Best gaming phones to buy in 2026

The smartphone market isn’t short on power anymore. Most mid-range and high-end phones today can handle endless social feeds, long work sessions, and hours of streaming without slowing down, and they’re just as capable when it’s time to jump into a graphics-heavy game.

There was a time when gaming phones felt like a different species, with loud designs, glowing lights, and a very specific audience in mind. However, now the landscape looks different, as fast refresh rate displays, powerful chipsets, effective cooling, and big batteries are no longer limited to niche devices. So, if consistent frame rates and reliable all-day performance matter, here are our picks for the best gaming phones to buy in 2026.

Best gaming phones to buy in 2026

Here are the best gaming phones to buy in 2026:

– OnePlus 15
– Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
– Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
– Realme GT 7 Pro
– Nothing Phone 3a

OnePlus 15

OnePlus’ newest flagship, the OnePlus 15, comes fitted with a massive 7,300mAh battery and a 165Hz AMOLED display, so you can game, stream, and juggle apps all day without slowing down.

Under the hood is a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 CPU, Adreno 840 GPU, and 12GB of RAM, delivering smooth performance across everything you throw at it. In other words, marathon sessions of Genshin Impact, PUBG Mobile, or Call of Duty: Mobile are completely manageable without worrying about lag or running out of power.

When it comes to everything else, the OnePlus 15 has a capable triple 50MP camera setup, OxygenOS 16 packed with customisation options, fast wired and wireless charging, and a sleek, modern design with subtle new colour choices.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max

You wouldn’t normally think of Apple for the best gaming phones, but the iPhone 17 Pro Max can keep up with the competition. Its 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display runs at 120Hz and hits up to 3,000 nits, making fast-paced games look crisp and feel smooth.

The A19 Pro chip with a 6-core GPU and 12GB of RAM can handle graphics-heavy titles without a hitch, and the new vapour chamber cooling keeps the phone from overheating during long sessions.

Battery life is solid for a Pro Max, powering through extended gameplay and heavy use, with fast wired and wireless charging to get you back in action quickly. On top of that, it includes stereo speakers, Wi-Fi 7, a triple 48MP camera system, the customisable Action Button, and iOS 26’s polished interface.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra might look like a typical flagship, but it’s powerful enough to handle serious gaming. Equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite and 12GB of RAM, it can run graphics-heavy games at max settings without dropping a frame.

The 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display hits 120Hz with 3120 × 1440 resolution, and 2,600 nits of brightness ensure visuals stay crisp and clear in any lighting.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra’s smart cooling keeps the phone from getting too hot during long gaming sessions, while the 5,000mAh battery lets you play or work without constantly reaching for a charger.

On top of that, the Galaxy S25 Ultra packs a 200MP quad camera system, stereo speakers, Wi-Fi 7, Galaxy AI, the ProVisual Engine for creative workflows, the built-in S Pen, and a sleek titanium-and-glass body rated IP68 for water and dust resistance.

Realme GT 7 Pro

The Realme GT 7 Pro delivers flagship-level performance at a budget-friendly price, featuring the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and Iceberg Dual VC Cooling system. Its 6.78-inch Eco OLED Plus display is bright, colorful, and smooth at 120Hz, so games and videos feel fluid, and switching between apps is seamless. Thanks to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, there’s plenty of room for games, media, and apps without slowing down.

On the extras side, the GT 7 Pro comes with a triple Sony camera setup, IP69 waterproofing, and AI-powered photography tools that let you capture crisp images and videos in any environment. The 5,800mAh battery supports 120W SUPERVOOC charging, getting you back to full in just 30 minutes.

Nothing Phone 3a

If you’re looking for a budget gaming phone that can power through games, apps, and streaming well, the Nothing Phone 3a is a solid pick. Powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor and Adreno 810 GPU, it can run most modern games well and feel responsive.

The 6.77-inch AMOLED display is vibrant, refreshes at 120Hz, and has 1000Hz touch sampling, making action games feel fluid and immersive.

With 8GB of RAM plus up to 20GB of RAM boost, switching between apps and multitasking will stay smooth even under heavy load. Its 5,000mAh battery lasts through long gaming sessions, and 50W fast charging gets you back to full quickly.

On top of that, the phone comes with a triple-camera setup with AI stabilisation for sharp photos and 4K video, the Essential Key and Essential Space for smarter content management and a unique transparent design.

So which gaming phone will you be picking up? Let us know in the comments section below.