“6 Best Gaming Phones for 2024: Our Top Picks [Updated]”

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Best Gaming Phones

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Introduction

Mobile gaming isn’t just a trend anymore – it’s a way of life for millions. And in 2024, smartphone companies are finally paying attention, arming mobile gamers with the spec sheet of their dreams. We’re talking buttery smooth 120Hz+ displays, wireless charging at a breakneck pace, and RAM that could rival most laptops.  Forget what you thought you knew about mobile gaming phones. The latest flagship devices from the likes of ROG, Red Magic, Black Shark, Samsung Galaxy, and Oneplus are on a relentless pursuit to deliver desktop-class graphics firepower – even battery life takes a backseat.

The era of dedicated gaming phones has arrived. Grab some snacks, silence those notifications, and let’s dive into the exhilarating world of high-octane Android gaming in 2024. Whether you’re a casual Candy Crusher or ranked pro, these smartphones maybe just what your fingers have been waiting for.


10 Key Specifications to Consider – Gaming Phone Buying Guide

  • Processor: Essential for any top-tier gaming device, robust central and graphics processing units ensure games run smoothly, offering an enhanced gaming experience with superior frame rates. Opt for the latest in processing technology, with leading options from Qualcomm’s Snapdragon lineup, MediaTek’s Dimensity offerings, or Apple’s A-series for iPhone enthusiasts, focusing on quick processing speeds and advanced graphics capabilities.
  • RAM and Storage Capacity: Sufficient memory/RAM facilitates smooth transitions between apps and lag-free gaming, while generous storage means plenty of space for all your favorite games and media. Aim for at least 8GB of RAM for light gaming, scaling up to 12GB or more for the more dedicated gamers. Starting storage should be no less than 128GB, with 256GB or more recommended for extensive game libraries.
  • Screen Excellence and Frame Rate: A device’s display impacts your gaming visuals and responsiveness, with higher frame rates translating to smoother action on-screen. Seek out displays with at least Full HD resolution for clear visuals, though QHD is preferred for crisper detail. Refresh rates should be 120Hz or above for fluid motion and quick touch response rate.
  • Battery Life and Charging Speed: For uninterrupted gaming marathons, a long-lasting battery paired with rapid charging is a must. Batteries should hold at least 5,000mAh, though 6,000mAh is better for extended play. Rapid charging technology (30W minimum, ideally 65W or more) means less downtime.
  • Thermal Management: Gaming puts significant stress on phone processors and causes most phones to heat up considerably after a few gaming minutes, which ends up impacting sustained performance and can cause discomfort during longer gameplay. Look for phones that have advanced cooling systems such as vapor chambers, graphite heat-spreading layers, liquid cooling, or even tiny built-in fans to enable effective heat dissipation. This enables optimal sustained performance and prevents severe thermal throttling.
  • Audio Immersion: High-quality sound deepens the gaming experience, offering environmental cues and enhancing immersion. Devices with stereo speakers, premium DACs for top-notch sound, and support for advanced audio formats, including spatial sound for a more enveloping experience.
  • Internet and Network Performance: Reliable and swift connectivity is crucial for online gaming, ensuring smooth play and quick downloads. Ensure the device supports the latest in Wi-Fi and 5G technologies for minimal lag and fast internet speeds.
  • Durability and Comfort: A well-built phone withstands regular use, while ergonomic design ensures comfort during long gaming sessions. Sturdy construction with a design that feels right in your hands, possibly featuring game-specific enhancements like shoulder triggers for additional control.
  • Gaming-Focused Software: The right software can significantly enhance gaming sessions, from UI optimizations to exclusive game offerings. Interfaces designed for gaming, with features that boost performance and minimize interruptions, plus access to exclusive game titles and services.
  • Value Assessment: Finding the sweet spot between cost and gaming capabilities ensures you’re investing wisely without sacrificing performance. Evaluate the features and performance offered against the price to ensure you’re getting a deal that matches your gaming needs without overspending.

Best Gaming Phones for 2024

1. ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro

ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro

Overview: The ROG Phone 8 Pro pushes mobile gaming to new heights with a focus on blazing speed, ultra-smooth graphics, marathon battery life, and durability. Still retains ROG gaming customization while upgrading camera.

Display: 6.8-inch Samsung AMOLED display enables sharp 2400×1080 HD+ resolution. Standout 165Hz variable refresh rate offers incredibly fluid visuals and responsiveness for competitive gaming, above the 144Hz displays of predecessor models.

Performance: At the heart of the phone lies Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, providing industry-leading processing capabilities. Paired with a generous 16GB or 24GB of fast LPDDR5X RAM, even the most intensive 3D games run flawlessly at their maximum graphics settings.

Battery: An impressive 18 hour and 48 minute adaptive battery life rating means you can keep gaming without worrying about constantly recharging. Various power optimization modes further extend longevity for those extra long sessions.

Cameras: The rear triple camera array now features a 3x optical telephoto lens with 32MP resolution alongside the 50MP main and 13MP ultrawide sensors. This allows better-quality zoomed shots in gaming environments or other situations. However, overall image quality still noticeably falls short compared to the computational photography of flagship non-gaming phones.

Gaming Features: Signature ROG Phone elements like programmable AirTrigger touch sensors, extensive software enhancement capabilities, specialized haptics and audio all tailor the experience towards gaming immersion.

Specifications 

ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3  
RAM16GB/24GB LPDDR5X  
Storage512GB/1TB UFS 4.0  
Front Camera32 MP  
Rear Cameras50MP main, 13MP ultrawide, 32MP 3x optical telephoto  
Battery Life5500mAh, 18 hours 48 minutes (adaptive mode)  
OSAndroid  
Weight225 g (7.94 oz)
Additional FeaturesNew IP68 water and dust resistance rating protects the phone from splashes and spills, adding durability.

Pros

  • Cutting-edge hardware delivers supreme gaming performance  
  • All-day battery with intelligent power features  
  • Telephoto camera improves optical zoom capabilities  
  • Water resistance provides peace of mind against accidents

Cons

  • Still inferior photography to top camera phones  
  • Extremely high pricing  
  • Only 2 years of guaranteed software updates  

Final Verdict: The ROG Phone 8 Pro represents the pinnacle of mobile gaming thanks to uncompromising hardware specifications tailored for the needs of competitive and professional players. An improved camera and IP rating add touches of broader flagship phone appeal. For those seeking the ultimate Android gaming weapon in 2024, its steep price brings unmatched power.

2. Nubia RedMagic 9 Pro

Nubia RedMagic 9 Pro

Overview: Step into gaming excellence with the RedMagic 9 Pro, crafted for enthusiasts. Its hallmark? An integrated RGB cooling fan for peak performance.

Visual Excellence: Boasts a 6.8-inch AMOLED screen, 2480 x 1116 resolution, and a 120Hz refresh rate for crisp, fluid imagery.

Powerhouse Performance: Equipped with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and options of up to 12/16GB RAM for smooth, responsive gaming.

Endurance: Features a substantial 6,500mAh battery with swift 80W charging, extending play times.

Thermal Management: The proprietary RGB cooling fan ensures optimal temperature control for sustained performance.

Gamer-Centric Features: Offers capacitive triggers and customizable RGB lighting, with a dedicated switch for game and setting access.

Specification

CPUSnapdragon 8 Gen 3  
RAM12GB/16GB RAM
Display6.8-inch AMOLED, 120Hz refresh
Battery6,500mAh with 80W charging
Storage256GB/512GB, not expandable
OSAndroid
Weight229 g (8.08 oz)
Extra FeaturesRGB cooling fan, capacitive triggers

Pros

  • Premium chipset ensures top-tier gaming.
  • Extended battery life with fast recharge.
  • Innovative cooling and gaming features.
  • Competitive pricing for high-end specs.

Cons

  • Camera performance may not meet all user expectations.
  • Software translation could be smoother.

Final Verdict: The RedMagic 9 Pro carves its niche in 2024 as a gaming behemoth, prioritizing performance, battery longevity, and thermal efficiency. Despite its few drawbacks in camera quality and software localization, its competitive pricing and specialized gaming features render it an attractive option for gamers seeking high performance on a budget.

3. Samsung S24 Ultra

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Overview: Ladies and gents, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is here – and it’s an absolute animal! Samsung’s pulled out all the stops to create a smartphone that obliterates every gaming phone before it. we are talking beastly performance, visuals smoother than a baby’s bottom, and enough cooling to tame a dragon!  

Display: The 6.8″ Quad HD+ Dynamic AMOLED panel 2,600 nit display with 120Hz adaptive refresh rate enables stutter-free visual fluidity during intense gaming sessions.  

Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy powers staggering CPU and GPU clock speeds for high frame rates. 12GB LPDDR5X RAM guarantees ample overhead. 

Cooling: A state-of-the-art vapor chamber system with on-chipset liquid cooling prevents thermal bottlenecks under heavy loads.

Battery: With a robust 5000mAh rated battery capacity and AI-based power optimization, the S24 Ultra promises all-day gameplay.

Storage: UFS 4.0 flash storage up to 1TB and RAM expansion deliver abundant capacity for numerous game installs.

Specifications

ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy
RAM12GB
GraphicsEnhanced by ProVisual Engine
Screen Size6.8 inches
Refresh Rate120Hz adaptive refresh rate
Battery Capacity5000mAh with 45W charging
StorageUp to 1TB UFS 4.0
Operating SystemAndroid 14, One UI 6.1
Weight232 g or 233 g (8.18 oz)
Additional FeaturesS Pen, 200MP main camera, up to 1TB storage, new AI tools

Pros

  • High-resolution, smooth display enhances gaming and media consumption.
  • Exceptional battery life paired with fast charging capabilities.
  • Advanced cooling system maintains performance under load.
  • S Pen offers unique input options for gaming(strategic gaming) and productivity.

Cons

  • Absence of gaming-specific triggers might limit appeal to hardcore gamers.
  • The hefty price tag reflects its premium features and capabilities.

Final Verdict: The Galaxy S24 Ultra sets new benchmarks for gaming prowess on Android, combining cutting-edge silicon with intelligent thermal design for tangible real-world gaming leadership.

4. Apple iPhone15 Pro Max

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

Overview: The iPhone 15 Pro Max leverages the new A17 Pro chipset and enhanced hardware to deliver a premium gaming experience on an iOS smartphone. With console-quality graphics and power, it is built for gaming.

Display: 6.7″ 1290 x 2796 OLED display with up to 120Hz ProMotion adaptive refresh rate enables smooth, fluid visuals critical for gaming.

Performance: The A17 Pro chip with 6-core CPU and 5-core GPU delivers dramatically improved speeds and power efficiency tailored for graphics-intensive games.

Battery Life: A robust 4441mAh battery provides up to 29 hours of video playback for exceptionally long gaming sessions between charges. 

Design: Textured matte glass on stainless steel and titanium chassis with Ceramic Shield front cover offers durability and a comfortable in-hand feel.

Gaming Hardware: Hardware-accelerated ray tracing support paired with A17 Bionic GPU pushes lifelike lighting, reflections and shadows in compatible games. New Action Button gives quick access to gaming apps and settings.

Specifications  

ProcessorApple A17 Pro chip, 6-core CPU   
GraphicsApple 5-core GPU with hardware-accelerated ray tracing  
RAM8GB LPDDR5   
Display6.7” 1290 x 2796 OLED, 120Hz ProMotion  
BatteryLi-Ion 4441 mAh, Up to 29 hours video playback  
Storage256GB/512GB/1TB   
Weight221 g (7.80 oz)

Pros

  • Cutting-edge A17 Pro delivers immense gaming power
  • 120Hz ProMotion enables fluid graphics
  • Long battery life for mobile play
  • Ray tracing support 

Cons

  • Very expensive 
  • Gaming settings still limited

Final Verdict: The iPhone 15 Pro Max brings unmatched performance and display technology for mobile gaming in a durable design built to game. It rivals top gaming phones in horsepower and features in a recognizable Apple package.

5. iQOO 12 Pro

iQOO 12 Pro

Overview: Introducing the iQOO 12 Pro, a gaming powerhouse following closely on the heels of the Xiaomi 12 Pro. It boasts the distinction of being among the first to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, making it a prime choice for the gaming community.

Display Quality: Features a large 6.78-inch AMOLED display with 3000 Nits Peak Brightness, 1440 x 3200 resolution, and a 144Hz refresh rate for crisp and fluid visuals.

Performance: Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, coupled with up to 16GB RAM, it delivers unparalleled gaming performance.

Battery Life: A 5,100mAh battery with support for 120W fast charging means extended playtimes and quick recharges.

Cooling System: Advanced thermal management technology keeps the phone’s performance steady during intense gaming sessions.

Specifications

ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 3
RAMUp to 16GB
GraphicsAdreno 750
Screen Size6.78 inches
Refresh Rate144Hz
Battery Capacity5,100mAh  
StorageUp to 1TB ROM
Operating SystemAndriod 14
Weight205 g or 210 g (7.23 oz)

Pros

  • Exceptionally powerful, among the world’s top smartphones.
  • Large battery capacity of 5,100mAh supports extended gaming sessions.

Cons

  • Limited availability might pose a challenge for potential buyers.

Final Verdict: The iQOO 12 Pro brings together the most advanced processing, graphics, cooling and charging technology for a premier Android phone gaming experience in a sleek yet accessible package.

6. OnePlus 11

OnePlus 11

Overview: The OnePlus 11 emerges as a beacon for gamers, blending high-end specs with cost-effectiveness. It challenges the flagship market, offering a blend of performance and value.

Display Quality: With its 6.7-inch display, rendering at 1440 x 3216 resolution, it guarantees vivid and fluid imagery crucial for gaming.

Performance: Utilizes the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, backed by up to 8/12/16GB RAM, to deliver uninterrupted and rapid gameplay.

Sustained Energy: Equipped with a robust 5000mAh battery, augmented by rapid charging capabilities, ensuring extended gaming marathons.

Thermal Solutions: Implements state-of-the-art cooling technologies to preserve optimal performance during intensive gaming sessions.

Gamer-Centric Advantages: The high-spec chipset and generous RAM imply features tailored for a superior gaming experience.

Specifications

CPUSnapdragon 8 Gen 2
RAM8/12/16GB RAM
Display Specs6.7 inches, 1440 x 3216 resolution
Battery Life5000mAh, with fast charging(80W wired)
Storage Options128/256/512GB
OSAndroid 13
Device Weight205 g (7.23 oz)

Pros

  • Employs the industry’s leading processor for top-tier gaming.
  • Fast charging support reduces waiting times.
  • Expansive, high-refresh-rate screen enriches the gaming experience.

Cons

  • Camera setup not on par with some high-end alternatives.
  • Noticeable camera bump might not suit all preferences.

Final Verdict: In 2024, the OnePlus 11 stands out as a prime choice for gamers, blending exceptional internal hardware with a display designed to captivate. Offering nearly flagship-level performance at a more accessible price point, it represents a wise investment for those desiring a high-end Android gaming experience without the premium cost.


Essential Accessories for Your Gaming Phone

Mobile gaming enthusiasts, take note! To truly maximize your gaming phone’s potential and get the most out of your mobile gameplay sessions, these are the top accessories worth investing in:

1. Power Banks

Why You Need It: Keep your gaming sessions going anywhere, anytime without worrying about your phone dying.

Features to Consider: Look for compact but high-capacity options (at least 10,000mAh), quick charge capabilities, and durability for on-the-go use.

2. Gaming Headsets

Why You Need It: For immersive sound and crystal-clear team communication. Essential for multiplayer and competitive gaming.

Features to Consider: Comfort for long gaming sessions, superior sound quality with noise cancellation, and a dependable microphone. Wireless options are a plus for convenience.

3. Cooling Systems

Why You Need It: To prevent thermal throttling during intense gaming sessions, keeping your phone performing at its peak.

Features to Consider: External fans or cooling cases that are lightweight, effective, and don’t interfere with your grip or the phone’s ports.

4. Finger Sleeves

Why You Need It: For seamless and precise screen interactions, enhancing response times without smudges or friction.

Features to Consider: Breathable, sweat-absorbing material that fits snugly on your fingertips, offering improved touch sensitivity.


FAQ’s

What should I Look for when Choosing a Gaming Phone? 

Things to consider are processor power, high refresh rate displays, battery capacity, cooling technology, shoulder triggers or other gaming features, and overall performance to run graphics-intensive games smoothly.

Are Gaming Phones Good for Regular Use Too? 

Yes, gaming phones have top-tier processors, RAM, storage, cameras and other specifications which make them excellent for daily tasks like surfing the web, streaming videos, and general productivity. Their extra power and features benefit gaming but don’t detract from regular phone usage.

Can I use Game Controllers with Gaming Phones?

Many gaming phones support external game controllers, either via Bluetooth connection or specific accessories designed for the phone, providing a more console-like gaming experience.

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