2024’s Best Phones for Gaming: A Round-up for Gamers
If you’re a gamer, your phone needs to do more than just check your emails and scroll through Instagram. It needs to handle high-speed action, ultra-smooth graphics, and those intense moments when you’re about to win or lose in a clutch. Luckily, 2024 has brought us some of the best gaming phones ever, and we’re here to break down what’s worth your hard-earned cash.
Let’s dive into the top picks for mobile gaming, whether you’re looking for the best performance, high refresh rate phones, or budget-friendly options under 30K.
1. Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max: The Heavyweight Champion

The first on the list is this absolute beast, the iPhone 15 Pro Max. This is simply the best when it comes to gaming performance as far as a phone can go. The A17 chip is the closest thing to Thor’s hammer of mobile processors, giving you no-lag gaming on everything from Call of Duty to Genshin Impact. Your games will look stunning on its Super Retina XDR display with 120Hz refresh rate.
Price: Starting around $1,099
Pros: Stunning graphics, fast processor, long battery life
Cons: Pricey, big size
So, if you have the budget for it, this phone is like having a mini gaming PC in your pocket.
2. Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro Edition: For Serious Gamers

Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro Edition If you eat, sleep and breathe games, the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro Edition is going to be your ideal smartphone. Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and 165Hz refresh rate, your games will feel like hyperdrive on the way Not only can this phone game, but it does so while looking fantastic.
And when you are playing an epic game, the built-in fan prevents your phone from overheating. Believe me, no one wants to mess with your phone overheating while you are still in a battle.
Price: Around $930
Pros: Insane performance, killer cooling system
Cons: A little bulky, high-end price
If you’re into mobile esports, this phone will help you dominate your opponents with smooth gameplay and precision.
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3. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: The All-Rounder

We cannot all just go around shelling out big bucks for the latest flagship. This is where the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra comes in, offering just the right mix of power and practicality for daily use. Its 120Hz AMOLED display combined with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 provides you with graphics that every time you go-on a beautiful game your wow will be something else.
It should also be filled with productivity features because work, and a new email before your next big raid.
Price: $949.99
Pros: Gorgeous screen, fast processor, long-term software support
Cons: Big and bulky, quite expensive
Looking for the best phone for mobile esports and gaming with the best graphics? This one’s a solid choice.
4. RedMagic 9S Pro: Midrange Marvel

Now then, here are the best budget gaming phones! Talk about a deal on the RedMagic 9S Pro. You get a 120Hz AMOLED panel, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, and more than enough power to run all of your favourite mobile games with ease. And all that in an affordable price tag which won’t make you cry with your empty wallet.
What’s even better? It contains an integrated fan as well since nobody likes to see a scorching phone.
Price: $649
Pros: Affordable, great performance, fast charging
Cons: Cameras are just okay, limited updates
If you’re searching for phones for gaming under 30K, the RedMagic 9S Pro is the one to get.
5. Nuu B30 Pro 5G: Budget Gaming at Its Best

Sometimes you just need a gaming phone that costs about the price of a new console. Enter the Nuu B30 Pro 5G, and at $299 you’re not only getting a respectable gaming experience but also 5G, quick-charging support, and an overall casual-gaming champion. While it would be expecting too much for graphics that rival the next-gen consoles, and some ridiculous speed runs at higher frame rates, if you play casual mobile games this phone will work great.
Price: $299
Pros: Budget-friendly, decent gaming performance
Cons: Average display, basic cameras
If you’re looking for phones for gaming under 30K, this is probably the best deal you’ll find without sacrificing too much on gaming performance.
6. OnePlus 11: For Speed Lovers

Want something that sings with you during your gaming marathons? Anyway, the OnePlus 11 packs a 120Hz AMOLED panel and sports the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 too so it makes sense you’ll get your share of gaming speed up to no issues. So, it is the best midrange gaming phone with fast charging and you will be back in action before you could say — Level-up!
Price: Around $699
Pros: Speedy performance, good value
Cons: No expandable storage, cameras are fine but not amazing
This is one of the best gaming smartphones for 2025, and you can grab it without going broke.
What Makes a Great Gaming Phone?
When shopping for a gaming phone, you’ve got to think about a few things:
- Refresh Rate: If you want buttery-smooth gameplay, go for 120Hz or higher. The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro Edition even has a mind-blowing 165Hz refresh rate.
- Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or equivalent is what you need. Any phone with this chip will run anything you throw at it with ease.
- Cooling Systems: Phones like the RedMagic 9S Pro and Asus ROG Phone 8 have built-in fans to prevent overheating during long gaming sessions. Because who wants their phone to turn into a mini oven?
- Graphics: A phone with high-quality displays and graphics will make your gaming look amazing. AMOLED displays are the way to go for vibrant colors and deep contrasts.
Final Thoughts: Ready, Set, Game!
What is the best mobile gaming phone in 2024? Depends on what you are looking for though. For the ultimate in performance with absolutely no compromises, take either the iPhone 15 Pro Max or Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro Edition. On a budget? The other cell phone that will get you gaming but for less money is the RedMagic 9S Pro or Nuu B30 Pro 5G.
Anyhow, there are some pretty sweet gaming phones coming in 2025. Alright, time to go crush your games.
