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Mobile gaming is huge. Whether it's Sudoku or Fortnite or Candy Crush, more people are playing games on their phone than ever before.
A recent study from Research and Markets suggests that this year the global gaming industry is worth US$138.63 billion.
With a market that size, it's no wonder that there are specialised phones to take advantage of the broad spectrum of great mobile games out there.
While the best gaming phone for you will depend on your individual preferences, here are our picks based on our extensive phone testing.
These are the best gaming phones we've tested
Apple iPhone 15 Pro
This phone is powerful enough to play console-level games, has exceptional cameras and the Action Button adds a whole new dimension. It's as good a phone as you can buy right now.
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro is powered by Apple's A17 Pro chip, which boasts a pro-class GPU is up to 20 per cent faster and features a new 6-core design that increases peak performance and energy efficiency.
It's so good, Apple has managed to get console-level games playing on the iPhone 15 Pro, including hardware-accelerated ray tracing for mind-blowing graphics.
There are now AAA titles like Resident Evil Village, Resident Evil 4, DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR’S CUT, and Assassin’s Creed Mirage all available on the App Store.
Coupled with impressive cameras, fantastic iOS upgrades and Apple Arcade games, this is a great option for gamers.
Nick Broughall
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Samsung’s 2024 flagship smartphone is the best phone the company has ever produced, and is impressive in its performance.
Like its predecessor, we scored the Galaxy S24 Ultra 10/10 in our review. It's an exceptionally versatile phone, offering a stunning screen, great camera, exceptional battery life and plenty of processing power.
Those features also help it stand out as one of the best gaming phones in Australia right now.
Specifically on the gaming front, Samsung offers the free Game Launcher app bundled on the device, which automatically bundles all your gaming apps in one place, making it easy to start playing.
There's also a Game Booster feature, which offers easy access to key elements of your phone while playing, like taking a screen recording of your gaming experience.
Nick Broughall
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro Edition
The Republic of Gamers brand stand for excellence in gaming hardware, and with incredible specs and customisable controls, this is a fantastic gaming phone.
While the top phones in this list are great phones for all purposes, including gaming, this device is actually made for it.
Wearing the ROG branding with pride, the ROG Phone 8 Pro Edition comes with a whopping 24GB RAM, capacitive shoulder buttons and the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 mobile platform.
It also comes bundled with a cooling fan with additional shoulder buttons, which you can program to control various functions in on-screen games, including creating macros.
The unboxing is an epic experience as well, with multiple stages to highlight the various functions of the phone including its rear screen.
While the camera could be better, and Android's gaming selection could use some higher-end titles, this is an exceptional device if you love gaming on the go.
Nick Broughall
How we chose the best gaming phone in Australia
I've reviewed hundreds of phones over my career, and more than 20 since I launched BTTR. In that time I learned that review sites - including this one - are subjective by nature. Everybody has a different opinion of what is best.
So for this guide, I’ve recommended my top gaming phone choices from the models I have tested.
As I continue to test more smartphones, I’ll update this guide to ensure it is regularly up to date.
What to look for when choosing the best gaming phone
Whether you're after one of the models listed above or something completely different, the decision factors you need to consider when buying a new gaming phone is the same.
Performance
Gaming phones should have powerful processors and sufficient RAM to be able to handle demanding games.
Look for phones with high-performance chipsets like the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 or Apple's A15 Bionic, coupled with at least 6 GB of RAM to handle the most demanding games.
Display
A large, high-quality display is essential for the best gaming experience.
Opt for a phone with a sizeable screen, preferably 6 inches or larger, and a high resolution (Full HD or higher).
Additionally, look for features like a high refresh rate (90Hz or 120Hz) for smoother gameplay and low touch latency for faster response times.
Battery Life
Gaming can be power-intensive, so a phone with a long-lasting battery is crucial.
Look for devices with a battery capacity of at least 4,000mAh or higher. Additionally, features like fast charging and optimisation for power efficiency will help you stay playing for longer.
Cooling System
Intensive gaming can generate a significant amount of heat, potentially affecting performance.
Phones with efficient cooling mechanisms, such as vapour chambers, heat pipes, or liquid cooling, can ensure sustained performance during extended gaming sessions.
Storage
Games can be large in size, so ample storage is essential.
Opt for phones with a minimum of 128GB of internal storage, and consider devices that offer expandable storage via microSD cards for additional flexibility.
Audio
Immersive audio enhances the gaming experience. Look for phones with dual front-facing speakers or stereo speakers for better sound quality.
While not all games offer it, devices with support for high-quality audio codecs like Dolby Atmos or Hi-Res audio can offer a more premium audio experience.
If you have a really great gaming headset, look for a phone with a 3.5mm headphone jack as well.
Software Features
Some gaming phones offer specialised software features to enhance gameplay.
These dedicated gaming modes or software optimisations can enhance performance, block notifications during gameplay, or provide additional customisation options for gaming.
Connectivity
A stable and fast internet connection is crucial for online gaming. Look for phones with support for the latest Wi-Fi standards (Wi-Fi 6 or higher) and 5G connectivity for smooth online gameplay.
Build Quality and Ergonomics
Consider the build quality and ergonomics of the phone, as a comfortable grip and durable construction can enhance the gaming experience.
Additionally, features like dedicated gaming buttons or customisable controls can be beneficial for certain games.
Price
Gaming phones often come with premium features, so it's essential to find a balance between performance and cost.
Determine your requirements and find a device that fits your budget while meeting your gaming needs.
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