Must-have smartphones for gamers

As the smartphone tech escalates to uncharted heights, the gaming realm tags along, flourishing more than ever. But hey, just game compatibility doesn't cut it anymore, you deserve the ultimate gaming escapade. 

Let's dive into the battleground of Android gaming phones, where the usual suspects clash with some unsung heroes, offering not just affordability but unique features that'll blow your mind.

Smartphones for gamers

Following are the top-rated gaming phones:

Xiaomi Black Shark 5 Pro

Don't sleep on Xiaomi's Black Shark 5 Pro. Priced at a steal, it boasts Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 power, a 144Hz OLED display, and magnetic haptic shoulder triggers. Pair that with Xiaomi's Joy UI 13 and top-notch audio, and you've got a budget-friendly gaming powerhouse.

Asus ROG Phone 7 and ROG Phone 7 Ultimate

Asus has consistently ruled the gaming phone arena, and the ROG Phone 7 series continues the legacy. Sporting Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chips, 1080p AMOLED displays with a staggering 165Hz refresh rate, and 6000mAh batteries, these beasts redefine gaming performance. Not to forget the gamer-centric design and handy accessories like the AeroActive cooler.

OnePlus 11 5G

OnePlus steps into the gaming realm with the OnePlus 11, armed with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, a 120Hz AMOLED display, and OxygenOS 14's gaming board for that added gaming edge. Not a dedicated gaming phone, but certainly a worthy contender at an appealing price.

ZTE Nubia RedMagic 8 Pro

Enter the arena of the futuristic — the RedMagic 8 Pro. Boasting Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, a 120Hz AMOLED display, and a cooling fan for marathon gaming sessions, this bulky powerhouse screams gaming nirvana. Add customisable RGB lights and shoulder buttons to the mix for the full experience.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

While not solely a gaming phone, the S23 Ultra boasts Samsung's premium Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, 120Hz AMOLED display, and pro-gaming features like improved grip for landscape gaming and direct power allocation to the CPU while charging. It's a powerhouse in every sense, though at a premium price.