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The Best Gaming Phones You Can Buy

two different gaming phones side by side
ASUS/Apple

Mobile gaming is nothing new. Handheld gaming devices have been around for decades. From Tetris to the Nintendo DS, the newest form of mobile gaming has taken place in a smartphone. Almost all newer smartphones can handle a casual game of Angry Birds, but a standard phone may not be able to handle more complex games with heavier graphics. Gaming phones are specialized in giving you the best out of every game you play as smoothly and as enjoyably as possible.

What You Should Look for in a Gaming Phone

Playing mobile is not the same as playing on a large TV. That’s why a bigger display is important in choosing a gaming smartphone, as a bigger screen lets you see more action. The quality of the display is important too, as graphics are an artistic aspect that gamers appreciate. Charging time and battery life is another thing to be considered, as handheld devices do not have a constant supply of power. Lastly, storage is a factor to look at, because more games can be downloaded with a larger capacity.

Best Overall: Samsung Galaxy S20+

silver gaming phone with a white, purple, and pink cover
Samsung

The Samsung Galaxy S20+ 5G has a large 6.7″ display that fills the entire face of the smartphone. It has a quick 120Hz refresh rate; it’s faster than some consoles. Its 240Hz response time ensures that your thumbs will be in sync with your in-game movements. In addition, it has options of 128GB or 512GB of storage, which is a huge capacity to fill with games of your choice. The 12GB of RAM it offers will run games with ease. As good as this phone is for games, it doesn’t lose any value as a traditional smartphone either, making this the best phone overall for gaming as well as regular use.

Best Overall

Samsung Galaxy S20+ Plus 5G Factory Unlocked New Android Cell Phone US Version | 512GB of Storage | Fingerprint ID and Facial Recognition | Long-Lasting Battery | Cosmic Black

The Samsung Galaxy S20+ 5G has a 6.7 inch display, and features a 120Hz refresh rate, a 240Hz response time, and 12GB of RAM.

Best Game Support: Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max

green-gray gaming phone with a black and green front cover
Apple

The Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max is the best option for those looking for a large variety of games to play. The number of games Apple has is far greater than other software on different devices. On top of that, with an Apple Arcade subscription, users can gain access to exclusive games.

This phone has a 6.5 inch display, with high-quality colors and resolution. As the latest and biggest phone Apple has released to-date, it comes with an Apple A13 bionic chip, which is the fastest processor Apple has developed thus far. The huge collection of games Apple offers is only best combined with the largest and fastest iPhone, the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max.

Best Game Support

Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max [64GB, Space Gray] + Carrier Subscription [Cricket Wireless]

The Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max features a 6.5 inch display and an Apple A13 bionic chip. Along with its fast specs as the newest Apple iPhone creation, its App Store shares a large collection of games playable for all users.

Best Value: Xiaomi Black Shark SKR-H0

black gaming phone with a bright green accents and home screen
Xiaomi

The Xiaomi Black Shark SKR-H0 is the best bang for your buck. At a low cost, this phone includes a wide 18:9, 5.99-inch display, 64 GB of storage, and 6 GB of RAM. A liquid-cooling system is integrated within the phone, which prevents overheating. This phone sits in your fingers comfortably with its ergonomic design that aligns with the curvature of your knuckles. If you’re looking for a phone with gaming in mind, this smartphone is the perfect value option for you.

Best Design: ASUS ROG Phone 2

front and back of a blue gaming phone
ASUS

The ASUS ROG Phone 2 is a beautifully designed smartphone on the inside and outside. The exterior buttons and unique “air triggers” are strategically placed so your hands can be as comfortable as possible, and the speakers face front to give you the best audio experience. Multiple gaming accessories, such as extra screens and buttons can be attached for better controls. Internally, this smartphone brings a 6.6-inch, 120-Hz display, and 1 TB of storage. Coupled with its 12 GB of RAM, this smartphone looks good and plays good.

Best Design

ASUS ROG Phone 2 (New) Unlocked GSM US Version & Warranty, 1TB Storage, 12GB RAM, 6.6” FHD+ AMOLED 120Hz Display, Snapdragon 855 Plus, No Volte, Gaming Smartphone (ZS660KL-S855P-12G1T-MB) (1TB)

The ASUS ROG Phone 2 is a smartphone specialized for gaming purposes. It comes with front-facing speakers, air triggers, and the capability to add gaming accessories for the best gaming experience.

Jonah Chin Jonah Chin
Jonah Chin is a freelance writer for LifeSavvy where he's able to openly share his thorough product considerations, critiques, and recommendations for you to benefit from. When he's away from the keyboard, he enjoys competing in sports like wrestling and playing instruments like the guitar. Read Full Bio »
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