Best phones for gaming
What should I look for in a gaming phone?
So, you’re in the market for a new gaming phone. To ensure a smooth gaming experience, be aware of specific phone features.
For example, a gaming phone’s screen size and resolution are important for picture clarity and engaging action, high storage capacity and RAM mean faster speeds that let you have many applications open at once, and a powerful battery means you can play to your heart’s content.
So, here are our top picks for the best Android gaming phones – get ready, Player One.
Which phone is best for gaming?
In terms of specifications, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, Google Pixel 8 Pro and HONOR Magic4 Pro all rate highly on the features required for seamless gaming and are 5G enabled*.
When it comes to screen size and resolution, OPPO Find X5 Pro 5G has the largest screen with a 6.81-inch screen and 3216 x 1440 resolution, but the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra (6.8 inches) and Google Pixel 8 Pro (6.7 inches) aren’t far behind.
In terms of storage capacity and RAM, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the largest, with a 512GB model and 12GB RAM.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, along with Google Pixel 8 Pro and OPPO Find X5 Pro 5G, all boast a 5000mAh battery.
However, the best phone for gaming is different for everyone and depends on factors like budget, screen size preference, and weight.
Best Samsung phones for gaming
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Expect uninterrupted gaming with the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. With the most powerful mobile chip in the Galaxy S series yet – the Qualcomm Snapdragon® 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy processor – multiplayer marathons will feel like a breeze, not least because of the improved cooling system¹. What’s more, the epic 5000mAh battery² will keep you in the game for as long as possible.
Screen size: 6.8 inches
Resolution: QHD+ (3088 x 1080)
Storage: 256GB, 512GB
RAM: 8GB, 12GB
Battery: 5000mAh
Other Samsung phones which are amazing for gaming include:
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Screen size | 6.8 inches | 7.6 inches (unfolded) | 6.6 inches | 6.1 inches | 6.7 inches (unfolded) |
Resolution | QHD+ Edge (3088 x 1440) | FHD+ (2176 x 1812) | FHD+ (2340 x 1080) | FHD+ (2340 x 1080) | FHD+ (2640 x 1080) |
Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 256GB, 512GB | 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB |
RAM | 8GB, 12GB, 12GB | 12GB, 12GB | 8GB | 8GB | 8GB |
Battery | 5000mAh | 4400mAh | 4700mAh | 3900mAh | 3700mAh |
Best Google phones for gaming
Google Pixel 7 Pro
With its 72-hour battery life¹, 6.7-inch Smooth Display, and built-in VPN², Google’s best-of-everything phone makes gaming on the go easier than ever. Thanks to the Google Pixel 7 Pro’s 120Hz refresh rate, the phone promises a smooth and responsive performance, allowing you to enjoy fluid gameplay wherever you are.
Screen size: 6.7 inches
Resolution: 3120 x 1440
Storage: 128GB
RAM: 12GB
Battery: 5000mAh
Check out Google’s other phones which are also great for gaming:
Screen size | 6.7 inches | 6.3 inches | 6.4 inches |
Resolution | 3120 x 1440 | 2400 x 1080 | 2340 x 1080 |
Storage | 128GB | 128GB | 128GB |
RAM | 12GB | 8GB | 8GB |
Battery | 5003mAh | 4355mAh | 4614mAh |
Best HONOR phones for gaming
HONOR Magic4 Pro
With its Quad-Curved 6.81-inch display, the HONOR Magic4 Pro boasts one of the largest phone screens available – perfect for an immersive gaming experience. Its 1920Hz PWM dimming technology will lessen the risk of eye strain during mega gaming sessions, while its dual 100W HONOR SuperCharge will help you power up fast when you need it.
Screen size: 6.81 inches
Resolution: OLED 2848 x 1312
Storage: 256GB
RAM: 8GB
Battery: 4600mAh
The other HONOR phones we recommend for gaming are:
HONOR Magic4 Lite 5G | ||
|---|---|---|
Screen size | 6.67 inches | 6.81 inches |
Resolution | OLED 2400 x 1080 | 2388 x 1080 |
Storage | 256GB | 128GB |
RAM | 8GB | 6GB |
Battery | 4800mAh | 4000mAh |
Best Xiaomi phones for gaming
Looking for a gaming phone? Browse these phones from Xiaomi:
Xiaomi Mi 11 5G | Xiaomi 11T Pro | Xiaomi 12 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Screen size | 6.81 inches | 6.67 inches | 6.28 inches | 6.67 inches | 6.5 inches |
Resolution | 3200 x 1440 | 2400 x 1080 | 2400 x 1080 | 2400 x 1080 | 2400 x 1080 |
Storage | 256GB | 256GB | 256GB | 128GB | 128GB |
RAM | 8GB | 8GB | 8GB | 6GB | 4GB |
Battery | 4600mAh | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | 5000mAh |
Frequently asked questions
Arguably, bigger is better and the phone with the largest screen is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 with a screen size of 7.6 inches when unfolded.
But any phone with a screen size of 6.2 inches or more is an ideal size for gaming and the perfect size for you will depend on the size of your hands and your preference on portability and weight.
Check out the large-screen phones we sell.
Check your current phone's specifications against those listed under the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and the Google Pixel 7 Pro
If your current phone doesn't quite meet those specifications, perhaps it's time for an upgrade - check out our current offers on Pay monthly phones
Terms and conditions
¹ Compared against Galaxy S22 Series.
² Typical value tested under third- party laboratory condition. Rated minimum capacity is 4855mAh.
¹ Estimated battery life based on testing using a median Pixel user battery usage profile across a mix of talk, data, standby and use of limited other features that are default in Extreme Battery Saver mode (which disables various features including 5G connectivity). Battery testing conducted on a major operator network. Battery testing conducted in California in mid-2022 on pre-production hardware and software using default settings, except that Extreme Battery Saver mode was enabled. Battery life depends upon many factors and usage of certain features will decrease battery life. Actual battery life may be lower.
² Coming soon. Restrictions apply. Some data is not transmitted through VPN. Not available in all countries. All other Google One membership benefits sold separately. Use of VPN may increase data costs depending on your plan. See g.co/pixel/vpn for details.
¹The screen supports a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz. The screen refresh rate may be slightly different under different application interfaces and game image quality. Please refer to the actual experience.
²The typical battery capacity is 4600mAh, and the rated battery capacity is 4500mAh.
³The supported maximum wired charging power is 100W with the original super-fast charger and cable. And the maximum wireless charging power is 100W with a 135W charging adaptor. The inbox adaptor is 100W charging adaptor, which supports maximum 80W wireless output.