Best Gaming Phones in 2025

The market for gaming phones in 2025 offers a range of devices designed to deliver smooth and responsive gameplay. These phones combine powerful processors, ample RAM, and high refresh rate displays to provide consistent performance for mobile gamers. With the increasing popularity of cloud gaming services, including Xbox Cloud, smaller devices are now capable of running demanding titles, making gaming phones a practical choice for many users. Choosing the right device requires understanding both performance needs and budget considerations, as models vary widely in specifications and price.

Best Gaming Phones in 2025

1. Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro – The best overall gaming phone
2. RedMagic 10S Pro – The best value gaming phone
3. Samsung Galaxy A50 – The best budget gaming phone
4. Black Shark 5 Pro – The best controls on a gaming phone
5. Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate – A strong alternative with unique design

Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro

The Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro is widely regarded as the leading gaming phone in 2025. It features a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 185Hz refresh rate, one of the fastest available this year. The device is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and offers up to 24GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. Its 5,500mAh battery supports extended gaming sessions, and the phone includes touch-sensitive Air Triggers to improve in-game controls. The design is understated, with a mostly black finish and subtle LED accents on the rear AniMe Vision display.

The ROG Phone 9 Pro also incorporates the Armory Crate software hub, which provides performance modes, overlays, and AI-based features such as in-game audio filtering and automatic clip recording. While the phone excels in performance and display quality, the off-center USB-C port can complicate the use of some mobile controllers. For users focused on running high-end games at maximum settings, the ROG Phone 9 Pro offers a strong combination of processing power and display technology.

• Screen: 6.78-inch AMOLED, 185Hz

• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite

• Storage: Up to 1TB

• Cameras: 32MP front, 50MP main rear, 13MP ultra-wide

• Weight: 225g

RedMagic 10S Pro

The RedMagic 10S Pro is considered the best value gaming phone of 2025. It features a 6.85-inch AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate and uses the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. Available with up to 1TB of storage and 24GB of RAM, the device provides performance comparable to more expensive models. Its design is slightly more distinctive than mainstream flagships, with a glass back and visible branding, and it includes a centrally positioned USB-C port for easier controller connectivity.

While the RedMagic 10S Pro does not include wireless charging and can experience higher temperatures under prolonged load, it performs well across a wide range of games. The display is bright and responsive, and the battery is capable of supporting extended sessions without significant drain. This combination of features and pricing makes the RedMagic 10S Pro a practical choice for users who want high performance without paying premium prices.

• Screen: 6.85-inch AMOLED, 144Hz

• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite

• Storage: Up to 1TB

• Cameras: 50MP main, 50MP ultra-wide, 2MP macro, 16MP selfie

• Weight: 229g

Samsung Galaxy A50

The Samsung Galaxy A50 is a budget-friendly option that provides a competent gaming experience without the cost of flagship devices. The phone has a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display and is powered by an octa-core processor with 128GB of storage. Its camera system includes a 25MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, a 5MP depth sensor, and a 25MP front-facing camera. The Galaxy A50 can run popular mobile games on high settings, and its battery supports regular gaming sessions.

Although it does not match the performance of higher-end gaming phones, the Galaxy A50 is well-suited for users who prioritize affordability while still expecting a reliable gaming experience. Its dual-SIM functionality adds versatility for users who travel or maintain separate work and personal lines, making it a practical choice for budget-conscious gamers.

• Screen: 6.4-inch Super AMOLED

• Processor: Octa-core

• Storage: 128GB

• Cameras: 25MP wide, 8MP ultra-wide, 5MP depth, 25MP front

• Weight: 166g

Black Shark 5 Pro

The Black Shark 5 Pro is notable for its physical pop-up trigger buttons, which offer tactile feedback not commonly found on modern gaming phones. The device features a 6.67-inch OLED display and is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor. It includes a 108MP main camera and 12MP ultra-wide sensor, providing an acceptable camera experience for a gaming-focused phone.

This device is slimmer and less visually elaborate than earlier gaming phones, maintaining a modern and practical design while still including gaming-specific controls. The lack of wireless charging is a limitation, but the overall performance, responsive display, and battery capacity make it a viable option for players who value precise controls and a balance between gaming and everyday smartphone functionality.

• Screen: 6.67-inch OLED

• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1

• Storage: 256GB / 512GB

• Cameras: 108MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro, 16MP front

• Weight: 220g

Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate

The Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate is an older release, but it remains a viable option for users seeking comfort and reliable performance. Its 6.78-inch AMOLED display runs at 165Hz with a resolution of 2448 by 1080 pixels, and it is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. The device includes 512GB of storage and a camera system consisting of a 32MP front camera, a 50MP main rear camera, a 13MP ultra-wide lens, and an 8MP macro sensor.

One of the ROG Phone 7 Ultimate’s key strengths is its comfortable design. The curved chassis is easier to hold during extended gaming sessions compared with newer flat-backed models. Touch-sensitive triggers provide precise control, and the front-facing speakers offer high-quality audio for an immersive experience. The Armory Crate software remains effective in organizing games and managing performance settings, framerate limits, and screen recordings, without the clutter sometimes seen in other devices.

While the off-center USB-C port limits the use of many wired mobile controllers, Bluetooth gamepads remain compatible. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset delivers strong performance, and the device remains manageable during regular gaming sessions despite the absence of a dedicated external cooling accessory. Though priced at the higher end, the ROG Phone 7 Ultimate is suitable for users who prioritize comfort and high-quality display and audio over the very latest specifications.

Final Thoughts

The best gaming phones of 2025 cater to a wide range of users, from those seeking top-tier performance to those requiring affordability. The Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro leads in performance and display quality, while the RedMagic 10S Pro provides strong value without sacrificing features. Budget users can rely on the Samsung Galaxy A50 for competent performance at a lower price point. For players who prioritize precise controls, the Black Shark 5 Pro offers physical triggers, and the Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate remains a suitable choice for those seeking a unique design. These devices collectively reflect the ongoing evolution of gaming phones, supporting both intensive mobile gameplay and everyday smartphone use.