Whether you’re fabulous at Fortnite or you’re great at Grimvalor, nothing beats having a phone that can seamlessly and smoothly keep up with the action. Smartphones built for immersive gaming have grown in numbers over the last five years, and plenty of gamers have realised that you don’t need an Xbox or Wii to experience high-quality speed, graphics and audio.
Here’s our top picks of the best gaming phones available - so get ready, Player One.
Apple
iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 12 Pro Max. Superfast 5G.¹ A14 Bionic, the fastest chip in a smartphone. Pro camera system for unbelievable low-light photography. And a larger Super Retina XDR display. It’s a huge leap forward.
Samsung
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
Take professional-looking pictures on the quad rear camera with Samsung’s new 108-megapixel sensor, which is designed to capture extraordinary details. Zoom up to 100x, shoot video in 8K and browse, game and stay entertained on the 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x display.
Samsung
Galaxy S20 FE 5G
Take superb pictures on the rear triple lens camera with a 12-megapixel Ultra-wide lens, 30x Space Zoom and Night Mode. Watch your favourite entertainment on the 6.5-inch Infinity-O Display, and keep your data secure with the On-Screen Fingerprint Scanner.
iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro family
Introduces a powerful 5G experience and advanced technologies that push the boundaries of innovation for users who want the most out of iPhone. Advanced 5G boasts improved speeds for faster downloads and uploads, higher quality video streaming, more responsive gaming, real-time interactivity in apps. FaceTime in high definition, and much more.¹ The new 14 Bionic chip, available across iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini, has the fastest CPU and GPU by up to 50% compared to the fastest competing smartphone chips. It enables console-quality gaming experiences, powerful computational photography and more, while delivering great battery life. iPhone 12 Pro Max features a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display - the largest display ever on an iPhone and the highest resolution, featuring over 3.4 million pixels for a remarkable, true-to-life viewing experience.² The OLED displays bring HDR content to life, reaching up to 1200 nits peak brightness. iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro family also feature a new Ceramic Shield front cover, providing the biggest jump in durability ever on iPhone.
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G series
The new Galaxy S21 5G series is built for gamers who want to play at superfast 5G speed* with superb, true-to-life graphics, a 120Hz refresh rate for silky scrolling and no interruptions. These revolutionary phones are wrapped in a sleek, contour-cut metal housing with Dynamic AMOLED 2x displays, hardworking Exynos 2100 processors and Samsung DeX Wireless Connections, so you can even plug into your TV. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G comes with a dazzling 6.8-inch WQHD+ display, so you can totally immerse yourself in the action - it even supports the S Pen for word puzzles, The Silent Age and Stardew Valley. The Galaxy S21+ 5G has a 6.7-inch FHD+ screen and the Galaxy S21 5G has a 6.2-inch FHD+ screen, but it's the lightest of the three at just 171g. All three phones comes with powerful batteries, Wireless PowerShare, SuperFast Charging and Dolby Atmos stereo speakers.
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE
Serious gamers need a powerful battery, a hard-working processor and a superb screen – and that’s where the Galaxy S20 FE 5G and Galaxy S20 FE 4G come in. Take gaming to the next level and immerse yourself fully on the 6.5-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED Infinity-O Display with a 120Hz refresh rate for a super-smooth gaming experience. The long-lasting 4,500mAh battery is perfect for days dedicated to gaming, and you can even charge up in a flash with Super Fast Charging – or Wireless PowerShare with a friend who also has a Samsung Galaxy device. The Galaxy S20 FE 5G’s lightning-fast 5G-enabled download and streaming speed means that fuzzy graphics, lagging and delays will be a thing of the past, and the fun only stops when you do.
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G
The Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G knows how to work hard to keep you playing hard. Experience console-quality game play wherever you go with the 6.9-inch dynamic 120Hz display, and a long-lasting, fast charging battery - so it won’t be game over until you decide. Get the best gaming experience possible with super-fast 5G speeds delivered by the Exynos 990 processor for reduced lag and load times. That’s not all - mobile gaming doesn’t have to feel like gaming on a phone anymore. You can now hook up your Xbox controller to your Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G, because it was designed to work with Xbox Game Pass. The upgraded cooling system and intelligent processor supports you if you’re playing for hours and gives you the real-time competitive edge you need - whatever the game. Xbox controller sold separately.
Sony Xperia 1 II
Gaming should be fast, responsive and packed with crystal-clear details - and that’s where the Sony Xperia 1 II comes into its own. It’s packed with the latest cutting-edge technology and 5G connectivity into a sleek, sophisticated phone which is able to power through the busiest days. Enjoy unrestricted action on the 21:9 CinemaWide™ 6.5-inch 4K HDR OLED display, and even when you’re moving fast, motion blur reduction technology minimises in-between frame lag for superb image quality. Call of Duty fans can an enjoy an optimised gaming experience through Sony’s collaboration with Qualcomm® Snapdragon Elite Gaming™ and a wider field of view on the 21:9 display. You can even connect the Xperia 1 II with a PlayStation® DUALSHOCK®4 wireless controller for gaming on-the-go and to unlock PS Remote Play functionality. Switch to performance mode to maximise touch response speed and frame rate, then select battery life mode to extend playtime. Plus, if your phone is plugged in to charge while you’re gaming, the Xperia 1 II cleverly keeps your battery at a constant level, rather than charging it, to prevent overheating.
Gaming on 5G
Playing your favourite games on a 5G phone is a truly unique experience - get ready for superfast streaming, downloading, and immediate responsiveness with reliable, seamless data (5G coverage and 5G data plan needed). 5G is around 10 times faster than 4G, and through increased speeds, streaming and cloud gaming, playing games will be a totally immersive experience like never before - whether you’re at home or on the go. From virtual reality gaming to multiplayer games with massively improved connections, everything’s set to change.
Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G
If you’re after a truly impressive gaming phone with cutting-edge tech packed into a slim exterior, the Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G is an excellent choice. Xiaomi phones are world-renowned for their superb tech specs, and the Mi 10T Pro 5G is no exception. The 6.67-inch FHD+ 144Hz AdaptiveSync display with TrueColour means silky-smooth scrolling with colour-rich visuals at up to 144 frames per second - get ready for ultra-low latency and no more lagging. The hardworking Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 with 5G processor lets you enjoy superb 5G speed* - stream, download games and play online with no buffering or lagging. It’s powered by a 5,000mAh battery with 33W fast charging, and you can even customise your screen’s colour and brightness to keep your eyes comfortable while you game.
Huawei P40 Pro 5G
Feel the need for speed? You won’t be disappointed by the P40 Pro 5G. Experience almost-total fluidity and responsiveness with the Kirin 990 5G chipset, outstanding graphics performance, and clear, sharp image processing powered by the upgraded ISP. There’s also advanced AI capability in the dual core NPU. The Quad-Curve Overflow 6.58-inch high-definition OLED screen optimises image frames without sapping power - and the 90Hz refresh rate means you’ll be able to experience 90 fps when you’re gaming. Plus, you don’t need to worry about overheating, as the unique SuperCool system conducts heat away. In terms of battery power, the innovative CPU architecture ensures high power efficiency and the AI allocation mechanism makes better use of the hardworking 4200mAh battery.
Huawei P30 Pro New Edition
Game without distractions and experience total immersion on the 6.47-inch OLED Dewdrop display with a double 3D curved glass body which sits comfortably in the hand. The P30 Pro New Edition is powered by a superfast Kirin 980 chipset with strong performance and lower power consumption, and comes with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of memory storage – no more lagging, or having to decide which games to save. Multi-window functionality means you can move easily and quickly between apps, and you can even respond to messages in a floating window without leaving your game, so you can stay focused. Sounds come to life thanks to Huawei’s Acoustic Display Technology, which projects sound from the vibrations in the display to your ear. The long-lasting 4200mAh battery with intelligent power-saving technology will keep you going all day, and you can even fast charge your phone to 70% power in 30 minutes.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5G
The Galaxy Z Flip 5G is a smartphone that understands how to capture every nuance and exciting moment of your gaming experience. Thanks to its innovative Infinity Flex Display made of bonded, tissue-thin layers, it’s almost 50% thinner than previous Galaxy displays. Offering a truly uninterrupted view, the full glass screen of the 6.7-inch AMOLED display wraps smoothly from edge to edge, giving you the full picture every time. There’s no home button - just a tiny camera dot - so there’s nothing to interrupt your flow. The supercharged 5G connectivity provides a superior gaming experience with minimal lag, less load time and higher quality streaming.
motorola razr 5G
The game doesn’t stop just because you’re not at your console - that’s why you need to be able to plug in and play wherever you are, and the motorola razr 5G is a smartphone built for gaming on the go. Made of premium foldable materials, this stylish smartphone will fit in your pocket - flip it open and use superior 5G speed to get back in the game (5G plan and coverage needed). Play all day thanks to the 2,800mAh battery life with fast TurboPower charging and stay immersed in your game on the full 6.2-inch touchscreen.
Nokia 8.3 5G
Any true gamer knows that gaming is more than just playtime - it’s a lifestyle. The Nokia 8.3 5G showcases what’s truly important to gamers - use 5G speed to download and stream content faster with minimal lag time*. Get lost in the action on 6.81-inch display with PureDisplay technology for stunning, deep colours, and stay ahead of the curve with streamlined Android performance and no bloatware. With two years of guaranteed software upgrades and three years of monthly security updates, you’ll get more out of your phone for longer - so relax, settle back and play on, knowing your phone’s working hard behind the scenes.
Sony Xperia 5 II 5G
It’s time to own the leaderboard and use 5G speed for the ultimate gaming experience on the Sony Xperia 5 II 5G. Play your favourite games in handheld comfort on the 6.1-inch immersive 21:9 display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and precise touch response for intuitive gaming. Use Game Enhancer mode to replay, record and share your gameplay with friends and family, and relax knowing the Qualcomm Snapdragon processor is on hand to power you through the busiest sessions. If you’re a PlayStation fan, you can even connect your DUALSHOCK®4 controller for immersive gaming on the go.
Samsung Galaxy A42 5G
Sleek and eye-catching, the Galaxy A42 5G is guaranteed to thrill - even before you turn it on. The ergonomic design and rounded corners ensure a comfortable grip when you’re gaming for hours, and the stunning sAMOLED 6.6-inch Infinity-U display with minimal bezel is built for immersive entertainment. Use 5G speed to download games in seconds and ensure minimal lag and buffering don’t interrupt your gameplay*. A powerful 5,000mAh battery and superfast 15W charging means you can play to your heart’s content, and you can store all of your games on the built-in 128GB of storage.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G
Improving on its predecessor in every way, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G is ready to show gamers what they’ve been missing. When folded, it fits neatly into a small bag or pocket, but it unfolds to reveal a stunning, high-resolution 7.6-inch Infinity-O Display crafted with Samsung’s bespoke Ultra Thin Glass. Enjoy an ultra-smooth viewing experience with a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, which intuitively drops to save battery for when it’s needed most. The new hinge technology with flex mode allows you to lock the phone into different angles to suit your gaming experience - perfect for playing at home or on the go. Open three app windows at once, and let the 12GB of RAM do the heavy lifting if you’re into intense multitasking - game, stream and broadcast with ease. The 256GB of built-in storage can hold all of your must-have games, and the 4,500mAh battery will let you game on all day, wherever you are.
If you’re an existing Vodafone customer, you can enjoy a 15% discount on selected additional devices and plans - log in to your My Vodafone account to apply the discount.
*Monthly price: will increase each April by the Consumer Price Index rate of inflation published in January that year, plus an additional 3.9%. Save £360: On a 24 month contract, with trade-in discount of £15pm. Monthly price includes trade-in saving. To qualify: trade-in device must be in good working condition & pass checks. Your trade-in device must be returned, or your monthly saving will be removed. Early termination fees apply if you’re in the minimum term of your contract. Gift offer ends 25/02/2021. Redeem gift by 30 April. You must have a 5G enabled device on the Vodafone 5G network, a Vodafone 5G plan and 5G coverage in the area that you are in. Coverage and speed may be affected by a number of factors. For details see vodafone.co.uk/network/5g. Credit check, verification & terms apply, see vodafone.co.uk
You’ll need a 5G-enabled phone to connect to the 5G network, as a device which normally uses 4G won't automatically upgrade to 5G. You’ll also need a 5G plan, and be in an area with 5G coverage.
You can check this using the Network Status Checker.
