5 Best Gaming Phones in 2022

Your gaming device can make or break a game for you. Either it's too slow, the displays are bad, the phone overheats, or the battery runs out. Your phone is your best friend. You take it everywhere you go, and with the growing number of demanding mobile games, you need the best gaming phone that won't hold you back.

True, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra and iPhone 13 Pro Max models are dominating the market, with most people opting for these models for the best gaming experiences. However, many new models are on the horizon that will provide equally competitive experiences to suit everyone's budget. We're talking about dedicated gaming phones like the Asus ROG Phone 6 Pro and Black Shark 5 Pro, as well as a slew of others! So, if you're looking for your next gaming buddy, here are the five best gaming phones in 2022 that you’ll want to have by your side. 

5. iPhone 13 Pro Max

Let's get the formalities out of the way and give credit where credit is due. If you’re an iOS fan, this is the best gaming phone for you. But even if you’re not, the 6.7” iPhone 13 Pro Max is making waves with its high-performing Apple A15 Bionic chipset and 6GB of RAM that will throw any lag issues you may have had out the window. Additionally, its 2778 x 1284 pixels and 120Hz refresh rate make it so graphic displays for any game you’re playing are as aesthetically pleasing and crystal clear as they can ever be.

If you ever worry about battery life or storage, don’t, because 4352mAh and 1 TB of storage will more than suffice for your gaming needs, with no need to worry about the battery running out every other minute or running out of space to download your favorite mobile games. Feel free to check out Apple’s iPhone 13 Pro Max for a full view of all the specs. So long as you’re willing to break the bank, you’ll have a fantastic gaming experience waiting for you.

4. Red Magic 7

We'd recommend the Red Magic 7S Pro, but, frankly, the regular Red Magic 7 will suffice. In terms of dedicated gaming phones, the Red Magic 7 is designed to meet all of your gaming needs. Want a high refresh rate? The Red Magic 7's 720Hz multi-finger touch will provide it, and more. If you've ever had a problem with overheating, this phone has high-speed and advanced heat-relieving materials to ensure that your phone cools itself while playing longer gaming sessions. And, if you don't have time to wait for your phone to charge to full capacity, the Red Magic 7 includes a quick charging system with up to 65W of power and a 4500mAH battery to ensure you don't run out quickly.

With Red Magic phones' reputation for delivering smooth, gaming-focused displays, gamers looking for the best of the best can set up camp here. There are also many other intriguing features to consider, such as haptic feedback and shoulder triggers. Simply go to Red Magic 7‘s website and read their rundown. Any drawbacks? Well, compared to previous versions, the battery may deplete much faster, especially owing to its high 165Hz refresh rate. Otherwise, it's a fantastic bargain.

3. Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

Back to non-gaming phones. The iPhone and Samsung are competing head to head, with the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra being the most recent release. In terms of all-purpose use, including running the most demanding games without strain, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra has you covered. From a 6.8″ screen capable of displaying the most beautiful graphics at an impressive refresh rate of Quad HD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X and 120Hz, respectively. What’s most important, though, for running demanding games is the performance, which peaks at a cool 5000mAh.

You can use its fast wireless charging or its super fast charging for wired charging. You won't waste any time either way. And with a stunning 12GB of RAM and 1TB of internal storage, nothing is left to chance, whether you're gaming or using it for a variety of other purposes. Check out the detailed specifications right here.

2. Asus ROG Phone 6 Pro

Asus models have had an impressive run in providing gaming-focused phones, with the most powerful being the Asus ROG Phone 6 Pro. So much so that simply browsing over the specs gives you a sugar rush. From a custom 6.8″ AMOLED display like Samsung's to a 165Hz refresh rate to a whopping 18GB and 512GB of storage to a 6000mAH battery, to the most important feature, an unrivaled Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip – it just keeps getting better and better!

This trailblazer mobile gaming starter pack is unquestionably a beast to have by your side, if not for the best gaming experience, then for bragging rights. However, all of the good stuff comes at a much higher price than any other contender, plus you can certainly find a substitute that will do just as well. However, if you want the best of the best, regardless of price, the Asus ROG Phone 6 Pro is the way to go.

1. Black Shark 5 Pro

One of the unrivaled features of gaming controllers is their physical triggers, so imagine having a phone that does more than just deliver powerful gaming experiences. The most impressive feature of the Black Shark 5 Pro is its physical triggers, which are either magnetically or gesture-activated. You can use these as shortcuts while gaming, giving you much less to worry about, especially if all the other boxes are checked.

From 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, to a 144Hz refresh rate that goes easier on the 4650mAH battery, to liquid cooling and anti-gravity tubes, and top-tier Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor performance, the Black Shark 5 Pro is a great all-in-one option for gamers looking for a friendlier price, great performance, and a phone that acts almost like a gaming controller.

So, what’s your take? Do you agree with our five best gaming phones in 2022? Are there gaming phones you’ve found more up to the task? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.