Best Snapdragon-powered gaming phones to buy in India in 2025

The rise of mobile gaming in India has been nothing short of phenomenal. Young gamers these days demand faster frame rates, smoother gameplay, and console-like experiences on their smartphones. At the heart of every gaming smartphone lies its chipset, which is the driving force behind not just raw power but also efficiency, thermal management, and AI-driven optimisations. And when it comes to gaming, every aspect of the chipset is pushed to its limits. 

Snapdragon mobile platforms have long been at the forefront of this evolution, powering some of the best gaming smartphones with cutting-edge performance and game-ready enhancements. Particularly the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite which has become the cornerstone of premium gaming smartphones.​

In case you are looking for an upgrade, we have curated the best Snapdragon-powered phones that deliver an edge in mobile gaming.

Why Snapdragon-powered phones are great for gaming

Snapdragon 8 Elite and 8s Gen 3 set new standards for mobile gaming, delivering top-tier performance and efficiency. Qualcomm extends these advancements to mid-tier options like Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 and 7s Gen 3 as well.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite features custom Oryon CPU cores clocked up to 4.47 GHz, enabling 50% faster performance with 44% better power efficiency than its predecessor. Meanwhile, Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 makes flagship-grade performance more accessible.

The Adreno GPU ensures powerful graphics, with the Snapdragon 8 Elite supporting hardware-accelerated ray tracing for lifelike lighting, reflections, and shadows. On-device AI, powered by the Hexagon NPU, enhances real-time rendering, frame rates, and resource management, while Snapdragon Game Super Resolution enables high-resolution gaming without extra power drain.

A power-efficient design prevents overheating, while Low-latency audio, Wi-Fi 7, and 5G optimisations empower smooth, lag-free gameplay.

Best Snapdragon-powered gaming phones to buy in India

Now let’s talk about some of the best options that you can pick from: 

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and naturally delivers seamless performance even during intensive gaming sessions. The device offers configurations of up to 12GB of RAM and storage options reaching 1TB, accommodating extensive game libraries with ease. Gamers will appreciate the enhanced vapour chamber cooling system, designed to maintain optimal temperatures during prolonged play. The 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, with a refresh rate adaptable from 1 to 120Hz and a peak brightness of 2,600 nits, delivers vibrant visuals that bring games to life. Additionally, the integration of AI enhances various functionalities, providing a smarter gaming experience.

To experience ultra-smooth gaming, you can buy the Galaxy S25 Ultra Here.  

iQOO 13

iQOO has carved a niche in the gaming smartphone arena, and the iQOO 13 exemplifies this dedication. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, it promises robust performance tailored for gaming aficionados at a competitive price. You can go for up to 16GB RAM and up to 512GB storage, which is more than enough headroom even for the most demanding gamers. The phone further includes a sizeable 6150mAh battery with 120W flash charging. 

To upgrade your gaming setup at a competitive price – Buy iQOO 13 now!

iQOO Neo 10R

For those seeking a balance between performance and affordability, the iQOO Neo 10R emerges as a compelling choice. Equipped with the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor, it delivers commendable gaming performance. The device boasts configurations of up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, catering to both casual and hardcore gamers. A standout feature is its ability to maintain a stable 90FPS in games like BGMI, ensuring a fluid gaming experience. The inclusion of an efficient cooling system further enhances its gaming credentials, preventing thermal throttling during extended play.

To get smooth 90FPS gaming, buy iQOO Neo 10R here!

OnePlus 13R

OnePlus continues to resonate with gamers through devices like the OnePlus 13R. Housing the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, it offers flagship-level performance at a price point below ₹40,000, making it an attractive proposition for value-conscious gamers. The smartphone comes with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. OnePlus’s proprietary cooling technology ensures the device remains cool under pressure, allowing for uninterrupted gaming sessions. The 6.7-inch Fluid AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate provides crisp and smooth visuals, enhancing the overall gaming experience.​ The phone makes room for a 6000mAh battery and also supports 80W SuperVOOC fast charging. 

To dominate your games, grab the OnePlus 13R now!

OnePlus Nord 4

The OnePlus Nord 4 caters to mid-range gamers without compromising on essential features. Powered by the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 processor, it delivers reliable performance for most gaming titles. The device offers configurations up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, ensuring smooth multitasking and sufficient space for game installations. Its 6.5-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures fluid visuals, while the integrated cooling system maintains performance stability during extended gaming periods. Overall, the OnePlus Nord 4 strikes a commendable balance between cost and capability.​

Get the OnePlus Nord 4 for smooth gaming at a great price – Buy now!

Nothing Phone 3a Pro

Nothing’s Phone 3a Pro introduces a fresh perspective to the gaming smartphone market. It is powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor, supported by up to 12GB of RAM (with a 20GB RAM Booster feature) and 256GB of internal storage. While it may not match the raw power of flagship models, it handles popular games with commendable ease. The device features a 6.77-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak local brightness of 3000 nits, ensuring vibrant and smooth visuals. 

To level up your gaming, get the Nothing Phone 3a Pro here!

To sum it up, these smartphones offer a blend of high performance, immersive graphics, intelligent AI features, and efficient power management, catering to the diverse needs of gamers.