Top 7 Gaming Smartphones with High Refresh Rate Displays: In the world of mobile gaming, performance isn’t just about a powerful chipset or extended battery life. For many gamers, the display is the true battlefield. Smooth graphics, responsive touch, and immersive visuals elevate the gaming experience from good to unforgettable. One feature that has become a game-changer is the high refresh rate display.

A high refresh rate (90Hz, 120Hz, or even 165Hz) ensures that visuals refresh more frequently per second, making animations fluid and reducing motion blur. For competitive gamers, this difference can mean landing that perfect headshot or losing a critical match. In this blog, we’ll dive into the top 7 gaming smartphones with high refresh rate displays in 2025, breaking down what makes each device stand out for hardcore and casual gamers alike.

Top 7 Gaming Smartphones with High Refresh Rate Displays

1. Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro

The Asus ROG (Republic of Gamers) lineup has always been a synonym for ultimate gaming smartphones, and the ROG Phone 8 Pro carries that legacy forward.

Refresh Rate: 165Hz AMOLED
Display Size: 6.78 inches, HDR10+
Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, up to 24GB RAM
Battery: 6000mAh with 65W fast charging

The ROG Phone 8 Pro is a beast, designed exclusively for gamers. With its 165Hz panel, it offers buttery-smooth gameplay, even in graphically demanding titles like PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact. Asus adds extra flair with customizable AirTriggers, a cooling system, and side-mounted USB-C ports so you can charge while playing comfortably.

Why it’s special: The ROG Phone 8 Pro isn’t just a phone—it’s a handheld gaming console with smartphone features.

2. iPhone 15 Pro Max

Apple may not market its devices as “gaming phones,” but the iPhone 15 Pro Max is a powerhouse for mobile gaming.

Refresh Rate: 120Hz ProMotion OLED
Display Size: 6.7 inches, Super Retina XDR
Performance: A17 Pro chip, ray tracing support
Battery: 4422mAh, optimized efficiency

The iPhone 15 Pro Max’s 120Hz ProMotion display adapts dynamically to conserve power, but when gaming, it delivers unmatched responsiveness. Thanks to Apple’s custom GPU with hardware-accelerated ray tracing, games like Resident Evil Village or Assassin’s Creed Mirage (exclusive on iOS) look stunning.

Why it’s special: It balances gaming and everyday use seamlessly with cutting-edge efficiency and console-quality graphics.

3. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Samsung’s flagship has long been admired for its incredible display technology, and the Galaxy S24 Ultra doesn’t disappoint.

Refresh Rate: 120Hz LTPO AMOLED 2X (adaptive 1–120Hz)
Display Size: 6.8 inches, Quad HD+ resolution
Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, up to 16GB RAM
Battery: 5000mAh with 45W charging

The Galaxy S24 Ultra features one of the most color-accurate displays on the market, making it a delight for gamers who love immersive visuals. The adaptive refresh rate ensures efficiency while still maintaining smooth gameplay. Add the S Pen into the mix, and this phone offers more than just gaming—it’s an all-around productivity beast.

Why it’s special: The S24 Ultra is a premium all-rounder, combining stunning visuals with top-tier performance.

4. OnePlus 12R

OnePlus has always appealed to users seeking speed and smoothness, and the OnePlus 12R is one of the most affordable high-refresh-rate gaming devices available today.

Refresh Rate: 120Hz Fluid AMOLED
Display Size: 6.74 inches, HDR10+
Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, up to 16GB RAM
Battery: 5500mAh with 100W SuperVOOC charging

The OnePlus 12R offers a vibrant display with silky touch response, making it ideal for competitive gamers. Its OxygenOS software further enhances gaming through the Gaming Mode, minimizing distractions and maximizing GPU resources.

Why it’s special: Affordable yet powerful, the 12R gives gamers premium performance without breaking the bank.

5. RedMagic 9 Pro

The RedMagic series from Nubia is often overlooked, but it’s a hidden gem for serious mobile gamers.

Refresh Rate: 165Hz AMOLED
Display Size: 6.8 inches, FHD+ resolution
Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, up to 16GB RAM
Battery: 6500mAh with 80W fast charging

This phone is engineered for gaming, featuring an internal cooling fan, shoulder triggers, and a dedicated gaming chipset. The 165Hz refresh rate ensures it can handle the most intense gaming marathons. Its massive battery also keeps you going longer without worrying about charging.

Why it’s special: Built for gamers, by gamers—this phone brings console-like features to your pocket.

6. Xiaomi 13T Pro

Xiaomi continues to deliver excellent value devices, and the 13T Pro is a performance-packed mid-tier flagship that doesn’t skimp on display quality.

Refresh Rate: 144Hz CrystalRes AMOLED
Display Size: 6.67 inches, HDR10+
Performance: MediaTek Dimensity 9200+, up to 16GB RAM
Battery: 5000mAh with 120W HyperCharge

The Xiaomi 13T Pro combines a bright, vivid display with high refresh rates and ultra-fast charging, perfect for mobile gamers who need quick top-ups between sessions. Its price-to-performance ratio makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious players.

Why it’s special: Blazing-fast charging with a display that punches above its weight class.

7. Poco F5 Pro

Poco has established itself as a gamer-friendly brand, and the F5 Pro cements that reputation.

Refresh Rate: 120Hz AMOLED
Display Size: 6.67 inches, WQHD+
Performance: Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, up to 12GB RAM
Battery: 5160mAh with 67W turbo charging

The Poco F5 Pro is designed for affordability and performance. Its 120Hz display combined with a WQHD+ resolution ensures clear, smooth visuals. While it may not have all the gaming-specific extras like shoulder triggers, its hardware is more than capable of handling today’s demanding mobile titles.

Why it’s special: A budget-friendly option that still delivers smooth gaming visuals.

FAQs

What is a refresh rate, and why does it matter for gaming?

The refresh rate refers to how many times per second a display updates the image, measured in Hertz (Hz). Higher refresh rates (like 120Hz or 165Hz) mean smoother animations and reduced motion blur, which improves reaction times and overall gaming experience.

Is 120Hz enough for mobile gaming?

Yes, 120Hz is more than enough for most gamers. However, if you’re playing fast-paced competitive games, 144Hz or 165Hz can provide an edge in responsiveness.

Do higher refresh rates drain battery faster?

Yes, higher refresh rates consume more power, but many modern smartphones use adaptive refresh rate technology, automatically adjusting based on content to save battery life.

Which phone is the best value-for-money gaming device?

The OnePlus 12R and Poco F5 Pro offer incredible value, giving you flagship-like gaming performance at a mid-range price.

Can iPhones compete with dedicated gaming phones?

Absolutely. The iPhone 15 Pro Max, with its A17 Pro chip and ProMotion display, delivers console-quality graphics and performance, rivaling even dedicated gaming smartphones.