Inside this Article:
Top 10 Best Mobiles for Gaming in 2024 |
Looking for the best mobile phones for gaming in 2024? Whether you're into Android or Apple, budget-friendly or high-end, we've got you covered. We've picked the top 10 gaming phones that will give you the best experience, no matter what kind of gamer you are.
Key Takeaways
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The ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro is our top pick for the best gaming phone overall.
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Nubia RedMagic 9 Pro stands out with its amazing battery life.
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Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the best premium Android phone for gaming.
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Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max offers top-notch performance for iOS users.
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Poco X6 Pro is the best budget option for gamers.
1. ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
The ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro is a top choice for gamers in 2024. Early 2024 graced us with a new super-powered gaming smartphone — ASUS launched the new ROG Phone 8 and ROG Phone 8 Pro duo. This phone is built for serious gaming with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and up to 24GB of RAM.
Specifications
Feature |
Details |
---|---|
Display |
6.8-inch AMOLED (2400 x 1080) |
Refresh Rate |
165Hz |
CPU |
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
RAM |
16GB, 24GB |
Storage |
512GB, 1TB (non-expandable) |
Rear Cameras |
50MP main, 13MP ultrawide, 32MP 3x telephoto |
Front Camera |
32MP selfie |
Weight |
7.9 ounces |
Battery Life |
18:48 hours (adaptive mode) |
Reasons to Buy
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Brilliant gaming performance
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Smooth display
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Massive internal storage
Reasons to Avoid
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Mid-range cameras
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Expensive
The ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro is not just a gaming phone; it's a powerhouse that can handle any task you throw at it. If you're serious about mobile gaming, this is the phone for you.
2. Nubia RedMagic 9 Pro
The Nubia RedMagic 9 Pro is a top choice for gamers in 2024. Its combination of a high-resolution AMOLED display, a fast refresh rate, an ultra-responsive touch screen, and an under-display camera creates a fantastic gaming experience . The phone features a 6.8-inch AMOLED display with 1600 nits peak brightness, 120 Hz refresh rate, and a 960 Hz touch sampling rate, ensuring smooth visuals and touch response.
Specifications
Feature |
Details |
---|---|
Release date |
January 2024 |
Weight |
229g |
Dimensions |
164 x 76.4 x 8.9mm |
OS |
Android 14 |
Screen size |
6.8-inch |
Resolution |
1116 x 2480 |
Chipset |
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
RAM |
Up to 16GB |
Storage |
Up to 512GB |
Battery |
6,500mAh |
Rear camera |
50MP + 50MP + 2MP |
Front camera |
12MP |
Key Features
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Shoulder trigger buttons for better control
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Fully customizable RGB lighting
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Dual 50MP rear cameras with optical anti-shake system
The RedMagic 9 Pro is a solid glass slab of a phone that offers unbeatable gaming performance for the price. Its Snapdragon Gen 3 processor is capable of handling any Android game, and the fans keep the phone cool without causing much noise.
While the camera system may not match the quality of top-tier phones, the RedMagic 9 Pro excels in delivering a smooth and immersive gaming experience. If you're looking for a powerful gaming phone without breaking the bank, this is a great option.
3. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra |
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is a powerhouse for gaming and beyond. With a 6.8-inch AMOLED display and a robust 5,000mAh battery, it ensures long hours of uninterrupted gameplay. The phone is equipped with the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, making it one of the fastest devices on the market.
The S24 Ultra also excels in photography with its impressive camera setup: a 200MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, a 50MP telephoto lens with 5x zoom, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x zoom. The front camera is 12MP, perfect for selfies and video calls.
Specifications
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Release Date: January 2024
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Weight: 232g
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Dimensions: 162.3 x 79.0 x 8.6mm
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OS: Android 14
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Resolution: 1440 x 3120
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RAM: 12GB
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Storage: Up to 1TB
Key Features
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Titanium Frame: Lightweight yet durable, offering a premium feel.
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Gorilla Armor Glass: Enhanced durability and reduced glare.
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S Pen: Advanced productivity features for note-taking and more.
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Galaxy AI: New generative AI features for an enhanced user experience.
Though the price has increased to $1,299, the upgrades make it well worth it. The new titanium frame and Gorilla Armor glass add to its durability and premium feel.
4. Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max is a top choice for gaming enthusiasts. For video streaming, the iPhone 15 Pro Max does as well as other flagship phones out there, but with gaming we get another excellent score — nine and a half. This model features a stunning 6.7-inch AMOLED display, perfect for all your media consumption and mobile productivity needs.
Specifications
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Release date: September 2023
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Weight: 221g
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Dimensions: 159.9 x 76.7 x 8.25mm
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OS: iOS 17
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Screen size: 6.7 inches
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Resolution: 2796 x 1290 pixels
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CPU: A17 Pro
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RAM: 8GB (unofficial)
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Storage: 256GB/512GB/1TB
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Battery: 4,422mAh (unofficial)
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Rear camera: 48MP (wide) + 12MP (ultra-wide) + 12MP (telephoto with 5x optical zoom)
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Front camera: 12MP
Design and Build
This year's model is made of titanium instead of stainless steel, making it significantly lighter and more comfortable to use. The fit and finish rival the best phones from Samsung.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
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Action button brings new customizability
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Lighter, more comfortable form factor
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Compatible with new Apple Intelligence features
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5X zoom camera for high-quality shots
Cons:
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Battery life could be longer
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Apple-branded cases, especially the FineWoven, need to be better
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is not just a phone; it's a powerhouse for gaming and media consumption. Its new titanium frame and advanced features make it a standout choice for 2024.
5. OnePlus 10T
The OnePlus 10T, though a couple of generations old, remains a strong contender in the mid-range gaming phone market. Equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen1 SoC and up to 16 GB of RAM, it can handle any game with ease. While it may not have the flashy gamer aesthetics of other models, it still offers a stable and enjoyable gaming experience.
The phone features a 120 Hz Fluid AMOLED display with a 360 Hz touch response rate, ensuring smooth visuals and quick touch responses. Its Cryo-velocity vapor cooling system helps maintain better thermals during intense gaming sessions. Additionally, the OnePlus 10T supports rapid charging up to 125W, allowing the 4800 mAh battery to recharge quickly.
Specification |
Details |
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SoC |
Snapdragon SM8475 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) |
Display |
6.7'', 394 PPI, 120Hz |
RAM |
8/12/16GB variants |
Storage |
128G/256G |
Battery |
Li-Po 4800 mAh |
OS |
Android 12 with OxygenOS 13, upgradeable to Android 13 |
Weight |
204g |
Front Camera |
16 MP |
Rear Camera |
50 MP + 8MP + 2MP |
At a sub-$400 price point, the OnePlus 10T is a perfect choice for gamers looking for a budget-friendly option. If you need a bigger battery, better cameras, and wireless charging, consider the OnePlus 10 Pro, which is also available for under $400 when on sale.
6. Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G
The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G is a budget-friendly option for gamers. It features a Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor, which is good enough for casual gaming and some more demanding titles. The phone has a 6.6-inch FHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate, making the gaming experience smooth and enjoyable.
Key Specifications
Feature |
Specification |
---|---|
Processor |
Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 |
Display |
6.6-inch FHD+ (2400x1080) |
Refresh Rate |
120Hz |
RAM |
6GB |
Storage |
128GB |
Battery |
5000 mAh |
Front Camera |
16MP |
Rear Camera |
50MP + 8MP |
Operating System |
Android 13 |
Weight |
202g |
Stylus |
Yes |
Headphone Jack |
3.5mm |
Pros
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Stylus included
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120Hz refresh rate display
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3.5mm headphone jack
Cons
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Only 6GB RAM and 128GB storage model available
While the built-in stylus might not enhance the gaming experience, it adds versatility to the device, making it a great all-rounder for its price range.
7. OnePlus Open
The OnePlus Open is the company's first foldable phone, and it has made quite an impression. It offers top-end specs and a very capable camera, making it a strong contender in the foldable phone market. When folded, the phone is as light as an iPhone, and when unfolded, it expands into a thin slate of visual goodness. The 7.8-inch display supports intuitive multitasking features like "Open Canvas," allowing you to open up to three apps at once.
OnePlus has nailed the basics with the Open, including 65W fast charging capabilities and a base configuration of 16GB RAM and 512GB storage. The crease-less inner display adds to its appeal. The phone is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen2 processor, ensuring smooth performance for all modern graphics-intensive games.
The triple camera setup captures spectacular photos and videos, with an emphasis on blue and orangish hues. The foldable form factor also allows for hands-free selfies and group photos. Priced at $1,699, the OnePlus Open offers great value for its features.
8. ASUS Zenfone 10
The ASUS Zenfone 10 is a compact powerhouse, perfect for gamers who prefer a smaller device. It features a 5.9-inch AMOLED display and is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, ensuring smooth and snappy performance. With up to 512GB of storage, you'll have plenty of space for all your games and apps.
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Battery Life: 4,300mAh, providing long-lasting usage.
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Colors: Available in Black, Blue, Hazel, White, and Red.
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Durability: Water and dust resistant with an IP68 rating.
Overall, the Zenfone 10 is a great little phone: powerful, cute, easy to use, with a long-lasting battery, and with a distinct design. It's more than capable of handling all modern games without breaking a sweat.
9. Poco X6 Pro
The Poco X6 Pro is a budget-friendly gaming phone that offers a lot for its price. It features a 6.67-inch display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, making your games look smooth and responsive. The phone is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8300 Ultra, paired with either 8GB or 12GB of RAM, ensuring decent performance for most games.
The camera setup includes a 64MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro lens. While the camera performance might not be the best, it is sufficient for casual photography. The 5000 mAh battery ensures you can game for extended periods without needing to recharge frequently.
Of course, bagging this phone at a cheaper price than the competition does come with compromises. The performance isn’t quite as good as the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro Edition, while the ultrawide and macro cameras will likely disappoint photographers. There’s also a lot of bloatware and in-app adverts that cheapen the experience. Nevertheless, those flaws are easy to forgive when you’re getting such an excellent gaming experience at a budget-friendly price.
Here are some key specifications:
Feature |
Specification |
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Display |
6.67 inches, 120 Hz |
Processor |
MediaTek Dimensity 8300 Ultra |
RAM |
8GB / 12GB |
Storage |
256GB |
Rear Cameras |
64MP + 8MP + 2MP |
Front Camera |
16MP |
Battery |
5000 mAh |
Charging |
67 W |
OS |
Android 14 (HyperOS) |
Dimensions |
74.3 x 8.3 x 160.5 mm |
Weight |
186 g |
Colors |
Black, Yellow, Grey |
Price |
£369 |
Overall, the Poco X6 Pro is a solid choice for gamers on a budget, offering good performance and features at a reasonable price.
10. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is the best foldable gaming phone, offering a unique experience with its large, high-resolution 7.6-inch AMOLED display. When folded, it resembles a standard smartphone, making it versatile for both gaming and everyday use. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, specialized for Samsung, ensures top performance, making it the best-performing foldable phone in benchmark tests.
Specifications
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Release Date: August 2023
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Weight: 252.3g
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Dimensions: 154.9 x 67 x 13.5mm / 154.9 x 129.7 x 6.1mm
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OS: Android 13
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Screen Size: 6.2-inch / 7.6-inch
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Resolution: 904 x 2316 / 1812 x 2176
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CPU: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
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RAM: 12GB
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Storage: 256GB / 512GB / 1TB
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Battery: 4,400mAh
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Rear Camera: 50MP + 12MP + 10MP
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Front Camera: 10MP / 4MP
Pros and Cons
Pros:
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Folds flat
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Lighter and thinner
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Large, high-res display
Cons:
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Very similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4
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Price increase
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Identical camera setup
If you want something totally different for your gaming experience, look no further than the foldable Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5. The foldable nature of the book-style smartphone means you’ve got access to a large, high-res 7.6-inch 120Hz AMOLED display when you want to play games on a big screen while still folding down to a size resembling a standard smartphone.
Conclusion
In 2024, the market for gaming phones is more exciting than ever. Whether you're a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, there's a device out there that fits your needs. From the powerful ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro to the budget-friendly Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G, each phone offers unique features that enhance your gaming experience. Keep an eye on upcoming releases, as new technologies promise to push the boundaries even further. Happy gaming!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone is the best overall for gaming in 2024?
The ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro is considered the best overall gaming phone in 2024, offering top-notch performance and features designed specifically for gamers.
Is the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra good for gaming?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is excellent for gaming. It has a powerful processor and a high-quality display that enhances the gaming experience.
What is the best budget gaming phone?
The Poco X6 Pro is the best budget gaming phone in 2024. It offers great performance at an affordable price.
Does the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max support gaming?
Absolutely! The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max is one of the best options for gaming, with its powerful hardware and smooth performance.
Are foldable phones good for gaming?
Yes, foldable phones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 are good for gaming. They offer a larger screen and great performance, making the gaming experience more immersive.
What is the best mid-range gaming phone?
The OnePlus 10T is the best mid-range gaming phone in 2024, providing a balance of performance and price.