Mobile gaming is more popular than ever and smartphones today are designed with that in mind. They’ve become faster, more powerful, and hold more RAM, all so you can have the best experience possible while gaming.
So, whether you’re a casual gamer looking for something light that can run your favourite games, or an esports gamer who needs the best hardware possible, browse through our resident expert’s recommendations below to find the best phone that will cater to your gaming needs!
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Table of Contents
Best Gaming Smartphones in Malaysia
Overview
nubia’s new Redmagic 9 Pro is one of the most powerful gaming smartphones on the market. Sporting a 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1,116 x 2,480 and a high refresh rate of 120Hz, it boasts a touch sampling rate of up to 2,000Hz, making your gaming experience as smooth as butter.
Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, the phone can run just about any game you want, both casual and intense. Besides that, the device packs a robust 6,500mAh battery with an impressive 80W charging rate. The 22,000 RPM RGB cooling fans are pretty unique for its genre, ensuring the phone stays cool (in every sense)!
REDMAGIC Pro 9 Specifications
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)
- Display: 6.8” AMOLED, 120Hz, 1600 nits (peak)
- Memory: up to 16GB RAM
- Storage: up to 512GB
- Rear Camera: 50MP + 50MP + 2MP
- Front Camera: 16MP
- Battery: 6500mAh
- Operating System: Redmagic OS 9
- Weight: 229 g
- Dimensions: 164 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm
What Our Expert Says
The combination of Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 + LPDDR5X RAM + ICE 13.0 cooling system on the Redmagic 9 Pro delivers an amazing and stunning gaming experience. Besides that, the 6500mAh battery capacity combined with the 80W charging speed also allows you to game to your heart’s desire without worrying about power!
On the display side, the selfie camera is hidden on the 93.3% high screen ratio display, allowing you to have a super stunning visual experience.
Since we are talking about heavy gaming, eye protection is very important for me as well. This phone comes with 2160Hz PWM Dynamic Dimming technology, so your eyes are well protected even when you’re gaming in low light.
Who Is It For?
The REDMAGIC Pro 9 is for the most avid mobile gamers, as it has all the hardware and software for intense gaming. Whether you’re looking to go for a bout of COD or an adventure in Genshin Impact, the REDMAGIC Pro 9 will be right there with you.
Overview
The vivo X100 Pro is one of the best camera phones on the market right now, but it’s also packed with a powerful processor and other amazing features that make it a great gaming phone too. The first ever phone equipped with the Mediatek Dimensity 9300 processor, it’s powerful enough to deal with all your daily tasks and gaming!
Besides that, the vivo X100 Pro also comes with a 5400mAh ultra-large capacity battery with 100W FlashCharge technology, which is great for long periods of gaming with minimal downtime!
vivo X100 Pro Specifications
- Processor: Mediatek Dimensity 9300 (4 nm)
- Display: 6.78” LTPO AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 3000 nits (peak)
- Memory: up to 16GB RAM
- Storage: up to 1TB ROM
- Rear Camera: Triple camera, 50MP + 50MP + 50MP with ZEISS optics
- Front Camera: 32MP
- Battery: 5400mAh
- Operating System: Android 14, FunTouch 14
- Weight: 225 g
- Dimensions: 164.1 x 75.3 x 8.9 mm
What Our Expert Says
Powered by MediaTek Dimensity 9300, the vivo X100 Pro is just as good as any Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 phone. In fact, you can also get frame rate interpolation as well as super game resolution with the help of the vivo V3 chip!
This phone not only can take stunning night photos and amazing portraits as well. Its telescope lens performs just as well as a flagship phone should!
Who Is It For?
Photography during the day and gamer during the night (or vice versa)? You’ll need a phone that can power both your gaming sessions and take stunning photography—look no further than the vivo X100 Pro, which does just about everything and then more with its powerful processor and advanced camera setup!
Overview
The iQOO 12 is not just great for games like Genshin Impact but it is also great for taking photos. Games such as Genshin Impact can take a toll on your phone due to the graphics and memory, causing your phone to heat up or its performance to suffer. However, thanks to the combo of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the 16GB RAM, and the 6K Vapor Chamber Four-Zone Cooling System, the iQOO 12 is an impressive gaming phone more than capable of taking on Genshin Impact.
The display allows 144 FPS interpolation, allowing a truly immersive gaming experience. Of course, it still manages to be easy on the eyes thanks to the 2160 Hz PWM Dimming and Anti-Fatigue Brightness Adjustment Strategy to ensure your eyes don’t suffer even after prolonged use.
iQOO 12 Specifications
- Processor: Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm)
- Display: LTPO4 AMOLED, 1B colours, 144Hz, HDR10+, 1800 nits (peak)
- Memory: up to 16GB RAM
- Storage: up to 512 GB ROM
- Rear Camera: Triple Camera 50MP + 13MP + 64MP
- Front Camera: 16MP
- Battery: 5000 mAh
- Operating System: Funtouch 14, Android 14, Origin OS4
- Weight: 207 g
- Dimensions: 164.9 x 77.1 x 8.7 mm
What Our Expert Says
When it comes to gaming, the iQOO 12 is also one of my most recommended phones. I can enjoy the best gaming experience at a low price point, which is a really convincing trait.
The power of Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC + 16GB RAM + Q1 GPU chipset works really well in Genshin Impact. It can also interpret extra frame rates of up to 72FPS & game resolutions of up to 908P. You can get a top-notch Genshin gaming experience for just a little over RM3000.
Plus, if you’re also a budding mobile photographer, the iQOO 12 sports a pretty robust camera setup compared to other gaming smartphones. Its camera is good enough to support daily scenarios as well as portrait photos.
Who Is It For?
If you are an avid gamer and a fan of photography, the iQOO 12 is the perfect match for you. It can handle games like Genshin Impact with ease and the camera can take stunning photos at night or portraits or detailed photos thanks to its Triple Camera System.
Overview
If you want a gaming phone with all the specs like the other gaming phones but you’re under a tight budget, look no further than the POCO X6 Pro. It has a high-speed performance thanks to the Mediatek Dimensity 8300 Ultra Processor, allowing for stronger peak performance such as playing large games but retaining the smooth gaming experience.
Don’t worry about your phone heating up though, thanks to the Liquid Cool Technology which provides flagship-level heat dissipation.
Thanks to its Crystal Res 1.5K Flow AMOLED DotDisplay, you can immerse yourself in gaming without worrying about your eyes due to the 1920 Hz PWM to keep your eyes comfortable.
POCO X6 Pro Specifications
- Processor: Mediatek Dimensity 8300 Ultra (4 nm)
- Display: Crystal Res 1.5K Flow AMOLED DotDisplay, 6B colours, 120 Hz, HDR10+, 1800 nits (peak)
- Memory: up to 12GB RAM
- Storage: up to 512GB ROM
- Rear Camera: Triple Camera 64MP + 8MP + 2MP with OIS
- Front Camera: 16MP
- Battery: 5000 mAh
- Operating System: Xiaomi Hyper OS
- Weight: 186 g
- Dimensions: 160.45 x 74.34 x 8.25 mm
What Our Expert Says
The 512GB large storage and the MediaTek Dimensity 8300U are the two main reasons why I think the POCO X6 Pro is the best budget gaming phone under RM1500. With these specifications, you can play a lot of GPU-demanding games including Genshin Impact and PUBG; you’ll also get extra storage to store your personal stuff. Plus, it also has a really durable battery life, which is another thing I would recommend for a gaming smartphone!
Who Is It For?
The POCO X6 Pro is great for those who are on a tight budget but want a good gaming phone as the specs of this phone make it almost on par with the more expensive gaming phones on the market. Its highlight is the 67W Turbo Charging, taking 45 minutes to get to 100% while being able to have a long-lasting battery life.
Overview
For gamers on a budget, the HONOR Magic5 is one of the most optimal choices to go for as your next gaming phone. It is packed with a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, allowing for a great gaming performance for games like Call of Duty and more.
The OLED Curved Display allows for a super dynamic display, allowing you to be completely immersed in the games as you play or in the videos you watch.
The HONOR Magic5 also comes with a large capacity 5100 mAh battery with a 66W supercharge, allowing you to have long periods of gaming and only 47 minutes to fully charge before you can resume.
HONOR Magic5 Specifications
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
- Display: OLED Curved Display, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1800 nits (peak)
- Memory: up to 12GB RAM
- Storage: up to 512GB ROM
- Rear Camera: Triple Camera 50MP + 50MP + 50MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
- Battery: 5100 mAh
- Operating System: Android 13, Magic OS 7.1
- Weight: 191 g
- Dimensions: 161.4 x 75.5 x 7.8 mm
What Our Expert Says
The HONOR Magic5’s official RRP is RM3499, but you can actually get it for a lower price now since the HONOR Magic6 just released. Despite being a last-generation phone, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is still a very powerful SoC that can support most gaming without any issues.
Who Is It For?
Gaming on the HONOR Magic5 feels like gaming on a phone that is twice the price as it has all the specifications you need. It can load games like CODM or Genshin Impact pretty smoothly. Although it can get a bit warm, it doesn’t get to the point of being uncomfortable to hold. So, the HONOR Magic5 is a great phone that performs well above its price range, making it a perfect choice for those on a budget or just wanting to save money.
Overview
The Xiaomi 13T is one of the best Android gaming phones money can buy which is also affordable, a plus for those on a budget. With the Mediatek Dimensity 9200+, you can expect superb gaming performance with extreme efficiency. Plus, thanks to the 144Hz Adaptive Sync display, you can easily game, watch videos, and read on your phone as the screen adapts to an optimal frame rate for a smooth and comfortable experience.
If you also like photography, this phone is also perfect for mobile photography thanks to the Triple Camera with LEICA professional camera system where you can achieve a great balance of photos and have customization at your fingertips with the LEICA Custom Photographic Style.
Xiaomi 13T Pro Specifications
- Processor: Mediatek Dimensity 9200+ (4nm)
- Display: CrystalRes AMOLED, 68B colors, 144Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 2600 nits (peak)
- Memory: up to 16GB RAM
- Storage: up to 1TB ROM
- Rear Camera: Triple Camera 50MP + 50MP + 12MP
- Front Camera: 20MP
- Battery: 5000 mAh
- Operating System: Android 13 (can upgrade to Android 14), Hyper OS
- Weight: 206g
- Dimensions: 162.2 x 75.7 x 8.5mm
What Our Expert Says
If you’re not a curved-screen lover, then the Xiaomi 13T is a good alternative for the HONOR Magic5, with the extra perk of being cheaper too!
Who Is It For?
The Xiaomi 13T is one of the best Android gaming phones that does well above its price range. Plus aside from being able to handle games, it also has great camera qualities for those who want more from their phones other than gaming.
ProductNation’s Other Recommendations
Overview
The ROG Phone 8 Pro is a quality phone to be used as a gaming phone, having all the right capabilities and specifications expected of a great gaming phone. Thanks to the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor combined with the 24GB RAM, this gaming phone is capable of handling games like Genshin Impact, being able to push past 60FPS. Plus, this phone has a 165HZ refresh rate, the first in the ROG phone line, making it work very well for your gaming.
Of course, any phone, gaming or not, should have a good camera. The ROG Phone 8 Pro has decent enough specs and photo quality that can handle daily photography or even professional photos thanks to Pro mode.
ROG Phone 8 Pro Specifications
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm)
- Display: LTPO AMOLED, 1B Colors, 165Hz, HDR10+, 2500 nits (peak)
- Memory: up to 24GB RAM
- Storage: up to 1TB ROM
- Rear Camera: Triple Camera 50MP + 32MP + 13MP with OIS
- Front Camera: 32MP
- Battery: 5500 mAh
- Operating System: Android 14
- Weight: 225g
- Dimensions: 163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9mm
Who Is It For?
With plenty of RAM space, a powerful processor, a vibrant display, and a long battery life, the ROG Phone 8 Pro is overall great for gaming, watching videos, and more.
Overview
Gaming phones’ batteries tend to drain fast or take a while to charge due to the larger capacity, causing you to lose precious gaming time. Thanks to the Infinix Note 30 Pro, you don’t have to worry about that anymore. With the 5000 mAh battery, this phone is made to last for a long while and the 68W All Round Fast Charge can get the phone to 80% in just 30 minutes.
Sometimes, while charging your phone, you still want to play your games but risk overheating the phone. Well, thanks to the Bypass Charge, the current bypasses the phone battery and supplies power directly to the main board, allowing the temperature of the phone to be controllable so you can game as you charge.
Infinix Note 30 Pro Specifications
- Processor: Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm)
- Display: AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 900 nits (peak)
- Memory: up to 8GB RAM
- Storage: up to 256GB ROM
- Rear Camera: Triple Camera 108MP + 2MP + 2MP
- Front Camera: 32MP
- Battery: 5000 mAh
- Operating System: Android 13
- Weight: 203g
- Dimensions: 162.7 x 76 x 8.2mm
Who Is It For?
This gaming phone is great for those who want a long-lasting battery and fast charging so you can keep using your phone, either for gaming or daily use. This gaming phone may be on the affordable side but is still strong enough to run a game like Genshin Impact smoothly.
Overview
The latest addition to the Galaxy S series, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is perfect for mobile photography, daily use, and now gaming too. The phone has a Quad Camera with a 200MP wide camera and with 1.6x larger pixels and wider Tele OIS, making photos brighter and distant subjects more stunning, day or night.
Thanks to the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, it is the most hyper-realistic mobile gameplay yet, with faster processing for all the gameplay you want.
The Dynamic AMOLED display retains all the same qualities as the Galaxy S23 Ultra although it hits 2600 nits at peak. Despite the bright and vivid display, the screen is still easy on the eyes.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Specifications
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm)
- Display: Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2x, 120Hz, HDR10+, 2600 nits (peak)
- Memory: up to 12GB RAM
- Storage: up to 1TB ROM
- Rear Camera: Quad Camera 200MP + 10MP + 50MP + 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
- Battery: 5000 mAh
- Operating System: Android 14
- Weight: 233g
- Dimensions: 162.3 x 79 x 8.6mm
Who Is It For?
This is not just a phone for those who like gaming, this is a phone for the most avid mobile photographers who want more out of their phone. And with the Galaxy AI, you will most certainly get that and so much more.
Expert FAQ
- How do you choose a gaming smartphone?
Outstanding GPU performance (game resolution/frame rate booster feature is a PLUS!) > Durable battery life > Fast charging: These are my requirements/standards for choosing a perfect gaming phone.
Besides that, the chipset and RAM capacity is a very important requirement for a good gaming experience. An additional built-in graphics card like the vivo V3 chip in recent vivo and iQOO phones and HONOR’s discrete display chipset is great for graphics enhancement too, especially when playing graphics-heavy games like Genshin Impact.
- Why do you need a good gaming smartphone?
As a hardcore fan of Genshin Impact, I will spend 1-2 hours a day minimum on the game, and up to 6 hours if there’s a new update of the game. Therefore, I’ll need a reliable gaming phone that can keep up with this heavy usage without overheating.
If you’re like me, you’ll likely need a good gaming smartphone too. Regular smartphones often put their focus on other aspects, like the camera setup; gaming smartphones are made especially for gaming, so they have more powerful chipsets and robust cooling mechanisms to avoid overheating.
- In your opinion, what are the top smartphone brands in Malaysia?
Redmagic and iQOO are some brands that make great gaming phones with robust specs and features. The latter even keeps their price affordable!
- Snapdragon vs MediaTek vs Exynos: Which is better for gaming?
Snapdragon is considered a leader in the industry, so I would say the better option is still Snapdragon, as it has a more stable performance for long-term usage. That said, MediaTek has also been catching up in recent years, so I’m looking forward to 2025 when it can finally come out on top!
[Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the Expert and do not completely reflect the views or positions of ProductNation.]
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