FPS, MOBA, action-RPG, runner, sandbox, battle royale: smartphone video games are increasingly demanding in terms of graphics resources and require high-performance smartphones to perform at their best. Choosing a gaming smartphone in 2025 requires specific criteria in terms of technical specifications.
The 4 criteria for choosing a gaming smartphone
The processor
The smoothness of a video game’s display depends on the processor’s power. The more cores and the higher the clock speed, the more it can perform complex calculations in parallel and therefore avoid any slowdowns. A good smartphone CPU includes a GPU (graphics processing unit) specifically dedicated to rendering images during gameplay.
Qualcomm’s processors, especially its latest marvel, the Snapdragon 8 Elite, with eight cores and a clock speed exceeding 4 GHz, are remarkably efficient. Its integrated Adreno 830 GPU outperforms some handheld graphics cards. Its main rival is the MediaTek Dimensity 9400 processor, also equipped with eight cores and a clock speed exceeding 3 GHz, as well as a GPU on steroids.
Apple ‘s processors hold their own. With its six cores, the A18 Pro also has a frequency close to 4 GHz and a GPU that can handle the most demanding video games on iPhone .
Storage capacity
Open worlds and ultra-detailed 3D environments come with a hefty price tag. Several dozen gigabytes for the most extensive smartphone video games! So, it’s best to get a generous model so you can store your game library without compromising space for other apps, as well as for your photos, videos, and personal or professional files.
Below 128GB of storage capacity, a gaming smartphone will be more likely to have to uninstall apps to make room for new games. With 256 or 512GB, this type of dilemma shouldn’t arise too frequently. And with 1TB, even less so!
Screen quality
Every detail counts in a smartphone gaming session. So to make sure you don’t miss a thing, make sure you have a large screen of at least 6 inches (15.24 cm diagonal) for a decent gaming experience. Larger models can approach 7 inches (17.78 cm).
In addition to size, image resolution is important, as is screen technology and its refresh rate. Full HD (1080p) or Quad HD (1440p) offers more pixel density on the screen and therefore a sharper image and more vivid colors. Then comes the screen technology (LCD, OLED, AMOLED, Super AMOLED, Retina) which will affect contrast nd more genera image quality, but also energy consumption and even eye fatigue. It is accompanied by an accelerated refresh rate (120 Hz for comfortable use compared to 60 Hz for a standard screen, up to 185 Hz for the most demanding) to optimize image fluidity, a crucial parameter for gamers.
Autonomy
Gaming on a smartphone is a drain on resources, and it puts a strain on the battery. So, to avoid having to throw in the towel after a few minutes, it’s best to have a long-lasting battery. This is the prerogative of smartphones with a battery of at least 5000 mAh, ensuring a full day without recharging.
Fast charging (45 to 90W) can compensate for a low battery.
The 6 best gaming smartphone models in 2025
Samsung S25 Galaxy Ultra
Samsung’s flagship is a beast of a racer. The Galaxy S25 Ultra features the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, which guarantees top-flight performance without overheating. Bright and responsive, its 6.9-inch AMOLED display refreshed at 120 Hz enhances your gaming sessions. Its battery lasts up to two days on a charge, and its 512 GB provides plenty of space for storing Fortnite, Genshin Impact Blox, and other EA Sports FC 25 games.
Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro
A smartphone designed specifically for gaming. Asus’s ROG range is indeed entirely geared towards gamers, and the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro doesn’t disappoint, for example, with its configurable touch triggers on the right edge of the phone. It also benefits from the performance of the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor paired with 24 GB of RAM, as well as a headphone jack. The 6.78-inch AMOLED screen is remarkable, and its adaptive refresh rate is particularly relevant (up to 144 Hz). As is its ability to dissipate heat. Its originality: an auxiliary screen on the back with 648 mini-LEDs.
Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra
In the Asus family, the Zenfone range is not designed only for gamers… but the high-end specifications of the Zenfone 11 Ultra make it a model perfectly suited to your gaming sessions. The 6.78-inch AMOLED screen is similar to that of the ROG Phone 9 Pro, the headphone jack is there, the refresh rate is dantesque (185 Hz) and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip works wonders with 16 GB of RAM. And the 512 GB of storage echoes the model of the ROG range.
Xiaomi Poco F6 & X6
Xiaomi is positioning itself as an entry-level gaming smartphone with the Poco X6 and Poco F6. Both feature a 6.67-inch AMOLED display, a Snapdragon processor (7s Gen 2 for the former with 8GB of RAM, 8s Gen 3 for the latter with 16GB of RAM), and 256GB of storage. A solid spec sheet for gaming without breaking the bank.
2 accessories to improve the gaming experience on smartphones
A wireless controller
It’s possible to replicate the console experience on a smartphone using a wireless game controller (available for iPhone or Android ). The Razer Kishi gaming controller involves inserting your smartphone into the controller to turn it into a portable console. Designed for Android and iPhone, it features analog triggers and can replace touch controls to recreate the feel of a video game console.
In another style, the Razer Raiju controller takes the design of a classic console controller, on which it is possible to attach a smartphone.
An external battery
To avoid running out of battery during a mobile gaming session, it’s best to plan and have a power bank. It’s a kind of power extension to extend the battery life of your gaming smartphone.
