5 best smartphones for gaming in 2025

Picture of a collection of gaming smartphones
A collection of gaming smartphones (Image via OnePlus | iQOO)

Finding decent smartphones for gaming isn't too hard these days, especially with the advent of budget flagship killer phones. However, some of these phones do not have the best specs in other areas, such as display, camera, and battery.

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That's why we have prepared a list of some of the best gaming smartphones on the market so you don't have to. Read on to learn more.


Best smartphones you should buy for gaming in 2025

1) OnePlus 15

OnePlus 15 (Image via OnePlus)
OnePlus 15 (Image via OnePlus)

Price: ₹72,999

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The OnePlus 15 is a true flagship smartphone and the first to launch in India with the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. This beast of a processor is breaking many records in both CPU and GPU benchmarks. After all, it's the fastest Android processor as of this writing, so you are getting top-of-the-line performance.

SpecificationsDetails
Display6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED 1.5K panel with 165 Hz refresh rate
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
Operating systemAndroid 15 with NothingOS 3.1
Memory & storage12/16 GB RAM
256 GB/512 GB/1 TB internal storage
Camera setup50+50+50 MP rear camera setup
50 MP selfie camera
Battery and charging7,300 mAh battery
120 W wired fast charging
50 W wireless fast charging
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You will also find a flagship-level triple camera system that can give popular phones, such as the Samsung Galaxy S25, a run for its money. The OnePlus 15 is also equipped with a large 7,300 mAh battery, which is expected to deliver up to two to three days of battery life. You will also find both wired and wireless fast charging.


2) OnePlus 13s

OnePlus 13s (Image via OnePlus)
OnePlus 13s (Image via OnePlus)

Price: ₹52,998

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The OnePlus 13s is a compact flagship-level phone that caters to people who prefer smaller phones. As such, it has a smaller 6.32-inch AMOLED screen, which displays accurate colors, great HDR performance, and high brightness.

You may think this phone is not as compact as the now-obsolete iPhone 13 Mini, which is true, but it is still much more compact than most other phones. Despite its compact size, it has the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, which can handle all your gaming needs.

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Specifications
Details
Display
6.32-inch LTPO AMOLED panel with 120 Hz refresh rate
Chipset
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite
Operating system
Android 15 with OxygenOS
Memory & storage
12 GB RAM256/512 GB internal storage
Camera setup
50+50 MP rear camera setup32 MP selfie camera
Battery and charging
5850 mAh battery80 W wired fast charging
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This smartphone also features a great camera system, which includes two 50 MP sensors for the primary and an ultrawide camera. They are capable of capturing some of the best shots, with high detail levels, natural color tone, and great dynamic range. The OnePlus 13s also has good battery life, but there's no wireless charging support this time.


3) iQOO Neo 10

iQOO Neo 10 (Image via iQOO)
iQOO Neo 10 (Image via iQOO)

Price: ₹36,999

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If you find the OnePlus 15 and 13s a bit too expensive for your taste and want something a bit more affordable, the iQOO Neo 10 could be the right choice. It has powerful specs for gaming, but at a much lower price. Since it features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, it can easily play graphically demanding games, such as Genshin Impact, PUBG Mobile, Summoners War, COD Warzone Mobile, and more.

SpecificationsDetails
Display6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED screen with 144 Hz refresh rate
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4
Operating systemAndroid 15 with Funtouch OS 15
Memory and storage8/12/16 GB RAM
128 GB storage (UFS 3.1)
256/512 GB storage (UFS 4.0)
Camera setup50+8 MP rear camera setup
32 MP selfie camera
Battery and charging7,000 mAh battery
120 W wired fast charging
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The iQOO Neo 10's display is also remarkable, as it features a 144Hz refresh rate and a higher 1.5K resolution. Therefore, you will have a great experience watching movies and playing games on this screen. Its large 7,000 mAh battery will also allow you to play games for long sessions on a single charge.


4) OnePlus Nord CE5

OnePlus Nord CE5 (Image via OnePlus)
OnePlus Nord CE5 (Image via OnePlus)

Price: ₹24,998

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The OnePlus Nord CE5 is a truly affordable smartphone that punches way above its weight class. It features the Mediatek Dimensity 8350 Apex chipset, which has a clock speed of 3.35GHz, much higher than the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 found in other phones in the same price range. Therefore, this Dimensity chip launches and runs apps and games much faster.

SpecificationsValues
Display6.77-inch Fluid AMOLED FHD+ panel with 120 Hz refresh rate
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 8350 Apex
Operating systemAndroid 15 with OxygenOS 15
Memory & storage8/12 GB RAM
128/256 GB internal storage
Camera setup50+8 MP rear camera setup
16 MP selfie camera
Battery and charging7,100 mAh battery
80 W wired fast charging
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The raw gaming performance of this chipset is also much higher, so you can play graphically demanding games for long sessions without throttling or heating. Therefore, you will get a good gaming experience. It also features a 7,100 mAh battery, one of the largest in smartphones.


5) iQOO Z10x

iQOO Z10x (Image via iQOO)
iQOO Z10x (Image via iQOO)

Price: ₹14,999

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The iQOO Z10x is designed for gamers on an extremely tight budget. It has the Mediatek Dimensity 7300, which is quite decent and can play PUBG Mobile, COD Warzone Mobile, and Summoners War at 60 FPS. The smartphone offers great performance that should satisfy most budget gamers.

SpecificationsDetails
Display6.72-inch IPS FHD+ panel with 120Hz refresh rate
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 7300
Operating systemAndroid 15 with Funtouch 15
Memory & storage6/8/12GB RAM
128GB/256GB/512GB internal storage
Camera setup50MP rear camera
8MP selfie camera
Battery and charging6,500mAh battery
44W wired fast charging
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You will also find a decently large 6,500 mAh battery, which should last a long time. Getting up to two days of battery life with lighter use will be easy, but expect less with heavier usage. However, such lower prices come with some compromises. The iQOO Z10x lacks an AMOLED display, and its camera performance is subpar.


Each smartphone on this list delivers something unique. For example, the OnePlus 15 delivers true flagship capabilities, including wireless charging, and the OnePlus 13s provides flagship-level performance. For those on a budget, the iQOO Neo 10 offers excellent gaming performance without breaking the bank. Those with a tighter budget can opt for either the OnePlus Nord CE5 or the iQOO Z10x.

Edited by Adarsh J Kumar