Best Gaming Smartphones In 2023 Game Enthusiasts Should Know

Gaming phones have a limited presence, particularly in the U.S., where Asus dominates the market. Nevertheless, they are gaining popularity internationally, with brands like Xiaomi and Nubia becoming more recognized. Moreover, the overall increase in smartphone power has made even mainstream options capable of delivering excellent gaming experiences.

Whether you prefer a large or small phone, one that's budget-friendly or premium, or a device specifically designed for gaming, this collection of the best gaming smartphones 2023  by Mobygeek.com caters to all your needs.

Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate

Price: $1365

The ROG Phone 7 Ultimate, crafted by Asus, takes the crown as the best gaming smartphone in 2023 overall. Boasting a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SOC, 16GB of LPDDR5X memory, and 512GB of UFS4.0 storage, it delivers exceptional gaming performance and longevity.

The 6.78-inch 165Hz AMOLED display enhances the gaming experience further. While its weight might be a concern for some at 246g, the device's cooling solution, Gamecool 7, ensures high performance without thermal throttling.

Asus's software optimizations, including X-Mode, contribute to a stable gaming experience. Even though its camera capabilities aren't as strong as other top brands, for dedicated gamers seeking the best, the ROG Phone 7 Ultimate remains unmatched.

Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

Price: $1099

iOS gamers can enjoy a fantastic gaming experience with the iPhone 14 Pro Max. Its 6.7-inch, 120Hz Super Retina XDR display, driven by the powerful Apple A16 Bionic SOC, offers excellent performance for high-end 3D titles.

The phone's responsive haptic feedback enhances immersion in supported games. While not perfect for gaming due to punch-hole camera cutouts, and lacking specialized game optimization, the iPhone 14 Pro Max remains one of the best smartphones for gaming in 2023.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

Price: $995

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is a standout among today's gaming smartphones, boasting a sleek design, versatile cameras, and a captivating 6.8-inch QHD+ 120Hz AMOLED 2X display. Though not tailored specifically for gaming, its custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset delivers impressive performance, allowing for high frame rates during gameplay.

Beyond gaming, this smartphone excels in various areas, including its exceptional camera capabilities and long-lasting battery life. The polished OneUI software further enhances the user experience. While priced higher than the ROG Phone 7 Ultimate, its overall performance and features make it a worthy investment. For gaming enthusiasts seeking physical controls, the option to use external controllers via Bluetooth adds to its allure.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4

Price: $1599

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 will certainly give game enthusiasts an unparalleled gaming experience with its massive 7.6-inch 120Hz AMOLED display as well as stereo speakers. Despite its main focus not being gaming, the phone's Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SOC and 12GB memory ensure seamless 3D gameplay. Yet, the in-display selfie camera and battery life have some limitations. Despite that, the Z Fold 4 offers a versatile smartphone with impressive gaming potential and productivity capabilities.

Xiaomi POCO F4 GT

Price: $499

Xiaomi's Poco F4 GT continues the brand's tradition of offering flagship-level performance at an affordable price. With its Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 SOC, 8GB LPDDR5 memory, 128GB UFS3.1 storage, 6.67-inch 120Hz AMOLED display, and 120W fast charging, it's well-equipped for demanding 3D games.

Additionally, the phone boasts impressive speakers and hardware shoulder buttons for a better gaming experience. While it sacrifices some camera quality and software polish, the Poco F4 GT remains an enticing option for gaming enthusiasts.

Priced at $499 only, the POCO F4 GT deserves the best budget gaming smartphone in 2023.

Xiaomi 13 Pro

Price: $1300

The Xiaomi Mi 13 Pro is a versatile flagship smartphone with impressive specs, including a QHD+ 120Hz AMOLED display, three 50MP cameras on the back, and Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SOC, boasting a sharp, fluid display and smooth gameplay.

Its big display and strong performance are truly suitable for gaming. The 4,820mAh battery is complemented by a 120-watt charger, providing quick charging. Despite lacking RGB lights or hardware triggers, the Xiaomi 13 Pro excels as a premium flagship gaming smartphone with outstanding performance and a complete camera package.

RedMagic 8 Pro

Price: $649

ZTE's Nubia RedMagic 8 Pro is a gaming-focused phone with built-in RGB lighting, an internal cooling fan, and haptic shoulder buttons that can be remapped in-game. It features the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SOC, a 120Hz AMOLED display, and a 6,000mAh battery with fast charging. Though the camera system is not a highlight, its reasonable cost and gaming-centric features make it an appealing option for those seeking Qualcomm's latest hardware and active cooling.

OnePlus 11

Price: $550

OnePlus continues its focus on speed with the OnePlus 11, offering a fluid software experience alongside killer specs. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SOC and 8GB RAM deliver impressive performance. The phone stands out with its off-center circular camera housing, refreshing Eternal Green colorway, thin bezels, and Hasselblad branding, providing a premium look and feel at a competitive price. The slightly under-clocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SOC, combined with vapor chamber cooling, ensures the phone remains cool during extended gaming sessions.

Overall, the OnePlus 11 is a well-made phone available in the U.S. and worldwide at a midrange price, making it a compelling option among the best gaming smartphones in 2023.

Best gaming smartphones 2023: Rounding out

Gaming phones are still relatively rare, leading to the inclusion of mainstream flagships on this list, which are still excellent for gaming despite lacking gaming-specific features. Importing gaming phones may present challenges like shipping delays, carrier incompatibility, and limited warranties.

For gamers in the U.S., the Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate is a top choice, boasting powerful specs, optimization software, and first-party gaming accessories like the cooling fan.

In the meanwhile, the Poco F4 GT offers solid gaming performance at a lower price, sacrificing camera quality and battery life for better gaming features like hardware triggers and excellent speakers. Unfortunately, it's not officially available in the U.S.

For a premium mainstream smartphone with great gaming attributes, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra excels with its impressive display, performance, S-pen, and versatile camera stack. However, for RGB lighting enthusiasts, other options in our list of best gaming smartphones 2023 may be worth considering.

>>> Read more: Which Smartphone Has The Best Camera 2023?