Which iPhone is best for playing games?
If gaming is important to you, buy the iPhone 15 Pro
Sam Costello
Sam Costello Sam Costello has been writing about technology since 2000. His articles have appeared in CNN.com, PC World, InfoWord, and other publications. lifewire's Editorial Guidelines published on March 23, 2024We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. We may receive compensation if you click on a link we provide. learn more.
Best summary for hardcore gamers: Best for Casual Gamers: Best for budget gamers:
High-end processor and GPU performance
Big, bright, high refresh screen
long battery life
Large maximum storage capacity
Compatible with game cartridges and game controllers
expensive
Can be heavy during long meetings
- Screen size (inches): 6.1 OLED
- Screen resolution: 2556 x 1179 (460 pixels/inch); high dynamic range
- Screen refresh rate: up to 120Hz (ProMotion)
- Processor: Apple A17 Pro
- GPU Cores: 6
- Battery life: up to 23 hours
- Storage: up to 1TB
- Dimensions (inches): 5.77 x 2.78 x 0.32
- Weight (oz): 6.60
- Game Cartridge and Game Controller Support: Yes
If you want high-end performance and a dazzling screen, look no further. The iPhone 15 Pro is near the top of the iPhone range, which means it offers the most powerful processor (A17 Pro), the best screen, and the highest GPU performance of any iPhone. If you want a portable gaming device that rivals the experience of a mobile console and can handle any game you throw at it, look no further than the iPhone.
It's a bit pricey compared to a gaming console (this iPhone costs $999 to $1,499), but it's also one of the best smartphones on the market today. Combine great gameplay with a best-in-class camera, convenient features like Apple Pay and FaceTime, and security options like Face ID, collision detection, and emergency cellular calling, and you've got an unbeatable package.
If you want to splurge, the iPhone 15 Pro Max has a 0.6-inch larger screen. It's $200 more expensive, but it's very good.
Powerful processor and GPU performance
Big, bright, high refresh screen
long battery life
Large maximum storage capacity
Compatible with game cartridges and game controllers
Cheaper than iPhone 15
A few years old (released in 2021)
Not as powerful as iPhone 15 Pro
No latest smartphone features (e.g. dynamic island)
Suitable for long gaming sessions
- Screen size (inches): 6.1 OLED
- Screen resolution: 2532 x 1170 (460 pixels/inch); high dynamic range
- Screen refresh rate: up to 120Hz (ProMotion)
- Processor: Apple A16 Bionic
- GPU Cores: 5
- Battery life: up to 22 hours
- Storage: up to 1TB
- Dimensions (inches): 5.78 x 2.82 x 0.30
- Weight (oz): 7.19
- Game Cartridge and Game Controller Support: Yes
If you don't know what a GPU or AAA gaming is, you're probably a casual gamer. There's nothing wrong with that! Casual gamers are by far the largest group of gamers. So whether you like to play word games or puzzle games, play card games or Candy Crush, or dabble in role-playing games or first-person shooters, you don't need to buy a high-end phone.
This is where the iPhone 13 Pro comes in. It's been around for a few years, so it gives you a good balance between a great gaming phone and one that's less expensive than the latest models (prices range from around $500 to around $400 less than the iPhone 15 Pro). Since Apple no longer sells this model, prices vary; you'll have to buy it from a third-party store. Expect to spend about $500-$600.
iPhone 13 Pro has a great screen, powerful performance, and tons of storage, along with all the key iPhone features and capabilities that make it a great smartphone. It's a bit heavy, so long gaming sessions may tire your hands or arms, but most casual gamers won't be playing for hours anyway.
If you want a newer phone, consider the iPhone 15 (starting at about $799).
acceptable price
very good performance
Good maximum storage capacity
Compatible with game cartridges and game controllers
Lags behind other iPhone models in every category
Not suitable for high-end high-performance games
Lower battery life
- Screen size (inches): 4.7 LCD
- Screen resolution: 1334 x 750 (326 pixels/inch)
- Screen refresh rate: 60 Hz
- Processor: Apple A15 Bionic
- GPU Cores: 4
- Battery life: up to 15 hours
- Storage: up to 256GB
- Dimensions (inches): 5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29
- Weight (oz): 5.09
- Game Cartridge and Game Controller Support: Yes
If you're a casual gamer whose decision is driven primarily by price, consider the iPhone SE (3rd generation). This model balances all the key considerations: It's a decent device for casual gaming, has useful iPhone features, and starts at just $429.
This version of the iPhone SE was released in late 2022, so its features naturally lag a bit behind other recent models. If your games include word games like puzzles, card games, and crossword puzzles, SE is a good choice. It has a smaller screen compared to those listed above, but its price reflects its shortcomings. This is an excellent choice for the budget-conscious gamer.
| iPhone 15 Pro | iPhone 13 Pro | iPhone SE (3rd generation) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen size (inches) | 6.1 | 6.1 | 4.7 |
| Screen type | organic light emitting diode | organic light emitting diode | LCD |
| Screen Resolution | 2556 x 1179 high dynamic range | 2532 x 1170 high dynamic range | 1334×750 |
| screen refresh rate | up to 120Hz | up to 120Hz | 60 Hz |
| processor | Apple A17 Pro | Apple A16 Bionic | Apple A15 Bionic |
| GPU core | 6 | 5 | 4 |
| Game case support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Game Controller support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 23 hours | 22 hours | 15 hours |
| storage | 128GB 256GB 512GB 1TB | 128GB 256GB 512GB 1TB | 64GB 128GB 256GB |
| Dimensions (inches) | 5.77×2.78×0.32 | 5.78×2.82×0.30 | 5.45×2.65×0.29 |
| Weight (ounces) | 6.60 | 7.19 | 5.09 |
| price | $999-$1499 | ~$500 and up | $429-$579 |
