Top 10 mobile phones for gaming: Complete guide

In the world of mobile gaming, the right device can be the difference between immersive gameplay and frustrating lag. As gaming enthusiasts, we understand the importance of a smartphone that not only keeps up with the latest titles but elevates your gaming experience to new heights. In this comprehensive guide, HT Shop Now delves into the realm of mobile gaming, presenting the top 10 mobile phones that are tailored to cater to the needs of avid gamers.

From advanced processors that ensure seamless performance to high-refresh-rate displays that bring visuals to life, these gaming smartphones are engineered to provide the ultimate gaming escapade. Whether you're conquering virtual battlegrounds, exploring fantasy realms, or racing against the clock, our selection offers an array of features to optimize every aspect of your gaming journey.

Discover the world of mobile gaming redefined with cutting-edge technologies, ergonomic designs, and extended battery life to keep you in the action for hours on end. Join us as we explore the gaming prowess of these remarkable devices, helping you make an informed choice and embark on a gaming adventure like never before.

1. iQOO 9T 5G

The iQOO 9T 5G is a gaming smartphone released in September 2020. The phone has a 6.67-inch display with a 1200 Hz refresh rate and 360Hz touch sampling rate. It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset and has 12GB of RAM. The phone also has 120W FlashCharge support and a 4700mAh battery. The iQOO 9T 5G runs on Funtouch OS 12, based on Android 12. The phone has three cameras on the back - a 50MP primary camera, a 13MP secondary camera, and a 12MP tertiary camera.

Specifications

Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor

6.78-inch 120Hz E5 AMOLED Display

1200Hz Instant Touch

120W FlashCharge

2. OnePlus 11R 5G

The OnePlus 11R 5G captivates with its camera prowess and performance. The 50MP main sensor with OIS, 8MP ultrawide, and macro lens offer versatile photography options. The 120Hz Super Fluid AMOLED display, Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, and 8 GB RAM ensure seamless multitasking. The 100W SUPERVOOC charging rejuvenates the 5000mAh battery rapidly. However, while it excels in many aspects, it lacks some premium features found in higher-tier models.

Specifications

Camera: 50MP main + 8MP ultrawide + Macro, 16MP front

Display: 6.7 inch 120Hz Super Fluid AMOLED

Operating System: OxygenOS based on Android 13

Processor: Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1

RAM: 8 GB LPDDR5X, Storage: 128 GB UFS3.1

Battery: 5000mAh, 100W SUPERVOOC charging

Fingerprint Sensor: In-display

3. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G is a powerful flagship smartphone that combines cutting-edge technology with stunning design. With a spacious 6.8-inch display, a powerful processor, and ample storage, it offers a seamless and immersive user experience. Capture breathtaking photos and videos with its advanced camera system, and enjoy fast and reliable connectivity with 5G capabilities.

Specifications

Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor

120Hz adaptive refresh rate

200 MP wide-angle camera

AMOLED 2K display

4. Realme Narzo 50 Pro 5G

The Realme Narzo 50 Pro 5G is a budget-friendly smartphone that packs a punch with its impressive specs. The standout features of this mobile phone is its Dimensity 920 5G CPU, which offers lightning-fast performance and smooth multitasking capabilities. The device also boasts a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED screen with a 90 Hz refresh rate, providing an immersive viewing experience with crisp and clear visuals. This is particularly useful for gaming and streaming videos. Additionally, the phone has a fast 33W Dart Charge that provides a quick charge time, so you can spend less time waiting for your phone to charge and more time using it.

Specifications

48MP + 8MP + 2MP Camera setup

5000 mAh Battery

FHD+ Display

Mediatek Dimensity 920 5G

5. Redmi Note 10S

The Redmi Note 10S features a 6.43-inch AMOLED Dot display, MediaTek Helio G95 octa-core processor, 12nm process, and a large 5000mAh battery. It also has a 33W fast charger in the box, Type-C connectivity, and support for 18W fast charging. The phone is available in two variants: 4GB+64GB and 6GB+128GB. The Redmi Note 10S is a gaming smartphone that offers great value for money. It has a powerful processor, a large battery, fast charging support, and good connectivity options. The only downside is that it doesn't have a high-resolution display or a dedicated gaming GPU.

Specifications

6.43-inch FHD+ AMOLED Dot display

64 MP Quad Rear camera setup

5000 mAh large battery

33W fast charger in-box

6. OnePlus 11 5G

The OnePlus 11 5G, equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and 16 GB LPDDR5X RAM, delivers outstanding gaming performance. Its 120Hz AMOLED QHD display ensures smooth visuals and vibrant colours, while the large 5000mAh battery provides long gaming sessions. With the powerful combination of hardware and the OxygenOS based on Android 13, this phone offers a seamless gaming experience. The 100W SUPERVOOC charging ensures quick battery replenishment

Specifications

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2

Display: 6.7″ screen

Camera: 50 MP main camera

Battery: 5000 mAh

7. OnePlus 10 Pro 5G

OnePlus 10 Pro 5G is one of the top mobile phones for gaming. It features a 48MP Main Camera with Sony IMX 789 Lens, 6.7 Inches display 120 Hz QHD+ Fluid AMOLED, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, 5000 mAh with 80W SuperVOOC. These specs make the phone ideal for gaming. The camera is great for taking pictures and videos of your gameplay, and the processor ensures that your games run smoothly. The large battery gives you plenty of time to play games, and the fast charging means you can keep playing even when your battery is running low.

Specifications

Battery: 5000 mAh

Charger: 80W SuperVOOC

Refresh rate: 120 Hz

Display size: 6.7 Inches

8. Xiaomi 12 Pro

The Xiaomi 12 Pro is a high-end smartphone with a 6.73'' WQHD+ 120Hz AMOLED display, triple-camera setup, 120W in-box HyperCharger, 4600mAh battery, and Quad stereo speaker set-up tuned by Harman Kardon. It's one of the best gaming phones on the market, and it's also great for other uses like watching movies or browsing the web. The display is extremely sharp and clear, and the speakers provide great sound quality. The camera is excellent for taking photos and videos, and the battery life is perfect. The Xiaomi 12 Pro is an excellent smartphone that should be at the top of your list if you're looking for a new phone.

Specifications

Resolution: 1080 x 2400 pixels

CPU: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1

Rear camera: 50 MP

Battery: 4600 mAh

9. iQOO 11 5G

The iQOO 11 5G Legend is a powerful smartphone designed for exceptional gaming performance. With the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform and LPDDR5X RAM, it offers a significant boost in CPU and GPU performance compared to its predecessor. The 2K AMOLED display with E6 technology provides stunning visuals with increased pixel density and improved power efficiency. The V2 Chip enhances gaming experiences by boosting frame rates and optimizing night photography. Additionally, the GN5 sensor with dual pixel pro technology improves autofocus capabilities for sharper and more detailed shots. The icing on the cake is the 120W FlashCharge technology, allowing for incredibly fast charging times

Specifications

Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2

Battery Capacity: 5000 mAh

Rear Camera: 50 MP primary camera

120W flashcharge

10. Xiaomi 13 Pro

The Xiaomi 13 Pro impresses with its Leica 50MP triple camera setup, featuring the largest 1-inch sensor for enhanced low-light performance. The 120Hz 2K E6 AMOLED display delivers stunning visuals, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor ensures exceptional performance, coupled with speedy UFS 4.0 storage and LPDDR5X RAM. The 120W HyperCharger recharges the 4820mAh battery rapidly. However, the device lacks IP68 water and dust resistance.

Specifications

Camera: 50MP Leica Triple Camera + 32MP front

Display: 6.73 inch 2K 120Hz E6 AMOLED

Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2

Storage: 256GB + 12GB RAM

Battery: 4820mAh, 120W HyperCharger

Wireless Charging: Up to 50W

Top 3 features for you

Best overall product

When it comes to smartphones, the iQOO 9T 5G stands out as one of the best overall products on the market. This powerful and feature-packed phone offers a lot of value for its price, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a high-performance device. One of the standout features of the iQOO 9T 5G is its 6.67-inch display with a 1200 Hz refresh rate. This display provides an incredibly smooth and immersive viewing experience, making it perfect for streaming videos, playing games, and browsing the web.

Best value for money

When it comes to finding a smartphone that offers the best value for money, the IQOO 7 5G is an excellent option to consider. This device offers a wide range of features and capabilities, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly phone that doesn't skimp on performance or features. The IQOO 7 5G also boasts a 66W FlashCharge feature, which allows for super-fast charging. The IQOO 7 5G also features a Sony IMX598 sensor, which is known for its high-quality images and videos in low-light conditions. One of the standout features of the IQOO 7 5G is its use of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G processor.

How to find the perfect gaming smartphone?

When looking for the perfect gaming smartphone, there are a few key factors to consider:

Processor: Look for a high-performance processor, such as a Qualcomm Snapdragon or Samsung Exynos, to ensure smooth and efficient gaming.

GPU: A powerful GPU will allow for better graphics and overall gaming performance.

Display: A high-resolution display with a fast refresh rate will provide a smooth and immersive gaming experience.

Battery: Gaming can be demanding on a phone's battery, so look for a device with a large battery capacity and fast charging capabilities.

Cooling: A phone with good cooling will prevent overheating during extended gaming sessions.

Storage: Look for at least 64GB of storage to ensure you have enough space for all your games and other media.

Price: Finally, consider the price of the phone and make sure it fits within your budget.

Prices of best gaming smartphones at a glance;

At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.