Dear Tom's Guide readers, what do you want in a gaming phone? It's a question that sparks both excitement and caution. While the concept of a dedicated gaming phone has always intrigued me, I'm not alone in my skepticism. The market for these devices is niche, and they often struggle to appeal to a broader audience.
On paper, the best gaming phones offer impressive features. Take the RedMagic 11 Pro and Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro, for instance. They boast an astonishing amount of RAM and storage, reaching up to 24GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. This level of power rivals some of the best laptops and far surpasses the capabilities of most phones. Additionally, these phones introduce innovative hardware designs with enhanced cooling systems. The RedMagic 11 Pro, for example, introduces an AI-server-level cooling system with a new liquid cooling technology. And let's not forget the outstanding battery life, with the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro being the longest-lasting phone we've reviewed.
However, these advantages come with trade-offs.
Despite their impressive specifications, dedicated gaming phones face several challenges that deter potential buyers. For one, while the cooling systems are impressive, the fans can be loud, which might not be ideal for everyone, especially if they prefer using headphones. Moreover, the larger ports required for the fans mean these phones cannot achieve an IP dust rating, impacting their durability compared to other phones.
Another concern is the fact that playing games on a phone isn't a unique selling point anymore. While these phones come with ample RAM, the argument arises that 24GB might be excessive. In reality, many phones on our best phones list, such as the iPhone 17 Pro Max and Galaxy S25 Ultra, can handle the same games as dedicated gaming devices.
This leads us to the question: what should dedicated gaming phones focus on to stand out? One potential solution is incorporating tactile controls, replacing touch shoulder buttons with clickable ones, as touch controls can be unreliable. However, this approach introduces moving parts, which can fail, and many users might opt for a controller instead. Additionally, it would likely require altering the phone's profile, making it less comfortable to carry in a pocket.
An alternative idea is to draw inspiration from the best gaming handhelds, like the Nintendo Switch and its dockable controller. This could be a viable option for dedicated gaming phones, but it's just one of many possibilities.
As Tom's Guide readers, we want to hear your thoughts. What features would you like to see in a dedicated gaming phone? Do you prioritize more powerful hardware or seek innovation in other areas? Share your ideas, agree, or disagree in the comments below. Let's discuss and explore the future of gaming phones together.
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Regards,
Josh, Staff Writer for Tom's Guide, UK
