What iPhone to Buy for Gaming in 2025: Consider All Features

Every year, mobile games are getting better, and the requirements for smartphones are higher. If you want to buy a phone for games, you need to pay attention to several important parameters — let’s deal with them in this article. And also, let’s see how the models of the iPhone 16 series differ in terms of gaming. Because it is exactly these gadgets that are at the top of the rating of gaming smartphones, Apple. 

What Should Gaming iPhones Be Like? 

When choosing a smartphone, it’s important to keep in mind the speakers, the camera, and the level of security. But if your main priority is gaming, pay attention to the following parameters: 

• chip power — affects the performance and data processing speed; 

• RAM — determines how many things you can do at the same time; 

• battery — affects the autonomy; it is especially useful to have a fast charging option. 

It is essential to take into account the display as well. The diagonal size, refresh rate, and brightness affect the picture quality and your comfort. 

Is iPhone 16 Suitable for Gaming: Criteria 

There are five smartphones in the iPhone 16 lineup, and all of them can be called gaming. They can easily handle loads, have a good screen, and sufficient autonomy. 

Chip and Power 

The chips present in the basic and “professional” product lines support a neural processor with 16 cores and a 3-nanometer technological process. RAM in all models is the same — 8 GB. More specifications are collected in the table. 

This phone series has minimized the risk of overheating thanks to an advanced cooling system. You can run games with detailed graphics such as Sniper Elite 4, Resident Evil 7, Death Stranding, and others. 

Game Mode in the Operating System 

iOS 18 includes a special Game Mode that improves your gaming experience. Game Mode is automatically activated along with the game. Due to this, among all apps, it is the game that gets the first priority to access the processor. While the other applications’ background work is slowed down a bit. 

Additionally, this mode in iOS 18 has cut audio lag when streaming to AirPods, so you can hear audio without pauses. It also helps improve the responsiveness and reaction speed of controllers and the gamepad. 

Keep in mind that you will experience the full efficiency of the new software in highly demanding, resource-intensive games. In ordinary quizzes and puzzles, the difference is not so noticeable. 

Display and Picture Quality 

All 16 Series models have Super Retina XDR with OLED coating. Screen characteristics allow you to play in any conditions — at home before going to bed, or outside in the sun. Key differences are listed in the table below. 

With 120 Hz models, all display motions are smoother. And ProMotion technology automatically adapts the intensity depending on your tasks, which extends the period without recharging. 

In the issue of which smartphone is better to buy for gaming, pay attention to the device’s size. A simple rule is valid: the bigger the screen, the more comfortable the game. And the thin frames of the Pro line compensate for the size and make the phone more ergonomic. 

Battery 

The iPhone 16 is also in the Top Phones for Gaming thanks to its battery. The performance in video playback mode is as follows: 

• iPhone 16e — up to 26 hours; 

• iPhone 16 — up to 22 hours; 

• iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 16 Pro — up to 27 hours; 

• iPhone 16 Pro Max — up to 33 hours. 

In terms of speed, all smartphones charge faster than previous models. This is possible due to the improved MagSafe protocol with 25W of power. The power adapter’s power has increased to 30W. 

Conclusion: How to Buy a Phone for Gaming? 

Both the basic and professional smartphone lineups in the 16 series are perfect for gaming. The basic models use the A18 chip and a modified cooling system. Pay attention to the iPhone 16 Plus: at the expense of endurance and a larger display, it is slightly more comfortable in games. 

The Pro series makes gaming even more convenient. Benefits include the stronger A18 Pro chip and ProMotion technology. Pay attention to screen size and battery life — these are their key differences. 

You can order the iPhone 16 in Armenia in iSpace stores. We are an official Apple partner and offer relevant models. You can place an order online using our website (delivery is available across the country), or you can come to our stores to test different models on location. 

All current smartphones are available to the public: check ergonomics, screen quality, and other characteristics. And if you still have doubts, ask our consultants — they can help you find the perfect model. 

More on the topic 

iPhone 14, 15, or 16: Finding the Balance Between Price and Quality

iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15: 5 Pros to Upgrade Your Phone

What You Need to Set Up Eye Tracking and Control Your iPhone with Your Gaze: A Detailed Guide