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  4. 10 Best Gaming Phones in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by IT Specialist
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10 Best Gaming Phones in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by IT Specialist

Easy access and mobility are the main reasons why a gaming phone is the most popular choice among enthusiasts. Online games are meant to be played anytime and anywhere. All you need is a gaming device. The problem is you cannot bring your desktop PC or console to the bus nor open a laptop on a crowded train to have a quick game session. What better way to satisfy your urge is to have a gaming smartphone. 


It cannot offer the same user experience when using a desktop or a console but the immersive feeling is almost, if not, equal. Below we have a top 10 list that includes the best of the best, which comes at a higher price tag, so keep in mind that no phones will be under ₱3,000. We also put some factors to look for in a gaming phone to further elevate your game experience fact-checked by IT Specialist JC Rogelio.

Last updated 07/14/2023
JC Rogelio
Expert
IT Specialist
JC Rogelio

JC Rogelio is first and foremost a fan of upgrading and modifying computers. Due to his passion, he earned a degree in Information Technology from a university specializing in the field. He is tech-savvy and likes to research computer trends. He was a former employee of a Fortune 500 company in the Philippines and now has over 3 years of experience in the IT/Engineering field in Dubai.

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Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.

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The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.

Table of Contents

How to Choose a Gaming Smartphone – Buying Guide

Here are some key points to consider:

  1. Determine the processor that you need – the CPU and GPU combo.
  2. Opt for higher ROM and RAM size for smooth better performance.
  3. Get at least six inches of display for an immersive gaming experience.
  4. Choose the characteristics of the display.
  5. Get one with at least a 4000mAh battery.
  6. Make sure it has temperature control and heat dissipation.

For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
1

Determine the Processor That You Need – The CPU and GPU combo

The combination of CPU and GPU is what makes a mobile gaming phone popular and sought after. Both have different functions but are bound together to provide a better gaming experience.

Faster CPUs are Best for Gaming

Faster CPUs are Best for Gaming

Processors come in already preinstalled on every mobile device. Undoubtedly, the central processing unit, or the CPU, is the brain of the device so it must be intelligent, so to speak. It should be fast, have optimized performance, and have better control over power consumption.


So far, the best smartphone processors in terms of benchmark scoring results done by independent testers are Apple’s Bionic A15,  Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Plus, Samsung’s Exynos 2200, and MediaTek’s Dimensity 8100. Take note that there are other lower versions of these top-notch processors but most still get the job done.

GPU Determines the Animation That You See

GPU Determines the Animation That You See

Another component of a smartphone processor is the graphics processing unit or GPU. It is a specialized electronic circuit embedded on a motherboard or, in this case, mobile phones. Simply put, the display that we see on our device is created by a GPU.


Unlike desktops, where one may opt to use a different GPU brand with the CPU, smartphone processors have built-in GPUs. To illustrate, Apple has its own GPU for the Bionic A13, Snapdragon has Adreno, and Kirin or Exynos uses Mali. But these pairings aren’t permanent all across the board. There are instances that some GPUs are also present on a different processor brand.

2

Opt for Higher ROM and Ram Size for Smooth Better Performance

Opt for Higher ROM and Ram Size for Smooth Better Performance

Like a personal PC, ROM and RAM dictate the capacity and ability of a unit to store files and information. Read-only Memory, or ROM, refers to the internal storage of a device. Here is where game applications, photos, and files are saved. Most modern smartphones now have ROMs from 64GB up to a whopping 512GB of storage space.


On the other hand, Random Access Memory, also known as RAM, is where temporary memories are stored for faster access and immediate data transfer. A larger capacity RAM can obviously provide more room for storage and give information in an instant. If you have a small RAM, let’s say 2GB, but you’re playing a highly demanding game that requires 4GB of RAM, you may experience lags and intermittent pauses during play. 

3

Get At Least Six Inches of Display for an Immersive Gaming Experience

Get At Least Six Inches of Display for an Immersive Gaming Experience

An excellent gaming phone must have at least six inches of display to show all the game’s on-screen buttons and other interfaces. Another item that needs attention is the refresh frame rate and pixel density. A high refresh frame rate at 120Hz or higher gives the user a fast-paced and smoother feeling, especially when playing battle or racing games. 


 Also, a higher pixel density screen at 4K provides a more detailed resolution and vivid colors that almost pop out of the screen. There are different types of touch screens for mobile phones, but one of the best, in terms of sensitivity and responsiveness, is the Super AMOLED display used mostly on flagship and gaming models. 

4

Choose the Characteristics of the Display

Premium smartphones present a different feeling whenever you hold them. It gives the impression that this device has been carefully put together and is very sturdy. Handset manufacturers use glass on its front and back to make it lighter yet able to withstand small impacts. Other brands use plastic, metal, or ceramic on the rear part for economic reasons.

Choose Gorilla Glass Display for Durability

Choose Gorilla Glass Display for Durability

A good handset uses Corning Gorilla Glass on its front and back panels and is held together by a metal frame. Gorilla glass is a type of strengthened glass developed by Corning, which is light, thin, and damage-proof. Other smartphone brands use different glasses for their units, such as Dragontail or Xensation, which are cheaper but equally good materials.

Curved Edge and Concave Back Allows for Better Grip

Curved Edge and Concave Back Allows for Better Grip

Some high-end phone models have thinner outer bezels on their front panel to further expand the touchpoint areas, and others have an overflowing effect where the screen goes beyond the edges.


The size should be a perfect fit for your hand. The curved edge and concave back design of most gaming phones allow a better grip during long hours of playing. Also, the weight must be considered to lessen the stress of holding the device for too long.

5

Get One With at Least 4000mAH Battery

Get One With at Least 4000mAH Battery

Choose a unit that has a larger power capacity to make the most out of your gaming phone. Remember that this is the life force that provides juice to all that is going on inside your device. Heavy apps are usually power-intensive so make sure you consider that when picking out a gaming phone.


The display, RAM, CPU, speakers, and mobile connection can drain up all the power, especially on high-end smartphones. A minimum of 4000mAH battery should do the job, but if you’re a serious gamer, you must go for anything not lower than 5000mAH.

6

Make Sure it Has Temperature Control and Heat Dissipation

Make Sure it Has Temperature Control and Heat Dissipation
Source:venturebeat.com

Heating is a common occurrence when using a device for longer periods. The CPU naturally generates minimal heat when functioning normally. However, when a game is being played, it works doubly hard together with the RAM, and that activity alone produces more heat than usual. It is essential that a device has internal cooling or temperature control to prolong its life.


A smartphone has tiny components, so it’s not possible to put in a fan to disperse heat away from the CPU like in a desktop PC. Heatsinks are used to keep the CPU cool where heat is distributed to different areas of the device. Meanwhile, modern gaming phones have liquid cooling technology installed to effectively cool down the CPU. 


Thermal heat pipes with a small amount of liquid inside are attached to the CPU. Whenever it gets heated up, the liquid vaporizes and cools down the CPU. It travels down the end of the pipe and liquefies again when cooled off. Some gaming phone brands use a separate cooling fan that is attached at the back to keep the unit cooler and prevent overheating during use.

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10 Best Gaming Smartphones to Buy Online

The products we introduce below were carefully curated by the mybest team, from the best-sellers of E-commerce sites like Lazada, and using the points mentioned in our detailed and thoroughly researched buying guide.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Asus

ROG Phone 5ZS661KS

Asus ROG Phone 5 1

₱33,990

Low Mid

The Best Gaming Phone on the Planet

2

Lenovo

Legion Duel 2

Lenovo Legion Duel 2 1

₱36,995

Mid

A New Challenger to the ROG Dynasty

3

ZTE

Nubia Red Magic 7

ZTE  Nubia Red Magic 7 1

₱41,889

Mid

A Formidable Handheld Built For Gamers

4

OnePlus

10 Pro

OnePlus  10 Pro 1

₱36,690

Mid

A Performance Boost of Its Predecessor

5

Xiaomi

Black Shark 5 5G

Xiaomi Black Shark 5 5G 1

₱22,295

Low

An Alternative Game-Centric Flagship Device

6

POCO

F4 GT

POCO  F4 GT 1

₱26,990

Low Mid

A Fast-Charging Phone From POCO

7

Apple

iPhone 13 Pro

Apple iPhone 13 Pro 1

₱63,990

High Mid

The Best Gaming Handset for iOS Users

8

Samsung

Galaxy S22 Ultra

Samsung  Galaxy S22 Ultra 1

₱64,880

High Mid

The Latest and Greatest from an Industry Leader

9

Samsung

Galaxy Z Fold3 5G

Samsung  Galaxy Z Fold3 5G 1

₱87,990

High

Never Compromise Display for Portability

10

Oppo

Find X3 Pro

Oppo Find X3 Pro 1

₱41,810

Mid

A Camera Phone With Gaming Specs

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

AsusROG Phone 5ZS661KS

ROG Phone 5 1
Source:gsmarena.com
Reference price
₱33,990
Low Mid
Reference price
₱33,990
Low Mid

The Best Gaming Phone on the Planet

The ROG Phone is a real powerhouse when it comes to the best possible gaming experience there is. Asus has outdone itself again with its new flagship model that has plenty of attractive features apart from its being a game-centric smartphone. The camera performs decently, which is quite rare on a gaming phone, and the front-facing speakers are impressive.


Gaming-wise, the handset sports a 6.78-inch AMOLED display that has a max refresh rate of 144Hz. The latest Snapdragon 888 chipset and 12GB RAM will handle any game you throw at it. Its whopping 6000mAh battery can keep you playing for hours while its charging brick has a fast-charging capacity of 65W. 


If you want to get the full ROG experience, there are official peripherals offered as an add-on like Kunai 5 controllers or the AeroActive Cooler 5 that acts as a cooling fan to keep the device at an ideal temperature while gaming. Thanks to its optimization and upgraded components, the ROG Phone 5 is a huge improvement from the already excellent ROG Phone 3.

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No.2

LenovoLegion Duel 2

Legion Duel 2 1
Source:giztop.com
Reference price
₱36,995
Mid
Reference price
₱36,995
Mid

A New Challenger to the ROG Dynasty

The Lenovo Legion Duel 2 is posing as one of the ultimate gaming handsets that aim to topple the great Asus ROG Phone 5 from its throne. The 144Hz refresh rate of its AMOLED screen has a fast touch response rate. It also features an advanced cooling system with two dedicated fans that intake and exhaust hot air from the copper heatsinks within.


The Legion Duel 2 uses the latest Snapdragon 888 chipset and plenty of RAM to take on any game that you wish to play. The display has two force touchpoints with triggers and capacitive zones at its rear to give the best controls while gaming. You will not see any cutouts on the screen itself since the front-facing camera pops up when triggered.


The rear dual camera takes decent photos if needed. Moreover, the Legion Duel 2 battery is separated into two cells that can be charged in just 30 minutes using a 90W brick charger. To achieve this, you need to charge both batteries simultaneously through the two USB-C ports at the bottom and on the left side.

No.3

ZTE Nubia Red Magic 7

Nubia Red Magic 7 1
Source:cf.shopee.ph
Reference price
₱41,889
Mid
Reference price
₱41,889
Mid

A Formidable Handheld Built For Gamers

With the boom of mobile gaming, there are a lot of manufacturers who take advantage of consumers by using empty buzzwords with their models so that they can pass off as gaming devices. This gaming phone from ZTE is not one of those, as it is actually built with features and functions that gamers would appreciate.


Worth noticing in this unit is its 165Hz refresh rate, undisputable even by high-end gaming phones. Another spec is the massive 16GB RAM, capable of running even the heaviest and most demanding apps on your phone. You can also turn on Game Space mode, wherein the side-mounted triggers, haptic feedback, and overall settings can be adjusted to your preference.


Like with many gaming devices, a drawback of the Red Magic 7 is that it has an inferior battery capacity of 4500mAh. This is a downgrade from its predecessor, which had a battery capacity of 5050mAh.

No.4

OnePlus 10 Pro

Reference price
₱36,690
Mid

A Performance Boost of Its Predecessor

Though the brand is lesser-known compared to other manufacturers included in this list, OnePlus continues to prove its worth by building on its previous models and releasing better ones that can take on even those from reputable brands such as Samsung and Xiaomi. The One Plus10 Pro is their current flagship phone released in early 2022.


The smartphone features a Corning Gorilla Glass protective display, allowing it to withstand falls, scratches, and other physical damages to a certain extent. With a 3216 by 1440 resolution and a next-gen Snapdragon 8 chipset, this device definitely packs a punch.


The plus factor in OnePlus' smart device is its ability to charge wirelessly, great camera from Hasselblad, and Oxygen OS, a software that is beautifully designed and easy to navigate. This brand used to be called the "flagship killer" some years back, but sadly their current pricing is almost as ridiculous as the brands they used to "kill" before.

No.5

XiaomiBlack Shark 5 5G

Reference price
₱22,295
Low

An Alternative Game-Centric Flagship Device

Gaming phones generally cost a fortune given the plethora of specs that they have. While they might be worth it, having a more affordable alternative is great, especially for those who are on a tight budget. Xiaomi's Black Shark 5 is one of these alternatives as it costs nearly half of most gaming phones without necessarily skimping on its features.


For starters, this mobile gaming device supports a refresh rate of up to 144Hz, surpassing most high-end gaming phones. It also comes equipped with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 870 GPU, which is extremely helpful not just when gaming but also when running multiple apps at once. While it lacks in other areas, you can rest assured that in-gmae performance is not one of them.


Arguably the best feature of the Black Shark 5 is its Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, something that is difficult to find even with the best gaming phones available nowadays. The battery may not be as great as others but other than that, this flagship gaming phone from Xiaomi is one that every mobile gamer should look into.

No.6

POCO F4 GT

Reference price
₱26,990
Low Mid

A Fast-Charging Phone From POCO

This gaming smartphone from POCO is the one that will give you the best value for your money. It sports a refresh rate of 120Hz, making any cutscene look seamless and smooth. The Snapdragon 8 is also a nice addition, given that it is one of the leading processors in the market today.


Surprisingly, this smartphone is also a beast when it comes to its camera specs. The front camera boasts an impressive 20MP pixel density, while the main camera has 6MP. POCO's F4 GT is a great example of a gaming phone that does its job while also accomplishing more. 


Perhaps the only gripe with this device is its 4700mAh battery capacity, which can easily drain after hours of continuous use. But hey, with its 120W Hyper Charge feature, you'll surely be back into the game in no time. Compared to its predecessor, this one is now capable of 5G connectivity, so expect minimal to no lag when playing.

No.7

AppleiPhone 13 Pro

iPhone 13 Pro 1
Source:apple.com
Reference price
₱63,990
High Mid
Reference price
₱63,990
High Mid

The Best Gaming Handset for iOS Users

Many hardcore gamers may veer away from the iPhone 13 Pro if they look at its specifications. On paper, this handset only has 6GB of RAM, but the performance is comparable to most flagship-level gaming phones out there. Thanks to Apple's A15 Bionic chipset, you will have premier experience even with just half the size of RAM.


The Pro Max's 6.7-inch OLED display is elegant while being a well-rounded handset not just for gaming, but also for taking studio-worthy shots and managing your productivity. While some may think twice about buying a flagship handset from Apple because of its extremely high price tag, owning one can certianly give you the best balance in usage and entertainment.


 If you have an Apple Arcade subscription program, you can have a selection of the best games that are iOS-only or aren't offered anywhere else. Overall, this is the way to go if you're looking for a gaming phone that can double as an all-around smartphone as well.

No.8

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

Galaxy S22 Ultra 1
Source:cf.shopee.ph
Reference price
₱64,880
High Mid
Reference price
₱64,880
High Mid

The Latest and Greatest from an Industry Leader

From the reputable brand Samsung, the Galaxy S22 Ultra is simply one of the best android phones out there. It has a 108MP main camera and a 40MP selfie camera, far superior to most phones on the market. Aside from that, it also has a 6.8-inch display protected by a Corning Gorilla Glass casing on the front and back. 


In terms of its gaming specs, this device runs on the latest processor from Qualcomm namely the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip. The refresh rate on this thing is 120 frames per second, while the resolution can reach up to 3080 by 1440 pixels. These features guarantee a smooth and visually-satisfying gaming experience


When it comes to battery life, the Galaxy S22 Ultra is equipped with a 5000mAh battery with 45W fast charging capabilities. Overall, this handheld is on top of many top-performing Android smartphone lists and rightfully so, as it has the best specs that you can find in a high-end smartphone.

No.9

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G

Reference price
₱87,990
High

Never Compromise Display for Portability

If you're thinking about getting a tablet but worried about its portability, then Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 3 is worth checking out. The 6.6-inch wide, crystal-clear display allows for more immersive gameplay, while the unique folding mechanism can guarantee that it can easily fit into even the tightest spaces.


This device boasts a 12GB RAM capacity and a 256GB internal memory, enough for downloading even triple-A games in the Play Store. It is also water-resistant and S Pen compatible, demonstrating both durability and flexibility not just as a gaming handset but also as a productivity and entertainment device.


Unfortunately, the Galaxy Z Fold3 has a relatively poor battery quality, so you might want to take care of its battery health if your want this device to last you a couple of years. The price is definitely steep, but if you're looking for a compact all-around device, then this is the best one you can get right now.

No.10

OppoFind X3 Pro

Reference price
₱41,810
Mid

A Camera Phone With Gaming Specs

If you're looking for a flagship-level device that is just as capable of gaming as game-centric phones, the Oppo Find X3 Pro should be on your shortlist. The large 6.7-inch QHD panel has the capacity to use a 5-120Hz refresh rate range. This adjusts the screen's performance only when needed. This spells power-saving and battery life optimization.


The fantastic camera output is credited to its two 50MP camera modules, accompanied by a 13MP telephoto camera with 5x hybrid zoom capability and a 3MP microscope lens for extreme close-up shots. We can definitely say that the Find X3 Pro is a camera phone with great specs and an attractive overall look.


Adding to the mix is its Snapdragon 888 chipset and 12GB of RAM that aims to keep up with any gaming devices out there. It has a mirror-like finish and is relatively lightweight, which is good for longer game sessions. The device also has wireless charging support and reverse wireless charging, which is a major upgrade from the previous model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.

How Much RAM To Get for Gaming Phone?

A gaming phone with at least 8GB is sufficient in handling even the most RAM-intensive games. The majority of mid-range gaming phones have at least 8GB of RAM so there's usually nothing to worry about even if you don't have the budget to spring for a high-end phone with a high RAM capacity.


Meanwhile, for a lag-free experience, then you might want to look into phones with 12GB of RAM or more. They come with a significantly higher price tag, but if you're someone who values speed and efficiency, then they are definitely worth the extra cost.

Does Gaming Damage Phone Battery?

Playing games on your phone does not directly damage your phone's battery, at least significantly. What damages it, however, are bad practices such as allowing it the heat up, using foreign chargers, and draining the battery before plugging it in.


To avoid damaging the battery of your gaming phone, make sure that you don't allow it to heat up for long periods of time and reduce the number of apps running in the background. You can also prolong your battery's health by reducing the screen brightness and turning off Bluetooth and Location services when not in use.

What’s the Best Processor for Gaming Smartphone?

The best processor right now for gaming is the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chipset manufactured by Qualcomm. This powerful premium-tier GPU has a clock speed that will guarantee that your games will run smoothly at steady FPS.


Other leading processors in the market today include Apple's A15 Bionic, MediaTek's Dimensity 9000, Samsung's Exynos 2200, Google's Mali-G78, and HiSilicon's Kirin 9000. These processors are more than enough to run any game on your smartphone with minimal to no lag.

Get the Right Game Night Essentials

It’s so frustrating to end up with no battery in the middle of an important game. Get a reliable power bank to avoid these embarrassing situations. Click on the link below to see the best brands today and some points to look at when buying one. You can also browse several gaming headsets to go with your phone while you're at it!

Author: Chafi Lacson

Re-editor: Katrina Balingit

How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations

Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.

Top 5 Gaming Phones

No. 1: AsusROG Phone 5ZS661KS

No. 2: LenovoLegion Duel 2

No. 3: ZTE Nubia Red Magic 7

No. 4: OnePlus 10 Pro

No. 5: XiaomiBlack Shark 5 5G

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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