Smartphones have evolved from simple casual gaming devices to full-on portable gaming systems that let you play the latest, most sophisticated titles. However, that doesn't mean that any new phone can handle these games.

This is especially true with Android phones, where there are a hundred and one different manufacturers, models, and specifications.

For this reason, if you're buying a phone for its gaming prowess, you have to choose wisely.

Here are the best gaming smartphones available today.

Premium pick

1. sony xperia 1 III

8.60 / 10
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If you're a professional who's also into gaming, you won't regret going for the Sony Xperia 1 III. This premium smartphone offers high-end performance with its Snapdragon 888 5G chip with 256 GB storage and 12GB RAM. These specifications lend power to the smartphone, allowing you to play games on it effortlessly.

It also has game-specific features, like easy white balance adjustment and an L-y raiser, making it easier for you to spot your opponents. You get the ultimate entertainment smartphone when you pair these capabilities with its outstanding audio quality.

And if you consider its exceptional three-camera imaging system, then you have the only smartphone you'll ever need right in your hands.

Key Features
  • Uses ultra-fast UFS 3.X storage to reduce loading times
  • 30W fast charging recharges phone to 50 percent in 30 minutes
  • 5G and Wi-Fi 6 compatibility to ensure lag-free gaming
Specifications
  • Brand: Sony
  • SoC: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888
  • Display: 6.5-inch 4K UHD, 3840x1644p, 120Hz with HDR
  • RAM: 12GB
  • Storage: 256GB UFS 3.X
  • Battery: 4500mAh
  • Ports: 1x USB-C 3.1, 1x 3.5mm jack
  • Operating System: Android 11 (upgradable to Android 12)
  • Camera (Rear, Front): 12MP/12MP/12MP, 8MP
  • Front camera: 8MP wide
  • Rear camera: 12MP wide, 12MP telephoto, and 12MP ultrawide with OIS
  • Connectivity: 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC
  • Others: N/A
  • Dimensions: 6.50 x 2.80 x 0.32 inches
  • Colors: Frosted Black, Frosted Gray, Frosted Purple
  • Display type: OLED
  • Weight: 6.6oz
  • Charge speed: 30W wired fast charging, Qi and reverse wireless charging
  • IP Rating: IP65/IP68
  • RAM and Storage: 12GB, 256GB
  • Micro SD card support: Yes
  • Stylus: N/A
Pros
  • Front camera design ensures no content is lost
  • Features a 3.5mm jack while keeping IP65/IP68 protection
  • 360 Reality Audio via Full-Stage stereo speakers ensure you get the best gaming audio, even without your gaming headset
Cons
  • Only uses a side-mounted fingerprint reader
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sony xperia 1 III
Editors choice

2. motorola edge 20

8.80 / 10
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Even if you're on a budget, it doesn't mean that you cannot have a decent gaming smartphone. That's where the Motorola Edge 20 steps into the picture. This mid-range device offers excellent features that will let you have a smooth gaming experience. Its 6.7-inch 144Hz display ensures you'll have a smooth experience during gaming.

It also comes with 256GB storage and 8GB RAM, enough so that you can play most game titles seamlessly, although not at the highest quality setting. Despite that, its affordable price point means you can play the latest games.

More than that, it's compatible with most 5G US carriers and all 4G US network providers, ensuring you can use this phone anywhere you are in the US.

Key Features
  • Uses a 144Hz OLED screen for smooth animations
  • Sports 5G and Wi-Fi 6E for the ultimate in connectivity
  • Works with all major carriers, including T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, and more
Specifications
  • Brand: Motorola
  • SoC: Snapdragon 778G 5G
  • Display: 6.7-inch, 144Hz, 1080x2400 OLED
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Storage: 256GB
  • Battery: 4000mAh
  • Ports: USB-C 2.0
  • Operating System: Android 11
  • Camera (Rear, Front): 108MP wide, 8MP telephoto, 16MP ultrawide, 32MP front
Pros
  • Supports 30W fast charging
  • HDR10 display guarantees a bright screen and eye-catching colors
  • Lasts up to two days on a single charge
Cons
  • Equipped with the less powerful Snapdragon 778G chip
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motorola edge 20
Best value

3. Black Shark 4

7.80 / 10
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For most people, when they think of gaming gear, they think of how expensive it's going to be. But Black Shark 4 proves that gaming doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. This Snapdragon 870-powered smartphone has 128GB storage and 8GB RAM, more than enough to run most AAA titles.

Furthermore, its 144Hz Super AMOLED display ensures that you can enjoy your games at the smoothest possible framerates. To further improve your gaming performance, it features magnetic pop-up triggers, a built-in cooling system, and a 3.5mm jack for connecting your gaming headset.

All this tech means you get the upper hand in every battle you join.

Key Features
  • Features physical pop-up triggers for an improved gaming experience
  • Ultra-smooth 144Hz display with 1,300 nits peak brightness
  • 720Hz touch sampling rate for the fastest reaction times
Specifications
  • Brand: Xiaomi
  • SoC: Snapdragon 870 5G
  • Display: 6.67-inch, 144Hz, 1080x2400 Super AMOLED
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Storage: 128GB
  • Battery: 4500mAh
  • Ports: USB-C 2.0
  • Operating System: Android 11
  • Camera (Rear, Front): 48MP wide, 8MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, 20MP front
Pros
  • Can fully-charge in less than 20 minutes
  • Sports a 3.5mm jack for connecting gaming headphones
  • Built-in cooling system helps improve system performance
Cons
  • Doesn't use the latest Snapdragon 888 chip
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Black Shark 4

Those who want an all-out gaming experience will appreciate the Red Magic 6S Pro. This gaming phone from ZTE features all the bells and whistles—active cooling with RGB lights? Check. Shoulder buttons for gaming? Check. 165Hz display? Check.

All these features allow you to push the device to its limits so you can game for hours on end. It even has a 3.5mm jack, so you can clearly hear your enemies with no latency.

If you run out of batteries while gaming, you only need a little over an hour of charging to get the phone up to 100 percent power again. This is the phone for you if you're living the gamer lifestyle.

Key Features
  • Built-in cooling fan allows you to have longer gaming sessions
  • Features pressure-sensitive shoulder buttons
  • Best in class 165Hz refresh rate display
Specifications
  • Brand: ZTE
  • SoC: Snapdragon 888+ 5G
  • Display: 6.8-inch, 165Hz, 1080x2400 AMOLED
  • RAM: 16GB
  • Storage: 256GB
  • Battery: 5050mAh
  • Ports: USB-C 3.0
  • Operating System: Android 11
  • Camera (Rear, Front): 64MP wide, 8MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, 8MP front
Pros
  • Transparent rear cover shows off active cooling fan and RGB lights
  • 30W charging brick recharges phone to 100 percent in 65 minutes
  • Has a 3.5mm jack for attaching gaming headphones
Cons
  • No IP rating
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Red Magic 6S Pro

There is no argument that the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is among the best phones you can get right now. Its features and specifications allow you to do pretty much anything on it, including gaming.

The Snapdragon 888 chip, combined with 128GB storage and 12GB RAM, means you can game at the best possible settings. And if you match that with the 6.8-inch 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED screen and AKG-tuned speakers, you get a fully-immersive gaming experience.

The S21 Ultra also sports an excellent camera system, an IP68 rating, a Gorilla Glass Victus screen, and compatibility with the S Pen. This makes the phone an exceptional gaming and all-around device.

Key Features
  • Powered by the top-end Snapdragon 888 chip
  • Equipped with at least 12GB RAM for improved gaming performance
  • AKG-tuned speakers ensure high-quality audio
Specifications
  • Brand: Samsung
  • SoC: Snapdragon 888 5G
  • Display: 6.8-inch, 120Hz, 1440x3200 Dynamic AMOLED
  • RAM: 12GB
  • Storage: 128GB
  • Battery: 5000mAh
  • Ports: USB-C 3.2
  • Operating System: Android 11
  • Camera (Rear, Front): 108MP wide, 10MP 10x telephoto, 10MP 3x telephoto, 12MP ultrawide, 40MP front
Pros
  • Best for gamers who also require an excellent camera system
  • IP68 rating and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus screen ensures durability
  • Can last up to two days on a single charge
Cons
  • Doesn't have a 3.5mm jack
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Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra

Asus ROG devices are known for their gaming performance, and the ROG Phone 5s live up to that badge. Aside from its high-end hardware, it also has several features that build up the gaming experience.

These features include dual front-facing speakers for audio clarity, a side-mounted charging port for use during gaming, and support for 5G and Wi-Fi 6E for lag-free online matches. You can also get the optional AeroActive Cooler 5 clip-on cooling fan to improve the phone's performance over extended gaming sessions.

And to complete the gamer look, its rear cover features Aura RGB lighting, allowing you to customize its color and pattern the way you like it.

Key Features
  • Support 5G and Wi-Fi 6E for high-speed online gaming
  • Dual front-facing speakers deliver excellent audio quality
  • Comes with a 65W HyperCharge adapter for quick charging
Specifications
  • Brand: Asus
  • SoC: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888+
  • Display: 6.78-inch FHD+, 2448x1080p, 144Hz with HDR10+
  • RAM: 16GB
  • Storage: 256GB UFS 3.1
  • Battery: 6000mAh
  • Ports: 1x USB-C 3.1, 1x USB-C 2.0, 1x 3.5mm jack
  • Operating System: Android 11 (upgradable to Android 12)
  • Camera (Rear, Front): 64MP/13MP/5MP, 24MP
  • Front camera: 24MP wide
  • Rear camera: 64MP wide, 13MP ultrawide, and 5MP macro
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11, Bluetooth 5.2, 5G, LTE
  • Others: N/A
  • Dimensions: 6.80 x 3.04 x 0.39 inches
  • Colors: Phantom Black and Storm White
  • Display type: AMOLED
  • Weight: 8.40 oz
  • Charge speed: 65W wired fast charging, 10W reverse charging, Quick Charge 5, and Power Delivery 3.0
  • IP Rating: N/A
  • RAM and Storage: 16GB and 256GB
  • Micro SD card support: No
  • Stylus: N/A
Pros
  • Equipped with a side-mounted port for charging during gaming
  • Aura RGB lighting provides additional gamer aesthetics
  • Optional AeroActive Cooler 5 clip-on cooling fan improves extended gaming performance
Cons
  • Cameras don't offer optical image stabilization
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Asus ROG Phone 5s

You don't have to pay for flagship prices to get a flagship phone with the Xiaomi Mi 11i. This capable phone can let you play the latest games while still keeping to a mid-range price point.

This device sports the Snapdragon 888 chip paired with 128GB storage and 8GB RAM. It also has a 120Hz Super AMOLED display, allowing you to enjoy the power brought by the hardware.

Its clean and sleek design also makes it suitable for almost anyone. So whether you're a corporate professional with hidden gaming talents or a full-time gamer with a day job, you can safely use this phone without giving away your secret gaming identity.

Key Features
  • IP53 rating offers decent dust and splash protection
  • 120Hz Super AMOLED display makes it a great screen for gaming
  • 33W fast charging capabilities let you fully charge it in less than an hour
Specifications
  • Brand: Xiaomi
  • SoC: Snapdragon 888 5G
  • Display: 6.67-inch, 120Hz, 1080x2400 Super AMOLED
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Storage: 128GB
  • Battery: 4520mAh
  • Ports: USB-C 2.0
  • Operating System: Android 11
  • Camera (Rear, Front): 108MP wide, 8MP ultrawide, 5MP telephoto, 20MP front
Pros
  • Clean and sleek look makes it suitable for all personality types
  • Equipped with UFS 3.1 storage for faster loading times
  • Dual Dolby Atmos speakers offer improved gaming audio
Cons
  • Doesn't have expandable memory
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Xiaomi Mi 11i

The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max is one of the most powerful smartphones you can buy today. And with that power, you can definitely play all the games you want. One further advantage iOS has over Android is it's specifically tailored to run on a few devices. This makes it easier for game developers to optimize their apps for the Apple App Store.

The uniformity of iPhones also means that games will run as their makers intended. The only disadvantage the iPhone has over most Android devices is that it's expensive.

But if you can afford it, then the iPhone 13 Pro Max isn't just a solid gaming smartphone—it's a solid smartphone, period.

Key Features
  • Equipped with one of the best screens in the industry
  • Highly-optimized iOS 15 makes it run apps and games efficiently
  • Sports a Hexa-core CPU and Penta-core GPU
Specifications
  • Brand: Apple
  • SoC: Apple A15 Bionic
  • Display: 6.7-inch, 120Hz, 1284x2778 OLED
  • RAM: 6GB
  • Storage: 128GB
  • Battery: 4352mAh
  • Ports: Lightning
  • Operating System: iOS 15
  • Camera (Rear, Front): 12MP wide, 12MP telephoto, 12MP ultrawide, 12MP front
Pros
  • Oleophobic-coated screen reduces fingerprint marks when gaming
  • IP68-rated for durability
  • Light MagSafe compatible chargers can let you comfortably top-up your phone's battery while gaming
Cons
  • Expensive
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Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max

While Google makes the Android operating system for an almost numberless number of devices, they also decided to create hardware optimized for this operating system. Enter the Google Pixel 6 Pro with the Google Tensor chip—the quintessential Android smartphone.

Optimizing both the phone's hardware and its operating system ensures that you'll have the smoothest gaming experience with this device. Furthermore, since this is Google's top offering, you can expect it to have the best possible performance.

Its Tensor chip, massive RAM, fast UFS 3.1 storage, and all-day 5,000 mAh battery means you can play all the latest games without worrying about lag and other issues.

Key Features
  • Features IP68 rating for added longevity
  • 120Hz screen makes it suitable for gaming and other general tasks
  • Guaranteed to get up to three years of the latest Android updates
Specifications
  • Brand: Google
  • SoC: Google Tensor
  • Display: 6.71-inch QHD+, 3120x1440p, 120Hz with HDR10+
  • RAM: 12GB
  • Storage: 256GB UFS 3.1
  • Battery: 5003mAh
  • Ports: 1x USB-C 3.1
  • Operating System: Android 12
  • Camera (Rear, Front): 50MP/48MP/12MP, 11.1MP
  • Front camera: 11.1MP ultrawide
  • Rear camera: 50MP wide, 48MP telephoto, and 12MP ultrawide
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11, Bluetooth 5.2, 5G, LTE
  • Others: N/A
  • Dimensions: 6.45 x 2.98 x 0.35 inches
  • Colors: Stormy Black, Cloudy White, Sorta Sunny
  • Display type: LTPO AMOLED
  • Weight: 16.64oz
  • Charge speed: Fast Charging: 30W wired and 23W wireless, Power Delivery 3.0
  • IP Rating: IP68
  • RAM and Storage: 12GB and 256GB
  • Micro SD card support: No
  • Stylus: N/A
Pros
  • Equipped with UFS 3.1 for fast storage access
  • Fast charging capability, up to 50 percent in 30 minutes
  • Massive 5,000mAh battery allows it to last all day long
Cons
  • Pricey
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Google Pixel 6 Pro

This flagship device is an excellent alternative for those who aren't fans of Samsung, Google, or Apple. It offers competitive specifications while being slightly more affordable than the previously-mentioned brands. You can get the same or similar performance as other flagship devices while keeping extra features, like an IP68 rating, Gorilla Glass 5 protection, and a Hasselblad-branded camera system.

It can also fully recharge wirelessly from zero in just 43 minutes. Because of this, you can reliably play AAA games on this device without worrying about poor performance.

Its loud and powerful speakers and 120Hz HDR10+ display mean you will be fully immersed in any game you play on this smartphone.

Key Features
  • Features a 120Hz HDR10+ display with 1,300 nits peak brightness
  • Rapid wireless charging capability, reaching a full charge from 0 percent in just 43 minutes
  • IP68 rating and Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for added durability
Specifications
  • Brand: OnePlus
  • SoC: Snapdragon 888 5G
  • Display: 6.7-inch, 120Hz, 1440x3216 LTPO AMOLED
  • RAM: 12GB
  • Storage: 256GB
  • Battery: 4500mAh
  • Ports: USB-C 3.1
  • Operating System: Android 11
  • Camera (Rear, Front): 48MP wide, 8MP telephoto, 50MP ultrawide, 2MP monochrome, 16MP front
  • Rear camera: 48MP, 50MP, 8MP, Mono Camera
  • Dimensions: 6.43 x 2.9 x 0.34 inches
  • Weight: 6.8oz
Pros
  • Excellent camera system
  • Loud and powerful speakers
  • OxygenOS 11 is a clean execution of Android 11
Cons
  • No 4K video support
Buy This Product
OnePlus 9 Pro

FAQ

Q: Which Chipset Is Best for Playing Games?

Qualcomm's 8-series chipsets usually offer the best performance and battery optimization for gaming. The current flagship SoC, the Snapdragon 888, will soon be superseded by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. Nevertheless, some of the latest 7-series chips can also play games, albeit with lower graphics.

Q: How Much RAM Should a Gaming Phone Have?

For most modern smartphones, 4GB RAM is the bare minimum you should consider to run Android. 6GB is suitable for most basic tasks, but if you're looking at gaming, it's advisable to have at least 8GB. 12GB will allow you to push your performance, but this must be complemented by a powerful chip, like the Snapdragon 888.

Q: Which Is Better for Gaming? Android or iOS?

Since the iOS platform runs on fewer devices, it's easier for developers to create and optimize their games for iPhones. It's also why many games get released first on iOS, with their Android version coming later. And since iOS is usually better optimized for the hardware they're running on, you can generally get a better experience gaming on an iPhone.

For this reason, playing games on the iPhone typically offer a better experience than some Android phones. But if you consider gamer-focused Android devices, like the Black Shark 4, the Red Magic 6S Pro, and the Asus ROG Phone 5s, then mobile gaming tips heavily in their favor—but at the cost of other functions.