2025 Gaming Phone Review Process Revealed

Gaming has evolved with multiple platforms to choose from. While consoles and high-performance PCs remain popular choices, the recent surge in portable gaming devices has been remarkable. However, the accessibility of gaming on everyday smartphones and specialized gaming phones is undeniable. Since most people carry their phones everywhere, it naturally becomes a convenient gaming platform. But how do you identify a phone that delivers exceptional gaming performance? That's precisely what we investigate during our testing process, evaluating both mainstream flagships and dedicated gaming smartphones. Here's how we separate the contenders from the pretenders.

Benchmarks

Benchmarking remains fundamental to hardware evaluation. These tests push devices to their limits with intensive workloads, generating simplified performance scores (like average frame rates) for direct comparisons between models.

For every phone we test, we run Geekbench 6 to assess both single-core and multi-core CPU capabilities. The GPU evaluation uses Geekbench 6's graphics test with Vulkan on Android and Metal on iOS. Since gaming relies on both processing and graphical power, we also conduct specialized gaming benchmarks including 3DMark's Wildlife Extreme, Steel Nomad Light, and Solar Bay (where supported). These stress tests evaluate CPU and GPU performance with different emphases - a phone with superior CPU but average GPU might excel in Wildlife Extreme yet lag in Solar Bay compared to a GPU-optimized device.

We conduct multiple benchmark passes and average the results. This methodology not only ensures accuracy but also exposes potential thermal throttling issues - some phones may deliver strong initial performance that degrades as heat accumulates.

Game Tests

While benchmarks measure theoretical performance, real-world gaming tests reveal practical capabilities. We push current-gen phones with demanding titles like Wuthering Waves, running them at maximum graphics settings with 60fps targets (the current mobile gaming standard). Our 30-minute play sessions monitor frame rate stability, with particular attention to whether performance remains in the 50-60fps range throughout extended gameplay. If a device struggles, we adjust settings accordingly while documenting the final configuration.

Post-gameplay, we carefully assess external temperatures, identifying hot spots and measuring temperature around grip areas. Performance means little if the device becomes uncomfortable to hold. We also test app-switching behavior to evaluate memory management - an important consideration for gamers who might need to pause and resume sessions.

Additional Testing

Our holistic evaluation extends beyond raw performance. We scrutinize display quality (resolution, brightness, color accuracy, refresh rate), wireless connectivity, battery endurance in normal usage, ergonomics, special features, and camera capabilities.

While gaming phones typically deliver excellent displays and battery life, they sometimes compromise on design and additional features. Our testing methodology remains consistent across device categories, but we weight these factors differently when evaluating specialized gaming handsets versus mainstream flagships.

What Are the Best Gaming Phones Right Now?

Currently, IGN's top recommendation for gaming smartphones is the RedMagic 10 Pro, praised for its outstanding performance and superior display. Below are our top-rated mobile gaming devices for 2025.

Best overall

RedMagic 10 Pro

OnePlus 13

iPhone 16 Pro Max

iPhone 16e

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6

OnePlus 12R