How to choose the perfect smartphone for mobile gaming / Depositphotos
The world of mobile entertainment has reached a point in 2026 where the line between a handheld console and a smartphone has finally blurred. Modern processors are capable of not only running console-quality projects, but also efficiently working with large game libraries.
The market offers a variety of solutions – from highly specialized models with active cooling to premium flagships suitable for any task, writes 24 Kanal .
Which models have become market leaders and what makes them the best choice for players?
The absolute leader in the performance category is the REDMAGIC 11 Pro , which is powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. This device stands out among its competitors thanks to its unique liquid cooling system, which can be seen through the back panel, as well as two powerful fans. Although during intensive tests the device heated up to 56.0 degrees Celsius, this system allows you to avoid the emergency shutdown that happened with other models on the same processor.
The smartphone features a 6.8-inch OLED screen with a 144Hz refresh rate and physical triggers that eliminate the need for an external controller. The device is priced at $749, but for that money, the user also gets unusual features like a virtual AI companion.
The main drawbacks of the model were mediocre cameras and only two years of guaranteed software updates.
REDMAGIC 11 Pro / Photo by Redmagic
For those looking for a tried-and-true last-generation solution, the ASUS ROG Phone 9 is a great choice. Although it uses a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, it's more than capable of delivering maximum frame rates in demanding games like Genshin Impact. The device also boasts excellent battery life and support for fast universal charging.
The design of the model has become more restrained compared to its predecessors, although the hidden elements with LEDs on the back panel have been preserved. The younger version costs about $ 999.99, and it is a more rational choice than the Pro version, since it offers identical performance.
ASUS ROG Phone 9 / Photo by ASUS
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra represents a segment of traditional flagships that are great for gaming. It uses a specially overclocked version of the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, but is prone to thermal throttling due to the lack of aggressive cooling. Its 17.53-centimeter screen and the presence of the S Pen stylus make it ideal for strategic games that require high precision. In addition to gaming, this smartphone offers the best cameras on the market with a 200-megapixel sensor and a record seven years of update support. Its price is $ 1,299.99.
Apple fans should pay attention to the iPhone 17 Pro Max . The A19 Pro processor is considered a benchmark for energy efficiency, which is critical for long gaming sessions. The Apple ecosystem offers access to such serious projects as Resident Evil Village, which run natively. However, for fans of emulating old consoles, this choice may be unsuccessful due to the system's limitations in supporting JIT. The smartphone has a high-quality OLED screen and costs $ 1,199.99.
For those who value maximum image size, the Samsung Galaxy Fold 7 offers an internal flexible display of 20.32 centimeters (8 inches). This makes it the best device for emulating Nintendo DS and 3DS consoles. Despite its price of $ 1999.99, it provides a unique experience, although its performance is somewhat inferior to regular flagships.
Samsung Galaxy Fold 7 / Photo by Samsung
If you're on a budget, the OnePlus 13R is a good option for you, starting at $599.99. Despite using the older Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, it's stable in demanding games and has a good-quality 6.78-inch screen.