Latest news with #mobilegames
Telegraph
10 hours ago
- Telegraph
The best gaming smartphones of 2025: I put them all to the test to crown the ultimate winner
The products or services listed have been independently tested by our journalists. We will earn a commission from the affiliate links in this article. Perhaps the most demanding thing you can do with the best smartphone is play games on it. No other task or app puts as much strain on its processor or its battery life. The mobile games market is also expected to reach over $120 bn (£94.6bn) in revenue by the end of 2025. It is no surprise, then, that a sub-category of gaming smartphones has emerged. This growing selection remains a small niche, with only two manufacturers (Asus and Nubia) producing fully dedicated gaming phones. Still, several established smartphone brands now treat gaming as a key priority. Whether you want a purpose-built gaming phone or a flagship that handles games with ease, you will find a suitable option further down in this guide, followed by the answers to some frequently asked questions. But if you're in a hurry, here's a quick look at my top five: The best gaming smartphones: At a glance How we test gaming smartphones I am an experienced freelance journalist who began covering mobile gaming at the dawn of the smartphone era. Since then, I have broadened my focus to cover consumer technology. As such, I have strong knowledge of games, phones, and gaming phones. The following selection includes five top picks and one honourable mention, chosen from dozens of phones tested over time. Many were excellent all-rounders, but did not offer a gaming experience strong enough to stand out. Each handset was used as my main device for at least a week. I tested them across five areas: design and features, display, performance and battery life, software and AI, as well as camera capabilities. As the focus for this guide is on the gaming experience, I placed more weight on performance, battery life, and the quality of the display. Camera and design were considered, but less central. The final list reflects only the best gaming experiences available today. Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended Our tech experts continuously conduct in-depth, independent, real-world tests, scoring devices against pre-set testing metrics and industry benchmarks, so we can deliver definitive and comprehensive buying advice. Telegraph Recommended reviews are never shared with product manufacturers before publication, we don't accept payment in exchange for positive reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more. The best gaming smartphones of 2025 1. Best Buy Gaming Phone: Nubia Redmagic 10S Pro The Nubia Redmagic 10S Pro is awarded my Best Buy pick, not because it is the best all-round phone on this list, but because it offers excellent gaming features at a competitive price. These include the fastest mobile processor I have used, backed by a cooling system with a physical fan. This allows the Redmagic 10S Pro to maintain performance for longer. It has a large 6.85-inch screen with an elevated 144Hz refresh rate, though only a few gaming titles will take advantage of this speed fully. The selfie camera sits under the display, meaning there is no notch to distract from the action. It also has the largest battery of any smartphone I have used - 7,050mAh - which lasts a full day, even if you've played games on your commute to and from work. The design may divide opinions, with a bulky body, bright rear lights, and a semi-transparent back. The small dot-matrix display on the back of the phone seems superfluous, and it lacks any official water resistance. The phone incorporates a pair of useful side-mounted buttons that can be mapped to in-game controls, as well as a physical switch that boots the phone directly into Nubia's gaming software. This lets you tweak every last setting to get the most out of games. For those who value battery lie, strong performance, and gaming-specific tools over style or polish, this phone represents exceptional value. Key specifications 2. Best Value Gaming Phone: Nubia Redmagic 10 Air The Redmagic 10 Air is a cheaper, lighter alternative to the Redmagic 10S Pro above. It lacks the 10S Pro's cutting-edge performance, huge battery, extensive cooling system and 144Hz refresh rate display. In its favour is a much slimmer and less off-putting design at an even cheaper price. It is competent in terms of performance too. While it uses last year's flagship processor, it remains capable of playing the most advanced games fluidly at high graphical settings. You still get Nubia's shoulder triggers, which can be assigned to key game controls. The company's Game Space gaming software, accessed via a button on the left edge, offers an effective way to optimise and organise your games library. While the camera system isn't accomplished, and Nubia's Android-based software remains fundamentally messy, the Redmagic 10 Air supplies an excellent gaming experience in an approachable package. Key specifications 3. Best Mobile Games Library: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Apple doesn't make gaming phones, but its iPhones represent some of the best phones for playing games on. As its current flagship offering, with the biggest display (6.9-inches) and the largest battery, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is my pick for gamers wanting a more traditional smartphone. Running on Apple's custom A18 Pro chip, it's one of the fastest gaming handsets right now. It is capable of running high-end games with flawless performance, and even benefits from extra graphical effects over its Android rivals. It is the level of software support on iOS that marks the iPhone 16 Pro Max apart from any other phone on this list. Apple's App Store is host to more high-quality games than Android, including console titles such as Resident Evil 8 and Death Stranding. Elsewhere, Apple Arcade is a subscription gaming service that serves as the Netflix of mobile gaming, offering dozens of games for £6.99 per month. Besides its enviable games library, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is a fantastic phone in its own right. It features a high-grade titanium design, slick software, and an outstanding camera system. Key specifications Screen: 6.9in OLED, 120Hz refresh rate Cameras: Triple (48MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 12MP 5x zoom), 12MP selfie Processor: Apple A18 Pro Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB Operating system: iOS 18 Dimensions: 163 x 78 x 8.3 mm Weight: 227g Colours: Black Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium, Desert Titanium 4. Best All-Round Gaming Phone: Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro If money is no object, then the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro is the best all-round gaming phone on the market. Its performance is competitive, it has the most responsive 185Hz display available, and it packs in gamer-friendly features such as dedicated shoulder buttons. It also has a second USB-C port on one of the phone's longer edges. This makes charging while gaming in landscape orientation far more pleasant, and also facilitates the addition of an external cooling fan stand. The ROG Phone 9 Pro's 5,800mAh battery supplies superb stamina, with the longest sustained battery life of any 2025 flagship phone I've tested. Asus bundles in a speedy 65W charger, and unlike Nubia's gaming phones, you also get wireless charging support. What helps justify the ROG Phone 9 Pro's steep price is that it is surprisingly pleasant to use, even outside of gaming. While it doesn't stack up to the best phone cameras on the market, the ROG Phone 9 Pro will take pleasing pictures in all conditions. It features an advanced gimbal stabilisation system, which helps to alleviate bouncy footage, and there's also a dedicated zoom camera. The design, too, is of a higher quality with less of the awkward gamer aesthetic. Key specifications Screen: 6.78in AMOLED, 185Hz refresh rate Cameras: Triple (50MP main, 32MP 3x zoom, 13MP ultrawide), 32MP selfie Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Storage options: 512GB, 1TB Operating system: Android 15 Dimensions: 164 x 77 x 8.9mm Weight: 227g Colours: Phantom Black Also consider: Xiaomi's Poco sub-brand often promises gaming-focused performance at competitive prices, and the Poco F7 Ultra is the most capable example yet. For a reasonable £569.45, you're getting top-level performance, decent battery life and a good 6.67in display. It isn't an out-and-out gaming phone, with no dedicated gaming controls or advanced gaming software. However, it's a much nicer smartphone to use daily than either of my top two picks, with a relatively traditional design and a competent triple camera system. 5. Best Budget Gaming Phone: Poco X7 Pro The Poco X7 Pro isn't explicitly positioned as a gaming phone. That said, Xiaomi, its manufacturer, certainly pushes gaming performance as a key feature. The Dimensity 8400 Ultra processor at its heart isn't quite a flagship component, but it is extremely capable, especially considering its price. That is the key to the Poco X7 Pro's appeal. While it only costs a little over £300 at RRP, it outperforms a £1,000 phone such as the Google Pixel 9 Pro. Being able to run advanced games such as Genshin Impact and GRID Legends smoothly on a phone at this price is quite something. The X7 Pro's gaming credentials are bolstered further by a large 6,000mAh battery that should stand up to lengthy gaming sessions. There's also 90W wired charging support, which is another specification you don't always expect to see at this end of the market. Xiaomi's design comes across as either dull or gaudy, depending on the colour you opt for. My test model's black-and-yellow finish is the latter. However, this is a solidly built phone with an impressive IP68 resistance rating, allowing you to dunk it in water at a depth of 1m for up to 30 minutes. The company's custom Android software is rather cluttered, and you're not getting a particularly great camera system here. If all you're after is excellent gaming performance on a budget, however, you won't find better for the price. Key specifications Gaming phone FAQs How do I choose the best gaming phone? There are only a handful of dedicated gaming phones on the market. To choose one, simply establish your budget (ideally between £400 and £1,100). Next, consider whether gaming is an absolute priority, or whether you'd like a phone that can, for example, also take good pictures. Do I need a specific gaming phone, or are iPhones or Samsung Galaxy smartphones sufficient? It depends on what type of games you intend to play, and for how long. If you intend to play power-hungry 3D games for protracted periods (upwards of 20 minutes), a specialist gaming phone is advised, as they're designed to perform well for longer without running out of battery. Competitive games, too, benefit from the special gaming controls that such phones feature. However, if you're a more casual player, a flagship Samsung phone or iPhone will prove perfectly acceptable. Indeed, Apple's iOS platform grants access to the biggest library of high-quality games.
Geek Girl Authority
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Girl Authority
FIGMENT Is Free in the Mobile Epic Games Store
The Mobile Epic Games Store is now offering free game titles every week; all you have to do is remember to claim them. This week, face universal human fears in a surreal and magical realm of the mind in Figment. Figment. Act quickly because this loot is only free via the Mobile Epic Games Store for a limited time. For a while now, the Epic Games Store has been giving gamers free PC titles and in-game loot every single week. Now, mobile gamers can get in on the freebie action using the Mobile Epic Games Store app. All you have to do is download the app, log into your Epic Games account (or create a new one), and get the goods. Remembering to claim your freebies is the hardest part. Luckily, Geek Girl Authority will be there to remind you every week. RELATED: Love mobile games? Check out our Mobile Game Monday adventures Figment Figment (2017) is an action-adventure game developed and published by Bedtime Digital Games. Join Dusty on a musical adventure through a surreal realm of the mind known as Figment. This strange world is filled with the deepest thoughts, memories, urges, and voices of the human psyche. Dusty and his friend, Piper, find themselves in a once quiet mind whose recent thoughts turn into nightmares. As the mind's former voice of courage, it is up to Dusty to discover the root of these nightmares and face his fears. Overcome challenges using strength and smarts by swinging a sword and solving puzzles. RELATED: Mobile Game Monday: Lost in Play Music is an important part of Figment, from its rhythmic world to the musical monsters. Consequently, explore how your actions influence the dynamic environment and soundtrack. Help Dusty face universal fears and seize some peace of mind. Figment is free (a $5.99 value) in the Mobile Epic Games Store until July 10 at 10 am ET. Mobile Game Monday: DOWN IN BERMUDA
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Outfit7 Unleashes Bold New Era: New Games, New Audiences, And New Talking Tom
LIMASSOL, Cyprus, July 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Outfit7 today unveils a bold roadmap for 2025, featuring three new mobile game releases and a major evolution of the Talking Tom & Friends brand. This ambitious rollout includes the return of two fan-favorite titles and the company's first mobile game specifically designed for kids, marking a strategic expansion for Outfit7. ''While the entire industry is talking about challenges, obstacles, and how hard things are, we're going our own way, the Outfit7 way!'' said Jernej Česen, COO at Outfit7. "Our fans will enjoy three exciting new releases, impactful brand collaborations, and major updates. All of this is part of a bold brand evolution designed to reach and resonate with everyone. This is what it means to go all in." Outfit7's 2025 roadmap is designed to excite longtime fans and win over a new generation of players. The three new releases are: My Talking Tom Friends 2: Launching on July 15, this sequel to one of the company's top-performing virtual pet games will be the first to showcase the evolution of the Talking Tom & Friends brand, featuring refreshed character designs and new content. The game has already generated significant excitement, with over 2 million pre-registrations ahead of launch. Talking Tom & Friends: World: Arriving this August, this is the brand's first-ever mobile game built specifically for kids. It features an open-ended sandbox experience, and it's the franchise's first ad-free title built around an in-app purchase model. Talking Tom: The original Talking Tom virtual pet game is being fully reimagined! Coming later this year, it promises a nostalgic return to a beloved classic, with enhanced features and an all-new look for Tom. A Strategic Move Into the Kids Market Talking Tom & Friends: World represents a major milestone as Outfit7's first game designed specifically for kids, and the first in-app-purchase-driven title in the Talking Tom & Friends franchise. Built with creativity, storytelling, and self-expression in mind, the game features avatar creation and world exploration, all in an ad-free environment. "We wanted to dedicate a segment of the Talking Tom & Friends universe to kids," explains Česen. "We believe users deserve fresh, high-quality experiences that span generations—and we want to be there from the very beginning, offering safe, fun, meaningful gameplay." Talking Tom & Friends: A Brand Evolution 2025 also marks a transformative evolution for the Talking Tom & Friends brand. This isn't just a visual refresh, it's a comprehensive transformation. Fans will notice new character designs, updated visuals, refined voices, deeper storytelling, and a cohesive brand identity across all titles. With 15 years in mobile gaming and over 25 billion downloads worldwide, the Talking Tom & Friends brand is showing no signs of slowing down—in fact, it's evolving, expanding, and going bolder than ever. Stay up to date on all upcoming releases and news at CONTACT: media@ Photo - View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Outfit7
Bloomberg
03-07-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
‘Sonic' Creator Sega Seeks Growth in China and Southeast Asia
Sega Corp. is teaming up with international partners to expand in Asia and lower its reliance on the Japanese market. The author of the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise has been seeking to shift its game developers' focus away from just the domestic market and console players, Sega President Shuji Utsumi said. Sega's beefed up its mobile game offerings, with holding company Sega Sammy Holdings Inc. buying Angry Birds creator Rovio Entertainment Oyj in 2023.
Geek Girl Authority
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Girl Authority
Mobile Game Monday: DUNGEON CLAWLER
Greetings, friends, and welcome to Mobile Game Monday, where we chat about games you can play on the go. If you like gaming on a phone or tablet , this is the place for you. Join us every week as we go on all sorts of adventures. Dungeon Clawler Dungeon Clawler (2025) is a roguelike deck builder developed by Stray Fawn Studio and published in collaboration with Playworks. Play as various unfortunate crittplaers who lost their paws gambling with a ruthless shark. Getting your appendage back won't be easy, but it will be fun. Or it might be infuriatingly frustrating, depending on the run. Screenshots courtesy of Cassie Holguin. Claw your way through 20 floors filled with enemies like slimes, angry plants, and even a Cthulhu look-alike. At the tippy top of the tower of doom awaits the shark boss with your lucky paw, claw, or tentacle that he has made into a tacky keychain. RELATED: F2P Friday: Butterfly Soup 2 If you manage to defeat the boss, retrieve your paw and add it to your collection. On more difficult runs, these lucky paws can be equipped to characters for abilities like a magnetic or tentacle claw. Gameplay There are over 10 characters to choose from, and each one offers a unique Dungeon Clawler experience. Once you have selected your rabbit of revenge, you will use a claw machine to grab items used in a turn-based battle. Typically, you get two chances to drop a claw and grab items. Swipe left and right to move the claw, then press the drop button when you've found that sweet spot. Screenshots courtesy of Cassie Holguin. Anything that is successfully collected will be applied during your turn. If you see that the enemy is about to hit you, make sure to grab some shields so as not to lose those precious health points. Alternatively, it is wise to deal damage while the enemy buffs up or tries to heal because they can't hit you if they are dead. RELATED: Starsand Island Is Primed to Redefine Romance in the Life Sim Genre Start with pretty basic items in your machine, like small shields and daggers. Additionally, each character begins with different starting items, and you will collect more powerful gear as you progress through the game. Synergy Is Key The key to success in Dungeon Clawler is creating synergy between items, perks, and abilities. For example, Scrappy always gets a magnet for his second claw. Try to collect magnet-based items or magnet buffs that increase all magnetism by 20 percent. Then let the laws of magnetism and physics do all of the work. Watch all of your best items cling together as you drag and drop a massive haul. Sometimes the fun is simply seeing how many items you can collect in one grab. Screenshots courtesy of Cassie Holguin. Another strategy is to collect water-based items while using Squiddy to best utilize his tentacle claw. This strategy led to me to an easy win, and not to mention, Squiddy is as cute as can be. Most of the time, your rewards are random, so luck plays a part in your strategy. You may have to pivot if Lady Luck doesn't give you the items you were hoping for. RELATED: July's Most Anticipated Video Games No matter which character you run with, quickly find a way to heal yourself because you'll need it. You will also need to find a good balance between attack and defense because both are necessary for survival. Stop at the blacksmith to upgrade your equipment or visit Granny to heal and grab some coins. There are plenty of ways to improve your run as you go. Updates and Extras Although Dungeon Clawler is fairly new, generous updates have already added exciting new content. Last month's Frosty Fortune Update included the new anti-gravity cannon along with three new playable characters, including Baroness von Frost. RELATED: Read all of the Mobile Game Monday adventures here! Change your fate and test your luck at the fortune teller and gambling rooms. Collect icy new items and perks to take down any frosty foe that stands in your way. If you are looking for skins, put away your wallet, join the Dungeon Clawler discord, and check out the #free-skins channel. Our Adventure Ends Here Dungeon Clawler was already on my radar as a new mobile release, but when I saw the rave reviews, I had to give it a try. And I'm so glad that I did because this indie gem will keep me busy all summer. The art style and gameplay remind me of the browser game sites that were really popular in the early 2000s, like Neopets. Screenshot courtesy of Cassie Holguin. There is a balanced blend of strategy and luck that keeps you on your toes. The play style feels a lot like Balatro in that you create a strategy as the game plays out. Apparently, I love these types of games because I can't put either down. RELATED: Mobile Game Monday: Balatro As soon as I realized you could unlock characters by playing the game, I immediately made it my mission to unlock and play as every character. Although the gameplay is a bit redundant, each run is different depending on the character you choose as well as the items and buffs found. Most importantly, all those years of claw machine training are finally paying off. Dungeon Clawler is $4.99 (free with a Play Pass subscription) in the Play Store and the App Store. Take it easy, and play it safe, gamers. Mobile Game Monday: LOST IN PLAY
