Mobile gaming on Android and iOS phones is incredibly popular, and most can easily handle casual titles. But as developers push the boundaries of graphics and gameplay, you want a handset that can keep up. PCMag has been covering phones for more than three decades, including those with next-level processors, ample amounts of RAM, and polygon-pushing GPUs. We've compiled our favorites for gaming here. Among our Editors' Choice winners are the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max, which offer top-notch performance and large, bright screens. But you don't need to spend exorbitant amounts of cash to get a high-quality gaming experience on the go, and one of the more affordable options below might fit your needs better. Be sure to click through to our in-depth reviews of each and scroll to the end for some helpful buying advice.
Overview
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![Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra]()
Best Mainstream Android Phone for GamingSamsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
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![Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro Edition]()
Most Powerful Android Phone for GamingAsus ROG Phone 9 Pro Edition
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![Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max]()
Best iPhone for GamingApple iPhone 17 Pro Max
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![Apple iPhone 16e]()
Best Affordable iPhone for GamingApple iPhone 16e
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![RedMagic 10 Air]()
Best Midrange Android Gaming PhoneRedMagic 10 Air
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![Nothing Phone (3a)]()
Best Affordable Android Gaming PhoneNothing Phone (3a)
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
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![Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra]()
Best Mainstream Android Phone for GamingSamsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is simply one of the best Android phones you can buy. Its 6.9-inch AMOLED display provides lots of space for gaming, and its 3,120 by 1,440 pixels render details in sharp fashion. Inside, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor and 12GB of RAM provide plenty of muscle for the most demanding titles. The phone has 256GB of storage to start, but you can get a version with up to 1TB if you don't want to worry about running low on space.
Who It's For
If you seek a versatile Android phone that excels at gaming, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a fine choice thanks to its stellar performance. Creative types should also appreciate the built-in S Pen Stylus for drawing and taking notes.
Specs & Configurations
Battery Life (As Tested) 14 hours, 15 minutes Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) 200MP, 50MP, 50MP, 10MP; 12MP CPU Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy Dimensions 6.40 by 3.11 by 0.34 Inches Operating System Android 15 Screen Resolution 3,120 by 1,440 pixels Screen Size 6.9 Learn More Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Review -
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![Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro Edition]()
Most Powerful Android Phone for GamingAsus ROG Phone 9 Pro Edition
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro Edition is built for gaming from the ground up. It features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, 24GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage. Capacitive shoulder buttons are mappable for gaming, and a fan accessory clips onto the back to keep everything running cool. Another highlight is the 6.78-inch AMOLED screen, which has a crisp resolution of 2,400 by 1,080 pixels and a fast maximum refresh rate of 165Hz. Asus' gaming software layer also makes it easy to tweak settings for the absolute best performance.
Who It's For
If you want the most gaming power possible in an Android handset, the ROG Phone 9 Pro Edition is a worthy choice. The phone is pricey, but its competitive cameras, IP68 durability rating, and top performance help justify the cost.
Specs & Configurations
Battery Life (As Tested) 14 hours, 35 minutes Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) 50MP, 32MP, 13MP; 32MP CPU Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Dimensions 6.45 by 3.02 by 0.35 inches Operating System Android 15 Screen Resolution 2,400 by 1,080 pixels Screen Size 6.78 Learn More Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro Edition Review -
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![Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max]()
Best iPhone for GamingApple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is a gaming powerhouse thanks to a combination of cutting-edge hardware. Its A19 Pro chip delivers serious gaming performance. To sustain performance, it's one of the first iPhones to feature a vapor chamber, a cooling system that prevents overheating and allows the processor to run at higher rates for longer periods. Games look stunning on the expansive 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR display, which features a smooth 120Hz ProMotion adaptive refresh rate and a peak outdoor brightness of 3,000 nits for gaming anywhere you go. Additionally, its battery lasted an incredible 32 hours in our tests.
Who It's For
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is for the serious mobile gamer who demands elite, console-level performance in their pocket. It's the phone to get if you want a large screen for an immersive experience, battery life that can handle marathon gaming sessions, and a processor powerful enough to run the most graphically intensive titles without compromise.
Specs & Configurations
Battery Life (As Tested) 32 hours, 11 minutes Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) 48MP, 48MP, 48MP; 18MP CPU Apple A19 Pro Dimensions 6.43 by 3.07 by 0.34 inches Operating System iOS 26 Screen Resolution 2,868 by 1,320 pixels Screen Size 6.9 Learn More Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max Review -
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![Apple iPhone 16e]()
Best Affordable iPhone for GamingApple iPhone 16e
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The iPhone 16e offers exceptional performance across the board for its price. Powered by Apple's A18 processor (the same chip found in the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus), it handles even the most demanding games with ease. Its 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display features a pixel density of 460ppi, ensuring sharp and crisp details. And as usual with iPhones, the iPhone 16e is compatible with a wealth of gaming accessories made by third parties—not to mention Apple Arcade.
Who It's For
The iPhone 16e is the right choice if you're looking for a budget-friendly iPhone that can handle both casual and intense gaming sessions without breaking a sweat.
Specs & Configurations
Battery Life (As Tested) 21 hours, 37 minutes Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) 48MP; 12MP CPU Apple A18 Dimensions 5.78 by 2.82 by 0.31 inches Operating System iOS 18 Screen Resolution 2,532 by 1,170 pixels Screen Size 6.1 Learn More Apple iPhone 16e Review -
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![RedMagic 10 Air]()
Best Midrange Android Gaming PhoneRedMagic 10 Air
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The RedMagic 10 Air packs a ton of power for the price. The base model comes with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, but you can upgrade that to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. All models feature a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and have capacitive shoulder buttons for gaming action. For competitive play, the phone's 6.8-inch display features a maximum touch sampling rate of 2,000Hz (averaging 960Hz), which means touch input registers faster than nearly every other phone on the market. The phone supports pass-through power to preserve battery health and charges at up to 80W via wire, plus it comes with an 80W charger in the box.
Who It's For
If gaming is the most important thing you do on your phone and you want to spend well under $1,000, the RedMagic 10 Air is an attractive option. Just make sure it's compatible with your cell carrier.
Specs & Configurations
Battery Life (As Tested) 14 hours, 57 minutes Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) 50MP, 50MP; 16MP CPU Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Dimensions 6.47 by 3.02 by 0.31 inches Operating System Android 15 Screen Resolution 2,480 by 1,116 pixels Screen Size 6.8 Learn More RedMagic 10 Air Review -
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![Nothing Phone (3a)]()
Best Affordable Android Gaming PhoneNothing Phone (3a)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Despite its modest price, the Nothing Phone (3a) delivers a surprisingly capable gaming experience. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 with 12GB of RAM, it handles the resource-intensive game Genshin Impact smoothly with fluid animations, even at the highest graphics settings and 60fps.
Who It's For
The Nothing Phone (3a) is for the style-conscious gamer who wants a unique device that delivers a smooth gaming experience without a premium price tag.
Specs & Configurations
Battery Life (As Tested) 14 hours, 15 minutes Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) 50MP, 13MP, 8MP; 32MP CPU Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 Dimensions 6.44 by 3.05 by 0.33 inches Operating System Android 15 Screen Resolution 2,392 by 1,080 pixels Screen Size 6.77 Learn More Nothing Phone (3a) Review -
Compare Specs
Our Pick | |||||||||
Rating |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
3.5 Good |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
Best For | Best Mainstream Android Phone for Gaming | Most Powerful Android Phone for Gaming | Best iPhone for Gaming | Best Affordable iPhone for Gaming | Best Midrange Android Gaming Phone | Best Affordable Android Gaming Phone | Best Mainstream Android Phone for Gaming | Most Powerful Android Phone for Gaming | Best iPhone for Gaming |
Operating System | Android 15 | Android 15 | iOS 26 | iOS 18 | Android 15 | Android 15 | Android 15 | Android 15 | iOS 26 |
CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite | Apple A19 Pro | Apple A18 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite | Apple A19 Pro |
Dimensions | 6.40 by 3.11 by 0.34 Inches | 6.45 by 3.02 by 0.35 inches | 6.43 by 3.07 by 0.34 inches | 5.78 by 2.82 by 0.31 inches | 6.47 by 3.02 by 0.31 inches | 6.44 by 3.05 by 0.33 inches | 6.40 by 3.11 by 0.34 Inches | 6.45 by 3.02 by 0.35 inches | 6.43 by 3.07 by 0.34 inches |
Screen Size | 6.9 | 6.78 | 6.9 | 6.1 | 6.8 | 6.77 | 6.9 | 6.78 | 6.9 |
Screen Resolution | 3,120 by 1,440 pixels | 2,400 by 1,080 pixels | 2,868 by 1,320 pixels | 2,532 by 1,170 pixels | 2,480 by 1,116 pixels | 2,392 by 1,080 pixels | 3,120 by 1,440 pixels | 2,400 by 1,080 pixels | 2,868 by 1,320 pixels |
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) | 200MP, 50MP, 50MP, 10MP; 12MP | 50MP, 32MP, 13MP; 32MP | 48MP, 48MP, 48MP; 18MP | 48MP; 12MP | 50MP, 50MP; 16MP | 50MP, 13MP, 8MP; 32MP | 200MP, 50MP, 50MP, 10MP; 12MP | 50MP, 32MP, 13MP; 32MP | 48MP, 48MP, 48MP; 18MP |
Battery Life (As Tested) | 14 hours, 15 minutes | 14 hours, 35 minutes | 32 hours, 11 minutes | 21 hours, 37 minutes | 14 hours, 57 minutes | 14 hours, 15 minutes | 14 hours, 15 minutes | 14 hours, 35 minutes | 32 hours, 11 minutes |
Buying Guide: The Best Gaming Phones for 2026
How Much Should You Spend on a Gaming Phone?
Your budget is a key factor when choosing a gaming phone. Today’s flagship handsets, such as the iPhone 17 Pro Max and the Galaxy S25 Ultra, cost around $1,200, but they also offer excellent non-gaming features, including superb cameras and long battery life.
The good news is that several midrange and gaming-specific phones deliver excellent performance at a fraction of the cost. The RedMagic 10 Air and the Nothing Phone (3a), for instance, cost $549 and $379.99, respectively.
Ultimately, how much you should spend depends on your needs and budget. If you want a high-end phone that's just as good at photography and productivity as gaming, prepare to pay extra for a flagship. But if you care most about a smooth gaming experience for marquee titles, there's no reason to spend as much. And if you simply want to play casual games, several of our favorite cheap phones should do just fine.
What Features Make a Phone Good for Gaming?
Specific hardware features can enhance your gaming experience. For instance, a display that supports a high touch response rate is crucial for competitive gaming because it reduces input lag. Some phones offer capacitive shoulder buttons that can be mapped to in-game functions, such as triggers. These help prevent your hands from blocking your view of the screen and ensure you don't have to stretch your thumbs to tap hard-to-reach areas.
Another important factor is a display’s refresh rate. Some gaming phones offer adaptive refresh rates that range from 1Hz to 120Hz, which is ideal for everyday activities. However, the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro Edition can achieve an outstanding 165Hz refresh rate. Faster refresh rates make games appear more fluid and reduce the effects of motion blur, although not every game can take full advantage of every refresh rate.
Generally, Qualcomm's latest chips, like variants of the Snapdragon 8 Elite, can easily handle demanding games. Most flagship phones released in 2025 use this processor or an equivalent. Chips from the past two years or so should still be able to keep up with modern games, though they likely aren't quite as efficient. Keep in mind that chipmakers sometimes make a jumble of their processor names. The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, for instance, is a less powerful version of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. We cover all the necessary processor details in our reviews to clarify such distinctions.
You should also aim to get a phone with as much RAM as possible, as it helps your phone access and store game data quickly. In other words, more RAM means faster response times, less lag, and smoother multitasking. The base amount of RAM and storage necessary for gaming has increased over the years. In 2019, 4GB of RAM was sufficient for most everything. Today, a gaming phone should have at least 8GB of RAM, if not more.
Recommended by Our Editors
Some games require a lot of space, so prioritizing storage is essential, too. Unless your phone features expandable storage (via microSD card), the amount you choose at the time of purchase is the amount you’ll have forever. We recommend a minimum of 256GB of onboard storage. Genshin Impact requires approximately 30GB of storage, for instance. And you still need space for all your photos, music, and videos.
Built-in fans and advanced cooling systems can also make a difference, especially during long gaming sessions. The RedMagic 10 Air, for instance, features a nine-layer cooling system to maintain its temperature and optimize performance.
Manufacturers often equip gaming phones with specialized software that enhances the gaming experience. Asus and RedMagic, for instance, include gaming dashboards that provide real-time data on metrics like frames per second and CPU usage. These dashboards allow you to tweak settings on the fly for optimal performance. Asus even provides downloadable macros that automate repetitive in-game tasks. OnePlus’ dedicated gaming mode ensures you’re not bothered by incoming notifications. An available macro for Genshin Impact lets you unleash ultimate skills with just a single tap, for example.
Do You Need 5G for Gaming?
High-speed 5G support is essential for cloud gaming and streaming on the go. High-end phones from Apple and Samsung come with the latest 5G technologies, but many gaming-centric models have more limited support. If you experience spotty or slow coverage, latency can significantly impact your performance in online games.
Otherwise, make sure the phone you choose supports at least Wi-Fi 6, as it has a theoretical maximum speed of 10Gbps, a big improvement over older versions. You aren't likely to reach the maximum on your home router, but this protocol should still be fast enough for smooth online gameplay. If you can find a phone with Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7, all the better.
Go Beyond Gaming Phones
The phones in this roundup are your best options for gaming today, but new and exciting models are constantly being launched, so check back often.
If you're looking for a more mainstream phone, consider our picks for the best phones we've tested overall. Before you buy, be sure to read our tips on how to get the best price on a cell phone.