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Phones have almost entirely replaced portable gaming consoles, and for good reason: they have powerful specs, high refresh rate displays, and better speakers than normal flagship models, while the App Store and Google Play Store both have a huge and ever-growing selection of games.
The best gaming phones are technological triumphs that combine super-fast SoCs with optimized software to deliver incredibly immersive experiences.
But not all modern phones are good for gaming, and there is more to consider than just raw power – although this is certainly an important factor.
Razer launched the gaming phone craze at the end of 2017 with the Razer Phone and Asus “picked up the glove” with the ROG Phone in 2018, followed by Xiaomi and ZTE with their Black Shark and Nubia Red Magic series respectively. These devices are all built specifically for gaming, which means they often boast a certain “gaming” aesthetic, while they are also equipped with game-specific features such as touch-sensitive shoulder triggers, specialized cooling systems (vapor chamber, internal fan), and gaming peripherals (gamepad, external fan).
On the other hand, there are excellent gaming phones that are not made specifically for gaming, such as the latest flagship models from Apple, Samsung, and OnePlus.
The arduous task, therefore, is to decide which one best suits you. There are in fact, many options on the table, so choosing the best one is not that easy. That’s where we come in. Our team of experts gathered the best gaming phones currently available on the market.
As a rule of thumb, for a great gaming experience, always opt for the device with the largest possible screen. Although it is not the most essential feature, it helps a lot not having to squint all the time in order to follow the action. And having a good amount of storage is certainly useful. 64GB is the bare minimum.
Similar to our guide for the best phone, we understand that not all users are similar: what is ideal for one person may not be ideal for you. That’s why we’ve included a wide range of phones to make sure that you can find the perfect one for you.
How to choose the best gaming phone
Choosing the best gaming phone is a bit different from choosing the best phone. With “regular” phones, you are usually more interested in battery life, cameras, and a plethora of other “handy to have” specs, but with gaming phones, two things are important: the screen and the processor.
As with all things, choosing the right gaming phone for you is a question of priorities. If you want the best performance – and you should – you will want a device equipped with the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon or Apple Bionic chipset.
Afterward, you should opt for a phone with a high refresh rate screen. A 90Hz panel provides smoother scrolling and graphics than a conventional screen (60Hz), making you feel as if every shot, touch, and action arouses a no-delay response. If you are a competitive player, the higher refresh rates (120+ Hz) are worth the extra expense.
Of course, if a device is made specifically for gaming it may ignore other specs. It is difficult to find a gaming phone with great cameras or wireless charging, for example. If you can’t live without these features, then you should opt for a mainstream flagship model that can still offer you a great gaming experience.
Always consider the two app stores before buying
Hardware is only half the puzzle. Once you have the right device, you’ll also need games, and to get them you’ll need to use the app store. Android users will be using Google Play, while iOS fans Apple’s App Store, and despite both of them being essentially the same thing, there are some differences to consider.
Typically, the App Store is a bit more expensive for games, apps, and in-app purchases. Google Play often has multiple free apps, but this means you’ll probably watch more ads. In addition, Apple often manages to secure exclusive titles for its App Store and many new features coming to iOS before Android.
These are the best gaming phones to buy today
Asus ROG Phone 5: the best
The best gaming phone right now is the Asus ROG Phone 5 (Check on Amazon) – which manages to improve the already impressive Asus ROG Phone 3 (Check on Amazon) – and this should not come as a surprise since it is designed and marketed primarily as a gaming smartphone.
It boasts top-of-the-range specs such as the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 SoC, a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a refresh rate of 144 Hz (smoother gameplay) and a touch sampling rate of 300 Hz (instant input), up to 16 GB of RAM, up to 512 GB of UFS 3.1 storage and a huge 6,000mAh battery paired with a 65 W fast charger. The icing on the cake is the stereo front-facing speakers, among the best you’ll find on any phone, that manage to elevate the gaming experience, plus the welcome return of the headphone jack!
Add to all this the shoulder buttons (Air Triggers 5), programmable RGB lights, and compatibility with Asus ROG’s gaming accessories and this is truly a complete gaming package.
Our only complaints regard its size and weight – it is 10.3 mm thick and weighs 238 g – which is understandable since it houses things like the Air Triggers, a second USB-C port for charging while gaming in landscape mode, and a 5-pin connector to connect the external AeroActive fan.
In addition, it cannot go toe to toe with the traditional flagships from Samsung, Apple, and OnePlus – its cameras are not as outstanding as the rest of the hardware while also lacking wireless charging and its aggressive design is not for everyone – but if gaming on the go is your top priority then this phone should be at the top of your list.
If the power of the ROG Phone 5 (Check on Amazon) fails to satisfy you, Asus launched two more models this year: the ROG Phone 5 Pro and the ROG Phone 5 Ultimate that double the storage space (512GB), add more RAM (18GB for the Ultimate version), have an extra screen and two touch sensors on the back, plus the AeroActive Cooler accessory included in the package!
Asus ROG Phone 3: a valid alternative
The Asus ROG Phone 3 (Check on Amazon) took everything that made the ROG Phone II (Check on Amazon) great and improved it further. On the surface, it is almost identical. This is a deliberate choice since Asus wanted to maintain compatibility with the ROG Phone II accessory ecosystem, which can offer you a similar experience to the Nintendo Switch or connect the phone to a TV to play your mobile games on the big screen.
The chipset however has been replaced with the latest Snapdragon 865+ while the new cooling system is even more cutting-edge. The ROG Phone 3 also gets a 6.59-inch AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate – the highest refresh rate available in a phone today – and an even better camera module that incorporates a new 64MP Quad Bayer main sensor and a new dedicated 5MP macro lens. Camera performance has never been a priority for Asus’s ROG division, yet the ROG Phone 3 manages to deliver a surprisingly amazing experience and some outstanding features, such as the recording of 8K stabilized video.
Obviously, the rest of its internal components are optimized for speed, such as the 512GB of UFS 3.1 storage, 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and the USB 3.1 port, to name a few. All powered up by a massive 6,000mAh battery!
On the flip side, you’ll have to learn to live with a 240-gram behemoth on a daily basis. On top of that, there are some sacrifices compared to the previous ROG Phone II: in order to fit the new Wi-Fi 6 hardware, without touching the battery or the stereo speakers, Asus had to ax the 3.5mm audio jack, FM radio, and Wi-Fi ad (60GHz).
The ROG Phone 3 doesn’t have an official IP rating or support wireless charging, however, these shortcomings cannot compromise what is still the undisputed leader in the mobile gaming space.
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: best business gaming phone
When you’re looking for the best gaming phone, we recommend that you make sure you’re about to buy one that excels in all other departments as well, and in 2020 the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is simply the best.
While it focuses primarily on productivity, it features a stunning 6.9-inch display with a dynamic 120Hz refresh rate, perfectly suited for gaming. All this extra screen real estate makes playing games a true joy since your thumbs don’t cover half the screen.
The Note 20 Ultra also comes equipped with the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ processor and 12GB of RAM (in the US, the rest of the world gets the same Samsung Exynos 990 as the S20 series).
In addition, the software has been modified to offer the best performance without unnecessarily taxing the battery and this phone doesn’t get as hot as competing ones when it reproduces games with intensive graphics at high settings. It is also optimized for streaming Xbox titles, via Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, and can also stream games on external displays via Samsung’s DeX interface and Miracast.
If you’re going to spend (Check on Amazon) on a phone though, you also want it to be top dog when it comes to working, media consumption, taking photos and videos, and everything else, and the Note 20 Ultra dominates the competition. The 108MP camera captures incredibly detailed images and has a huge 50x zoom to boot. Night mode is also excellent, beaten only by the iPhone 11 Pro (Check on Amazon).
We are also big fans of the S-Pen that can take notes (which the software converts to text) or shoot photos remotely.
However, the Note 20 Ultra doesn’t come with those dedicated features you’ll find on a phone built for gaming such as shoulder triggers or extra gaming accessories like the ones in the Asus ROG Phone 3 (Check on Amazon).
All in all, the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is one of the best gaming phones and certainly the best 2020 phone, period.
Read more: Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra review: the Ultra done right
OnePlus 9 Pro: a valid alternative
OnePlus devices no longer offer the same outstanding value as in the past, however, they still combine great hardware and software in a way that is sure to please most of us.
The OnePlus 9 Pro (Check on Amazon) is a great flagship smartphone that boasts a feature that is specifically designed for a gaming phone. We’re talking about Hyper Touch, which increases the touch sampling rate from 240 Hz to 360 Hz, making its screen extraordinarily responsive to inputs.
In addition, it also sports a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset, up to 12GB of RAM, up to 256 GB of storage, a fabulous 6.7-inch AMOLED screen (with a resolution of 3,216×1,440 pixels and a 20:9 aspect ratio) with an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120 Hz – for smoother gameplay –, a pair of very capable stereo speakers, the new vapor chamber cooling system capable of effectively eliminating excess heat and 5G connectivity to play online on the go.
Moreover, the performance of its quad-camera module is significantly better compared to previous models — thanks to the partnership with the Swedish company Hasselblad.
The other thing that keeps impressing is the phenomenal OxygenOS software, which actually adds some utility to Android 11, with a nice, easy-to-navigate user interface and a Game Mode that blocks incoming calls and notifications while playing games.
The battery life is its Achilles heel, but the phone supports 65W fast charge (as well as 50W wireless fast charging).
Overall, the OnePlus 9 Pro is not only one of the best premium Android phones — on par with the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra (Check on Amazon) — but also one of the best gaming phones ever. Sadly, it is quite expensive (Check on Amazon) but definitely worth the price if you want one of the best all-around smartphones.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra: best premium gaming phone
If you want a phone that is great for gaming, but not only that, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (Check on Amazon) is the ideal choice. It is Samsung’s latest premium phone, and it features the best specs across the board.
Samsung’s flagship for 2021 is not advertised as a gaming smartphone, but it is a real powerhouse that delivers exactly what most gamers need in a handheld device.
The only problem with this phone, and the reason why many people will not buy it, is its price. It is an incredibly expensive device, and few people will be able to justify such a splurge.
If the cost of the Galaxy S21 Ultra doesn’t scare you though, it’s a fantastic gaming phone, with superior processing power thanks to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor or Samsung Exynos 2100 (depending on where you’re in the world), a stunning 6.8-inch AMOLED display with Quad HD+ resolution, an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120 Hz and up to 1500 nits of brightness (HDR10+), that also sports the best smart cameras, excellent battery life (5000mAh) and S-Pen support (sold separately). In addition, its 5G connectivity allows for the fastest data speed on the planet for when you play online on the go.
But the goodness of this smartphone is not limited to its top-of-the-range hardware specs. It also offers software goodies such as Samsung’s Game Launcher and Game Tools, which allow you to change the performance of individual games, as well as support for Xbox’s Game Pass.
If you want something cheaper, but one that can still handle all modern games with ease, you could opt for the Samsung Galaxy S21 (Check on Amazon) or S21+ (Check on Amazon). And if you want to save even more money, you could also wait till the summer release of the Galaxy S21 FE (Fan Edition), which should offer the same performance at an even lower price.
For avid gamers, however, with money to spare, the Ultra (Check on Amazon) is simply unmatched.
Xiaomi Black Shark 3: best cheap gaming phone
Xiaomi’s latest gaming phone, the Black Shark 3, is as impressive as the first two: it is powerful and has a host of gaming features that will please gamers who want a superior mobile gaming experience. It’s hard to find flaws from a gaming standpoint and there’s even the Pro version if you need a bigger screen.
It’s not a cheap phone, but it’s very affordable considering what you get for the money – including the high-end Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor, 12GB of RAM, and the advanced liquid cooling system. The 4,720mAh battery offers more than decent autonomy even during extended gaming sessions and recharges incredibly fast.
Equipped with a big 6.67-inch display, with Full HD+ resolution (1080×2400 pixels), adaptive HDR technology, 90Hz refresh rate, and front stereo speakers, as well as surprising ergonomics, this is undoubtedly one of the best gaming phones of the moment. We also like the official accessories on offer, including the magnetic charging cable (simply genius) and the optional gamepad (expensive for what it offers).
Just be aware that it’s chunkier and heavier than most other phones out there, which means you’ll feel it in your pocket when you’re out and about. Yet for us, this is a compromise worth making to have one of the most impressive gaming phones we’ve ever seen, and one that does justice to the best mobile games out there.
Apple iPhone 12 Pro: best gaming iPhone
For those deeply rooted in the Apple ecosystem, the latest iPhone Pro model out there, the iPhone 12 Pro (Check on Amazon), is Apple’s best gaming phone right now, since it gives you the most premium gaming experience yet.
The iPhone 12 Pro has the best display of the four iPhone 12s. It uses a 6.1-inch OLED panel with a resolution of 2,532×1,170 pixels (460 PPI) that is very bright and able to highlight sharp images during gaming for excellent visual quality and is the right size to get the most out of your gaming experience.
It is also powered by the new A14 Bionic chipset, which is based on a 5nm manufacturing process and is the fastest processor on a phone you can currently get. In addition, it has better battery management and processing power than its predecessor. This SoC is paired with 6GB of RAM that might seem little to competing Android devices, but are more than enough for iOS’s multitasking capabilities. Last but not least, it also offers plenty of high-speed storage space – at least 128GB – that should be more than enough for your gaming needs.
There is obviously no shortage of game options either, thanks to the App Store which has a wide range of games, plus the benefits of using Apple Arcade for a Netflix-style library of games. And, if you’re looking to access the world of cloud gaming, iPhone 12 Pro’s support for 5G networks will help you do just that, despite being away from a Wi-Fi source.
This phone’s battery will easily support you through long gaming sessions and that’s a huge plus considering that we are talking about an iPhone here.
The iPhone 12 Pro doesn’t have shoulder triggers, like most dedicated gaming phones, but you can easily solve this “problem” by investing in a third-party gaming accessory — such as a gamepad or controller.
Ultimately, the iPhone 12 Pro is expensive for what it does (it is an iPhone), but if you decide to buy it, you’ll be future-proof for quite some time.
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max: a bigger and more expensive alternative
The iPhones 12 are among the best gaming phones in existence thanks to their Apple A14 Bionic chipset – which surpasses even the Snapdragon 888 that powers the Asus ROG Phone 5 (Check on Amazon) and using half the amount of RAM (6 GB).
In addition, a number of AAA titles get released first on iOS via the Apple Arcade subscription program that offers a hand-picked selection of quality games some of which cannot be found elsewhere.
Among the four iPhones 12, the Pro Max (Check on Amazon) has a larger screen — 6.7 inches — sporting a super crisp and bright OLED panel and boasting an excellent contrast ratio of 2, 000:1. Unfortunately, its refresh rate is just 60Hz, so if you want a smoother gaming experience you should look elsewhere.
Anyhoo, it is worth pointing out that the iPhone 12 Pro Max is an extremely well-rounded flagship in other areas beyond gaming, in particular with its excellent camera quality and long battery life (it lasted 8 hours in our gaming benchmarks).
Its only drawback is that it’s too expensive — even for an Apple device — and it doesn’t even include the charger in the package.
If the display of the iPhone 12 Pro Max (Check on Amazon) is too big for you, you could also consider the iPhone 12 (Check on Amazon) or iPhone 12 Pro (Check on Amazon). Both feature a smaller 6.1 inch OLED screen and the same Bionic A14 SoC – but the iPhone 12 loses the telephoto lens we find on the Pro and Pro Max models. The fourth device, the iPhone 12 mini (Check on Amazon), is probably a tad too small for use as a gaming phone.
Apple iPhone 11, 11 Pro & Pro Max: valid alternatives
This wouldn’t be a best gaming phone list without the inclusion of an iPhone. And how could we ever not include the latest Cupertino flagship? The iPhone 11 Pro (Check on Amazon) is equipped with the most powerful mobile processor in existence, the A13 Bionic, its graphics chip is perfectly optimized, the 5.8-inch OLED Super Retina XDR display is simply amazing and the cooling system works wonders. Not to mention that Apple’s App Store is richer in games even than Google’s Play Store.
Last but not least, this latest iteration has improved on a traditional weakness of previous iPhones, namely autonomy. The iPhone 11 Pro can last up to four hours longer when compared to the previous XS (Check on Amazon).
And if you need a bigger screen, there is also the iPhone 11 Pro Max (Check on Amazon), which boasts a huge 6.5-inch display. In addition the larger battery grants it even more autonomy than the iPhone 11 Pro. The only drawback? It is still one of the most expensive phones on the market!
Otherwise, the iPhone 11 offers a 6.1-inch display and the same processor for “just” (Check on Amazon). However, the screen uses an LCD panel.
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Apple iPhone XR: a budget alternative
iOS is still a better gaming system, and this is clear if you consider titles, like Asphalt 8 and 9, that run at 60 fps on an iPhone XR (Check on Amazon) while all Android phones are limited to just 30 fps.
The iPhone XR’s processor is the same as Apple’s iPhone XS (Check on Amazon) and XS Max (Check on Amazon) models and its battery lasts a little longer.
Considering all this, the iPhone XR ends up being the better choice if you want both an iPhone and a gaming phone, without spending a fortune.
Read more: Apple iPhone XR review: the best iPhone ever (yes, really)
Samsung Galaxy S21+: the best phone
If you want a top-of-the-range Android phone that can also handle AAA mobile games, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ (Check on Amazon) is the best one.
It features an AMOLED panel with an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120 Hz and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 SoC (in the United States and China that is, Samsung Exynos 2100 in the rest of the world). Yes, it comes with “just” 8 GB of RAM, but that doesn’t limit it; it’s incredibly fast in every sense of the word. Plus, its 5G connectivity supports the faster mmWave (millimeter-wave) networks – as well as the slower but more widespread sub-6GHz ones – which results in the fastest data transfers on the planet for when you want to play online on the go.
And thanks to its 4,800 mAh battery, you won’t have to reach for the charger every time you want to play during your lunch break.
This phone also comes with the latest version of Android and also offers a very impressive triple camera module.
Although it does not offer any hardware features dedicated to gaming (shoulder triggers for example) or any gaming peripherals (external cooling fans, etc.) — as most gaming smartphones do — the S21+ features Samsung’s Game Launcher and Game tools, two apps that allow you to adjust the performance of individual games, capture screenshots, record gaming footage and much more, as well as support for Xbox Game Pass.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ is all that a modern flagship phone should be: it’s powerful, it has a stunning screen and it’s packed with advanced features. It’s also great for games and despite its price (Check on Amazon), it’s definitely a great choice for anyone looking for one of the best phones of the moment.
If you want to save some money, you could also wait for the inevitable release of the Fan Edition that should offer the same specs at a slightly lower price!
Samsung Galaxy S20 & S20+: valid alternatives
Samsung launched three Galaxy S20 in 2020. Of the three, the Galaxy S20+ (Check on Amazon) is the one that hits the spot when it comes to gaming. Don’t worry though, the Galaxy S20 (Check on Amazon) is equally good.
Both feature a crisp Quad HD display (3.200×1.440 pixels) with a small hole-punch notch that shouldn’t be a distraction. They also sport a 120Hz refresh rate, which is a big bonus for gaming phones, plus a touch response rate of 240Hz. The screen is extremely sharp, with ink level blacks and bright colors, easy to look at for long periods of time. This is the best display ever, according to our modest opinion.
The stereo speakers offer decent sound, but there’s no 3.5mm audio jack, so you’ll need to use Bluetooth headphones or an adapter for the USB-C port.
Even more goodies lay hidden inside. A Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 (in the US, Samsung Exynos 990 in the rest of the world) is paired with at least 8GB of RAM and 128GB of expandable storage. You can also lock up to five games into the RAM and pick up right where you left them.
They both come equipped with a rather durable (4,000mAh and 4,500mAh respectively) battery. And if you are a heavy gamer, you can quickly recharge it via fast wired (25W) or wireless (15W) charging.
Samsung’s One UI user interface is one of the best we have ever tried and includes a special Game Booster mode that can be configured to filter distractions while playing. This phone also uses “machine learning” to optimize battery life, memory use, and temperature. Finally, there is a feature that allows you to record your gameplay with your audio commentary on top.
If you want the best phone that can double as a great gaming device – and money is no problem – one of these two Samsung Galaxy is your best choice.
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Samsung Galaxy S10 & S10+: budget alternatives
Similar to the OnePlus 7 Pro, the Samsung Galaxy S10+ (Check on Amazon) is not marketed at gamers. It sports a streamlined design that is more business than play. However, it also offers one of the best performances in the market and better graphics than most.
In fact, the Galaxy S10+ has been customized for gaming since it is the first phone optimized for games running in Unity. In addition, its GPU has been optimized to offer more fluid gameplay in all games, regardless of which engine they have been developed for.
Users can also activate the Enhanced game mode that offers better video and audio performance by taking advantage of the Infinity-O display and Dolby speakers.
It also features a vapor chamber cooling system for when things get really hot!
Last but not least it is equipped with a 4,100mAh battery able to withstand more than a couple of hours of gaming.
If you cannot afford it, the standard S10 (Check on Amazon) is a valid alternative but it doesn’t have the same autonomy so be careful of quickly running out of juice.
Read more:
ZTE nubia Red Magic 6: the perfect gaming phone
The new ZTE Nubia Red Magic 6 (Check on Amazon) is an excellent upgrade from the ZTE nubia Red Magic 5G (Check on Amazon) and one of the most interesting gaming phones so far. In addition to the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset with an integrated cooling fan (unlike Asus ROG devices), it also sports an amazing 6.8-inch AMOLED panel with a refresh rate of 165 Hz and a touch sampling rate of 400 Hz — better specs than the Asus ROG Phone 5 (Check on Amazon). Even though you won’t notice much difference in real-world performance, it will surely satisfy your need for the best of the best.
It also offers a host of gaming features, including very practical shoulder triggers that can be mapped to on-screen controls and the ability to control everything via Red Magic’s “Game Space” mode.
The triple rear camera configuration is identical to that of last year’s model. It produces decent shots but not at the level of other flagships.
The ace up its sleeve is that it costs much less than Apple’s and Samsung’s flagship phones. Yes, it doesn’t feature the same level of “polish” as competing premium models, and camera performance is acceptable at best, but for gaming, this is the perfect device.
Unless you’ve already purchased the Red Magic 5G, you won’t regret buying the Red Magic 6 (Check on Amazon).
ZTE nubia Red Magic 5G: a valid alternative
The Nubia Red Magic 5G is the first phone equipped with a display (6.65″ AMOLED) that features a 144Hz refresh rate (and supports a tactile response rate of 240Hz), which makes it ideal for games, as it provides a silky smooth experience.
This high refresh rate would be useless without a really fast processor, so it’s nice to find a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 inside – the same chip we find in the Samsung Galaxy S20+ (Check on Amazon) – paired with 8, 12, or 16GB of RAM and 128 or 256GB of internal memory.
But the high refresh rate is not the only thing that makes this phone ideal for gaming. It is, in fact, designed specifically for gaming, sporting touch triggers on the shoulder (with a tactile response rate of 300Hz) for added control, a “4D Shock” function that adds vibration to games, as well as a built-in fan and a liquid cooling system that can keep the device cool even after hours and hours of play.
Speaking of autonomy, the Red Magic 5G is equipped with a large 4,500mAh battery, which supports 55W fast charging, capable of recharging the device from 0 to more than 50% in just 15 minutes.
Red Magic’s user interface, based on Android 10 includes, of course, a game mode, which can be activated via a physical switch on the side of the phone. When turned on, it immediately takes you to your game library, turns off notifications, and starts the internal fan. The rest of the software suffers from some bugs, errors in translation, and somewhat confusing settings but nothing overly dramatic.
Ultimately the Red Magic 5G is a big and heavy gaming phone, boasting an aggressive and angular design that will not appeal to everyone. However, you can find it for (Check on Amazon), which makes it a phenomenal deal.
Asus ROG Phone II: still valid
The Asus ROG Phone II (Check on Amazon) reigns supreme in the world of gaming phones. This cell phone is the most powerful mobile device available at the moment.
It features a Snapdragon 855+ SoC with a boosted Adreno 640 chipset and 12GB of RAM.
Its 6.59 inches AMOLED display sports a refresh rate of 120Hz… the highest we have ever seen on a phone. The resolution is by design just Full HD+ and strikes the right balance between screen quality and autonomy.
Its 6,000mAh battery will last you for a day and a half even with intensive use and up to 2 days with a more moderate regime.
Asus also offers many gaming accessories such as an external clip-on fan (included in the box), a gamepad, a dock with an additional screen, and many others. With a careful selection, you will be able to adapt it to your particular needs.
Software optimization is also here. The X-mode, for example, will push your device to the maximum of its capabilities by devoting all possible resources to gaming.
This is a gaming phone that does not compromise and nor should you!
Read more: Asus ROG Phone 2 review: the ultimate gaming smartphone
OnePlus 8 Pro: best all-around gaming phone
The OnePlus 7 Pro (Check on Amazon) and 7T (Check on Amazon) are both higher on this list, but OnePlus’s latest device, the 8 Pro, is a phone that beats both. It is the Chinese company’s first true flagship, which has finally incorporated long-awaited features such as wireless charging and IP68 certification, while the display’s refresh rate went from 90 to 120Hz.
Understandably the price has also gone up accordingly – which is why we prefer the previous phones – but at (Check on Amazon) the OnePlus 8 Pro still costs less than Samsung’s and Apple’s flagship phones.
The spec sheet is top-notch: we find a Snapdragon 865, paired with 8 or 12GB of RAM and 128 or 256GB of internal storage. The device also boasts a large 4,510mAh battery, that features fast (30W) charging for both wired and wireless modes!
The OnePlus 8 Pro is easy to recommend to everyone who can afford it.
Vivo iQOO 3 (5G): the best value gaming phone
Although not specifically built for gaming the Vivo iQOO 3 (in 5G or 4G variant) is a solid all-around phone. Sure, its screen isn’t high-refresh rate, and its camera isn’t as versatile as that of the more expensive models. But its 60Hz display is bright and easily readable outdoors while the quadruple rear camera performs well in good lighting conditions.
What’s more, the fact that the screen is not high refresh rate means that it does not consume too much battery, making the iQOO a champion of autonomy. Add the 55W fast charging support and you find yourself with a winning combination.
And all this even before you get to the high-end Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor capable of handling any workload or game. This chipset is paired with the latest LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage. Last but not least, the presence of the pressure-sensitive shoulder buttons is what made us include the iQOO 3 in this list and are definitely very handy.
Whether you’re a gamer or not, it’s easy to see the appeal of the iQOO 3 5G (Check on Amazon). And the 4G version costs even less.
Razer Phone 2: the best gaming phone for most people
The first Razer Phone (Check on Amazon) was a solid effort in introducing a gaming brand to the mobile world, but it had some problems and failed to make our list. The second version has resolved most of them and it is also a good all-round phone, although it is still aimed primarily at gamers.
Why is that? The camera and screen are not as impressive as those of other phones that cost the same, so casual gamers would want to consider other options. But if you take mobile games seriously and you can afford it, this is a very good option.
The Razer Phone 2 (Check on Amazon) hasn’t changed much compared to its predecessor, but this time around is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor and is wrapped in glass in order to offer wireless Qi charging. Razer also gave it a great vapor chamber to cool the device down while playing.
The powerful SoC, 8GB of RAM, excellent speakers, a display with a refresh rate of 120Hz, and a 4,000mAh battery, as well as dedicated software capable of improving performance and autonomy, make this an excellent choice for gamers.
OnePlus 7 Pro: the best performance/price ratio
If the “infinite screen” mobile game experience is what you are looking for, the OnePlus 7 Pro (Check on Amazon) is the best gaming phone for this purpose. It dispenses with the notch (classic or hole-punch) intended to house the selfie camera and uses a pop-up slider (retractable camera) to give you an all-screen display of 6.67’’ with a resolution of 3120×1440 pixels.
This new “flagship killer” also comes equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 SoC, which can handle even the most demanding mobile games. In addition, you can also activate Fnatic mode to prioritize processing power and network speed while playing. There is also a Game mode that blocks notifications, improves haptic feedback, and enables HDR screen mode that features brighter tones and darker blacks.
What more could you ask for?
Read more: OnePlus 7 Pro review: a contender for the best smartphone of the year
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