Best gaming phones of 2024 | Buying guide

More and more manufacturers have understood this and are getting into it: gaming phones are on the rise! Let's face it, smartphones are now real technological marvels and are replacing our good old handheld consoles with disconcerting ease!
Mobile games are also becoming more and more sophisticated (whether on Android or iOS) and some of them require a lot of resources to run properly. So, if you spend most of your time playing games on your phone rather than using it for other purposes, you should definitely look for a smartphone dedicated to gaming!

Looking for your new gaming phone? You'll love our buying guide! Let's get started! ⤵️

Gaming phones: features to consider

As with gaming tablets, there are a number of criteria to consider when looking for a gaming phone. Firstly, you need to determine your requirements in terms of storage, RAM, screen definition , battery life, etc. Gaming phones are better optimised than regular phones, so it's essential to take a good look at the various features to get the best possible gaming experience on your phone. We'll give you a helping hand straight away!

Random Access Memory (RAM)

First of all, you need to make sure that the smartphone you're aiming for has enough RAM. Some games are very greedy for software resources and need a lot of RAM to run efficiently. What does it do? Just like on a PC, it stores data to make it easier to load. So the more RAM your phone has, the smoother and faster the browsing experience.

We advise you to aim for gaming phones with at least 8 GB of RAM for the most demanding games. Top-of-the-range models offer up to 16 or 24 GB of RAM, ensuring smooth, fast browsing.

Storage capacity (ROM)

If, like us, you're a mobile games enthusiast and you download far too many games, then you'll need plenty of storage capacity. A storage capacity of at least 128 GB is recommended. What's more, the presence of a microSD card slot is a considerable advantage on gaming phones, allowing you to increase storage as you need it.

Gaming phone battery life

A long battery life means you can play for longer. A number of factors affect battery consumption, and mobile games have a lot to do with it. A longer battery life means you won't be tied to your charger, and you'll be able to play anywhere, even outdoors! When it comes to choosing your favourite among these gaming phones, this is a criterion not to be overlooked.

For extended gaming sessions, a 5000 to 6000 mAh battery is ideal. What's more, fast-charging technology, often 65W or more, means you can recharge quickly between sessions.

Did you know? You can play all your mobile games on your PC simply by using an Android emulator (it's free and fully authorised). Big plus: You save your phone's battery! (And what's more, you'll be more comfortable to play!) 👌

The screen and resolution

The screen is obviously one of the most important elements of your gaming phones, and to know how to choose it, you need to look at the refresh rate. The higher the refresh rate, the better. It provides greater fluidity and allows you to be extremely responsive, particularly in FPS games.

Ideally, look for AMOLED screens with refresh rates of 120 Hz or 144 Hz for optimum fluidity. The resolution should be at least 2400 x 1080 pixels.

The processor and graphics chipset for gaming phones

All the buying guides will tell you: this duo represents the heart of your smartphone. They will play a decisive role in the choice of your new device. They will provide the power you need to play your favourite mobile games!

The most powerful models of 2024 include Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or MediaTek's latest Dimensity series processors. These chips offer exceptional performance for the most demanding games.

In summary, to get the best mobile gaming experience in 2024, it's crucial to choose a smartphone with adequate RAM, ample storage, a durable battery, a high-quality screen and a powerful processor. These features will ensure smooth and immersive gaming sessions.

Best gaming phones: entry-level

Are you on a tight budget but still looking for a smartphone for gaming? Don't panic! Here's our selection of budget gaming phones!

Doogee N50S: the budget gaming phone

Doogee N50S

• Camera: 20 MP
• Screen: 6.52 inches
• Definition: 720*1600 px
• Processor: Unisoc T606
• Memory: 9 GB RAM
• Battery: 4200 mAh
• Refresh rate: 60 Hz
• Storage: 128 GB

Best prices

• $94.99 See

Among gaming phones, the DOOGEE N50S is a very affordable smartphone that offers basic gaming features. Its 6.5-inch screen with a 60Hz refresh rate is basic, but acceptable for the price. Equipped with a Unisoc processor, it's capable of running light games without a hitch, so don't hesitate to get your mates together over an Among Us! The high-capacity battery is a plus, although there's no fast-charging facility. For gamers on a very tight budget, this is an interesting option, although performance is limited.

Realme 11 Pro: good value for money

Realme 11 Pro

• Camera: 100 MP
• Screen: 6.7 inches
• Definition: 1080*2412 px
• Processor: Dimensity 7050
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Battery: 5000 mAh
• Refresh rate: 120 Hz
• Storage: 128 GB

Best prices

• $182.69 See

The Realme 11 Pro offers a good gaming experience with its 6.7-inch AMOLED screen and 120Hz refresh rate. Equipped with the Dimensity 7050 processor, it offers solid performance for less complex mobile games, but will let you have a blast, for example, on Idle Heroes. Its long-lasting battery and fast-charging technology mean you can enjoy extended gaming sessions without worry. A slight drawback may be the software overlay, which isn't to everyone's taste, but overall this is an excellent choice for gamers looking for a gaming phone with good performance at a reasonable price.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 13: the phone for a great gaming experience at a low price

Xiaomi Redmi Note 13

• Camera: 50 MP
• Screen: 6.67 inches
• Definition: 1080*2400 px
• Processor: Snapdragon 685
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Battery: 5000 mAh
• Refresh rate: 120 Hz
• Storage: 256 GB

Best prices

• $182.69 See

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 is an affordable smartphone offering good performance for mobile games. Its 6.67-inch LCD screen with a 120Hz refresh rate is great for gaming, and the Snapdragon processor ensures smooth performance for less demanding games that have plenty of fun, like our favourite Clash of Clans. Its high-capacity battery and fast-charging technology are major assets. Although the materials are not of premium quality, it remains an excellent choice for gamers looking for good value for money.

Blackview Shark 8: the best of the entry-level gaming phones

Blackview Shark 8

• Camera: 64 MP
• Screen: 6.78 inches
• Definition: 1080*2460 px
• Processor: Helio G99
• Memory: 16 GB RAM
• Battery: 5000 mAh
• Refresh rate: 120 Hz
• Storage: 256 GB

Best prices

• $179.99 See

The Blackview Shark 8 is a budget smartphone aimed at gamers. It features a 6.8-inch IPS screen with a 120Hz refresh rate. Powered by a MediaTek processor, it delivers more than decent performance for light gaming, and ensures lag-free gaming even while you're speeding to beat your record on the timeless Subway Surfer! Its high-capacity battery is a plus, although there's no fast charging facility. The build materials are modest, but for such a low price, it remains a viable option among gamig phones on a very tight budget.

Best gaming phones: mid-range

More moderate budgets will certainly find a gaming phone among this selection. Check out the best value for money phones in the rest of our buying guide!

Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro: the perfect balance

Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro

• Camera: 64 MP
• Screen: 6.67 inches
• Definition: 1080*2400 px
• Processor: Dimensity 8100 Ultra
• Memory: 12 GB RAM
• Battery: 5000 mAh
• Refresh rate: 120 Hz
• Storage: 512 GB

Best prices

• $349.01 See

The Xiaomi POCO X6 Pro is a real gem for gamers on a tight budget. Imagine a 6.67-inch AMOLED screen, where every movement is fluid thanks to a 120Hz refresh rate. The Dimensity processor powers through your games with impressive ease, turning every session into a lag-free experience. With a robust battery, you can play for hours without interruption, and fast charging gets you back in the saddle in no time. In short, the POCO X6 Pro is the perfect choice for smart gamers looking for performance and economy. It's perfect for launching the magnificent tower defence Arknights, and hanging on for hours!

Motorola Edge Plus: the gaming phone we weren't expecting

Motorola Edge Plus

• Camera: 108 MP
• Screen: 6.7 inches
• Definition: 1080*2340 px
• Processor: Snapdragon 865
• Memory: 12 GB RAM
• Battery: 5000 mAh
• Refresh rate: 120 Hz
• Storage: 256 GB

Best prices

• $599.99 See

The Motorola Edge Plus is something of a superhero among mid-range gaming phones. With its 6.7-inch OLED screen and 120Hz refresh rate, it offers a pleasant and immersive visual experience. The Snapdragon 865 processor ensures that even the most demanding games run like clockwork. In fact, wouldn't this be the perfect opportunity to play a game of League of Legends: Wild Rift? What's really cool is its long-lasting battery, allowing you to play without worrying about constant recharging. If you're looking for a high-performance phone that won't break the bank, the Motorola Edge Plus is the one for you.

Best gaming phones: top of the range

Got a big budget? Good for you, you can treat yourself by choosing from this selection of gaming phones that will meet your expectations as a gamer!

OnePlus 12: one of the best gaming phones

OnePlus 12

• Camera: 64 MP
• Screen: 6.82 inches
• Definition: 1440*2560 px
• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
• Memory: 16 GB RAM
• Battery: 5400 mAh
• Refresh rate: 120 Hz
• Storage: 512 GB

Best prices

• $799.99 See

The OnePlus 12 is the perfect gaming companion for those who want the cream of the crop. Imagine a 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, where every swipe and tap is smooth and responsive. Under the bonnet, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor runs your favourite games with impressive power. The battery is solid, allowing you to play for hours without worry, and Warp Charge fast charging is there to get you back in the saddle in a flash. The phone heats up a little under heavy use, but frankly, it's a small compromise for a beast of a runner at this price, and it won't stop you typing your best Battle Royale on Apex Legends Mobile. All in all, the OnePlus 12 is the perfect choice for demanding gamers who want value for money.

Samsung Galaxy S24: the Android smartphone designed for gaming

Samsung Galaxy S24

• Camera: 50 MP
• Screen: 6.2 inches
• Definition: 1080*2340 px
• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Battery: 4000 mAh
• Refresh rate: 120 Hz
• Storage: 128 GB

Best prices

• $599.00 See

The Samsung Galaxy S24 is the ideal ally for serious gamers who don't want to leave anything to chance. Its 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, with a 120Hz refresh rate, guarantees exceptional fluidity and dazzling visuals. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, it offers robust performance for smooth gaming, making it the perfect companion for your best Fortnite Mobile games. The long-lasting battery is a big plus, allowing you to play intensively without interruption, and fast charging ensures you're never far from the action. So the Galaxy S24 is a wise choice among gaming phones, especially for Android lovers who swear by Samsung!

iPhone 15 Pro Max: the gaming phone for Apple addicts

iPhone 15 Pro Max

• Camera: 48 MP
• Screen: 6.7 inches
• Definition: 1290*2796 px
• Processor: A17 Bionic
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Battery: 4500 mAh
• Refresh rate: 120 Hz
• Storage: 1 TB

Best prices

• $1,427.95 See

Watch out, prices are going up a notch! The iPhone 15 Pro Max is a premium smartphone that combines sleek design with cutting-edge performance, yet easily rivals other gaming phones. Optimised for gaming with its 6.7-inch ProMotion OLED display and adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz, it delivers an exceptional visual experience. Apple's unique A17 Bionic processor ensures fast, efficient performance, while augmented reality features enhance the gaming experience. It's absolutely perfect for playing your favourite FPS games, including Call of Duty Mobile and Warzone Mobile. However, the high price may put some people off, although it's justified by the quality and features on offer. An excellent choice for gamers and fans of cutting-edge technology. And if you're a fan of Apple technologies, it's the ideal companion.

REDMAGIC 9 Pro: the best among gaming phones

REDMAGIC 9 Pro

• Camera: 50 MP
• Screen: 6.8 inches
• Definition: 1116*2486 px
• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
• Memory: 12 GB RAM
• Battery: 6500 mAh
• Refresh rate: 120 Hz
• Storage: 256 GB

Best prices

• $749.00 See

The REDMAGIC 9 Pro is a smartphone designed specifically for gamers, with features designed to enhance the gaming experience. It has an eye-catching design with RGB lights and active cooling thanks to an integrated fan, just like a real gaming computer. The perfect opportunity to download PUBG Mobile if you haven't already! The 6.8-inch AMOLED screen, with a 120Hz refresh rate, offers excellent visual fluidity. Performance is delivered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, so you can run the most demanding games without any lag. But what we love most of all is its exceptional battery, so you can play all day, anywhere, without interruption! It's an ideal choice for gamers who dream ofa computer that can fit in their hand. One of the best gaming phones around, without a doubt.

ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro: very high-end

ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro

• Camera: 50 MP
• Screen: 6.78 inches
• Definition: 1080*2400 px
• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
• Memory: 16 GB RAM
• Battery: 5500 mAh
• Refresh rate: 120 Hz
• Storage: 512 GB

Best prices

• $1,120.00 See

The ASUS ROG Phone 8 is a real jewel for gamers. Its meticulous design, cutting-edge performance and ultra-fluid screen are specifically designed to deliver the ultimate gaming experience. With 16 to 24 GB of RAM and up to 1 TB of storage, it can easily handle the most demanding games, so don't wait any longer and finally fall for Genshin Impact! Not only is this phone powerful, it's also equipped with handy features like 65W fast charging, ideal for not wasting time between games. However, it does heat up a little during extended sessions, and its battery, while generous, could last longer for power-hungry games. Despite its high price, it remains an excellent choice for mobile gaming enthusiasts.

As this buying guide draws to a close, the latest gaming phones from 2024 no longer hold any secrets for you! The great thing is that there's something to suit just about every budget. So you can treat yourself to a phone designed for gaming and take full advantage of these new generations of portable consoles!

So, which new gaming phone have you chosen?