Gaming on smartphones has improved a lot over the years. But not all phones are built to handle intense gaming sessions. Many flagship models have powerful chips, but they often lack proper cooling and sustained performance. That’s where dedicated gaming phones shine.
Gaming phones are designed to manage heat, frame rates, and battery life better than regular smartphones. Only two companies currently focus on this niche: Asus and Nubia. Their devices come with features tailored for gamers. However, these phones may not be ideal for general use.
This list includes five top gaming phones of 2025. Each offers something unique, whether it’s speed, battery life, comfort, or software support.
1. RedMagic 10S Pro – The Most Focused Gaming Phone
The RedMagic 10S Pro is made for serious gamers. It weighs 229 grams and features an aviation-grade aluminum frame. It has a 6.85-inch AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate. While most games don’t need that high of a refresh rate, it still improves visuals in supported titles.
What sets this phone apart is its active cooling system. It uses a built-in fan and vapor chamber to keep the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip from overheating. This helps maintain peak performance during long gaming sessions.
It also comes with a huge 7050mAh battery. That’s the largest on this list. It can last through a full day of heavy gaming. And if you do run low, 100W fast charging brings it back quickly.
The design is bold, with RGB lights and a semi-transparent back. Some might find this look too flashy. Still, it clearly shows the phone’s gaming roots.
2. Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro – A Premium Option for Gamers
If you want a gaming phone that works well as a daily driver, consider the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro. It features a 185Hz LTPO AMOLED display. That’s one of the highest refresh rates available. The screen adjusts smoothly based on content.
Asus improved the phone’s thermal management this year. Like the RedMagic, it uses the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip. It also has a side-mounted USB-C port. This makes charging while gaming more convenient in landscape mode.
The ROG Phone 9 Pro supports an external cooler for even better heat control. Its 5,800mAh battery supports 65W wired and 15W wireless charging.
Unlike many gaming phones, the ROG Phone 9 Pro has strong camera hardware. It includes a stabilized 50MP main camera, a 3x zoom lens, and a gimbal-like stabilization system. These features make it better suited for photography than most competitors.
You might also like : Top 5 Nothing Phone (3) Alternatives You Can Buy
3. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra – Powerhouse Performance Without the Label
Samsung doesn’t market the Galaxy S25 Ultra as a gaming phone. Yet it performs like one. It has a massive 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with 2600 nits brightness and a 120Hz refresh rate. That’s more than enough for most mobile games.
Under the hood, it runs a slightly faster version of the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip. Clock speeds go up to 4.47GHz. It lacks physical triggers or a cooling fan. But its thermal control is efficient and stable.
The S25 Ultra has a titanium build that makes it feel premium and comfortable. It also offers seven years of Android updates. Features like Samsung DeX, UWB, and IP68 rating add to its appeal.
Its camera setup is among the best here. It includes a 200MP main sensor and dual zoom lenses. Battery life is good, with a 5,000mAh battery and 45W wired charging.
4. iPhone 16 Pro Max – Apple’s High-Performance Choice
Apple doesn’t make dedicated gaming phones. But the iPhone 16 Pro Max competes strongly in the space. It uses Apple’s A18 Pro chip, which excels in single-core performance and graphics efficiency.
The phone has a 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. It supports a 120Hz refresh rate and 2000 nits peak brightness. While not as bright as some rivals, it delivers consistent and vivid visuals.
iOS optimization gives Apple an edge. Games tend to run smoother and use less power compared to Android.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max uses NVMe storage, which is faster than UFS found in Android phones. But RAM is limited to 8GB. Its cameras are top-notch, especially the 5x telephoto lens with advanced stabilization.
Battery life is reliable thanks to Apple’s tight integration between hardware and software. If you’re invested in Apple’s ecosystem, this is the most polished option for gaming.
5. Poco F7 Ultra – The Surprising Contender
The Poco F7 Ultra is a standout value pick. It’s not the cheapest, but it offers flagship-level specs at a lower price than Samsung or Apple.
It uses the same Snapdragon 8 Elite chip as others. You can get up to 16GB RAM. Its QHD+ AMOLED display peaks at 3200 nits. It also supports 3840Hz PWM dimming. This makes screen time easier on your eyes during long sessions.
The phone has a surprisingly good camera setup. It includes a 2.5x optical zoom telephoto and a 32MP ultrawide lens.
Charging is fast, with 120W wired and 50W wireless options. Only the battery size lags behind—5300mAh. Still, that’s plenty for a full day of use.
It also includes Bluetooth 6.0, Snapdragon Sound, and IP68 water resistance. That makes it a great mix of performance, durability, and everyday usability.
Which One Is Right for You?
Choosing the best gaming phone depends on your needs and budget.
For raw power and cooling, the RedMagic 10S Pro leads the pack. It’s the most aggressive option for hardcore gamers.
The ROG Phone 9 Pro is close behind. It offers strong performance and a more balanced design. It’s a bit pricier, though.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max are both excellent flagships. They game well but aren’t built solely for that purpose.
Finally, the Poco F7 Ultra gives near-flagship performance at a more affordable price. It may have the best screen of the year.
Your choice should depend on how much you’re willing to spend. Also consider what features matter most to you—like cooling, cameras, or ecosystem.
