10 Best Gaming Phones 2025 in the United States

The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is a solid choice for users looking for a budget-friendly smartphone with gaming capabilities. With a 2.4 GHz processor and 4 GB of RAM, it can handle most casual games without significant lag. The 6.7-inch AMOLED display offers vibrant colors and good resolution (1880 x 2340), making gaming visuals enjoyable. Its 5000mAh battery provides decent longevity, complemented by super-fast charging to minimize downtime. Additionally, the option for expandable storage (up to 1.5TB) allows you to keep a sizable library of games and apps.

However, while the device is serviceable for light gaming, it may struggle with graphically intensive games due to its mid-range specifications. The GPU performance isn't top-tier, which could lead to lower frame rates in demanding titles. Furthermore, the 4 GB of RAM might also limit multitasking capabilities when several apps are running.

The phone's durability with an IP54 rating is a bonus, providing protection against dust and water splashes, which is handy for on-the-go gamers. The six years of OS and security updates add value, ensuring your device remains secure and functional for years to come. The Galaxy A16 5G is an excellent option for casual gamers and those who prioritize battery life and durability. Avid gamers seeking high performance should consider devices with better CPU and GPU specifications.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is a compelling option for gamers looking for a well-rounded smartphone. With its powerful 8 GB RAM and a capable CPU, it can handle demanding games smoothly, ensuring a responsive experience. The 120 Hz refresh rate of the 6.7-inch display enhances gameplay, providing fluid visuals that are particularly enjoyable for fast-paced titles. Furthermore, the 2340 x 1080 resolution delivers crisp graphics, making game environments more immersive.

One of the standout features is its long battery life, which is crucial for extended gaming sessions. The device effectively manages power to keep you engaged without frequently searching for a charger. Additionally, the Galaxy S24 FE's cooling system helps prevent overheating during intense gaming, which can often be an issue with prolonged usage.

The AI features, like photo enhancements and real-time translations, are great for smartphone use but don't directly impact gaming performance. While they showcase the phone’s versatility, they might not be essential for a dedicated gaming experience. In terms of audio, while the specs do not highlight high-end sound capabilities, decent audio can be expected, but audiophiles may seek better sound quality elsewhere.

The OnePlus 13 is a strong choice if you’re looking for a gaming phone with powerful performance. It uses the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, which means games and apps will run smoothly and quickly. With 16GB of RAM and 512GB storage, you get plenty of space and memory to install large games and store files without worry. The 6.82-inch 120Hz QHD+ ProXDR display offers vibrant colors and smooth visuals, making the gaming experience more immersive. Its huge 6000mAh battery is impressive, allowing long gaming sessions or daily use without frequent recharging. Plus, the fast 80W charging gets your phone back to full quickly. The phone supports dual SIMs and wireless charging, adding convenience.

It also has a solid build and a sleek Arctic Dawn design, weighing about 213 grams, which is standard for a big-screen phone. One standout is the advanced camera system with Hasselblad lenses, although this is more a bonus for photography than gaming. Audio-wise, it includes a 3.5 mm jack, which is great if you prefer wired headphones for gaming. However, there’s no specific mention of a dedicated cooling system, which might make intense gaming sessions cause some heat buildup. Also, while the phone’s display and specs are great, it’s a bit on the larger and heavier side, which might not suit everyone for long handheld play. Connectivity options like Bluetooth and dual-band GPS are solid but standard.

This phone is an excellent option for gamers who want top-tier performance, a beautiful display, and long battery life without compromise.