The online gaming market was worth an impressive $96 billion in 2023, while it’s poised to grow at a CAGR of 11.2% between now and 2033. So, the marketplace will be worth a staggering $276 billion in 10 years’ time.
Of course, mobile gaming is a huge driver of this growth, as this prompts far greater levels of flexibility and accessibility among players.
But what are the best smartphones for gaming? There are numerous devices worthy of consideration, but here’s our pick of the top three handsets!
The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro
Asus ROG Phone 8. (Credit: ROG)
While the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro isn’t the most recognisable handset or fastest gaming smartphone, it’s arguably the most rounded and reliable device for avid gamers.
This Android-powered device is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 processor and offers up to 24GB storage, combining slick performance with ample memory. The 6.78-inch display also features resolution of 1080 x 2400, enabling you to make the most of live gameplay on the move.
This smartphone also provides durability and genuine gaming flair, largely as a result of its focused design. There’s also the added bonus of a 32MP front camera and 50MP rear camera, which are among the best in class for any gaming phone.
Although the 5,500mAh battery is smaller than many of its rivals, this device is arguably the most coveted on the market among gamers. So, it’s an excellent pick whether you want to play at GGPOKER or enjoy your favourite social casino game.
The Nubia RedMagic 9 Pro
RedMagic 9 Pro. (Credit: Nubia)
There are many similarities between the Nubia RedMagic 9 Pro and the previous device. The display size (6.8 inches) and screen resolution (116 x 2480) are incredibly similar, for example, while this phone also leverages a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 processor.
However, the battery life here is far more capacious, with a 6,500mAh unit installed. This arguably makes the Nubia RedMagic 9 Pro better from the perspective of live gameplay, during which you can ill-afford to lose access or connectivity.
There’s less internal memory and storage available here (16GB), while the front camera is significantly less impressive than the ROG Phone 8 Pro. Overall, the device’s performance is excellent, and the extended battery life may be a deal-breaker for many gamers.
This handset is also cheaper than the ROG Phone 8 Pro, so it arguably offers superior value in the contemporary marketplace. This depends on your preferences and priorities while gaming.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max
If you’re an iOS user and gaming enthusiast, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is your best choice of handset.
Released in September 2023, this device’s 6.7-inch display boasts 2796 x 1290 resolution and up to 512GB of internal storage (alongside 8GB of RAM).
Testing has revealed that the iPhone 15 Pro Max delivers the slickest and fastest iPhone performance, while it’s ready for the Apple Intelligence feature. The front and rear cameras are also incredibly impressive, with the latter combining 12MP capacity with 5x optical zoom.
However, the 4,422mAh battery unit offers less life than either of our two previously listed devices. It’s also considerably more expensive to buy (either outright or on a contract), so may only offer a premium option for more serious gamers who enjoy extended sessions.