While most modern Android phones can comfortably play games straight off the Play Store, the games that can push your device to its limits often require better hardware than what you'll find on budget Android devices.

To accommodate handheld gamers, the following Android phones were selected based on processing power, battery life, cooling capabilities, and dedicated gaming features like extra buttons. These phones will let you keep up with the latest Android games, but they work even better when paired with an Android controller for the best gaming experience.

We're constantly updating this list with the latest models, and will be making changes again soon. We've already reviewed the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro, which is a powerful handset that steps a little away from its gaming roots - but we won't add it here until you can actually buy one, which should be some time in February. Meanwhile Samsung's top-tier Galaxy S24 Ultra is available to preorder now, but we need to review it ourselves to put its gaming credentials to the test.

Our favorite Android gaming phones

A Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, 12 GB RAM, and a 120Hz screen are enough to make the Redmagic 9 Pro one of the best gaming phones, but it's got a few extra features that make it the best overall choice. Even when pushing the phone to its limits, the built-in fan keeps everything cool without simulating the sound of a jet engine. And you'll be able to push the device, as the 6,500mAh battery means you can game for hours on end.

The phone also comes with two touch triggers on the top, which offer a 520Hz touch-sample rate, more than most Android flagship screens. They're more useful than you might think, as their excellent vibration motor makes them satisfying to press.

However, substandard cameras and buggy software mean the Redmagic 9 Pro is frustrating to use as a daily driver. If you need a dedicated gaming device for cheap this is the best choice, but don't expect to be winning any photography awards.

Read our full Redmagic 9 Pro review.

This year, Samsung's top phone is the Galaxy S23 Ultra, a great gaming device. Yes, it's expensive, starting at $1,200, but you get what you pay for with an excellent high-frame rate OLED screen and a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. Not only can the device tear through any Android game, but those games will also look great on the screen, which is what gaming phones are all about. Plus, Samsung was one of the first to offer inline sound recording paired with its video recorder — so streamers, YouTubers, and the press at large, can easily record the games they play along with the native sound playing.

No matter how you slice it, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is a perfect pickup if you want to play the most demanding games on Android. Make sure to consider the newer S24 Ultra as well though, which we'll be reviewing soon.

Read our full Galaxy S23 Ultra review.

Most Android gaming phones make sacrifices to provide the best performance without breaking the bank. Buggy operating systems, terrible cameras, and software restrictions are commonplace, but the Asus Zenfone 10 includes a stable operating system, great cameras, a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, and a 144Hz screen, all for under $800.

The compromise you make here is the pocket-sized 5.9-inch screen. While this is intended as a feature, not a cost-cutting method, gamers who like to pick out every detail in games like Genshin Impact will struggle here. The hardware is capable of supporting any Android game, and the Zenfone 10 includes tools like the excellent screen recording feature from its ROG phones.

Read our full Asus Zenfone 10 review.

The ROG Phone 7 might not be as fancy as the ROG Phone 7 Ultimate, but these differences are mostly superficial - and unlike that phone, it's actually still on sale. It's easily a champion of Android gaming, but playing with the king means you'll be spending a pretty penny if you can find one. Trust that the money will be well spent if you want maximum performance from your phone. Sure, you can snag an optional fan attachment to really keep things cool for those long gaming sessions, but as is, you can rest knowing you'll be able to max out games like Genshin Impact.

Asus has reclaimed the crown as king of Android gaming with powerful devices like these. So, if you're willing to splash out on the best gaming hardware, the ROG Phone 7 is an excellent choice. Just keep an eye out for the ROG Phone 8 and 8 Pro, which go on sale sometime in February.

Read our Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate review.

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 pushes the boundaries of how big a phone screen can be, and while the 16:9 aspect ratio is awkward, games look phenomenal. Resizing screens helps overcome some of these issues and becomes even more useful with multi-window support, which allows you to open a YouTube video while relaxing with some mobile games.

But if you want to play the most demanding Android games, the Z Fold 5's Snapdragon Gen 2 chipset is more than up to the task. However, many other Android gaming phones have the same chipset at a fraction of the Z Fold 5's price. You'll certainly want to protect your investment with a good Galaxy Z Fold 5 case, but if you're happy with that price, you'll find this phone has everything for the best Android gaming experience.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 review.

While OnePlus's cameras are inconsistent, they're a better caliber than those from RedMagic, Black Shark, and ROG. This great gaming phone can still take decent photos when you're out at an e-sports event or that ridiculous five-floor pinball arcade. You won't have to worry about your battery dying after extended camera time alongside intensive gameplay. Go as hard as you like; the OnePlus 11 should still go at least a full 24 hours before you need to recharge it.

When it does come time to recharge the OnePlus 11, it'll go much faster than on any of Samsung's phones. While the version sold in the United States features a slower charging speed than international variants — 80W as opposed to 100W — this phone will still get from zero to 100% in a little over half an hour, so even the shortest of snack breaks will get you topped off and ready for the next raid. It does suck that it doesn't have wireless charging, but considering how little time you need to stay plugged in, I'll take that trade-off in a heartbeat.

Like with Samsung and Asus, there's a new model right around the corner to consider though. The OnePlus 12 is about to drop, so you may want to hold off until we've put it through its paces.

Read our full OnePlus 11 review.

Looking at the price tag, it might look like a budget phone, but the RedMagic 8S Pro has the hardware to match any flagship Android phone for games. While this does mean sacrifices (you won't be taking Instragram-worthy selfies with the blurry front camera), those looking for a dedicated gaming phone certainly won't be disappointed.

A 120Hz screen means you can get the most out of Android games with high framerate support, and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset keeps the FPS smooth. The Game Space app is still a useful, if unnecessarily flashy, launcher for your games; you can tweak framerate, fan speeds, and performance settings with a few taps while in-game. Add a hefty 6000mAh battery, and you'll have the perfect gaming companion that'll last all day.

Read our full RedMagic 8S Pro review.

Since the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is so feature-packed, it also doubles as a fantastic gaming phone. Samsung was one of the first companies to create its own sound engine to work around Google's locked-down software. In turn, Samsung was able to include a screen recorder that supports the recording of inline sound — a boon for anyone who records gameplay of mobile games. Even though screen recorders are pretty much standard on Android phones now, Samsung still offers one of the most reliable recorders on the market.

Seeing that you get incredible specs with this device, playing the most demanding games is a breeze. And the best part? You can record your gameplay reliably, which is why the S22 Ultra is a great choice for YouTubers. Yes, the price is up there as one of the most expensive phones on the market, but if you're not enthused with the middling software and cameras that come with most gaming phones, perhaps the expenditure will be worth it.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra review.

Motorola has upped its game in recent years, offering phones that can compete with Google and Samsung's flagships. But what isn't immediately obvious is that the Moto Edge+ (2023) has everything you'd expect from a gaming Android phone. A Snapdragon Gen 2 chipset can handle any Android game, and the 1080p screen can run as high as 165Hz. Not only can the battery handle up to two days of use with moderate use, but a 68W charging speed means you won't have to wait long for a full charge.

The only significant drawbacks of the Moto Edge+ are its mediocre software support and lackluster camera, but if you're looking for a no-nonsense Android phone that also happens to handle any game you care to throw at it, you can't go wrong here.

Read our full Moto Edge+ review.

The best gaming phones are at your fingertips

Gaming phones aren't budget devices, but some, like the Nubia RedMagic 9 Pro, show that you don't need to break the $1000 mark to play the best Android games. Flagship Android phones work just as well as gaming devices; the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has everything you need to play the best Android games while working as your daily driver. But tucked away behind these big names are devices like the Asus Zenfone 10, which offers some of the best value we've seen in any Android phone, let alone gaming phones.

No matter what kind of gamer you are, this guide has something for you. Pair your new gaming phone with a game streaming app like Xbox Game Pass and an Android controller for console-quality gaming on the go.