Gaming phones

The best phone for gaming is a flagship that can take the hit. We’re talking the best and the freshest drops with fast chips, high-refresh-rate displays, cooling that holds up under load and a battery that won’t quit mid-match.

The good news is JB is stacked with them. As Australia’s go-to for mobile phones, we’ve got heavy hitters like Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel and Apple iPhones. Each one brings the grunt, sharp OLED or AMOLED displays and long battery life to handle marathon sessions without breaking a sweat.

Here are some of the top picks at JB right now:

• Samsung Galaxy S26 Series for stacked internals and One UI extras
• Google Pixel 11 Series for smart software doing proper heavy lifting
• Apple iPhone 17 Series for gamers who want everything to just work

You want no lag, no stutter and no heat warnings halfway through a match. A proper gaming phone isn’t just about the specs but about how everything works together to keep you in the zone. Here’s what actually matters when picking one:

• Display and Refresh Rate: Look for OLED or AMOLED screens with a 120Hz refresh rate or higher for sharp graphics. Some gaming phones push that even further with 144Hz or 165Hz panels. You’ll also want a larger display for smooth gameplay, like in the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL or Pixel 11 Pro Fold.
• Power and Performance: You’ll want a current-gen flagship silicon like the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, Tensor G6 or Apple’s A19 Pro for max performance, plus a cooling system to keep temps down during long sessions.
• Battery and Charging: Long battery and fast charging get you back in the game quicker when you’re running low. The Samsung Galaxy S26+ strikes a nice balance between big power and reliable endurance.
• Build and Features: Think solid build quality plus extras like AirTriggers, RGB lighting and customisable haptics.
• Audio: Good speakers matter, especially if you're not using headphones. Look for phones with immersive sound and smart audio tuning, like the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro, which keep things crisp even without cans.
• Connections and Extras: Strong Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are a must for online play and accessories. Bonus points for compatibility with gaming controllers, docks or trigger gear.

Not all mobile games and gaming apps are available on both Android and iOS. Check what platform your favourite game supports before deciding between an iPhone and an Android phone.

Not every gamer is chasing max specs. If you’re after something that runs smoothly, lasts long, and doesn’t wipe out your wallet, there are solid picks at lower price points from Xiaomi and the OPPO Reno Series. Basically, you want:

• Decent Processor: Look for a Snapdragon or Dimensity chip. Even mid-tier silicon handles games like a champ.
• Good Battery Life: You want hours of play without needing a top-up.
• Solid Display: An OLED or fast refresh rate screen makes a big difference.
• Enough Storage: Games chew through space fast. Make sure there’s room to move.

Remember, ‘cheap’ doesn’t mean cutting corners. Many budget-friendly phones offer great gaming experiences. They might not have all the bells and whistles of high-end models, but they’ll get you gaming without a hitch.

Not really, but it can push your phone harder than most apps. Games keep the screen on, crank the processor and heat things up fast. Over time, that can wear your battery down quicker if your phone’s not built to handle it.

At JB, we’ve got plenty of mobile phones that are up for the challenge thanks to their:

• Smart processors that are power-efficient, so you get longer play without the heat.
• Good software that manages background apps well without draining your battery behind the scenes.
• Efficient screens that look crisp and use less power while doing it.

Some handsets also come with fast chargers and even wireless charging features, like the Google Pixel 11 and Galaxy S26. They're a big plus if you want to enjoy continuous gaming sessions with minimal disruptions.

For gaming, 128GB is the sweet spot for most people, with 256GB or more for heavy players. Games are getting bigger, and we’re not just talking about graphics. Between install files, updates, DLCs and saved data, storage fills up fast.

• Casual Play: 64GB might get you by if you stick to smaller titles and don’t load up on other media.
• Everyday Gaming: 128GB is the sweet spot for most gamers. You get enough room for your favourite games, plus updates, apps and a few downloads on the side.
• Hardcore Gaming: 256GB or more gives you plenty of headroom for large games, screen recordings and multitasking with zero stress.

Remember, not all phones come with expandable storage. So if cloud saves and offloading media aren’t your thing, go bigger upfront.

The best big-storage phones we’ve got at JB right now? The Google Pixel 11 Pro, Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Pro Max, as well as the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, all built to take on serious mobile gaming without slowing down.