smooth motion whether gaming or browsing. The device includes capacitive touch triggers that provide a gamepad-like feel, enhancing control in supported titles. Additionally, Asus’s Armory Crate software optimizes gaming performance, and the included Aero Active cooler enhances thermal management. Combining top-tier performance, a vibrant display, and excellent gaming-focused features, the ROG Phone 8 Pro is the best overall gaming phone available today. RedMagic 9S Pro – Best Value Gaming Phone Specifications: Display: 6.8-inch AMOLED, 120Hz Resolution: 1116 x 2480 Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Leading Version Cameras: 50MP main, 50MP ultra-wide, 2MP macro, 16MP front Storage: Up to 512GB Water Resistance: N/A Dimensions: 164 x 76 x 9mm Weight: 229g Pros: Stylish design Crisp, fluid display Excellent price-to-performance ratio Improved user interface Long battery life Cons: Minor improvements over previous model May require software updates For gamers looking for top-tier performance without spending a fortune, the RedMagic 9S Pro is an outstanding choice. While it doesn’t make major leaps from its predecessor, it offers an excellent balance between affordability and high-end gaming capabilities. The phone has a sleek, modern design with a flat, comfortable build. It also features an RGB cooling fan, providing better temperature management during intense gaming sessions. With a 120Hz AMOLED display, smooth performance, and touch-sensitive gaming triggers, the RedMagic 9S Pro offers exceptional value for money. Samsung Galaxy A50 – Best Budget Gaming Phone Specifications: Display: 6.4-inch Super AMOLED Resolution: 1080 x 2340 Processor: Octa-core Cameras: 25MP wide, 8MP ultra-wide, 5MP depth, 25MP front Storage: 128GB Water Resistance: IP68 (up to 2 meters) Dimensions: 158.5 x 74.7 x 7.7mm Weight: 166g Pros: Nearly bezel-less display Capable of handling high settings in games Affordable price point Cons: High-performance gaming drains battery quickly For budget-conscious gamers, the Samsung Galaxy A50 is an excellent choice. Despite being significantly more affordable than premium gaming phones, it can handle demanding games like Call of Duty Mobile at high settings. It also includes a solid camera system, making it a well-rounded smartphone. The Galaxy A50 provides great value, featuring a high-quality Super AMOLED display and dual-SIM functionality, making it an excellent pick for travelers or professionals who need multiple SIM slots. Also Read MediaTek Dimensity 8400-Ultra vs. Snapdragon 8s Gen 3: A Comprehensive Performance Analysis Black Shark 5 Pro – Best Controls on a Gaming Phone Specifications: Display: 6.67-inch OLED Resolution: 1080p Processor: Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Cameras: 108MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro (rear), 16MP wide (front) Storage: 256GB / 512GB Water Resistance: N/A Dimensions: 16.3 x 76.5 x 9.5mm Weight: 220g Pros: High-end performance Vibrant OLED display Pop-up physical gaming triggers Cons: Limited battery improvements No headphone jack or wireless charging The Black Shark 5 Pro stands out with its physical pop-up triggers, delivering an authentic console-like gaming experience. Unlike other gaming phones that rely on touch-sensitive pads, the clicky physical buttons provide better precision and control. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, it ensures smooth gaming performance and a fantastic OLED display for immersive visuals. If gaming controls are a priority, the Black Shark 5 Pro is the best choice.   Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate – Most Comfortable Gaming Phone Specifications: Display: 6.78-inch AMOLED, 165Hz Resolution: 2448 x 1080 Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Cameras: 32MP front, 50MP main rear, 13MP ultra-wide, 8MP macro Storage: 512GB Water Resistance: IP54 Dimensions: 173 x 77 x 10.3mm Weight: 239g Pros: Ergonomic design High-quality AMOLED display Touch-sensitive gaming triggers Powerful audio system Cons: Off-center USB-C port limits controller compatibility Premium pricing While gaming phones often prioritize performance over comfort, the ROG Phone 7 Ultimate strikes a perfect balance. It features an ergonomic build, reducing hand strain during long gaming sessions. With a high-refresh-rate AMOLED display, touch-sensitive triggers, and powerful front-firing speakers, the gaming experience is immersive. Asus’s Armoury Crate software offers seamless game optimization, making the ROG Phone 7 Ultimate a fantastic choice for serious gamers. How We Test Gaming Phones We rigorously test gaming smartphones to ensure they meet high standards. Our evaluation includes real-world usage, testing cameras, screens, and battery performance under daily conditions. We also assess gaming capabilities by running demanding titles like Call of Duty Mobile, PUBG, and Fortnite, analyzing performance, battery consumption, and overall gaming experience.   Which Brands Make Gaming Phones? While major brands like Apple and Samsung dominate the smartphone industry, only a few brands specialize in dedicated gaming phones: Asus: Known for high-refresh-rate displays and additional cooling accessories, Asus’s ROG series is designed for … Continue reading The Best Gaming Phones in 2025