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Looking for a good gaming smartphone? With this selection, you will find the model you need to play demanding games such as Fortnite or Genshin Impact.

Every year, the market share of mobile gaming is growing, to the point that it has become a major industry. This is a major financial windfall that phone manufacturers don’t want to miss under any circumstances. Many gaming-oriented smartphones have therefore appeared with the ambition of seducing a young and performance-hungry public.

The days of Candy Crush and other puzzle games seem to be long gone… Indeed, 3D titles like Fortnite, Genshin Impact or Call of Duty: Mobile dominate the market. However, to run these video games properly, you need a powerful gaming smartphone at hand. Check out our selection of the best mobile gaming oriented phones right now.

If you want to play Fortnite, you should know that the famous battle royale from Epic Games is not available on traditional app stores, but only via the Epic Games app. To run the game, smartphones also need a minimum configuration.

Once you’ve chosen your gaming phone, here are some guides on how to get the most out of your device:

• Which controller to choose for smartphone gaming?
• Which micro-SD card for your smartphone?
• The best free games on Android

And if mobile gaming isn’t your priority, check out our guide to the best smartphones of the moment.

Vivo X80 Pro The top of the line for gaming

When it was released, the Vivo X80 Pro came to take the lead in the catalog of Vivo smartphones. It is an ultra-premium device with the best technology of the manufacturer. Marketed at 1,299 euros, it is exceptional in all respects, including its internal power.

At the heart of the smartphone is a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 SoC that is accompanied by 256 GB of storage and 12 GB of RAM. Like all phones that are equipped with it, this internal chip offers phenomenal power. The Vivo X80 Pro runs Fortnite at 60 fps, but also other demanding titles. Above all, it handles heat well, a big strength of the smartphone compared to its competitors.

However, we regret the 4,700 mAh battery, which is a bit weak. Indeed, it struggles to offer a full day of autonomy. A fallback solution has been provided by Vivo with a fast charge 80 W. The phone’s battery goes from 0 to 100% in 40 minutes of charging.

A final word on the touch screen implemented. It is an AMOLED interface of 6.78 inches capable of offering a WQHD + definition with a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz. The colorimetry is good, but we note a slightly low brightness with a peak measured at 655 cd/m².

As you can see, the Vivo X80 Pro is one of the best gaming smartphones on the market. Our full review of the phone written by Titouan is available.

OnePlus 11 The most powerful gaming smartphone

At the beginning of 2023, OnePlus unveiled its newest high-end smartphone with a still attractive spec sheet. The OnePlus 11 has a lot going for it, but above all it proves to be one of the most powerful gaming smartphones on Android.

This is primarily thanks to the contribution of the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, which is accompanied by at least 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage. This allows it to run titles like Fortnite or Genshin Impact without any problems. Beware, however, that the OnePlus 11 can get a little hot after a while of playing.

The gaming part is also sublimated by the phone’s screen. The OnePlus 11 has a beautiful 6.7-inch Super AMOLED panel with 120Hz adaptive refresh. In testing, we found a brightness of 730 cd/m2 as well as a Delta E of 4.28. This large diagonal will be ideal for gaming.

One last word on the battery, which is amazing. With its 5000mAh capacity, it is capable of supporting up to two full days of use if you have a versatile usage. Above all, Qualcomm’s chip manages resources well since gaming sessions do not melt the autonomy. With 100W charging, the OnePlus smartphone ramps up to 100% in about 20 minutes.

If you’re looking for a high-end performance smartphone, this is the model for you. We recommend reading our review of the OnePlus 11, as it retails for 849 euros.

Where to buy the OnePlus 11 at the best price?

Asus ROG Phone 6 Pro The real pro

The ROG Phone range is back here with the 6 Pro. This pure gaming smartphone from Asus is certainly not the most practical for everyday use, but it delivers excellent performance for mobile gaming enthusiasts. Provided you pay the price, of course.

As always, it is the design part of the phone that is to be praised with high quality finishes, with a rather marked bias that will not please everyone: it is thought to be taken with two hands. In terms of connectivity, you will find two USB-C ports placed on the same side so that you can use the smartphone even when it charges.

The ROG Phone 6 Pro features a beautiful 6.78-inch AMOLED display. A massive aspect that we recommend you to use through a dedicated controller in game. The panel displays Full HD but above all has a 120 Hz refresh rate. All these elements will allow you to enjoy games on your Asus phone.

Its real strength is the internal power. The animation is provided by a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 accompanied by 18 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage. A consistent architecture, capable of running any title without flinching. In order to play, Asus offers its own gaming triggers.

In terms of autonomy, the 6,000 mAh battery allows the ROG Phone 6 Pro to endure two full days of use without flinching. It has a fast charge allowing it to have 100%. However, there is no fast charge on this phone.

Our full review of the Asus ROG Phone 6 Pro is available to read for more information.

Xiaomi 11T Pro It charges faster than its shadow

Xiaomi can’t help but release new phones and that has translated into the arrival of new offspring in the Mi 11 range. For gamers, it’s the 11T Pro that we find most interesting. Very classic in form, it is well finished and comfortable in the hand.

But it’s its components that make it stand out from the crowd, starting with its 120 Hz OLED screen. Very responsive, it also has the good taste of being bright and rather well calibrated. The refresh rate is adaptive, which limits power consumption. Good point also for the stereo speakers which offer a more than correct rendering.

Internally, it is a Snapdragon 888 coupled with 8 GB of RAM that we find. A combination certainly seen before, but it could not be more effective for games. If its autonomy is in the average of the sector, it is especially its fast charge that stands out. There is indeed in the box a 120 W charger! This one needs only 15 minutes to fill up. So much to say that to be dry you will have to do it on purpose!

We pass quickly on the photo module that we will qualify as adequate. It behaves well in full daylight, but is a little difficult in low light. Nothing catastrophic however.

With its good screen, top-notch performance and ultra-fast charging, the 11T Pro is a great gaming smartphone option for demanding gamers.

You can find out more with our full Xiaomi Mi 11T Pro review.

Honor Magic 4 Pro The return of Honor

With this Magic 4 Pro, the brand Honor officially signs its comeback on the French market. Its high-end technical specifications play a large part in its qualities, especially in the gaming sector. It is nevertheless a quality smartphone in all respects.

This is done by adding a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor backed by 8GB of RAM, but also 256GB of storage. The whole configuration offers superb performance in gaming, but beware, the phone has an annoying tendency to heat up well during a session. It is capable of running Fortnite in 90 FPS.

The Honor Magic 4 Pro is adorned with a beautiful 6.81-inch OLED display with Full HD definition, but more importantly, adaptive refresh at 120 Hz. The interface offers multiple colors with a delta E of 4.62 for a normal temperature. As for the maximum brightness, it was measured at 837 cd/m2 a very satisfactory peak.

For the rest, the Magic UI software offers a good daily experience even if some elements are missing. An update can quickly fix this problem. The autonomy is one day, but the fast charge of 100 W to be at 100% in 40 minutes. Finally, the photo quality is on point to offer you one of the best experiences on the market.

Our full Honor Magic 4 Pro review is available to learn more.

Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro The affordable gaming smartphone

This is a nice phone, with a large 6.7-inch panel covered with Gorilla Glass 5 and with a nice advantage, an adaptive 120 Hz refresh rate. The edges are thin, the flat edges make their little effect, as well as the photo module, rather original. It is a large phone, not necessarily suitable for small hands. On the other hand, it will have to do without any waterproofing.

But then what is this smartphone worth on gaming? The promise is to be able to game on a not too expensive device, in the middle of the range. Being equipped with a Snapdragon 778G 5G, backed by 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and an Adreno 642L GPU, the Poco X5 Pro has a very decent spec sheet for running recent games. And it does its job perfectly: for example, Fortnite will run at 30 fps with all settings at maximum. It even has a “Game Turbo” mode that allows you to get some fps. Of course, other more expensive smartphones in this selection do better, and will run cooler; but at the price it’s sold for, the X5 Pro is very relevant for gaming.

An efficient battery accompanies all this, and the phone will easily last a day and a half. A 67W fast charge completes the picture. You will get a full charge in 45 minutes and can quickly restart a game.

On the photo side, the Poco X5 Pro does not stand out especially, but the shots are overall pleasant, and the 108 MP mode is quite impressive. However, the Night and Portrait modes can give uneven results.

Find our complete test of the phone to get a better idea.

Asus Zenfone 9 The powerful compact

If you’re tired of big screens and are looking for a small form factor, but also power, the Zenfone 9 is the device for you. This is a great option to consider. Despite its small size, it’s among the most powerful smartphones of 2022.

First of all, it has a beautiful 5.9-inch Amoled screen. This one has a variable refresh rate, which can oscillate between 120 Hz and 60 Hz depending on your use. It will be at full speed in game, and will go down to save battery. This one is particularly amazing for a small format. Its 4,300mAh battery provides first-rate endurance: the Zenfone 9 can last a day and a half effortlessly. With a charge time of one and a quarter hours, you get one of the best experiences possible.

Finally, let’s get down to business: raw power. Power is provided by a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, the best of 2022. The configuration is complemented by 8GB of RAM. Enough to offer great performance in gaming! Combined with its very fluid screen, you will enjoy pleasant games.

The only real downside is a somewhat disappointing camera, which does not shine in its price category.

Our phone test is available to learn more and make your choice.

Apple iPhone 14 Pro The iPhone is a good gaming smartphone

Every year, Apple offers a new generation of processors that are increasingly powerful. The iPhone 14 Pro, and its big brother the Pro Max are no exception with the new A16 Bionic chip, which offers 10% more performance than the A15 Bionic chip that equips the iPhone 13. It is accompanied by 6 GB of RAM.

As far as raw power is concerned, nothing to complain about. You will never be limited when using the iPhone in game (or for any other heavy graphic task). Genshin Impact and Call of Duty: Mobile will run without any problem. Moreover, thanks to the fluidity of the 120 Hz screen, the experience will be totally satisfactory. However, do not still hope to launch Fortnite on your Apple smartphone … Since August 13, 2020, the Battle Royale title is no longer available on the App Store, and the conflict between the two parties is only getting worse.

Apart from the performance, the iPhone 14 Pro has a very effective camera, a very satisfactory autonomy (at least a big day), as well as a beautiful 6.1-inch screen with a perfect color fidelity.

While the iPhone 14 Pro (and Pro Max) are currently the best of the best when it comes to iPhones, take a look at the iPhone 13 Pro anyway. With the prices of the new iPhones jumping, you may be able to find a good deal on the previous generation.

To learn more about the phone, read our full iPhone 14 Pro review.

Why do we use Fortnite on the gaming part of our tests?

During our testing protocols, the mobile Battle Royale game is the reference title we use. Why choose Fortnite when it is not available on the Play Store or the App Store? Several elements justify this choice. First of all, because the software is one of the most resource-intensive. It allows you to check the internal power of the phone, but also its autonomy. Finally, thanks to an option to be activated, the game interface displays the number of FPS displayed, which allows our journalists to note any loss of fluidity during the session. The touch screen is also solicited. The touch response, as well as the precision, are therefore put to the test during our tests. Finally, it is also more relevant to test a very popular game.

How to choose your gaming phone?

What are the criteria for choosing a gaming smartphone?

The gaming part of a phone is only a small part of the overall spec sheet. Here are the technical features you should focus on:

• Internal power: make sure you have a solid enough configuration for your smartphone to run any mobile game.
• The autonomy: the good management of the battery will allow you to make your gaming sessions last in time.
• The touch screen: several elements such as touch accuracy, the response of your interface or even the refreshment are the assurance of good performance in game.

Of course it all depends on the use case, but these elements are the most important to give you a good gaming experience.

What is the best smartphone to play Fortnite?

One of the most popular titles on the mobile gaming market has some very special demands. Indeed, the conflict between Epic Games and Apple leads to the absence of the application on the App Store. It is therefore necessary to turn to an Android device to fully enjoy it. Within the technical data sheet, you will have to check that the smartphone has a high-end processor, but also some additions like a cooling system as well as a good touch screen. The first model in our selection is the one we recommend for playing Fortnite.

What are the most demanding mobile games?

On the application stores, several popular titles are highlighted. It is necessary to have a strong enough configuration to enjoy them. Titles like Fortnite, Call of Duty: Mobile or Genshin Impact will test the power of your smartphone.

Should I play on the touch screen or with a controller?

At first glance, one might be tempted to play Fortnite with a controller. After all, they are much more precise than touch controls. However, your dreams of running over your opponents may be put on hold.

All the players using a controller are indeed gathered in the same games, which means that you will play against console or PC players, which have machines obviously much more powerful than any smartphone.