The 10 Best iPhones for Gaming (Full Guide + Comparisons)
- Epic Tech Tips
- Nov 18
- 9 min read
Our Top Picks
Best overall gaming iPhone – iPhone 17 Pro Max
Best for hardcore gamers – iPhone 17 Pro
Best compact Pro gaming – iPhone 16 Pro
Best compact Pro value – iPhone 15 Pro
Best starter gaming iPhone – iPhone 15
Mobile gaming in 2025 is bigger than ever, and choosing the right iPhone can make a big difference in how your games look and feel. Apple’s latest chips and displays give players smoother and faster gameplay.
Many iPhones now offer features like 120Hz screens, stronger cooling, and powerful GPUs. These upgrades help games run at high settings without slowing down.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best iPhones for gaming in 2025 so you can pick the one that fits your needs and budget.
Which one do you want to buy?
iPhone 17 Pro Max
iPhone 16 Pro Max
iPhone 15 Pro Max
iPhone 16 Pro
Also read:
10 Best iPhone Models for Gaming
1. iPhone 17 Pro Max
iPhone 17 Pro Max currently Apple's best iPhone, built for serious gaming and all-day use. It pairs a huge 6.9-inch OLED display with Apple’s A19 Pro chip for smooth, console-style graphics.
Pricing in the Philippines starts from around $1199 for the iPhone 17 Pro line, with Pro Max models higher depending on storage. For gamers who want max power and battery life, this is the top choice.
iPhone 17 Pro Max is ideal if you want the fastest iPhone gaming experience right now. Its big, bright screen, powerful chip, and long battery life make it the most complete choice for mobile gamers.
2. iPhone 17 Pro
iPhone 17 Pro is one of the best iPhone, giving top power in a hand-friendly size. Its 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display and A19 Pro chip make games, photos, and apps feel fast and smooth.
In the US, iPhone 17 Pro starts at $1,099 for 256GB. It is a premium phone, but its performance, camera system, and long battery life give strong value to mobile gamers and heavy users.
Key features:
Display: 6.3" Super Retina XDR OLED
Brightness: 1000 nits, 3000-nit outdoor peak
GPU: A19 Pro chip, 6-core GPU
Screen refresh rate: ProMotion, up to 120Hz adaptive
Processor: 6-core CPU (2P,4E)
Cooling: Vapor chamber cooling for sustained performance
Storage: 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB
Weight: 206 grams (7.27 ounces)
Battery Life: Up to 33-hour video playback
iPhone 17 Pro gives you flagship-level gaming and pro features in a more compact body than the Pro Max. If you want smooth 120Hz visuals and strong battery life without the biggest size, this model strikes an excellent balance.
3. iPhone 17
iPhone 17 is a great choice for gamers and everyday users who want Pro-level features at a lower price. Its bright 6.3-inch ProMotion display and A19 chip make games and apps feel fast and smooth.
In the US, iPhone 17 starts at $799 for 256GB, giving you a lot of power and storage for the money. That makes it one of Apple’s best-value flagship iPhones if you want modern performance without the Pro price.
Key features:
Display: 6.3" Super Retina XDR OLED
Brightness: 1000 nits; 1600 HDR; 3000 outdoor
GPU: A19 chip, 5-core GPU
Screen refresh rate: ProMotion, up to 120Hz
Processor: 6-core CPU, 2P 4E
Cooling: Vapor chamber cooling for sustained performance
Storage: 256GB or 512GB capacity
Weight: 177 grams (6.24 ounces)
Battery Life: Up to 30 hours video
iPhone 17 is a smart pick if you want smooth 120Hz gaming, strong battery life, and modern cameras without paying Pro prices. It delivers a balanced mix of performance, features, and value that fits many gamers and power users.
4. iPhone 16 Pro Max
iPhone 16 Pro Max is a great choice if you want a huge, bright display and the best battery life Apple offered before the iPhone 17 line. Its 6.9-inch OLED screen and A18 Pro chip deliver smooth gameplay and fast performance.
In the U.S., iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at $1,199. It’s a strong pick for gamers and creators who want Pro features without chasing the very newest model.
Key features:
Display: 6.9" Super Retina XDR OLED display
Brightness: 1000 nits; 1600 HDR; 2000 outdoor
GPU: A18 Pro chip, 6-core GPU
Screen refresh rate: ProMotion up to 120Hz adaptive
Processor: 6-core CPU, 2P + 4E
Storage: 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB
Weight: 227 grams (7.99 ounces)
Battery Life: Up to 33 hours video playback
For mobile gaming, iPhone 16 Pro Max still feels fast, smooth, and reliable. If you find it at a discount, it’s an excellent way to get big-screen Pro performance for less.
5. iPhone 16 Pro
iPhone 16 Pro is a great choice if you want strong gaming power in a smaller phone. Its 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display and A18 Pro chip keep big games smooth and sharp.
In the US, iPhone 16 Pro launched at $999, and now often sells for less through offers and resellers. It’s a strong mid-priced option if you want ProMotion and great cameras without paying 17-series prices.
Key features:
Display: 6.3" Super Retina XDR OLED
Brightness: 1000 nits; 1600 HDR; 2000 outdoor
GPU: A18 Pro chip, 6-core GPU
Screen refresh rate: ProMotion up to 120Hz
Processor: 6-core CPU, 2P + 4E
Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Weight: 199 grams (7.03 ounces)
Battery Life: Up to 27-hour video playback
For many mobile gamers, iPhone 16 Pro still delivers fast performance, a smooth 120Hz screen, and strong battery life in a comfortable size. If you can find a good deal, it’s an easy recommendation over many newer mid-range phones.
6. iPhone 16
iPhone 16 is a great pick if you want a modern iPhone for gaming, streaming, and everyday use without going Pro. Its 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen keeps games sharp and colorful.
In the US, iPhone 16 starts at $799, giving you a newer A18-powered device that still feels fast for everyday apps and popular mobile games.
Key features:
Display: 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED
Brightness: 1000 nits, 1600 HDR, 2000 outdoor
GPU: A18 chip with 5-core GPU
Screen refresh rate: Standard 60Hz refresh display
Processor: 6-core CPU, 2P 4E
Storage: 128GB internal storage
Weight: 170 grams (6.00 ounces)
Battery Life: Up to 22 hours video playback
iPhone 16 balances price, performance, and features well at $799. It’s an easy choice if you want a fresh iPhone that still handles modern games and daily tasks smoothly.
7. iPhone 16 Plus
iPhone 16 Plus is a great pick for anyone seeking a large-screen iPhone with strong battery life without stepping into the Pro price bracket. Priced at around $799, it offers a 6.7-inch OLED display and the A18 chip, making it smooth for games, videos, and everyday tasks.
With its aluminum frame, Ceramic Shield front, and refined design, the iPhone 16 Plus brings flagship style and performance in a more accessible tier. Its size and weight (199 g) make it comfortable for media and productivity use alike.
Key features:
Display: 6.7" Super Retina XDR OLED
Brightness: Up to 2000 nits outdoor peak
GPU: A18 chip with five-core GPU
Screen refresh rate: Standard 60Hz display
Processor: 6-core CPU (2P + 4E)
Storage : 128GB / 256GB / 512GB
RAM: 8GB memory
Weight: 199 grams
Battery Life: Up to 27-hour video playback
If you want a large display and long battery life while staying within a reasonable price, the iPhone 16 Plus strikes a compelling balance. It may not have the 120Hz refresh of Pro models, but for most gamers and media users it offers plenty of power and value.
8. iPhone 15 Pro Max
iPhone 15 Pro Max is a great choice if you want a powerful gaming and camera phone that still feels premium in 2025. The big 6.7-inch OLED screen, titanium frame, and Pro camera system also make it a strong all-round flagship.
It launched at $1,199 in the US for 256GB, so it sits above most standard flagships but often shows up in trade-in and carrier offers.
Key features:
Display: 6.7" Super Retina XDR OLED
Brightness: 1000 nits; 2000 nits outdoor peak
GPU: A17 Pro chip, 6-core GPU
Screen refresh rate: ProMotion up to 120Hz
Processor: 6-core CPU, 2 performance cores
Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB options
Weight: 221 grams (7.81 ounces)
Battery Life: Up to 29-hour video playback
For mobile gamers, iPhone 15 Pro Max still delivers smooth 120Hz performance and long battery life in a big display. If you find it at a good price, it’s an excellent Pro-level option that remains very capable in 2025.
9. iPhone 15 Plus
iPhone 15 Plus is a great big-screen iPhone for people who want a simple, modern phone that still feels fast. The 6.7-inch OLED display is perfect for watching videos, browsing, and casual gaming.
In the US, iPhone 15 Plus starts at $899 and runs on Apple’s A16 Bionic chip. It delivers strong everyday performance and camera quality without the higher price of the Pro models.
Key features:
Display: 6.7" Super Retina XDR OLED
Brightness: 1000 nits; 1600 HDR; 2000 outdoor
GPU: A16 Bionic, 5-core GPU
Screen refresh rate: Standard non-ProMotion display
Processor: 6-core CPU, 2P 4E
Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
Weight: 201 grams (7.09 ounces)
Battery Life: Up to 26-hour video playback
For bigger-screen gaming and streaming, iPhone 15 Plus still offers bright visuals and long battery life at $899. It’s a smart, more affordable alternative to Apple’s Pro models.
10. iPhone 15
iPhone 15 is a great choice if you want a modern iPhone with strong performance and a bright display at a lower price than the Pro models. Its 6.1-inch OLED screen and A16 Bionic chip handle everyday apps and popular games with ease.
In the US, iPhone 15 starts at $799, making it an attractive option if you want Apple’s latest design, USB-C, and Dynamic Island without crossing the $800 mark.
Key features:
Display: 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED
Brightness: 1000 nits; 1600 HDR; 2000 outdoor
GPU: A16 Bionic, 5-core GPU
Screen refresh rate: Standard 60Hz refresh rate
Processor: 6-core CPU, 2P 4E
Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
Weight: 171 grams (6.02 ounces)
Battery Life: Up to 20-hour video playback
iPhone 15 gives you a bright screen, solid A16 power, and good battery life at $799. It’s a strong all-rounder for casual gaming, streaming, and day-to-day use.
Gaming iPhones comparison table
Model | Display | GPU | Processor | Battery | Price |
iPhone 17 Pro Max | 6.9" Super Retina XDR, 120Hz | A19 Pro, 6-core GPU | 6-core CPU | Up to 37 hours | $1,199 |
iPhone 17 Pro | 6.3" Super Retina XDR, 120Hz | A19 Pro, 6-core GPU | 6-core CPU | Up to 33 hours | $1,099 |
iPhone 17 | 6.3" Super Retina XDR, 120Hz | A19, 5-core GPU | 6-core CPU | Up to 30 hours | $799 |
iPhone 16 Pro Max | 6.9" Super Retina XDR, 120Hz | A18 Pro, 6-core GPU | 6-core CPU | Up to 33 hours | $1,199 |
iPhone 16 Pro | 6.3" Super Retina XDR, 120Hz | A18 Pro, 6-core GPU | 6-core CPU | Up to 27 hours | $999 |
iPhone 16 Plus | 6.7" Super Retina XDR, 60Hz | A18, 5-core GPU | 6-core CPU | Up to 27 hours | $799 |
iPhone 16 | 6.1" Super Retina XDR, 60Hz | A18, 5-core GPU | 6-core CPU | Up to 22 hours | $799 |
iPhone 15 Pro Max | 6.7" Super Retina XDR, 120Hz | A17 Pro, 6-core GPU | 6-core CPU | Up to 29 hours | $1,199 |
iPhone 15 Pro | 6.1" Super Retina XDR, 120Hz | A17 Pro, 6-core GPU | 6-core CPU | Up to 23 hours | $999 |
iPhone 15 Plus | 6.7" Super Retina XDR, 60Hz | A16 Bionic, 5-core GPU | 6-core CPU | Up to 26 hours | $899 |
iPhone 15 | 6.1" Super Retina XDR, 60Hz | A16 Bionic, 5-core GPU | 6-core CPU | Up to 20 hours | $799 |
Criteria to consider when choosing a iPhone for gaming
Powerful chip and GPU for high frame rates
At least 120Hz display for smoother gameplay
Bright screen for outdoor or daylight gaming
Large battery for long gaming sessions
Good cooling so performance doesn’t throttle
Enough storage for big games and updates
Stable 5G and Wi-Fi for online matches
Comfortable size and weight for long holding
Good speakers or support for quality headphones
Long-term software support for future games
Conclusion
Picking the right iPhone for gaming in 2025 depends on what you value most: raw power, battery life, or price. The good news is that every model on this list can handle modern games.
If you want the best possible performance, Pro and Pro Max models with 120Hz displays are ideal. Budget-focused gamers can still enjoy smooth play on standard and Plus models.
Take a moment to match your favorite games, play style, and budget. The “best” gaming iPhone is the one that feels great in your hand and keeps up with you every day.
FAQs
Which iPhone is best for gaming in 2025?
The iPhone 17 Pro Max offers the best gaming performance thanks to its powerful A19 Pro chip, large display, and long battery life.
Do I need a 120Hz display for gaming?
No, but a 120Hz display makes games feel smoother and more responsive, especially in fast-paced shooters and racing games.
How much storage do gamers need on an iPhone?
At least 256GB is recommended since modern games often take up 10–20GB or more each.
Can older iPhones still run new games?
Yes, older models like the iPhone 15 series can run new games well, but may not support the highest settings or frame rates.
Does the iPhone overheat during long gaming sessions?
Newer models, especially Pro versions, include improved cooling to reduce heat, but extended high-intensity gaming may still warm the device.
Is the iPhone good for competitive gaming?
Yes. With powerful chips, fast touch response, and reliable connectivity, iPhones are widely used for competitive mobile gaming.