Whether you are a professional or an amateur gamer, modern smartphones are equipped with the features to meet your expectations. With powerful processors, stunning displays, and advanced cooling systems, there is an option for everyone. So let’s explore the best phones for mobile gaming.
1. Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro
The ROG Phone 8 Pro is designed specifically for gaming. You get a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, up to 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. These specs are powerful enough to run any of the latest mobile games. The phone also has a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 165Hz refresh rate for vibrant colors.
More importantly, the ROG Phone 8 Pro fully charges in less than an hour, and its 5,500mAh battery is enough for hours of gaming on a single charge.
You also get two customizable air triggers on the side of the phone that can be configured for in-game controls. If that's not enough, you can buy the ROG Tessen controller to turn your phone into a handheld gaming console.
Heat and thermal throttling are common concerns when gaming on a smartphone. The ROG Phone 8 Pro offers two cooling solutions to help keep temperatures in check. By default, the phone is passively cooled using a large vapor chamber and a graphite sheet to dissipate heat.
The phone can still get warm during extended gaming sessions, though. For those who want to minimize thermal throttling, there’s the option of active cooling with the AeroActive Cooler X, which attaches to the back of the phone. The ROG Phone 8 Pro starts at $1,199, but you can find a better deal on Amazon.
2. ZTE Nubia RedMagic 9S Pro
Redmagic 9S Pro
The RedMagic 9S Pro is a great alternative to the ROG Phone 8 Pro, featuring the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor but clocked at 3.4GHz. Depending on your budget, you can choose between 12GB and 16GB RAM options. The display is a 6.8-inch AMOLED with a 120Hz refresh rate and minimal bezels, and you also get triggers on the side of the phone.
The phone comes with a built-in cooling system and a fan that spins at 22,000 RPM. However, the phone can still get hot during extended gaming sessions, and if you want to cool it down further, you can buy a dedicated external fan that attaches to the back of the device. The phone is priced at $649 on RedMagic's website.
Overall, the phone offers solid specs for its price. However, the blocky design of the Redmagic 9S Pro may not be to everyone's taste, as the phone's sharper edges may be uncomfortable to hold during extended gaming sessions.
iPhone 16 Pro Max with many different color options
The phones we’ve discussed so far are designed specifically for gaming. But if you’re looking for an amazing all-round smartphone that’s also great at gaming, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is a great choice. It has a 6.9-inch 120Hz OLED display and is powered by the A18 Pro chip, the fastest chip you’ll find in a flagship smartphone in 2024. You can run any game at maximum graphics settings, as long as the phone stays cool.
It’s important to note, however, that while the iPhone 16 Pro Max offers plenty of raw power, it may not be the best choice for hardcore gaming. The phone tends to heat up after a few minutes of intense gaming, with the processor starting to throttle down, and the screen dimming until it cools down. If that’s not a concern and you’re looking for a phone for casual gaming, you’ll be fine.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra has premium specs and a stunning design, while also offering the ability to enjoy gaming sessions on the go. The 6.8-inch AMOLED display with minimal bezels and a 120Hz refresh rate makes everything on the screen vibrant and smooth.
Thanks to the custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip and 12GB of RAM, this phone is capable of handling anything you throw at it, whether it's PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile.
However, like the iPhone 16 Pro Max, you may notice that the phone gets warm when held for long periods of use. You can buy one of the best smartphone grips so that you don’t feel the heat. Although it starts at $1,299, you can get it for much cheaper on e-commerce platforms.
If mobile gaming is your top priority, these are the best options for 2024. The ROG Phone 8 Pro and RedMagic 9S Pro have better cooling systems than the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Galaxy S24 Ultra for extended gaming sessions. However, they fall short in other areas, such as camera quality and software.