Published Oct 22, 2024, 6:30 AM EDT
Ali is a dedicated computer scientist with a profound passion for tech, which inspired him to begin writing professionally in 2018. His deep satisfaction in breaking down complex tech concepts continues to fuel his writing.
When Ali isn't writing, he enjoys building machine learning models and coding, often with a cup of coffee by his side. As a soccer enthusiast, he loves playing the game in his free time and staying up-to-date on matches and club news.
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ZTE Nubia RedMagic 9S Pro
Whether you're a casual or hardcore gamer, modern smartphones are well-equipped to meet your expectations. With powerful processors, stunning displays, and advanced cooling systems, there's an option for everyone. So, let's explore the best phones for mobile gaming.
1 Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro
Credit: Asus ROG
The ROG Phone 8 Pro is specifically designed for gaming. With it, you get a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. These specs are strong enough to run any latest mobile game. Also, the phone has a 6.78-inch 165Hz refresh rate AMOLED display for punchy colors.
More importantly, the ROG Phone 8 Pro fully charges in under an hour, and its 5,500mAh battery is ample for several hours of gameplay on a single charge.
You also get two customizable air triggers placed on the side of the phone, which you can configure for in-game controls. If that isn't enough, you can buy a plug-in ROG Tessen controller to turn your phone into a handheld gaming console.
Overheating and thermal throttling are common concerns when gaming on smartphones. The ROG Phone 8 Pro offers two cooling solutions to help manage temperatures. By default, the phone is passively cooled with a large vapor chamber and a graphite sheet to dissipate heat.
However, the phone may still become warm during extended gaming sessions. For those looking to further minimize thermal throttling, you have the option to actively cool it with AeroActive Cooler X, which attaches to the back of the phone. The ROG Phone 8 Pro launched at $1,199, but you can find a better deal on Amazon.
2 ZTE Nubia RedMagic 9S Pro
Credit: Redmagic
The RedMagic 9S Pro is an excellent budget-friendly alternative to the ROG Phone 8 Pro, featuring the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor but clocked at 3.4GHz. According to your budget, you can choose between 12GB and 16GB RAM options. The display is a 6.8-inch AMOLED with a 120Hz refresh rate and minimal bezels, and you also get trigger buttons on the side of the phone.
The phone comes with a vapor chamber cooling plate and a built-in fan that spins at 22,000 RPM. Despite this, the phone may still get warm during extended gaming sessions, and if you prefer to further cool the device, you could get a dedicated external fan that attaches to the back of the device. The phone costs $649 on RedMagic's site.
Overall, the phone offers solid specs for its price. However, the block-like design structure of Redmagic 9S Pro might not suit everyone's taste, as the phone's sharper edges could be less comfortable to hold during extended gaming sessions.
3 iPhone 16 Pro Max
Credit: Apple
The phones we've discussed so far are designed specifically for gaming. However, if you're looking for an incredible all-around smartphone that also excels at gaming, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is an excellent choice. The phone has a 6.9-inch 120Hz OLED display and is powered by the A18 Pro, the fastest chip you'll find in a flagship smartphone in 2024. You can run any game on max graphics settings, provided the phone remains cool.
However, it's important to note that while the iPhone 16 Pro Max offers plenty of raw power, it may not be the best choice for hardcore gaming. The phone typically warms up after a few minutes of intense gaming, and the processor starts throttling, after which the screen dims until it cools down. If this isn't a concern, and you're seeking a phone for casual gaming, then you're in for a treat.
4 Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Credit: Zarif Ali/MakeUseOf
The Galaxy S24 Ultra we reviewed features high-end specs and a stunning design, all while offering the ability to enjoy gaming sessions on the go. The 6.8-inch AMOLED display with minimal bezels and a 120Hz refresh rate makes everything on the screen immersive and fluid.
Thanks to the custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip and 12GB of RAM, this phone is more than capable of handling anything you throw at it, whether that's PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile.
However, like the iPhone 16 Pro Max, you might notice that the phone becomes warm to hold during extended use. You could get one of the best smartphone controllers to hold the device so you don't feel the heat. Although it launched with a starting price of $1,299, you can grab it for a lot less on Amazon.
If mobile gaming is your top priority, these are your best options as of 2024. The ROG Phone 8 Pro and the RedMagic 9S Pro have better cooling systems than the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Galaxy S24 Ultra for extended gaming sessions. However, they fall short in other departments, such as camera quality and software.