Best Gaming Phones 2025: Top Devices for Mobile Gaming

What Makes the Best Gaming Phone in 2025?

Finding the best gaming phone requires careful consideration of several factors. First, your budget plays a crucial role in determining available options. Additionally, think about your phone's other uses beyond gaming.

Moreover, the specific games you play matter significantly. For instance, demanding titles like Genshin Impact and PUBG Mobile need more processing power. Therefore, understanding your gaming preferences helps narrow down the best choice.

Currently, the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro stands as our top overall pick. However, it faces strong competition from the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. Fortunately, excellent alternatives exist across various price ranges.

Top 8 Best Gaming Phones for 2025

Here are the best gaming phones we've tested and ranked:

1. Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro - Best overall gaming phone
2. Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max - Best iPhone for gaming
3. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra - Best Samsung gaming device
4. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL - Best Pixel for gamers
5. Poco X7 Pro - Best budget gaming phone
6. RedMagic 9S Pro - Best mid-range option
7. Xiaomi 14T Pro - Best display quality
8. Nothing Phone (3a) - Best Nothing gaming phone

Best Overall: Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro

Key Specifications:

• Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Elite
• Display: 6.8-inch 185Hz AMOLED (2,400 x 1,080 pixels)
• Storage: 512GB / 1TB options
• RAM: 16GB / 24GB configurations
• Battery: 5,800 mAh

The Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro delivers exceptional gaming performance. Its Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset ranks among the most powerful mobile processors available. Furthermore, the 185Hz refresh rate display ensures incredibly smooth visuals.

Games like Genshin Impact run flawlessly on this device. Additionally, the massive RAM and storage options (up to 24GB and 1TB respectively) mean you'll never run out of space. Consequently, all your games load quickly and run smoothly.

However, the 5,800 mAh battery represents a downgrade from previous models. Nevertheless, fast charging capabilities allow 0-100% charging in under an hour. Also, while the cameras are decent, they don't match flagship alternatives like the iPhone or Samsung devices.

Best iPhone: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Key Specifications:

• Chipset: Apple A18 Pro
• Display: 6.9-inch 120Hz Super Retina XDR OLED
• Storage: 256GB / 512GB / 1TB
• RAM: 8GB
• Battery: 4,685 mAh

The iPhone 16 Pro Max currently stands as Apple's most powerful device. It can run console-quality titles like Resident Evil Village. Moreover, the A18 Pro chip delivers 30% better gaming performance than the previous generation.

The 120Hz OLED display provides stunning visuals for gaming. Additionally, up to 1TB storage ensures ample space for games and apps. However, the 4,685 mAh battery lags behind Android competitors in capacity and charging speed.

Best Samsung: Galaxy S25 Ultra

Key Specifications:

• Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Elite
• Display: 6.9-inch 120Hz AMOLED
• Storage: 256GB / 512GB / 1TB
• RAM: 12GB
• Battery: 5,000 mAh

Samsung's 2025 flagship delivers powerhouse performance. Like the ROG Phone 9 Pro, it features the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. Additionally, the vibrant 6.9-inch AMOLED display enhances the gaming experience.

Importantly, the S25 Ultra doesn't suffer from the overheating issues that plagued its predecessor. Therefore, you can enjoy demanding games without discomfort. However, the cameras don't quite match the latest iPhone's quality.

Best Budget Option: Poco X7 Pro

Key Specifications:

• Chipset: Mediatek Dimensity 8400 Ultra
• Display: 6.67-inch 120Hz AMOLED
• Storage: 256GB / 512GB
• RAM: 8GB / 12GB / 16GB
• Battery: 6,000 mAh

At around $300, the Poco X7 Pro offers incredible value. Despite its budget price, it handles demanding games like Honkai Star Rail and PUBG Mobile effortlessly. Furthermore, the 120Hz display provides smooth visuals that rival more expensive options.

The 6,000 mAh battery ensures long gaming sessions. However, expect some bloatware upon setup, and wireless charging isn't available. Nevertheless, these minor drawbacks don't diminish the exceptional value proposition.

Best Google Device: Pixel 9 Pro XL

Key Specifications:

• Chipset: Google Tensor G4
• Display: 6.8-inch 120Hz LTPO OLED (1344 x 2992 pixels)
• Storage: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB
• RAM: 12GB
• Battery: 5,060 mAh

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL represents the best gaming phone for Google enthusiasts. Its Google Tensor G4 chipset shows improvement over previous generations. While it doesn't quite match the Snapdragon 8 Elite's power, it still delivers excellent gaming performance.

This device costs less than flagship alternatives from Apple and Samsung. Additionally, the 120Hz refresh rate display brings games to life beautifully. Games like Genshin Impact and Honkai Star Rail run smoothly without issues.

Moreover, the Pixel 9 Pro XL excels in photography with its trio of impressive cameras. It also comes with Google Gemini pre-installed for AI features. However, charging speeds lag behind competitors, though this applies to other flagships too.

The device offers seven years of software updates, ensuring long-term value. Therefore, it's an excellent choice for users invested in Google's ecosystem.

Best Mid-Range: RedMagic 9S Pro

Key Specifications:

• Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
• Display: 6.8-inch 120Hz BOE
• Storage: 256GB-512GB
• RAM: 12GB-16GB
• Battery: 6,500 mAh

The RedMagic 9S Pro focuses primarily on gaming performance. Its Game Space mode optimizes RAM allocation for peak gaming performance. Additionally, you can customize GPU settings for optimal results.

The device excels at running games like Zenless Zone Zero and Diablo Immortal at maximum settings. Moreover, the massive 6,500 mAh battery supports extended gaming sessions. Fast 80W charging takes the phone from 0-100% in just over 30 minutes.

Best Display: Xiaomi 14T Pro

Key Specifications:

• Chipset: Mediatek Dimensity 9300+
• Display: 6.67-inch 144Hz AMOLED
• Storage: 256GB / 512GB / 1TB
• RAM: 12GB
• Battery: 5,000mAh

The Xiaomi 14T Pro features the highest refresh rate available on smartphones at 144Hz. This creates incredibly smooth gaming experiences. Additionally, the MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ chipset handles all demanding games effortlessly.

The stunning AMOLED display makes gaming visually spectacular. Furthermore, 120W wired charging reaches 100% in just 20 minutes. However, some users may find the haptic feedback peculiar.

Best Value Alternative: Nothing Phone (3a)

Key Specifications:

• Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3
• Display: 6.77" 120Hz AMOLED
• Storage: 128GB / 256GB
• RAM: 8GB / 12GB
• Battery: 5,000 mAh

The Nothing Phone (3a) offers premium gaming features at an affordable price. Its minimalist design stands out from competitors. Additionally, the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset handles FPS games and demanding RPGs smoothly.

The clean Nothing OS provides an excellent user experience. However, some users may experience minor stuttering with everyday apps. Also, the larger form factor might not suit everyone's preferences.

How We Choose the Best Gaming Phones

Our testing process considers multiple factors when evaluating gaming phones. First, we assess performance across various price ranges. Then, we examine RAM, storage, and chipset capabilities through real-world gaming tests.

Additionally, we consider other phone features beyond gaming. For example, if you enjoy both gaming and photography, devices like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra excel in both areas. Consequently, we provide recommendations for different user needs and budgets.

Gaming Phone Brand Comparison

Asus and RedMagic lead the dedicated gaming phone market. Both brands offer superior gaming software and features like capacitive shoulder triggers. These additions prove especially useful for FPS gaming.

However, mainstream brands like Apple and Samsung also deliver excellent gaming experiences. Apple devices provide access to Apple Arcade's extensive game library. Meanwhile, Samsung phones often include additional features like stylus support.

iPhone vs Samsung for Gaming

Both iPhone and Samsung flagship devices excel at gaming. The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max deliver comparable gaming performance. Samsung devices offer stylus support, while iPhones provide Apple Arcade access.

Ultimately, choose based on your ecosystem preferences and specific needs. However, don't overlook dedicated gaming brands like Asus and RedMagic. These companies often provide superior gaming-specific features at competitive prices.

Conclusion

The best gaming phone for 2025 depends on your specific needs and budget. The Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro offers the ultimate gaming experience but comes at a premium price. Meanwhile, budget options like the Poco X7 Pro provide excellent value without sacrificing performance.

Consider your gaming habits, budget, and other phone requirements when making your decision. Fortunately, 2025 offers excellent gaming phones across all price ranges, ensuring every mobile gamer can find their perfect device.