10 Best Gaming Smartphones You Can Buy in 2025

Mobile gaming is rapidly shaping the future of the gaming industry. Many developers who once focused solely on desktop gaming are now shifting their attention to mobile platforms.

This shift has driven smartphone advancements, resulting in devices with increasingly powerful specifications designed to meet the demands of mobile gamers.

This trend has also given rise to a variety of phones optimized specifically for gaming. Some manufacturers have even introduced smartphones tailored to meet the unique needs of gamers.

With that in mind, we’ve curated a list of smartphones perfect for gaming enthusiasts. These devices are designed to elevate your gaming experience on mobile.

So, which smartphones are on the list? Let's take a look at the list of these devices below! .

1. ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro

ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro is a powerful choice for gamers, capable of running Genshin Impact at its highest settings. It handles 60 fps smoothly, maintaining an average frame rate of 50–60 fps without issues.

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, it’s designed for heavy gaming and productivity tasks. With up to 24 GB of RAM, it also supports external storage through NTFS (New Technology File System).

The phone features a 6.78-inch Full HD+ LTPO AMOLED display that offers high-end visuals and an Always-on-Display feature. Its brightness reaches an impressive 2500 nits, and the screen is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2.

For even smoother performance, the display has a refresh rate of 185 Hz, an improvement over the ROG Phone 8’s 165 Hz. Audio quality is excellent, thanks to stereo speakers with Hi-Res certification, and it even includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack.

In terms of cameras, the phone has a 50 MP main camera with PDAF and OIS gimbal stabilization, as well as a 13 MP ultrawide camera. It also stands out by including a 32 MP telephoto camera with OIS and 3x optical zoom.

The 5800 mAh battery offers great endurance and supports 65W fast charging, 15W wireless charging, and 10W reverse wired charging. Connectivity options are complete, with two USB Type-C ports and DisplayPort support.

The phone has a futuristic ROG design, combining glass and aluminum, and includes a gaming trigger and a Mini-LED display with 648 dots to enhance its gaming aesthetic. It is also IP68 certified, meaning it’s dustproof and can withstand water immersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.

That said, there are a few downsides. The phone doesn’t support eSIM, which is disappointing for its high price range. Video recording is limited to 1080p at 30 fps for the telephoto and front-facing cameras, but this isn’t a camera-focused device, though.

Another drawback is its limited OS upgrade support, which only includes two updates, less than what you’d expect for a flagship phone. Finally, to achieve the best performance, you’ll need to use a cooling fan, which might not be convenient for everyone.

Overall, the ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro delivers an excellent gaming experience with top-tier specs and features, though it has a few compromises.

2. nubia RedMagic 10 Pro+

This phone also runs Genshin Impact smoothly at the highest graphics settings and 60 fps without any hiccups. It’s powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, which delivers exceptional performance and handles heavy tasks effortlessly.

With a memory configuration of up to 24 GB RAM and 1 TB of internal storage, it offers ample space for long-term use. The middle frame is made of aviation-grade aluminum, which effectively reduces heat buildup. Additionally, the internal cooling fan ensures the phone’s temperature stays stable by efficiently exchanging hot and cold air.

The 144 Hz AMOLED display is not only clear and responsive but also extremely bright, reaching up to 2000 nits. The main camera supports Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and can record videos in 8K resolution at 30 fps.

Audio quality is enhanced with stereo speakers supported by Snapdragon Sound technology, and the presence of a headphone jack allows for higher-quality audio when using wired earphones.

It features a USB-C 3.2 port with display-out support, making it ideal for gaming on an external monitor. The device is powered by a silicon carbide battery, offering a large 7050 mAh capacity while maintaining a standard weight. With 120W fast charging, it takes just 30 minutes to fully charge the battery.

On the downside, the phone does not include a telephoto camera, which is reasonable for a gaming-focused device. The ultra-thin screen bezels, while visually appealing, might lead to accidental touches that could disrupt the gaming experience.

In terms of software updates, the device is only promised one OS upgrade to Android 16, along with two UI updates and three years of security patches.

3. ASUS ROG Phone 9

ASUS ROG Phone 9 delivers top-tier performance with the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, making it perfect for heavy gaming and productivity tasks. It offers up to 24 GB of RAM and supports external storage using NTFS (New Technology File System).

The 6.78-inch Full HD+ LTPO AMOLED display is equipped with Always-on-Display and boasts impressive brightness, reaching up to 2500 nits. The screen is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for added durability. The refresh rate has been upgraded to 185 Hz, offering smoother visuals compared to the ROG Phone 8, which had a refresh rate of 165 Hz.

The phone provides superior audio quality through its stereo speakers with Hi-Res and Hi-Res wireless certification, while still retaining a 3.5 mm audio jack for wired audio lovers.

Its camera setup features a 50 MP main lens with PDAF and OIS Gimbal, a 13 MP ultrawide lens, and a macro lens. Video recording supports up to 8K at 30 FPS, with HDR10+ and gyro-EIS for stabilization.

This device includes a wide array of sensors and connectivity options, featuring two USB Type-C ports and Display Port support. The 5800 mAh battery ensures long usage and supports 65W fast charging, 15W wireless charging, and 10W reverse wired charging.

The design reflects a futuristic ROG style, built with glass and aluminum materials, and includes gaming triggers and Mini-LEDs (85 dots) for an enhanced gaming vibe. It also has an IP68 certification, making it resistant to dust and splashes up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.

On the downside, the phone doesn’t include a telephoto camera, which is acceptable for a gaming-focused device. The ultra-thin screen bezels might lead to occasional mistouches, potentially affecting the gaming experience.

Furthermore, the device is only guaranteed one OS upgrade to Android 16, along with two UI updates and three years of security patches.

4. nubia RedMagic 10 Pro

This phone can run Genshin Impact smoothly at the highest graphics settings, maintaining a steady 60 fps without any issues. It is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, which provides excellent performance and handles demanding tasks effortlessly.

The device features an aviation-grade aluminum middle frame designed to reduce heat effectively, while an internal cooling fan enhances heat dissipation by quickly exchanging hot and cool air, keeping the phone's temperature stable.

The 144 Hz AMOLED display is sharp, highly responsive, and impressively bright, reaching up to 2000 nits. Its main camera is equipped with OIS and can record videos in 8K at 30 fps.

For audio, the phone supports stereo speakers with Snapdragon Sound technology and retains a 3.5mm audio jack, offering an option for better sound quality with wired earphones. Additionally, the USB-C 3.2 port supports display-out, making it easy to play games on a larger external screen.

The phone comes with a silicon carbide battery with a large 7050 mAh capacity while maintaining a lightweight design. It also supports 100W fast charging, allowing the battery to fully charge in less than an hour.

However, the phone does have some drawbacks. It lacks a telephoto camera, which is understandable for a gaming-focused device. The ultra-thin screen bezels can lead to accidental touches, which may disrupt the gaming experience.

On the software side, it only offers one OS upgrade to Android 16, two UI updates, and three years of security patches.

5. ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro

This phone delivers fast performance for gaming, thanks to its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. It offers a console-like gaming experience with the "AirTrigger" button to provide more precise controls during gameplay.

The device comes with a minimalist design while still maintaining a gaming vibe, making it appealing for gamers who prefer a sleek look. With storage options of up to 1 TB, it allows users to install numerous heavy games without worrying about running out of space.

One of its standout features is AniMe VISION, a cool LED technology on the back of the device that adds a unique aesthetic touch.

It is also the first ROG series phone to include a telephoto camera to enhance its photography capabilities. Gamers will appreciate the XSense feature, which enables in-game characters to loot items automatically, saving time and enhancing gameplay.

The phone is powered by a durable 5500 mAh battery, providing enough power for all-day gaming. Additionally, it supports 65W fast charging, which can fully charge the battery in just 42 minutes.

However, there are a few downsides to consider. The body is relatively heavy, which might make extended use less comfortable. There is also a punch-hole camera on the screen that could obstruct the view during gameplay.

Furthermore, the performance of the "AirTrigger" button and the AeroActive Cooler cooling accessory shows some decline compared to previous iterations.

6. nubia RedMagic 9 Pro+

nubia RedMagic 9 Pro offers powerful performance with its Snapdragon 8th Gen chipset to ensure smooth and responsive usage even for heavy gaming or multitasking.

Its cooling system performs exceptionally well, keeping the temperature stable during extended use. The phone is equipped with jumbo LPDDR5x RAM, which enhances its overall performance, and its UFS 4.0 internal memory allows for faster data transfers.

The AMOLED display delivers sharp and vibrant visuals, making it great for watching videos or gaming. With a 120Hz screen refresh rate, scrolling and gameplay feel noticeably smoother.

The minimalist design features symmetrical bezels, giving it a sleek and balanced look. Additionally, the phone includes virtual buttons that are sensitive and responsive, further enhancing the gaming experience.

Its camera is capable enough for a gaming phone, and the 5500 mAh battery provides long-lasting power. Fast charging at 165W ensures the battery can be recharged quickly, minimizing downtime.

The device also comes with complete sensors and connectivity options, including NFC and WiFi to offer a seamless user experience.

However, it does have some limitations. The phone lacks an IP rating, meaning it isn't certified for water or dust resistance. It also doesn’t include a slot for external memory, which might be a downside for users who require expandable storage.

7. iQOO 13

iQOO 13 has a premium design with a sleek combination of glass and aluminum, enhanced by RGB LEDs on the back for a stylish touch. Its body is built to last, featuring IP68/IP69 certification, making it resistant to dust and water up to 1.5 meters deep for 30 minutes.

It has a large 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED screen with a sharp resolution of 1440 x 3168 pixels. Perfect for outdoor use, the screen brightness can reach an impressive 6500 nits and is protected by Schott Xensation Alpha.

The smooth 144 Hz refresh rate adds a gaming feel to the display. The audio experience is top-notch, with stereo sound quality supported by Snapdragon Sound technology and Hi-Res audio.

Powering the device is the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, one of Qualcomm's best. It runs on Android 15 out of the box and promises OS upgrades for up to four years.

The camera setup is versatile, featuring a 50 MP (f/1.9) main camera with PDAF and OIS, a 50 MP (f/2.0) ultrawide lens with autofocus, and a 50 MP (f/1.9) telephoto lens with PDAF, OIS, and 2x optical zoom.

The rear cameras can record videos in 8K at 30 FPS with gyro-EIS for stabilization, while the 32 MP (f/2.5) front camera supports video recording in 4K at 60 FPS.

The phone is packed with advanced connectivity and sensors, including infrared, NFC, WiFi 7, a gyro, and a color spectrum sensor. It uses USB Type-C 3.2, which supports Display Out for larger monitors.

The 6150 mAh battery, made with Silicon Carbide for better efficiency, ensures long-lasting power. Additionally, the 120W fast charging technology can fully charge the battery in just 30 minutes.

However, there are a couple of drawbacks. The front camera lacks stabilization for video recording, which might affect the quality of vlogs or video calls. It also doesn’t support wireless charging yet, which could be a downside for some users.

8. ASUS ROG Phone 8

ASUS ROG Phone 8 is a gaming smartphone designed to deliver high performance with a few areas that might fall short for some users. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, it ensures smooth gaming performance, making it a reliable choice for gamers.

The addition of the “AirTrigger” feature enhances the gaming experience, offering a PlayStation-like feel. Its design has taken on a more minimalist and calm approach, while still retaining the bold identity of a gaming phone.

The device is built to last with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, capable of withstanding depths of up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. Equipped with up to 16 GB of RAM, the phone ensures smoother gaming and multitasking performance. The LTPO AMOLED display panel adds efficiency by consuming less power while delivering vibrant visuals.

On the camera side, the phone has seen improvements, including the addition of an OIS gimbal that ensures stable video recording.

The 5500 mAh battery is durable and supports 65W fast charging, allowing a full charge in just 39 minutes. It also comes with a wireless charging option for added convenience.

However, there are a few downsides to consider. The screen features a punch hole, which could slightly obstruct the view when the phone is in use.

Internal storage is limited to 256 GB, and there is no option to expand it with an external memory card. Additionally, there has been a slight reduction in the functionality of the “AirTrigger” and AeroActive cooling system compared to earlier versions.

Overall, the ASUS ROG Phone 8 offers a solid gaming experience with high-end performance and features, though some limitations may affect users who require more storage or are used to the advanced features of its predecessors.

9. nubia RedMagic 9 Pro

nubia RedMagic 9 Pro delivers solid gaming performance powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip. Its cooling system ensures stable temperatures during intense gaming sessions, allowing you to play for longer without worrying about overheating. The inclusion of LPDDR5x RAM boosts its overall performance, making multitasking and gaming smoother.

The phone features an AMOLED display with vibrant visuals, ideal for both gaming and watching content. Its punch-hole-free widescreen design enhances the gaming experience by providing an unobstructed view, while the 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and gameplay.

For a gaming phone, its camera capabilities are impressive and add extra versatility. The large 6500 mAh battery offers extended usage, and with 80W fast charging, you can get back to gaming quickly.

It also comes with complete sensors and connectivity options, including NFC and WiFi 7, making it a well-rounded device.

On the downside, the phone lacks an external memory slot, which could limit storage expansion for those who need more space. Additionally, it does not come with an IP rating for water and dust resistance, which might be a concern for some users.

Overall, the nubia RedMagic 9 Pro combines powerful gaming features with excellent display quality and reliable performance, though it may not be the best option for users seeking expandable storage or extra durability against the elements.

10. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra offers super-fast performance with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy chip, paired with 12 GB of RAM for smooth multitasking and gaming.

Its body is dust and water-resistant, with an IP68 certification that protects it in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. The screen is coated with Gorilla Glass Armor for added durability and features a brighter Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2 display, delivering stunning visuals.

The camera has seen improvements, especially in the telephoto lens, making it great for capturing long-distance photos. With Galaxy AI technology, the phone enhances productivity, simplifying various tasks.

The 5000 mAh battery ensures long-lasting use, capable of lasting for days on a single charge. It also supports up to seven years of Android updates to ensure the phone stays up-to-date.

The speakers produce clear and loud sound, and the phone can send SOS messages via satellite, which is handy in emergencies. Additionally, it comes with complete sensors and connectivity options, including NFC and WiFi.

On the downside, the fast charging feature isn’t the best compared to other flagship phones. Some AI features still need improvement, and the box doesn’t include a charger, which might be inconvenient for some users.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is a powerful and reliable phone with advanced features, though it does have a few minor drawbacks.