The best gaming phones in 2025 are redefining what it means to play on the go—these handheld powerhouses rival consoles and PCs with specs and displays that immerse. These phones are built for players who demand excellence in performance. Offering up seriously powerful processors, plenty of RAM, and high-quality, high refresh rate displays, these devices can push your favourite thumb tappers far further.
Best Gaming Phones in 2025
1. Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro (2025)
Price: $1,599
Platform: Android 14
Display: 6.78″ AMOLED, 165 Hz
Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Elite
Pros:
Cutting-edge performance with elite thermals
Shoulder triggers and LED matrix for gaming advantage
Massive 6,000 mAh battery for long sessions
Wide accessory support, including external coolers
Cons:
Expensive and bulky
Gamer-centric design may not suit everyone
Limited water resistance
2. RedMagic 10 Pro (2025)
Price: $799
Platform: Android 14
Display: 6.8″ AMOLED, 165 Hz
Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
Pros:
Exceptional value for high-end specs
Built-in cooling fan and RGB lighting
Excellent battery life with 80W fast charging
Cons:
Software feels niche and a bit buggy
Mediocre camera performance
UI isn’t well optimized for non-gaming use
3. IPhone 16 Pro Max (2024)
Price: $1,130
Platform: iOS 18
Display: 6.9″ Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz
Chipset: A18 Pro
Pros:
Smooth iOS experience with AAA game support
Premium design and build quality
MetalFX upscaling with console game ports
High-grade Video recording for content creation
Cons:
Refresh rate capped at 120Hz
Lacks built-in gaming-specific hardware
High cost
4. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (2025)
Price: $2,299
Platform: Android 14
Display: 6.8″ AMOLED 2X, 144 Hz
Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy
Pros:
Superb performance for gaming and productivity
S Pen support adds input options for games
Excellent display and thermal control
Versatile camera and media tools
Cons:
Large and heavy in weight
Expensive for casual gamers
Not focused purely on gaming
5. OnePlus 13R (2025)
Price: $560
Platform: Android 14
Display: 6.7″ AMOLED, 120 Hz
Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
Pros:
Great performance for the price
Excellent battery life with very fast charging
Clean software with minimal complexity
Cons:
Lacks gaming extras like triggers or fans
Average audio and vibration feedback
Mid-grade camera setup
6. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 (2025)
Price: $2,999
Platform: Android 14
Display: 6.3″ + 7.6″ AMOLED, 120Hz
Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
Pros:
Immersive inner screen perfect for gaming
Multitasking and cloud gaming capabilities
S Pen compatibility for strategy and creative play
Cons:
Very expensive
Bulkier and more fragile than regular phones
Limited game optimization for foldables
Honorable Mentions
Poco F6 Pro (2024)
Price: $499
Pros: Excellent value with strong thermals and a quality AMOLED screen
Cons: No extra gaming hardware; software may feel bloated
Sony Xperia 1 VI (2024)
Price: $1199
Pros: 4K OLED display, a good fit for PlayStation Remote Play, advanced audio
Cons: High price and limited gaming tools
Lenovo Legion Y90 (2025)
Price: $899
Pros: Built with shoulder buttons and dual cooling
Cons: Less helpful outside of gaming
Final Thoughts
Gaming phones in 2025 are just on another level of power; they’re specialized tools, each designed with a different function in mind, that rival even dedicated gaming consoles. Whether you seek performance, creative flexibility, or efficiency, there’s a device made for your gameplay. The right choice depends not only on specs but also on the user’s playstyle. For more gaming gear insights, head over to Total Apex Gaming.
