Whether you’re a serial gamer, or a casual user looking for a phone that can do it all, we’ve got you covered. We’ve rounded up the top phones for gaming in 2026, from affordable all-rounders to high-end handsets built for performance. Browse our expert’s top picks to find your next gaming powerhouse or check out our range of pay monthly deals from iD Mobile. brought to you by Currys.
What makes a good gaming phone?
Some of the key features you could consider include a strong processor, plenty of storage, and a big battery to keep your gaming sessions going for longer.
As the smartphone releases of the last few years have improved, the gaming capabilities each has have grown, too. If you’re an Android fan, you’ll benefit from the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset used across the Samsung S25 series and the Asus ROG Phone 9, while iPhone users can continue to enjoy the streamlined –and continuously improving – A series chipset. Driving considerable processing power, these stronger chipsets make for limited lag between frames, improved graphics and efficient battery life. If you’re settling down to push through a few levels or playing a highly detailed, graphic-heavy game, this is where you’ll notice the difference.
As the smartphone releases of the last few years have improved, the gaming capabilities each has have grown, too. If you’re an Android fan, you’ll benefit from the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset used across the Samsung S25 series and the Asus ROG Phone 9, while iPhone users can continue to enjoy the streamlined –and continuously improving – A series chipset. Driving considerable processing power, these stronger chipsets make for limited lag between frames, improved graphics and efficient battery life. If you’re settling down to push through a few levels or playing a highly detailed, graphic-heavy game, this is where you’ll notice the difference.
Cooling systems and strong audio are also big wins, particularly if you’re planning on using your phone as your main gaming device. Cinematic displays and surround-sound audio will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the action – while a strong cooling system means you don’t have to worry about your phone overheating mid-level, either.
Best budget gaming phone: iPhone 15
When we think of gaming, it often comes with the expectation of an expensive setup, but this doesn’t have to be the case. First up in our gaming roundup, best for those on a budget: the iPhone 15.
The iPhone 15 features a powerful A16 Bionic chip, which delivers excellent performance even in the most demanding of games. Beautifully presented on the 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, colours are bright, animations are smooth, and gameplay is crisp. Apple’s iOS ecosystem is also highly optimised for gaming, ensuring games run just as developers intended. Whether you’re into indie puzzlers or graphics-heavy RPGs, the iPhone 15 is a strong choice that won’t leave your wallet empty.
- Release date: September 2023
- Dimensions: 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm
- Weight: 171g
- Display size and resolution: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display (2556x1179)
- OS: iOS 18
- Refresh rate: 60Hz
- Storage: 128, 256 or 512GB
- CPU: A16 Bionic Chip
- RAM: 6GB
- Battery: Up to 20 hours video playback
- Rear cameras: 48MP main + 12MP ultra wide + 12MP 2x telephoto
- Front camera: 12MP
- IP rating: IP68
- Excellent performance from A16 chip
- Sharp, bright OLED display
- Strong battery life for extended play
The 60Hz refresh rate isn’t outwardly as impressive as the 120Hz that’s the standard for the latest round of smartphones on the market; but unless you’re chasing ultra-competitive titles, the iPhone 15 still delivers a smooth and enjoyable experience for casual to mid-level gamers.
Best for big-screen gameplay: Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
For those who want visuals front and centre, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL’s massive 6.9-inch OLED screen offers some of the best real estate for mobile games. The 120Hz refresh rate makes a huge difference for fast-paced titles like Fortnite or PUBG Mobile, and the stereo speakers are there to offer immersive sound to match.
Powered by the Tensor G4 chip, the Pixel 9 Pro XL handles GPU-intensive games smoothly, and built-in AI helps optimise battery and frame rates dynamically. Add in the great touch sensitivity and you’ve got a phone that’s built for winning, whatever game you’re playing.
- Release date: August 2024
- Dimensions: 162.8mmx76.6mmx8.5mm
- Weight: 221g
- Display size and resolution: 6.8-inch Super Actua display (1344 x 2992)
- OS: Android 15
- Refresh rate: 120Hz
- Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB or 1TB
- CPU: Google Tensor G4
- RAM: 16GB
- Battery: 5,060mAh
- Rear cameras: 50MP wide lens + 48MP ultrawide + 48MP telephoto
- Front camera: 42MP
- IP rating: IP68
- Huge screen for immersive play
- Real-time AI game optimisation
- Up to 11-hour battery life with Extreme Battery Saver
While we definitely think it’s a highlight, the larger size might take some getting used to if you’re upgrading from a smaller phone. If your priority is easy packing, this phone might not be for you, but for gaming and entertainment, it’s a visual treat you’ll quickly get used to.
Best all-rounder: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Top-tier display? Check. Massive battery? Check. Amazing performance? Also check. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is our best all-rounder for a reason. It handles everything from racing sims to shooters with ease thanks to the advanced Game Booster AI tech on offer. If you’re thinking about upgrading from the S24 Ultra, you’re in luck, too – the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor offers 37% faster processing power, making sure graphics and screens are completely responsive.
Samsung’s 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with QHD+ resolution is a dream to game on. Add in the phone’s vapour chamber cooling system and you’re set for hours of smooth, lag-free play without overheating.
- Release date: February 2025
- Dimensions: 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2mm
- Weight: 218g
- Display size and resolution: 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X (3120x1440)
- OS: Android
- Refresh rate: 120Hz
- Storage: 256GB, 512GB or 1TB
- CPU: Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
- RAM: 12GB
- Battery: 5,000mAh
- Rear cameras: 200MP + 50MP + 50MP + 10 MP
- Front camera: 12MP
- IP rating: IP68
- Superb QHD+ resolution for crisp visuals
- Advanced cooling system
- Long battery life with fast charging
- Plenty of space available to store all the games you like, with up to 1TB storage on offer
Best iPhone for gaming: iPhone 16 Pro Max
Want the best Apple has to offer for gaming? The iPhone 16 Pro Max is hard to top. The A18 Pro chip runs demanding titles with ease, making console-level graphics a pocket-sized reality.
The beautifully bright ProMotion display runs at 120Hz, giving smooth, effortless motion to each screen as you move through your game of choice. Whether you’re raiding, racing or building, this iPhone was made for play.
Ergonomically speaking, the 16 Pro Max is designed to take on whatever you throw at it, with a titanium frame sporting Apple’s classic rounded corners. Face ID makes hopping back into your game quick and easy, while the responsive screen means navigating is a piece of cake.
- Release date: September 2024
- Dimensions: 163x77.6x8.25mm
- Weight: 227g
- Display size and resolution: 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR display (2868x1320)
- OS: iOS 18
- Refresh rate: 120Hz
- Storage: 256GB, 512GB or 1TB
- CPU: A18 Pro chip
- RAM: 8GB
- Battery: up to 33 hours video playback
- Rear cameras: 48MP fusion + 12MP telephoto + 48MP ultrawide
- Cover camera: 12MP
- IP rating: IP68
In summary
From budget-friendly powerhouses to elite flagship handsets, gaming phones offer something for every type of player. Whether you’re after immersive visuals, long battery life or console-like performance, there’s a phone that can handle your play style. If you’re looking for a phone for your teenager or just want some more inspiration, browse our picks of the best phones for kids.
FAQs
Gaming phones can get hot when they’re put under repeated use, thanks to the amount of processing power needed to share graphics and game screens. However, if you’re playing for just a short amount of time, you shouldn’t see your phone overheat or feel hot.
This depends on the game you’re playing, and how much you want to invest in your gaming setup. Some players benefit from clip-on controllers or cooling fans for longer sessions, but most top phones handle games just fine straight out of the box.
There’s a few factors that have an impact on the amount of storage you’ll need for your phone. For most regular users, 6-8GB of RAM will be enough, but if you’re planning on storing and playing lots of games, you’re likely to get a smoother experience with 12-16GB. Plenty of smartphones on the market today include up to 16GB of RAM for a seamless play.