Best Gaming Phones, Best Gaming Phones In 2022, Top 10 Best Gaming Phone You Can Buy Now
The best gaming phones that won't let you down in the heat of battle
The best gaming phones ensure that you don't miss out on smooth gameplay and high-fidelity graphics just because you're playing on a handheld device. Equipped with a powerful chipset, copious amounts of RAM, and the best display available in the market, these phones will make your mobile games look and feel their best.
Companies like Razer and Asus – names that gamers are all too well familiar with – have used their expertise in the field to create purpose-built, gaming-focused handsets. But recent flagships from Samsung, OnePlus, and even Apple, with their class-leading specifications, are also great for demanding titles.
Which are the best gaming phones?
At the top of our best gaming phone list is the recently released Asus ROG Phone 5. The combination of a 144Hz display, up to 16GB of RAM, a Snapdragon 888 chipset, and a superb longevity courtesy of a 6,000mAh battery means that if you only care about gaming, there's no better option.
But what if you want something that delivers on gaming but is a better all-around device? In that case, we recommend the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, which is actually priced at $1,299 but still offers excellent performance, was one of the first phones to support Xbox Game Pass streaming and has There is an adaptive 120Hz refresh-rate display.
Another option is the OnePlus 9 Pro, which packs a 120Hz panel as well as excellent software courtesy of OnePlus' Oxygen OS front-end atop Android 11. And if you want the cheapest path to premium performance, the Redmagic 5G offers the best. Start at a price under the $600 mark, with gaming-focused features and a screen as responsive as the ROG Phone 5.
What about iPhone? Well, Apple's handsets don't have a wealth of gaming-related features like most of the phones in this best gaming phone guide, like high refresh-rate displays and customizable inputs, but they do have Cupertino's peerless silicon. The A14 Bionic chipset in the iPhone 12 Pro Max is faster than Qualcomm's best counterpart, making it ideal for the most demanding games.
The Galaxy S21 Plus is another well-rounded Samsung device for gaming, boasting a great screen with a trio of great cameras and top-tier performance. It also costs $999, considering that it is as good a gaming phone as it is a flagship phone. The new Oppo Find X3 Pro plays a similar role, offering a lot more display, RAM, and camera technology than Samsung, but not beating it as it does in the U.S. Not available for purchase in
If none of this suits, what does the future hold in terms of good gaming phones? If rumors are to be believed, the iPhone 13 will take the template of the iPhone 12 and improve it with a more powerful chip and 120Hz display on some models. As per the latest leaks, we may not see the OnePlus 9T or the Samsung Galaxy Note 21 after this entire year, which means nothing is likely to change for Android mobile gaming fans until next year.
However, the Google Pixel 6 has just been officially teased, branding its new "Tensor" chip. While we don't know all the details about this piece of silicon just yet, it could mean exciting things for the phone's gaming capabilities, especially when combined with the confirmed 120Hz display on the Pixel 6 Pro.
Top 10 Best Gaming Phone You Can Buy Now
1. Asus ROG Phone 5 ( Best Gaming Phone )
2. Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra ( Best Gaming Phone )
3. iPhone 12 Pro Max ( Best Gaming Phone )
4. OnePlus 9 Pro ( Best Gaming Phone )
5. RedMagic 5G ( Best Gaming Phone )
6. Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus ( Best Gaming Phone )
7. Oppo Find X3 Pro ( Best Gaming Phone )
8. OnePlus 9 ( Best Gaming Phone )
9. XIAOMI BLACK SHARK 3 ( Best Gaming Phone )
10. LENOVO LEGION PHONE DUEL ( Best Gaming Phone )
Which is the No 1 gaming phone?
Answer: ASUS ROG PHONE 5
The ROG Phone 5 series has minimal bezels on the top and bottom and is slightly longer than the previous generation. ... Asus ROG Phone 5 features 6.78-inch Full HD+ (2448 x 1080 pixels) resolution display that uses an AMOLED panel sourced from Samsung
1. Asus ROG Phone 5 ( Best Gaming Phone )
The best gaming phone, period
SPECIFICATIONS
Display size (Pixels): 6.78-inch AMOLED (2448 x 1080)Peak refresh rate: 144HzCPU: Snapdragon 888RAM: 8GB,12GB, 16GBStorage/Expandable: 128GB, 256GB / NoCameras (Back/Front): 64MP wide, 13MP ultrawide, 5MP macro / 24MPWeight: 8.4 ouncesBattery life (Hrs:Mins): 10:27 (144Hz), 12:23 (60Hz)
GOOD
- Superb performance
- Beautiful AMOLED display with 144Hz refresh rate
- Excellent battery life
- Powerful front-facing speakers
BAD
- Disappointing night mode camera
- Bulky and heavy
- “Gamer” aesthetic is not for everyone
- No wireless charging
If you're serious about your mobile game, and if you don't want to settle for anything less than the highest frame rate, best graphics, and longest battery life, the Asus ROG Phone 5 is one of the best gaming phones out there. Is.
Sporting a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a variable refresh rate of up to 144Hz maximum, the screen of the ROG Phone 5 is flawless. With a powerful Snapdragon 888 chipset and up to 16GB of RAM, it will take on any game you throw at it. There's also a big 6,000mAh battery with 65W charging that will keep you playing for a long time without a break to recharge.
Although the focus on gaming is a boon and a curse. That means you have customizable RGB lights on the back, virtual trigger buttons on the side, and some powerful stereo speakers that all add to the experience. However, the lackluster cameras and lack of wireless charging mean the phone doesn't have some significant versatility. Plus that loud design may not be to your taste.
If that's not enough performance for you, there's also the limited edition Asus ROG Phone 5 Ultimate which adds more RAM and storage. But for most users who want to focus on gaming above all else, the usual ROG Phone 5 is the phone one should go for.
2. Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra ( Best Gaming Phone )
The best gaming phone for more than just gaming
SPECIFICATIONS
Display: 6.9-inch AMOLED (3088x1440)CPU: Snapdragon 865 PlusRAM: 12GBStorage / Expandable: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB / YesRear camera: 108MP wide (ƒ/1.8); 12MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom (ƒ/3.0); 12MP ultrawide (ƒ/2.2)Front camera: 10MP (ƒ/2.2)Weight: 7.33 ouncesBattery life (Hrs:Mins): 10:15
GOOD
- Dynamic 6.9-inch 120Hz display
- Smoother S Pen performance
- Powerful 50x zoom camera and laser autofocus
- Very good battery life
BAD
- Expensive
The new Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra might not sound like a gaming phone, but rest assured – it's one of the best gaming phones on the market, with the most advanced display you'll find that can extend all the way up to one. Up to 120Hz or 30Hz or 60Hz to match the frame rate of on-screen content.
But the Note 20 Ultra is much more than just a powerful flagship; It's optimized for streaming Xbox titles through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, and can even cast games to external displays via Samsung's DeX interface and Miracast. Whatever you play or however you play, the Note 20 Ultra's Snapdragon 865 Plus and 12GB of RAM will ensure a smooth experience - as long as you have a stable internet connection for streaming, of course.
You won't find the range of gamer-focused features you'd expect from the ROG Phone 3 in the latest high-end Note, like clip-on external cooling fans and customizable air triggers. Again, if you need a powerful phablet for work as well as play, there's no option more versatile than the Note 20 Ultra. It's worth mentioning that the $999, 6.7-inch Galaxy Note 20 is also a great device, though only at a 60Hz refresh rate.
3. iPhone 12 Pro Max ( Best Gaming Phone )
The best gaming phone for iPhone users
SPECIFICATIONS
Display (Pixels): 6.7-inch OLED (2778 x 1284)Peak refresh rate: 60HzCPU: A14 BionicRAM: 6GBStorage/Expandable: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB / NoCameras (Back/Front): 12MP wide, telephoto and ultrawide / 12 MPWeight: 8.03 ouncesBattery life (Hrs:Mins): 10:53
GOOD
- Bright and colorful display
- A14 Bionic CPU more powerful than competition
- Strong battery life
- Excellent photography abilities
BAD
- Only 60Hz refresh rate
- 128GB of storage on entry model
- Expensive compared to rivals
With a 60Hz screen and just 6GB of RAM, you may initially hold back from gaming on the iPhone. However, the iPhone 12 Pro Max offers unmatched power among the best gaming phones. That's thanks to Apple's A14 Bionic chipset, which still outpaces the Snapdragon 888 in the ROG Phone 5, even with half the RAM.
You also have to consider that many of the premier, flagship mobile titles come first on iOS, or through the Apple Arcade subscription program, which offers a hand-picked selection of quality games that aren't offered anywhere else. go. And they all look and run absolutely bright on the iPhone 12 Pro Max's 6.7-inch OLED display, even at pedestrian 60Hz. It's also worth noting that the iPhone 12 Pro Max is a pretty well-rounded handset in areas beyond gaming, especially with its camera quality and long battery life being excellent.
That said, we can understand why someone in the market for a gaming phone might want to hold off before taking the plunge on one of Apple's 2020 flagship handsets. It's on the expensive end of the phone on this list, has smaller than average storage, and doesn't even come with a charging block. Apple charges them separately these days.
4. OnePlus 9 Pro ( Best Gaming Phone )
An excellent Galaxy Note 20 Ultra alternative
SPECIFICATIONS
Display size (Pixels): 6.7-inch AMOLED (3168x1440)Peak refresh rate: 120HzCPU: Snapdragon 888RAM: 8GB, 12GBStorage/Expandable: 128GB, 256GB / NoCameras (Back/Front): 48MP wide, 80MP ultrawide, 8MP telephoto, 2MP monochrome sensor / 16MPWeight: 6.95 ouncesBattery life (Hrs:Mins): 10:40
GOOD
- Bright and beautiful 120Hz display
- Strong performance
- Solid quad cameras
- Superfast wired and wireless charging
BAD
- The curved display could cause accidental taps
- Expensive
If you want a high-end Android phone that costs a little less than most high-end handsets and you want extreme performance for gaming without sacrificing other features like design and camera quality, then the OnePlus 9 Pro is a must-have. Has a well-rounded proposition and is a worthy member of the best gaming phone list.
The OLED display on OnePlus' latest flagship measures 6.7 inches and packs a 1440p resolution, making the screen sharp as well as colorful. But the OnePlus 9 Pro tops our best gaming phone list due to its dynamic 120Hz refresh rate, which makes for a remarkably smooth experience for the games it supports, like Fortnite. Even the touch sampling rate has been bumped up to 360Hz, thanks to OnePlus' new HyperTouch technology, which gives you instant feedback to claim victory.
Of course, the OnePlus 9 Pro succeeds in many other ways. It lasts longer on a charge and supports faster wired and wireless charging than other devices. It has four cameras on the back that are now a real rival to an iPhone or Galaxy phone, thanks to the help of Swedish camera maker Hasselblad. And the OnePlus 9 Pro has phenomenal software that really adds some utility to Android 11, along with a beautiful and easy-to-navigate user interface.
All of this will set you back $1,079, which is unfortunately quite expensive, costing more than many of its rivals, while only offering a modest set of gamer-friendly features. If you want a well-rounded phone then it is definitely worth the price.
5. RedMagic 5G ( Best Gaming Phone )
Best gaming phone value
SPECIFICATIONS
Display size (Pixels): 6.65-inch AMOLED (2340x1080)Peak refresh rate: 144HzCPU: Snapdragon 865RAM: 8GB, 12GBStorage/Expandable: 128GB, 256GB / NoCameras (Back/Front): 64MP wide, 8MP ultrawide, 2MP macro / 8MPWeight: 7.68 ouncesBattery life (Hrs:Mins): 11:23
GOOD
- Class-leading 144Hz display
- Strong performance
- Long battery life and fast charging
- Reasonably priced
BAD
- Weak photography
The RedMagic 5G is one of the cheapest avenues of Qualcomm's Snapdragon 865 processor on the market right now, making it one of the best gaming phones on this list. For just $579, you can have a device with a high-end chipset, up to 12GB of RAM, and a 6.65-inch 144Hz AMOLED display with a flat design and slim bezels that are well suited for gaming. A fan inside also ensures that the device can play demanding titles optimally, which is extremely important if you are gaming for long hours.
Of course, if great software or camera performance is a priority for you, the RedMagic 5G won't be the best fit - there are certainly more well-rounded handsets out there. However, they all cost more, and so those who prioritize gaming and the power required to do so, but have a more modest budget, would be wise to consider it.
6. Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus ( Best Gaming Phone )
A well-rounded Android gaming phone
SPECIFICATIONS
Display (Pixels): 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED (2400 x 1080)Peak refresh rate: 120HzCPU: Snapdragon 888RAM: 8GBStorage/Expandable: 128GB, 256GB / NoCameras (Back/Front): 12MP wide, 64MP telephoto, 12MP ultrawide / 10MPWeight: 7.05 ouncesBattery life (Hrs:Mins): 9:41
GOOD
- Gorgeous 120Hz AMOLED display
- The effective feature set for multi-purpose use
BAD
- Expensive
- Below-average battery life
- No specific game-enhancing features
If you want a decent Android phone that can handle the flagship game as well, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus is a smart choice.
The S20 Plus packs a 120Hz panel and a Snapdragon 888 processor, just like all other flagship smartphones from this year. It may only have 8GB of RAM, but that doesn't hold it back. It's still fast in every sense of the world. Plus, its 5G support extends to millimeter-wave networks as well as sub-6GHz ones, allowing for the fastest data speeds on the planet while gaming online away from home.
Although it does offer Xbox Game Pass support, the Galaxy S21 Plus doesn't offer much strictly in the way of dedicated gaming features—it's just a great (and, unfortunately, kinda expensive) flagship device that just happens to be the best. One of the gaming phones.
7. Oppo Find X3 Pro ( Best Gaming Phone )
Great for gaming — if you can get a hold of it
SPECIFICATIONS
Display (Pixels): 6.7-inch OLED (3216 x 1440)Peak refresh rate: 120HzCPU: Snapdragon 888RAM: 12GBStorage/Expandable: 256GB / NoCameras (Back/Front): 50MP main, 50MP ultrawide, 13MP telephoto, 3MP microlensWeight: 6.81 ouncesBattery life (Hrs:Mins): Not tested
GOOD
- Stunning dynamic 120Hz display
- Attractive unibody design
- Snapdragon 888 performance
- Flexible and powerful cameras
BAD
- The shiny finish is a fingerprint magnet
- The microscope lens is a bit of a gimmick
- Not available in the U.S.
If your ideal gaming phone is as capable of other flagship-level activities as it is for games, then the Oppo Find X3 Pro could find its way onto your shortlist.
The 6.7-inch display on Oppo offers a QHD panel, while its 5Hz-120Hz refresh rate means you'll get smooth performance only when you need it. This means you'll get the best phone possible while gaming, but save power when you're scrolling through menus or viewing photos.
Talking about which, Find X3 Pro is also great for cameras. There are two 50MP cameras - one for normal images, the other for ultrawide. You also get a 13MP telephoto camera with 5x hybrid zoom and a 3MP microscope lens for long-range and extreme close-up shots respectively.
Add to this the mix its Snapdragon 888 chip and 12GB of RAM, the Find X3 Pro can easily keep up with the best gaming phone in terms of performance. Plus its unique design, with the camera bump flowing into the body of the phone, means it's a lot easier on the eyes than a device covered in bright colors and flashing lights.
The only problem is that it's currently available in the U.S. Not on sale in the UK – This is an option for our readers in the UK and beyond. It's also a pretty expensive phone at £1,099, which is cheaper than some rival devices, yet still, a lot of money to spend.
8. OnePlus 9 ( Best Gaming Phone )
An all-rounder with strong specs for the price
SPECIFICATIONS
Display (Pixels): 6.65 inches (2400 x 1080)Peak refresh rate: 120HzCPU: Snapdragon 888RAM: 8GB, 12GBStorage/Expandable: 128GB, 256GB/NoCameras (Back/Front): 48MP main (f/1.8); 50MP ultrawide (f/2.2); 2MP monochrome/16MPWeight: 6.77 ouncesBattery life (Hrs:Mins): 10:51
GOOD
- Ridiculously fast charging
- Leading performance
- Solid battery life
- 120Hz screen-refresh rate
BAD
- Some color inconsistencies remain with cameras
- No IP water resistance rating
- Minimal gaming features
At a surprisingly low price, the OnePlus 9 offers a premium experience for gamers who want an affordable best gaming phone option that covers all the bases.
The display offers the high refresh rate required for smooth gaming, and a decent battery life to let you play without the fear of the phone turning off. You get the best silicon available in the form of Snapdragon 888, which also gives you 5G compatibility for gaming on the go.
Within the well-designed OxygenOS skin for Android 11, the OnePlus Pro offers Gaming Mode, which maximizes performance and turns off your notifications to keep you focused. And the sound of the stereo speakers helps you keep track of the action if you're playing without headphones. Apart from gaming, you also have fast 65W charging and Hasselblad-tuned cameras on the back.
You may prefer one of the other phones on this list with more gaming-focused features or better overall features. But at $729, it's impressive how much you get especially for both overall features and gaming.
9. XIAOMI BLACK SHARK 3 ( Best Gaming Phone )
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 222 gDimensions: 168.7 x 77.3 x 10.4 mmOS: Android 10Screen size: 6.67 inchesResolution: 1080 x 2400 pixelsCPU: Snapdragon 865RAM: 8GB / 12GBStorage: 128GB / 256GB / 512GBBattery: 4720 mAhRear camera: 64MP f/1.8 wide + 13MP f/2.3 ultrawide + 5MP f/2.2 depthFront camera: 20MP f/2.2
GOOD
- Aggressive, solid design
- Huge, vibrant screen
- Some neat accessories
BAD
- The refresh rate has beaten elsewhere
The latest handset in Xiaomi's Black Shark gaming line is just as impressive as the first two: it's packed with power and functionality as well as a host of features that are going to appeal to those seeking a superior portable gaming experience. It's hard to fault anything Black Shark 3 has to offer from a gaming perspective (and there's a Pro version if you need a bigger screen).
It's not a budget phone, but at a starting price of a little over £500 in the UK, it's pretty affordable considering what you get for your money - with a top-end Snapdragon 865 processor and an advanced cooling system is included. The 4720 mAh battery gives you plenty of time between charges, even when it involves gaming sessions.
With a generous 6.67-inch display and plenty of RAM along with some attractive ergonomics, this is undoubtedly one of the best gaming phones of the moment. We also love the official accessories on offer, including the clip-on charger, which lets you play while the handset is juicing, and the separate gamepad that makes it easy to control games without touching the screen.
10. LENOVO LEGION PHONE DUEL ( Best Gaming Phone )
A strong all-round gaming phone from a respected brand
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions: 169.2 x 78.6 x 9.9mmWeight: 239gOS: Android 10Screen: 6.65-inch, 1080 x 2340CPU: Snapdragon 865 PlusRAM: 12/16GBStorage: 256/512GBBattery: 5,000mAhRear camera: 64MP + 16MPFront camera: 20MP
GOOD
- Plenty of power
- Very fast charging
BAD
- The camera system is just so-so
The standout of this gaming phone, which is Lenovo's first crack, is its 90W fast charging. With this, it means that it hardly takes any time to charge the phone back to full capacity even after intense gaming sessions when the battery is depleted.
Far from fast charging, this phone comes with a strong hardware suite and a pop-up camera, which is quite impressive. It also comes with Tech-du-Jours which is a 5G modem. This means you can tap into lower latency and faster data speeds than 5G offers, allowing for lower pings and faster game downloads.
The 144Hz AMOLED screen is also worthy of respect, and paired with up to 16GB of RAM, and a powerful Snapdragon and Adreno CPU and GPU combo, this thing crushes any game on the Google Play store.
How to choose the best gaming phone for you
Like everything else, choosing the right gaming phone is a matter of priority. If you're after the best performance — and you're probably reading this — you'll want a phone with a Snapdragon 8-series chipset or Apple's A14 Bionic. The emphasis on Snapdragon, like Qualcomm's best silicon for Android phones, is available in devices from many manufacturers.
But what about higher refresh rates? It's something you'll only find at the more expensive end of the market, though it's a feature that will certainly take off in more moderately priced phones over time. Panels rated 90Hz and above offer smoother scrolling and overall graphics than traditional screens, making you feel like every swipe, tap, and action is getting feedback without any delay. If you're an especially serious competitive gamer, the high refresh rates will ensure you don't miss any of the action.
Of course, the more a device is geared for gaming with more suitable features, the more phone manufacturers tend to neglect other considerations. While the battery life is central to gaming (since games consume a lot of power), you'll have a hard time finding gaming phones with great camera hardware and software, or perhaps even conveniences like wireless charging and water resistance. If those things are important to you, you may want to focus your search on the more powerful handsets on this list that aren't strictly intended for gaming but can still hold a lot, like the Galaxy Note 20. Ultra and iPhone 12 Pro Max.
How do we test gaming phones?
To make any of our best phones list for smartphones - gaming phones or otherwise - it needed to excel in the many tests we run on each handset. We do some of these tests in our laboratories and some in the real world.
When it comes to performance, we rely on synthetic benchmarks like Geekbench 5 and GFXBench to measure graphics performance. These tests allow us to compare performance across iPhone and Android devices. We also run a real-world video transcoding test on each phone using the Adobe Premiere Rush app and time the results.
To measure the quality of a phone's display, we run lab tests to determine the panel's brightness (in nits), as well as how colorful each screen is (DCI-P3 color gamut). In these cases, a higher number is better. We also measure each panel's color accuracy with a Delta-E rating, where lower numbers are better and a score of 0 is correct.
One of the most important tests we run is Tom's Guide to battery testing. We run the web surfing test on 5G or 4G at 150 nits screen brightness until the battery runs out. In general, a phone lasting 10 hours or more is good, and anything above 11 hours makes our list of the best phone battery life.