Mobile gaming has come on leaps and bounds. The days of Snake and Tetris have been replaced by console-quality titles and augmented reality favorites. Additionally, powerful smartphones are now firmly a thing, with these phones now helping mobile gaming rival other popular platforms like PC gaming and console gaming in terms of their revenues.
As a result of mobile gaming’s rise, there are even phones that have been specifically designed for gaming by the likes of RedMagic. These devices are viable options for avid mobile gamers, although they perhaps don’t always deliver in other areas. Still, alongside phones by Apple and Samsung that perform extremely well when it comes to their gaming-related performance, gaming phones are mightily impressive overall, especially as they can come with triggers, cooling fans, and powerful batteries.
Whether you’re a dedicated PUBG Mobile player or you’re always playing DraftKings casino games like Mow Money, below we take a brief look at five top phones on the market today. From gaming phones to regular smartphones, we’ve got you covered.
RedMagic 11 Pro
A brand we’ve already touched on, RedMagic is a major player in the gaming phone space. The company’s RedMagic 11 Pro is a particular favorite thanks to its undeniable power. Also looking the part and being comfortable to hold as you take down zombies and crack puzzles, it’s best known for its massive 7,500 mAh battery, the phone’s advanced cooling system that kicks into gear, and its Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset that is capable of hosting the finest releases around.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
If a gaming phone doesn’t pique your interest for whatever reason, then the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is the ideal alternative. This Android beast is a popular modern-day device, coming with a top camera you’ll need for social media and more. However, when assessing its power, it’s also suitable for any gaming marathons thanks to the presence of the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and sophisticated software that can showcase the finest titles of today. For many mobile gamers seeking an Android phone, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a top contender.
RedMagic 10 Air
A gaming phone used around the world, the RedMagic 10 Air is another hit by the guys at RedMagic. Once again, the Chinese consumer electronics brand has nailed it, with this must-have gaming smartphone possessing key features like a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, 6.8-inch display features, and up to 16GB of RAM.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Apple is a brand people adore. Not only does it look the part, given the familiar smooth-looking designs iOS devices tend to possess, but they’re also impressive products. The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is another success story, with this strong all-rounder having immensely powerful cameras, superb video features, and Apple’s famous slick design. For gamers, though, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max also boasts a A19 Pro chip that offers fantastic gaming performance, a 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR display that is truly stunning to look at, and 120Hz ProMotion adaptive refresh rate. Also coming with a reliable battery that lasts over 30 hours, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is excellent.
Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro Edition
Another gaming phone with plenty of admirers, the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro Edition is packed full of power and some notable gaming-related plus points. From its Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and up to 24GB of RAM, to its 6.78-inch AMOLED screen and its shoulder buttons that are ideal for certain titles, the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro Edition is a gaming phone many mobile gamers are saving up for.