Modern technology has made phones powerful enough to rival even the most advanced portable gaming consoles in existence today. This includes the likes of Nintendo Switch and yes, even the PSP.

If you are an avid gamer and want to carry it with it you wherever you go, phones are the perfect devices. Today most are light, have a big enough screen, powerful processor while also keeping you connected.

Now there are phones designed with gaming in mind. These usually have big screens with a high resolution and refresh rate. Gamers also need devices with lots of power and corresponding decent battery life so that you don’t have to interrupt your game to charge your phone.

Also, high-end phones such as the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and the One Plus while not being specifically designed for gaming do make for very suitable devices. They tick all the right boxes for gamers plus have extra features for other needs.

1. ASUS ROG PHONE 5

Asus has long been known to be one of the most popular phones for gamers. With the highest refresh rates known of 144Hz and a powerful Snapdragon CPU to match, this phone is undeniably one of if not the best for gamers.

Specs

• Display size (Pixels): 6.78-inch AMOLED (2448 x 1080)
• Peak refresh rate: 144Hz
• CPU: Snapdragon 888
• RAM: 8GB,12GB, 16GB
• Storage/Expandable: 128GB, 256GB / No
• Cameras (Back/Front): 64MP wide, 13MP ultrawide 5MP macro / 24MP
• Weight: 8.4 ounces
• Battery life (Hrs:Mins): 10:27 (144Hz), 12:23 (60Hz)

Also noteworthy is its powerful front-facing speakers which combined with the screen’s AMOLED display will give you a wholesome gaming experience.

It is however a little heavy and despite its long-lasting battery, it could do perform much better with wireless charging.

2. Nubia Red Magic 5G

The Nubia Red Magic is one of the most game-specific phones out there. It was the first 144Hz smartphone screen in production and also has a liquid cooling system to keep your device cool when gaming. The phone also gives you a dedicated ‘Game Space’ that will enable you to customize your own gaming experience and an added ‘4D Shock’ feature that adds vibration to your games.

Specs

• Weight: 218g
• Dimensions: 168.6 x 78 x 9.8mm
• OS: Android 10
• Screen size: 6.65-inch
• Resolution: 1080 x 2340
• CPU: Snapdragon 865
• RAM: 8/12GB
• Storage: 128/256GB
• Battery: 4,500mAh
• Rear camera: 64MP + 8MP + 2MP
• Front camera: 8MP

With 5G, a 1080 x 2340 screen and a decent battery life it’s easy to see why the Nubia is rated so highly among gamers. It comes pretty close to the perfect gaming phone. It’s only let down by a few software bugs and needs an upgrade in general design.

3. Lenovo Legion Phone Duel

This is Lenovo first dip into gaming devices and they have not disappointed. The Legion Phone Duel ticks all the right boxes in the specs that matter helping to put it right up there with the best gaming phones available.

The Legion Phone Duel has a pop-up camera so that the screen is undisturbed during gaming while 90W fast charging ensures that you can charge your device as fast as possible and resume gaming.

Specs

• Weight: 239g
• Dimensions: 169.2 x 78.6 x 9.9mm
• OS: Android 10
• CPU: Snapdragon 865 Plus
• RAM: 12/16GB
• Storage: 256/512GB
• Battery: 5,000mAh
• Rear camera: 64MP + 16MP
• Front camera: 20MP
• Black Shark 3

The Black Shark is Xiaomi’s attempt at a gaming device and, its not bad. While not being able to compete toe-to-toe with the best gaming brands, Black Shark still hold its own. With its LED lighted large screen, top-end cameras and Powerful Snapdragon CPU, it is certainly worth a mention among the gaming giants.

Specs

• Weight: 222g
• Dimensions: 168.7 x 77.3 x 10.4mm
• OS: Android 10
• Screen size: 6.67-inch
• Resolution: 2080 x 2440
• Storage: 128/256GB
• Battery: 4,720mAh
• Rear camera: 64MP + 13MP +5MP
• Front camera: 20MP

Non-Gaming Phone

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra

While the Galaxy is not a gaming exclusive device it does have some great features that make it ideal for the avid gamer.

Specs

• Weight: 228g
• Dimensions: 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9mm
• OS: Android 11
• Screen size: 6.8-inch
• Resolution: 1440 x 3200
• CPU: Exynos 2100 / Snapdragon 888
• RAM: 12/16GB
• Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB
• Battery: 5,000mAh
• Rear camera: 108MP + 10MP + 10MP + 12MP
• Front camera: 40MP

 This list of features makes it one of the best non-gaming phones out there. The only drawback being the price. It is just way too expensive for the average gamer. If it does however fit your budget there is simply no better device for gaming and other functions.

This list does not however end here. Worthy mentions include the One Plus 9 Pro, Razer Phone 2 and any device in the iPhone 12/13 Series. However, for the ultimate gaming experience, the mentions above are your best bet.