Top Flagship Gaming Smartphones (February 2025)
This article reviews the best flagship smartphones for gaming, priced above ₹70,000 in India. The phones were evaluated based on benchmark scores (AnTuTu and Geekbench) and real-world gaming performance using Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI). The testing involved 30 minutes of continuous BGMI gameplay at the highest possible settings, monitoring temperature changes and battery drain.
Vivo X200 Pro: A Powerful Performer
The Vivo X200 Pro, priced at ₹94,999, boasts the MediaTek Dimensity 9400 processor. It achieved an impressive AnTuTu score, placing it among the top performers in our tests. Geekbench scores were also exceptionally high.
During our BGMI test, the Vivo X200 Pro delivered a consistently smooth experience at ultra-high graphics and frame rates. Temperature increase was minimal (a rise of only 4.4°C), and battery drain was low (only 5%).
| Basis | Result |
|---|---|
| BGMI Graphics Settings | Ultra HDR |
| BGMI FPS | Extreme |
| Temperature (Before Gaming) | 29.5 °C |
| Temperature (After 30 min) | 33.9 °C |
| Battery Drop Percentage | 5% |
OPPO Find X8 Pro: Smooth Gameplay
The OPPO Find X8 Pro, also featuring the MediaTek Dimensity 9400 processor for ₹99,999, scored well on AnTuTu and Geekbench. Its gaming performance was equally impressive. BGMI ran flawlessly at Ultra HDR graphics and Ultra frame rates.
After 30 minutes of gameplay, the temperature increase was moderate (6.5°C), and battery drain was slightly higher compared to the Vivo X200 Pro (7%).
| Basis | Result |
|---|---|
| BGMI Graphics Settings | Ultra HDR |
| BGMI FPS | Extreme |
| Temperature (Before Gaming) | 28.7 °C |
| Temperature (After 30 min) | 35.2 °C |
| Battery Drop Percentage | 7% |
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Top-Tier Performance and Efficiency
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, with its Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, is the most expensive phone in this review (₹1,29,999). It achieved a high AnTuTu score and notably surpassed the 10,000 mark in the Geekbench multi-core test, a first among the phones tested.
In our BGMI tests, the Galaxy S25 Ultra played the game with great efficiency at Ultra HDR graphics and an even higher Extreme+ frame rate, averaging 36.4 FPS. Temperature and battery drain remained exceptionally low.
| Basis | Result |
|---|---|
| BGMI Graphics Settings | Ultra HDR |
| BGMI FPS | Extreme+ |
| Temperature (Before Gaming) | 26.2 °C |
| Temperature (After 30 min) | 32.1 °C |
| Battery Drop Percentage | 5% |
Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus: A Near-Ultra Experience
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus, also powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and priced at ₹99,999, achieved a high AnTuTu score, even outperforming the S25 Ultra. However, the S25 Ultra exhibited better thermal management and battery life which made it take the higher spot in the ranking.
The S25 Plus provided smooth BGMI gameplay at Ultra HDR graphics and Extreme frame rates, keeping temperatures below 35°C after 30 minutes of heavy play.
| Basis | Result |
|---|---|
| BGMI Graphics Settings | Ultra HDR |
| BGMI FPS | Extreme |
| Temperature (Before Gaming) | 29 °C |
| Temperature (After 30 min) | 34.5 °C |
| Battery Drop Percentage | 7% |
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro: Still a Contender
The ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro, launched earlier in the year for ₹94,999, features the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. While its benchmark scores were good, it showed slightly lower scores than newer phones with the more advanced Snapdragon 8 Elite.
Its BGMI performance was solid at Ultra HDR graphics and consistent frame rates, although its listed temperature increase (6.4°C) and battery drain (6%) were slightly higher compared to the top performers. Note that the FPS was not explicitly measured unlike other models.
| Basis | Result |
|---|---|
| BGMI Graphics Settings | Ultra HDR |
| BGMI FPS | N/A |
| Temperature (Before Gaming) | 29.7 °C |
| Temperature (After 30 min) | 36.1 °C |
| Battery Drop Percentage | 6% |
Conclusion
All reviewed smartphones offer exceptional mobile gaming experiences. The Vivo X200 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra stand out for their impressive balance of performance, thermal management and battery efficiency. The choice between these top performers depends on individual preferences and budget. The OPPO Find X8 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus are strong alternatives while the ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro remains a capable option albeit slightly lagging behind the latest chipset generation. Remember to consider other factors like display quality, storage, and camera features when making your final decision.