Best Smartphones

Best of 2021: Favorite gaming smartphones

A little something for every type of mobile gamer

Published

December 17, 2021

GadgetMatch

It’s that time of the year again, ladies and gentlemen! As the year 2021 comes to a close, we’d like to look back at some of the best gaming smartphones out there. Granted, of course, that at this point in time, anything can be a gaming smartphone. For these ten smartphones, they shine in their own way as they bring a different kind of power to the table.

In no particular order, here are the ten best gaming smartphones for 2021! For this year, however, we’d like to break them down into three main categories to suit everyone’s interests.

Hardcore favorites suitable for the best

ASUS ROG Phone 5

To kick things off, the ASUS ROG Phone 5 is an obvious inclusion on this list especially for the hardcore gamers out there. From inside-out, this device just screams “gaming power” however you want to use it. For those who are unaware, the ROG Phone 5 sports ridiculous hardware inside, a high refresh rate display, great cameras, and a rather flashy design factor.

What makes this phone a cut above the rest, as well would be the peripherals you can use with it to maximize your gameplay. Apart from the Air Triggers, there’s the Aero Active Cooler 5 to keep the heat in check. Also, this phone also supports most ROG peripherals like gaming mice if you want to elevate your gameplay! The ROG Phone 5 provides a full hardcore gamer package in your pocket!

Lenovo Legion Phone Duel 2

Another banger addition to this list is the Lenovo Legion Phone Duel 2, which shines in its own little way. Much like the previous entry, this gaming smartphone packs a punch in terms of gaming performance for the competitive ones. Although, it doesn’t necessarily come with the same set of freebies; what you see is what you get!

With this gaming smartphone, however, it comes with some incredible features to take your creativity to the next level. Apart from just playing the games, with the 44MP pop-up front camera, it gives you a way to stream your gameplay on your preferred platform with a facecam! Of course, the streaming functionality is built into the system so this phone makes gaming and streaming a lot easier.

Xiaomi Black Shark 4

If you needed a third option for your hardcore gaming needs, the Xiaomi Black Shark 4 is another great option for a gaming smartphone. Like the first two options, Xiaomi’s dedicated gaming smartphone is no slouch in delivering the performance a competitive gamer will need. Packed with a powerful processor, a high refresh rate display, and great RAM and storage options, it’s as straightforward as it could be when it comes to a true gaming smartphone.

Unlike the other two options above, the Black Shark 4 comes at a rather affordable price point for the hardware it wields. You could make an argument that it’s the more bang-for-your-buck option without sacrificing much in its features and performance. If you’re on a rather tight budget for the holidays, this is a viable option for a mobile gaming machine!

Dedicated for the semi-casual, semi-competitive

As it suggests, the next batch of smartphones put gaming on the spotlight more than the other features it comes with. These devices, in many ways, bring the gaming power to everyone, whether you play to compete or just to have fun. Let’s dive into the phones that made the cut:

realme narzo 30A

This year, realme continued to build on their dedicated lineup of budget gaming smartphones, the narzo. Earlier this year, they launched the second entry into the lineup in the realme narzo 30A designed for any type of mobile gamer out there. While it comes with features suitable for any use case, it truly shines in its capability to play any game with ease.

Of course, the 4GB RAM it brings will bring more question marks on competitive gaming performance. However, with a few tweaks, even mobile Esports titles will work on this phone with ease. Along with a huge battery, it gives you a ton of juice to continue playing for hours on end. Oh, did we mention that this won’t hurt your wallet, at all?

OPPO A94

Normally, you don’t associate OPPO with gaming smartphones, but the OPPO A94 managed to be a game changer (pun intended, obviously). On paper, it doesn’t seem quite like the gaming machine as the other options but it packs a punch on the gaming front. Of course, like most options in this category, it comes with a huge, fast-charging battery for longer play hours.

Of course, OPPO’s core as a camera smartphone is not lost in its gaming-centric machine. Its quad camera setup along with a 32MP selfie camera allows you to take great photos and videos during your downtime. It’s quite the all-rounder in that regard, that even semi-casual and semi-competitive players will get a kick out of it.

realme 8

While touted more as another all-around smartphone, the realme 8 focuses more on how well you could game with it on top of everything else. With a powerful processor and up to 8GB of RAM, you’d expect nothing less than great in terms of gaming performance — especially when playing competitive titles. If you’re more on the casual side, this device serves its purpose incredibly well, and then some.

When you’re not playing full-time (either casually or competitively), every other feature of the phone shines with it. From the big battery to the great quad-camera at the rear, it’s the ideal device for the more all-around type of gamer out there. Also, like other realme devices, this phone comes at a rather affordable price point.

Infinix HOT 11S

Infinix emerged from the shadows as one of the new players in the field, and they came into the light with a bang. To not be left behind in the fray, they enter into the mobile gaming space, as well; their weapon of choice: the Infinix HOT 11S. On the outside, it does look like a gaming device you can brag to your buddies. Inside, it’s a beast in its own right.

Much like its contemporaries, the Infinix HOT 11S sports a rather similar makeup internally. With this, it brings much needed gaming power that both casual and competitive players will enjoy with prolonged use. Outside of the gaming-centric features, it’s also a great smartphone to use when you’re just taking a break from the grind.

Smartphones you can play games on because, why not?

For the third and final category, we’ve included some smartphones here that surely deliver on the gaming front of things. However, these are smartphones that don’t necessarily focus on the gaming aspect too much. Still, if you want to experience all the good things in a smartphone, these ones are worth considering:

vivo V21 5G

Much like OPPO, vivo wasn’t a smartphone brand that you would think of when it came to gaming smartphones. However, that doesn’t particularly mean that you can’t game on them, and the vivo V21 5G has something to say about that. Consider this phone as more of both a gaming and photography device, with a little bit of flash in there.

The hardware in this device is no slouch with handling most tasks you throw at it, whether for productivity or gaming. Of course, this also comes with a rather large, fast-charging battery to assist in handling all those tasks simultaneously. Along with some powerful cameras and 5G connectivity, it’s a jack-of-all-trades machine that isn’t limited to gaming at its core.

realme GT Master Edition

Glad to find another mobile game I can somewhat enjoy

At first, the realme GT Master Edition would have been better in the earlier category since realme has put gaming at its forefront. However, this device is different in the sense that, well, it’s not just a smartphone that was gamer-first, everything-second. Instead, it opts to let every little use case shine and be a master in its own right, and the hardware backs it up quite well.

Whether you’re watching gameplay or creating the gameplay yourself, this phone will do it all for you. Even on the gaming front, you still have a high refresh rate display to take advantage of, if you’re keen on elevating your gameplay. Plus, it comes with a great set of cameras that deliver great image quality when it’s all said and done. It’s a device that’s so good at everything that using it for gaming alone is selling it short.

Redmi Note 10S

While it isn’t as remotely powerful as the other options, the Redmi Note 10S is a great option if you’re in need of an all-around performer for both productivity and gaming. Across the board, it’s a great midrange option for anyone looking for a new smartphone, moreso if you need one to play mobile games on. Of course, it also comes with a big battery to satisfy your long-term usage.

What made this phone a viable option for gaming is MIUI’s Game Turbo to help you achieve competitive-level performance. In essence, this allows you to finetune specific games to play close to 60 FPS, which is the preferred way for most people. At a rather budget-friendly price, this device gives you everything you’d want in an all-around smartphone.

Best Smartphones

Best smartphones above $600 you should consider

These are the top phones we’ve used and loved!

Published

July 8, 2025

GadgetMatch

So, you’re ready to splurge a little. Maybe you’ve had your current phone for a few years now or you just want the latest and greatest tech in your pocket.

This list is for those who don’t mind spending more, because they know what they want: top-tier cameras, stunning displays, and flagship-level performance that actually delivers.

These are the smartphones we’ve personally used and loved.

HONOR Magic7 Pro

The HONOR Magic7 Pro is a well-rounded flagship smartphone. It takes the best parts of its predecessors and learns from the other smartphones in HONOR’s lineup that came before it. What you get is a finely tuned companion that finally delivers on its AI promise while making remarkable improvements in mobile photography.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra feels like a perfect match finally arriving at the right time. It’s lighter, more refined, and easier to love. With reliable long-distance shooting, powerful AI tools like Gemini, and a design that just works, it’s the kind of phone that quietly becomes your favorite without needing to shout for attention.

vivo X200 Pro

The all-around flexibility the vivo X200 Pro offers offers with its powerful trio of cameras doesn’t limit any future user from using the phone past its limits of “just” great at taking concert photos.

The phone is power-packed with its ultra-rich 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display, more than sufficient 6000mAh Si/C battery, speedy 90W charging, and MediaTek’s Dimensity 9400 SoC based on a very efficient 3nm process. What more can you ever ask for?

OnePlus 13

While the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has better cameras, better sound, and an S-Pen, the OnePlus 13 has the same powerful processor, an even brighter display, and super-fast wired and wireless charging. It even has an ecosystem of accessories from power banks, to magnetic chargers.

At the end of the day, you’d be hard pressed to find a better deal than what the OnePlus 13 is offering.

OPPO Find N5

Foldable phone users all struggle with battery life problems. But the OPPO Find N5 has finally got it solved. The technology is so good that even in a slim and light form factor.

We have OPPO to thank for really innovating in this space. For pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

ROG Phone 9 Pro

The ROG Phone 9 Pro is one of the best gaming phones you can get today. From an amazing camera to a top-tier processor, there’s nothing that ROG’s latest flagship can’t do.

Plus, it has a bunch of quirky frills — like the AniMe Vision — that make it all the punchier. It’s not just your typical gaming phone with over-the-top specs; it actually has a personality.

vivo X200

Even without the “Pro” branding, the vivo X200 is still Pro-grade in most aspects. It deserves a spotlight of its own and shouldn’t just be hiding in the shadow of its bigger brother. It’s a beast that needs to be unleashed in the wild.

Xiaomi 15

Small but mighty, the Xiaomi 15 delivers flagship-level performance in a more compact body. It’s proof that great power doesn’t always need a big frame, though that also means the overall experience depends a lot on how the size feels in your hand.

If you prefer lighter, smaller phones, this one’s a pint-sized powerhouse. But don’t take our word for it: we always recommend trying it in-store first, especially if you’re coming from a larger device. For many, this might just be the perfect fit.

POCO F7 Ultra

With flagship power at a fraction of the price, the POCO F7 Ultra is one of the best-value phones you can buy. It’s fast, lightweight, and loaded with top-tier specs.

iPhone 16e

In the past, the iPhone SE did feel like a phone with plenty of compromises. However, the iPhone 16e definitely feels like a phone that delivers on all THE essentials.

It hits the sweet spot, everywhere it matters. And like they say in their launch video, “it brings the iPhone 16 experience to even more people.”

Honorable mentions

Huawei Mate XT

The tri-fold smartphone segment is still in its infancy, so we can’t really give a true recommendation yet. But we’d be remiss if we didn’t give the Huawei Mate XT its flowers for starting off the segment with a bang.

The Huawei Mate XT offers the most screen real estate in a smartphone today. It offers so many configurations for so many different uses.

Xiaomi 15 Ultra

With a massive 1-inch sensor, Leica-engineered optics, and a camera system built to impress, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra has every right to wear the “Ultra” name.

It’s a true photography-first flagship that held its own–even against serious challengers like the vivo X200 Pro–especially in portraits, selfies, and low-light zoom.

While its overall tuning leans toward the cooler, more dramatic side, the hardware is undeniably top-tier. If mobile photography is your priority, the 15 Ultra is one of the best tools you can carry.

OPPO Find X8 Ultra (China-only)

The OPPO Find X8 Ultra got the best of everything you could want in a smartphone — including some of the best phone cameras ever made.

It stands as a testament to what companies outside of our western bubble have to offer. A showcase of how amazing a phone company OPPO is. And what it’s capable of.

It’s just a shame that most people, apart from real tech fans, won’t even know that it has one big caveat: it’s China-exclusive availability.

vivo X200 Ultra (China-only)

Built for serious mobile photography, the vivo X200 Ultra pairs ZEISS optics with dual imaging chips and pro-level features. It’s a powerhouse designed to replace your bulky camera gear.

Editor’s Note: Only smartphones we’ve reviewed and tested ourselves are included in this list to ensure accurate and experience-based recommendations.

Best Smartphones

Best midrange smartphones under $599 to buy right now

These midrange phones punch above their price!

Published

July 8, 2025

GadgetMatch

Midrange phones have been leveling up, and it’s honestly harder than ever to tell them apart from flagships, until you see the price tag.

If you want excellent performance, premium design, and a camera that won’t let you down (without shelling out), this is the sweet spot.

We picked these phones not just for what they promise, but for how they felt when we used them.

Infinix NOTE 50 Pro+ 5G

The top variant under Infinix’s latest NOTE series feels like an embarrassment of riches. It’s mainly still a gaming phone but you get a lot of extra gravy as well. Everything feels premium about it, for a lot less.

There’s a complete suite of AI features, a capable camera system that lets you capture detail at up to 6X zoom, and everything else in between.

TECNO CAMON 40 Premier

With a competitive price of around US$ 395 (PhP 21,999 SRP in the Philippines), the TECNO CAMON 40 Premier is a true blue midranger. It’s hard to resist this marvelous midranger for all the compelling package it offers.

At this point, “flagship killer” is an overstatement. Other phone brands should fear that such a “midrange destroyer” exists.

Nothing Phone (3a) and (3a) Pro

There’s plenty to love about Nothing as a company — and a lot of it has to do with its brand ethos. Rooted in thoughtfulness and how it values good design, the Nothing Phone 3a Series is just that.

A well-rounded midranger that punches above its price point. Both in terms of looks and the overall experience.

realme 14 Pro+ 5G

The realme 14 Pro+ 5G is among the best mid-rangers you can get right now. It comes with impressive cameras with improved features, AI integration, and even triple IP ratings for dust and water resistance.

The phone has also been upgraded in other aspects like battery life, display, grip, and overall performance to make it a device you’d expect for 2025.

POCO X7 Pro

Though we reviewed the Iron Man Edition, the regular POCO X7 Pro is just as recommendable without the Marvel stylings. It’s a true midrange phone. It won’t wow you with impressive processing power, but its camera quality and hardy battery are stellar when compared to others in its price range.

Plus, if you shell out PhP 3,000 more (in markets where it’s available), you can get a fancier Iron Man Edition that helps you really stand out in a crowd.

Google Pixel 9a

In the US where the incredible Chinese midrangers are not available, the Google Pixel 9a is a run for its money.

In terms of the core experience, you’re actually getting a surprisingly similar phone. That’s compared to all the pricier US midrangers such as the iPhone 16e, OnePlus 13R, and Samsung Galaxy S24 FE.

vivo V50

vivo bringing the ZEISS treatment to the midrange class isn’t something we should brush off lightly. It’s a bold move to bring all the imaging mastery in such a midranger — which barely felt mid at all.

Pair that with its one of a kind Aura Light feature, it’s a smartphone you just cannot ignore. For all the special feats the vivo V50 possesses, it’s simply a unique phone.

HONOR 400

With emotional portrait AI, sleek design, and reliable all-day power, the HONOR 400 is a thoughtful midrange companion, making it perfect for everyday storytellers who shoot from the heart.

CMF Phone 2 Pro

Nothing’s sub-brand, CMF, proves that fashion isn’t exclusive to the flagship segment. It’s not the most powerful device (and it’s only a small step up from its predecessor), but it’s a worthy midrange device if you’re coming from older devices.

The phone offers decent camera work and an extra durable battery that can last for more than a day.

POCO F7

Fast, efficient, and priced just right, the POCO F7 delivers snappy performance that punches above its class. While the cameras are basic, everything else makes this an easy Swipe Right.

Editor’s Note: Only smartphones we’ve reviewed and tested ourselves are included in this list to ensure accurate and experience-based recommendations.

Best Smartphones

2023 GadgetMatch Approved Smartphones

2023 smartphones that deserve the GadgetMatch Seal of Approval

Published

December 19, 2023

Vincenz and GadgetMatch

It’s the time of the year again!

ICYMI, we haven’t reviewed all smartphones released this year. Despite that, there are still 23 smartphones from 2023 (not intentional, btw) that were able to make the cut and bagged GadgetMatch’s very own Seal of Approval.

Reviewed by different members of the team with varying preferences and personalities, smartphones in this list weren’t limited to the premium line as it also tackles the budget and midrange segment, as well as foldables and flippables.

This list is in descending order from most recently published.

OPPO Find N3 / OnePlus Open

OPPO Find N3

“Some things are meant to be, but perhaps they aren’t meant to last. That’s how I view my time with the OPPO Find N3 – fleeting but filled to the brim with moments that will stick with me. It happened. It was great. But then, it was over.

I’ll likely find myself staring into empty space just reliving all of it every now and then. If I’d be given a chance to experience it all over again, I would say yes in a heartbeat.” — Rodneil

“Well the reviews are in, and overwhelmingly the consensus is clear — the OnePlus Open is the best foldable in the market today.

And after one month of having this phone in my pocket and in my bag, I can wholeheartedly say that I agree. It deserves the GadgetMatch Seal of Approval.” — Michael Josh

OPPO Find N3 Flip

“A flip smartphone like the Find N3 Flip has a certain allure that you can only imagine. It’s time to flip your life around and open yourself to an array of experiences. There’s something special about it, and I can’t help but gush over a smartphone worthy of being in my pocket.” — MJ

vivo V29 5G

“Overall, the vivo V29 5G is a great gadget for those who love content creation, and those with the habit of using multiple apps in a single time. It’s a great choice as well for people who loves using their phone as accessory to match their OOTD.” — Martynne

Apple iPhone 15 Pro / 15 Pro Max

“Seriously, there is a lot to love with the new iPhone 15 series. That new Titanium build is sexy — it’s light and it’s definitely what I’ve been waiting for. That Action Button I believe is going to be a game-changer — and soon they’re opening it up to third-party app developers also. That USB-C port is going to open it up to a whole bunch of possibilities as well as compatibility.

And that new camera has set the bar for everybody else to beat. Plus, if you’re a Pro user, if you’re a content creator, a professional video creator, then you’re definitely going to want to leverage all of its new features as well. There’s no beating around the bush, the iPhone 15 Pro / Pro Max is the best smartphone that you can get today.” — Michael Josh

Xiaomi 13T Pro

“The main draw of the Xiaomi 13T Pro, without a doubt, is how it lets you experience a Leica camera without it costing you an arm and a leg.

Elsewhere, the Xiaomi 13T Pro is also a winner. The silky smooth display catches your attention immediately, and its general size and overall build makes you feel secure. You just have this peace of mind that what you’re holding is made with care and won’t break easily. There’s also something about it that’s hard to describe or quantify. You just know, you’re using a device that’s better than most.” — Rodneil

OPPO A98 5G

“The OPPO A98 5G has certainly made a mark in the midrange smartphone segment. With its eye-catching design, impressive display, and powerful battery life, it offers a well-rounded experience for a lot of users.

The device’s ability to deliver smooth performance and handle gaming well are really worth considering. And with its competitive pricing, I can say that the OPPO A98 5G is a strong contender in its category, earning an A+ for its overall offering and total upgrade from its predecessor.” — Tom

realme 11 Pro+ 5G

“It certainly has one of the best smartphones in its bracket. If dazzling cameras, design, and really quick charging are all you’re up for, the realme 11 Pro+ 5G is definitely your GadgetMatch. Having a flagship-like experience trumps all the imperfections and flaws you’ll encounter with this smartphone, especially the lack of IP rating.” — MJ

Nothing Phone (2)

“On its second iteration, has managed to build something special. A well-priced phone that delivers on all the right things.

Nothing says that their goal is to build something “fun”. And while I’m not sure if this phone is “fun” enough, I think it’s a great phone that deserves the GadgetMatch Seal of Approval” — Michael Josh

motorola razr+

“At just under a $1000, which is a fair price for a foldable, I definitely consider the motorola razr+.” — Michael Josh

TECNO Camon 20 Pro

“The TECNO Camon 20 Pro retails for PhP 9,999. A 5G version sells for PhP 12,999. Based on those prices, the series is a great example of getting a bit more than what you pay for. It’s not the best smartphone in the market in its price range.

However, if you’re shopping for a decent daily driver with a limited budget, the Camon 20 Pro deserves some attention.” — Luigi

ROG Phone 7 Ultimate

“If your smartphone priorities align with that of the ROG Phone, then it is an excellent product. It’s certainly a mobile gamer’s GadgetMatch. Is it newsworthy? In the general sense, not really. Not anymore. But is it a goddamn good product? Hell yeah it is. One that deserves the GadgetMatch Seal of Approval.” — Rodneil

Xiaomi 13 Pro

“The Xiaomi 13 Pro is a great smartphone meant for photographers, casual shooters, and aspirers alike. It’s a smartphone that isn’t gimmicky and actually offers the real deal compared to other smartphone photography contenders.

The Xiaomi 13 Pro (or any existing 1-inch-equipped smartphones around) can’t and won’t “replace” any professional cameras anytime soon. However, I can confidently say that the Xiaomi 13 Pro lives up to its professional photography promises.” — Vincenz

POCO F5 Pro

“The POCO F5 Pro does a lot of things right. Though the smartphone doesn’t offer one thing for users to exclusively focus on, it shines with a cohesive flagship experience worthy of its price.” — Luigi

Redmi Note 12

“It’s a cheap phone that’s good but it also comes with its drawbacks. Yet, despite the sometimes inconsistent camera performance and inevitable bloatware, the Redmi Note 12 still impressed enough.

It’s a good smartphone, whether you’re trying to save up on a couple of bucks, or you’re just about to purchase your first device. It’s a good First Dance to have; a smartphone you’d be proud to call your GadgetMatch.” — Karlo

HONOR Magic5 Pro

“The HONOR Magic5 Pro is easily one of the Top 5 standard slate flagship smartphones of 2023. The specs, design, and overall feel of the phone is undeniably flagship.” — Rodneil

Samsung Galaxy A34

“If you’re someone who doesn’t have any special needs with their smartphone usage and you simply want an all-around smartphone that you can trust, then the Galaxy A34 is for you.

This phone won’t be a purchase of betrayal for you. This is something that can feel like family; a mid-range smartphone you can trust.” — Karlo

Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G

“The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G is an upper midrange smartphone that can keep up and live up to its promises. It is a very recommendable midrange smartphone considering it has a less heavy price tag despite being heavy with features.

You’ll get that rich audiovisual experience, a not-so-typical Redmi design and premium-like build quality, satisfying performance, more than sufficient battery life, rapid charging speeds, and cameras that are enough for your needs day and night.” — Vincenz

OPPO Find N2 Flip

“The OPPO Find N2 Flip is certainly my GadgetMatch, and it could be yours, too. It has flagship experience, exceptional imaging capabilities, flexibility in use cases, and versatility as a travel camera.

There’s something remarkable about this smartphone that will make you want to have it. For me, it has an appeal that only you would experience if you have your hands on it. That certain allure can keep you hooked, just like how I can’t keep it off my hands.” — MJ

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

“The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is a fantastic device. But there are certain things about it that may not be your cup of tea. The devil, after all, is in the details. It has a fantastic set of cameras. Easily one of the best today.” — Rodneil

WATCH: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Review: One Week Later

HONOR Magic Vs

“What HONOR has with the Magic Vs is a challenger-in-the-making. They only need to stay the course and work out the software issues in order to truly stand against the reigning champion of foldables.” — Rodneil

realme 10 Pro 5G

“It’s safe to say that realme has one-upped themselves yet again. Even if their number series phones are technically mid-rangers, they thrive in the perception of being realme’s de facto “flagships”.

With the realme 10 Pro 5G, users will get an ultra-reliable phone with numerous enhancements for shelling out just a little extra.” — GadgetMatch

POCO X5 Pro 5G

“At first glance it won’t impress, but its value as a smartphone is all about what’s under the hood. It’s a powerful device that gets the job done. The POCO X5 Pro 5G is a great choice to have if you’re looking for a weapon that will bring you victory in whatever battles you’ll face.” — Karlo