In 2025, the mobile gaming scene is more competitive than ever. Whether you’re into e-sports, open-world adventures, or fast FPS titles, choosing the right phones for gaming can make all the difference.
Below is a curated list of top 5 phones for gaming, complete with specs, benchmark highlights, price estimates, and what makes them stand out.
At the end, you’ll also find the questions gamers frequently ask most often when buying a gaming phone.
What makes a phone ideal for gaming?
Before diving into the list, here are the key attributes you should look for in phones for gaming:
- High refresh rate & touch sampling (120 Hz, 144 Hz, or more)
- Powerful chipset + GPU, with sustained performance under load
- Effective cooling / thermal management
- Large battery + fast charging
- Extras: physical triggers, gamer modes, accessories, audio quality
With those in mind, here are five standout 2025 phones for gaming, from pure flagships to strong budget contenders.
ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro
Why it leads the pack among phones for gaming?
Chipset & memory: Snapdragon 8 Elite, up to 24 GB LPDDR5X + 1 TB UFS 4.0 storage
Display: 6.78″ AMOLED, up to 185 Hz (via Game Genie), with 720 Hz touch sampling
Cooling: GameCool 9 thermal system, large graphite sheets, and optional AeroActive Cooler X Pro accessory
Battery & charging: 5,800 mAh battery, 65 W wired charging, 46 min full charge claim
Camera & extras: 50 MP main, 13 MP ultrawide, 32 MP telephoto (3×), front 32 MP. Also includes AirTrigger ultrasonic sensors, IP68 rating.
Price: starts around $1,199.99 for 16 GB / 512 GB version
Gaming performance & user feedback: reviewers praise it as “the most powerful phone around” with top-tier sustained gaming performance. Some users on forums report thermal stability:
Overall, the ROG Phone 9 Pro is arguably the benchmark for phones for gaming in 2025, especially for serious gamers prioritizing performance and features.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
The flagship with gaming chops.
Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Elite (the “for Galaxy” variant in many regions)
Display: 6.9″ LTPO AMOLED 2X, QHD+, adaptive refresh rate (up to 120 Hz)
Battery & charging: 5,000 mAh (typical for Ultra models), with Samsung’s fast charging and wireless charging support
Camera & features: Samsung’s top imaging stack (200 MP main, telephoto, ultrawide), alongside Samsung’s ecosystem, software updates, and AI features
Price: $1,299.99 for 256 GB base model
Gaming notes: while its refresh rate is lower than pure gaming phones, the Galaxy S25 Ultra excels in sustained performance, thermal control, and software optimization.
In some tests it handles lengthy gaming better than many flagships. It’s a top pick if you want a balanced device, powerful in gaming but still a full flagship in all other respects.
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Best iOS option in the phones for gaming category. While Apple doesn’t always publish thermal or FPS breakdowns in the same way as Android phones, the iPhone 16 Pro Max continues to dominate in GPU efficiency and consistent frame rates.
In many AAA mobile games (like Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile, etc.) it often delivers stable 60 fps or more, thanks to tight software-hardware integration.
It also benefits from the mature iOS gaming ecosystem, optimized games, controller support, and long software support. If you prefer iOS or play cross-platform with iPhone users, this remains one of the best phones for gaming under iOS.
Nubia REDMAGIC 10S Pro
Best “gamer-first” value pick.
Chipset & performance: Snapdragon 8 Elite (Leading Version).
Display & touch: 6.85″ AMOLED, 144 Hz refresh rate, high touch sampling (up to 2500 Hz claimed).
Battery & charging: 7,050 mAh battery, 80 W wired fast charging (0–100% in ~38 min).
Cooling & extras: Active cooling with internal fan, capacitive shoulder triggers (520 Hz), RGB lighting, fan modes, gamer UI enhancements.
Weaknesses: No wireless charging, average cameras, slightly bulky design.
Price: starts around $699 for base variant (12 GB + 256 GB).
Performance score highlights: PhoneArena rated it 7.5/10 overall, with top scores in performance and battery life.
In gaming battery tests, it lasted 13h 55m of gameplay, putting it among the longest in 2025 tests.
For gamers who prioritize features (triggers, fan, battery) over camera excellence, the REDMAGIC 10S Pro is a compelling choice in the phones for gaming lineup.
Tecno Pova 6 Neo
Strong mid-budget contender in phones for gamin.
Chipset & memory: MediaTek Helio G99 Ultimate.
Display: 6.78″ IPS / LCD, 120 Hz refresh rate
Battery & charging: 7,000 mAh battery, 33 W flash charging.
Weaknesses: No active cooling/fan, weaker GPU than flagship chips, more limited sustained performance.
Price: in many markets, around $200
Usability and gaming experience: for many e-sports, casual, or moderately demanding titles, Tecno Pova 6 Neo delivers a smooth and enjoyable experience.
The large 120 Hz display plus the 7,000 mAh battery gives it strong endurance in its class. It won’t match ultra settings in every game, but it’s one of the best for the price among phones for gaming on a budget.
If you want to experience the absolute best in mobile gaming, the ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro remains the benchmark in 2025. The REDMAGIC 10S Pro offers exceptional value in the gaming niche.
If you prefer a well-rounded flagship, the Galaxy S25 Ultra holds its own in games while offering top-tier cameras and features. Need a strong iOS pick? The iPhone 16 Pro Max continues to deliver smooth, optimized gaming.
And for budget-conscious gamers, Tecno Pova 6 Neo punches well above its class when it comes to phones for gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Phones for Gaming
Do I need more than 120 Hz refresh rate for gaming?
A refresh rate above 120 Hz (e.g. 144 Hz, 185 Hz) offers smoother motion and responsiveness, especially in fast-paced titles. But the difference is less noticeable beyond 144 Hz unless you’re comparing side by side. The more critical factor is whether the GPU can consistently push high frame rates.
Is having a fan or active cooling a must for a gaming phone?
No, but it helps sustain performance. Phones like REDMAGIC or ROG use fans or vapor chambers to prevent thermal throttling during extended sessions. Phones without such cooling may reduce GPU/CPU speed under heavy load over time.
How big of a battery is “good” for gaming?
A battery 5,000 mAh and above is ideal, but usage and efficiency matter. Many phones listed here exceed 5,800 mAh. Phones with moderate chips and efficient software (like iPhones) can often match or exceed larger-capacity Android phones in real-world gaming.
Is fast charging important for gaming phones?
Yes, since long gaming sessions drain battery fast, fast charging (50 W–80 W or more) means you spend less time waiting. For example, REDMAGIC 10S Pro supports 80 W charging and fills quickly.
Should I prioritize camera or gaming specs?
It depends on your use. Many phones for gaming trade off camera quality for performance, cooling, and battery. If you also take many photos or videos, a more balanced flagship (like Galaxy S25 Ultra) may suit you better, while dedicated gaming phones like ROG or REDMAGIC focus on gameplay first.
