Best Phones for Gamers with High Refresh Rates

A phone that can keep up with the fast speeds and high demands of the latest games is a must for gamers. Smartphones with high refresh rates make gaming more enjoyable. Basically, this feature ensures that each swipe and tap is smooth and provides a more immersive experience.

For gamers, a smartphone with a high refresh rate screen is a must-have for a smooth and satisfying gaming experience. High refresh rates reduce screen tearing and stuttering, making in-game movements smoother. In this article, we will discuss the best smartphones with high refresh rate screens for gamers in 2025.

In this guide, we take a look at the best gaming phones with high refresh rate monitors that will help you enhance your gaming experience.

1. REDMAGIC 9S Pro Smartphone 5G

If you are looking for the best gaming smartphone technology, then the REDMAGIC 9S Pro smartphone 5G is the answer. Its massive 6.8-inch screen with an 89.1% screen-to-body ratio is ideal for gaming conditions.

Gamers thought that designers could only provide a massive cooling unit for their computers. However, ZTE has managed to fit a 22,000 rpm cooling fan inside the smartphone, hidden just below the camera.

The device scored a whopping 2,020,000 points on the Antutu benchmark. It is the best premium gaming smartphone, which is better than 99% of other devices listed on Antutu. It offers the latest communication speeds among the side-by-side processing capabilities thanks to the WiFi 7 Tri-band technology.

Low latency is important for online competitive gaming. The same goes for audio performance with low latency. The phone features the latest BT 5.3, which offers better transmission and lower latency. If you like a large screen, the USB-C port supports DisplayPort technology for connecting monitors and projectors.

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2. OnePlus 12

This stylish phone embodies everything a gaming enthusiast wants in a top-performing model. With flagship specs and high refresh rate, you can always enjoy solid performance from PUBG to the latest CoD.

120Hz High Refresh rate Provides ultra-smooth visuals for enhanced gaming experience with 8GB RAM + 256GB Storage Ample memory and storage for all your games and apps.

The fast 5G internet speeds for online gaming and a long battery life lets you to play longer without frequent charging.

Overall, the OnePlus 12 offers good enough gaming performance for the price, and includes the highest refresh rate option ever, 120HZ. The high refresh rate screen provides smooth visuals.

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3. Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

If you’re not on a budget and don’t have any cost-effectiveness issues, there’s no comparison to the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max. It combines all the best essential features into one device.

It’s the only one on our list with a 3nm processor, which means it has the best battery performance. However, due to the graphic thermal pad design that uses the case to dissipate heat, it can get hot under load.

The phone tends to get hot, especially when charging and gaming. There’s a huge camera cutout on the front display, but all of this is offset by the amazing video and audio capabilities. Unlike previous smartphones, it features USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2, allowing for a large display and DisplayPort for fast data transfer technology.

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4. Motorola Razr 40 Ultra

The Motorola Razr 40 Ultra phone combines the nostalgia of a flip phone with modern gaming features. It’s a great package for the price. It has a unique and striking look with its 165Hz refresh rate display.

The high refresh rate display provides immersive gaming visuals with 8GB RAM + 256GB storage, plenty of space and power for gaming and multitasking.

The innovative foldable design combines nostalgia with modern features along with the fast internet speeds for seamless online gaming.

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5. Poco X5 Pro

The average gamer might think that a smartphone under $300 can’t perform gaming functions. Unlike the norm, the Poco X5 Pro is equipped with a gaming processor SD 778G using 6nm technology.

It’s hard to find a high refresh rate gaming smartphone with 100% DCI-P3 color gamut. The phone outperforms the iPhone in touch samples, making it more responsive to quick touch gestures. The phone has a thin and symmetrical shape that makes it comfortable to hold.

This phone comes with a massive 6GB or 8GB of RAM to load games quickly, reducing loading times and improving in-game performance. For stunning visuals and audio, users can enable Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos with compatible apps for a premium experience.

It is the best budget gaming smartphone with excellent build quality and 67W fast charging.

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6. Asus ROG Phone 6

Asus recently launched the ROG Phone 6, which is of course a flagship gaming device with decent specs. The smartphone is powered by a single processor, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen, paired with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage.

The smartphone is It didn’t make it onto this list because it has a 6.78-inch AMOLED display and a whopping 165Hz refresh rate. There’s no doubt that this smartphone is a great addition to any gamer’s bucket list.

As for the cameras, the smartphone sports a triple rear camera setup consisting of a 50MP primary shooter, a 13MP ultra-wide shooter, and a 5MP tertiary shooter.

The 12MP front-facing sensor on the smartphone seems disappointing considering its price range. The smartphone is powered by a 6000mAh battery that supports Hyper Charge. As claimed by Asus, the smartphone can be fully charged in just 42 minutes.

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7. OnePlus 10T

If you are a gamer who creates content and has an active Instagram page, you will love the OnePlus 10T. It is the best high-end gaming smartphone that combines capturing and display technology.

It features a powerful flagship SD 8+ Gen 1 processor with 127% DCI-P3 color gamut. The stunning display with 360Hz touch sampling can make any game look great.

The phone stays cool with the Cryo-Velocity Vapor Chamber, ensuring low operating temperatures even under load. Charging and gaming are no problem with this phone.

The high-capacity 125W charging keeps the phone from overheating thanks to the high-end cooling system. The Sony IMX766 lens with 4K@60fps video recording is ideal for content creators and gamers.

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8. Vivo iQOO Z7

There are two versions of the same phone. One is exclusive to China and the other is the global version. The global version of Vivo iQOO Z7 is equipped with MediaTek Dimensity 920 (6nm), which scored 53,4393 points in Antutu benchmark.

The performance is compatible with the SD 778G processor. This phone features vapor chamber liquid cooling, which is best suited for passive cooling systems.

The display is 90Hz compared to 120Hz or more on other phones on the list. Overall, this phone has a very reasonable price tag with features like USB Type-C 2.0, IP54, dust and water resistance, which are ideal for gamers. As the best entry-level gaming smartphone, the protection features and fast charging give it a perfect price/performance ratio.

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How to choose the best gaming phone with a high refresh rate screen?

This comprehensive buying guide will give you all the information you need to choose the perfect gaming phone with a high refresh rate.

Display and Screen Features

The display is one of the most important features of a gaming phone. A high-quality display ensures vivid colors and sharp details that enhance your gaming experience. However, buying a phone with a large, high-resolution screen shouldn’t be your only consideration. Also read our guide to the best foldable phones.

Screen Refresh Rate (Hz): While size and resolution are essential, they are not the only factors to consider. The screen refresh rate also has a significant impact on your gaming experience.

Screen size matters: When it comes to gaming, display size matters. A larger screen means a more immersive experience, making you feel like you’re right in the middle of the action. Imagine playing your favorite mobile games on a 7.6-inch display where every detail is vivid and the graphics are truly captivating.

Screen resolution: Screen resolution is equally important. The higher the resolution, the more pixels there are, resulting in sharper images and text. A phone with a QHD+ resolution will let you see every intricate detail in a game, from the textures of a character’s clothing to reflections in water.

Performance

Performance is another important factor to consider when choosing a gaming phone, especially if you are exploring the premium segment with mobile phones priced at $100,000 and above. The efficiency of a gaming phone largely depends on its processor and RAM size.

Powerful Processor: A phone with a powerful processor ensures that games run smoothly even at high settings. The speed and number of cores in the processor are crucial for handling complex game graphics and calculations. Powerful processors like the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon or MediaTek Dimensity series can provide a smooth gaming experience.

Larger RAM Capacity: Similarly, larger RAM size improves multitasking capabilities, ensuring smooth gaming sessions without game crashes or errors. More RAM allows the phone to store and access game data faster, resulting in faster loading times and smoother gameplay.

For optimal performance, it is recommended to choose a gaming phone with at least 8GB or 12GB of RAM.

Cooling System

A thermal cooling system is essential for long gaming sessions. Intensive gaming can generate a significant amount of heat, which can affect performance and even damage the internal components of the phone. Look for phones that incorporate advanced cooling mechanisms like liquid or vapor chamber technology. These systems dissipate heat more efficiently, allowing you to play for longer without performance throttling.

Connectivity and Network

Connectivity is an important factor to consider when choosing a gaming phone. A stable and fast internet connection is essential for online multiplayer games and downloading games and updates.

Faster download speeds can improve your gaming experience by reducing latency. Consider gaming phones with top-notch connectivity options and high download speed capabilities.

5G Connectivity: 5G connectivity is an exciting world of faster speeds and lower latency. It’s not available in Pakistan yet, but it’s gradually rolling out in many regions. Future-proof your device by choosing a gaming phone that’s 5G compatible and enjoy near-instant response times and super-fast download speeds once the network becomes widely available.

Battery Life

Gaming phones need good battery life to avoid interruptions during gaming sessions. Most modern gaming phones come with a battery that can play for hours before needing to be recharged.

Larger displays and high refresh rate screens consume more power, so if you want to play intensive games, you may need a phone with a higher-than-average battery capacity. These phones use powerful batteries that are designed to last you through long gaming sessions without having to recharge often.

Fast charging technology is beneficial in this scenario. Manufacturers have prioritized improving battery life in the best gaming phones to provide a smooth and immersive gaming experience. Some gaming phones also feature fast charging, ensuring quick recharge times for uninterrupted gameplay.

Operating System

The operating system plays a vital role in gaming, and mobile phone brands are constantly evolving its features. Mobile phone brands optimize for the latest Android or iOS versions to ensure the best gaming experience.

Make sure your phone supports the latest OS version and receives regular updates for optimal gaming performance. Compatibility with games and the frequency of updates are also important considerations.

Conclusion

There are a wide range of smartphone options available in the market with high refresh rate screens, from the high-spec to the low-spec. With these various options, you can choose a smartphone that fits your needs and budget for a smooth gaming experience.

With the right gaming phone, you can have a wholesome experience every time you play your favorite games. The phones featured in this guide have higher refresh rates, faster processors, and ample memory to play even the most demanding games.