If your Galaxy S21 or S22 is running hot, throttling in long sessions, or simply lacks gaming controls, start with two gaming-first replacements: the ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro and the REDMAGIC 10 Pro or 10S Pro. The ROG is the better investigation point for shoulder controls, configurable gaming software, IP68 protection and a more conventional flagship experience. REDMAGIC is the more specialized choice when cooling and long gaming sessions matter more than camera and general-use refinement.
Those are feature-based recommendations, not a proven frame-rate ranking. No directly comparable test using the same games, settings, temperature and session length establishes a universal winner. Before buying, verify the exact regional model, network bands, warranty, software support, price and stock.
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What a Galaxy S21 or S22 owner should look for
The Galaxy S21 and S22 can still run many Android games, but replacing one for gaming is not simply a matter of choosing the phone with the newest processor. Long sessions expose differences in heat management, controls, battery behavior, display settings, software tools and physical comfort.
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A high-end chip can deliver excellent short bursts and then reduce power as temperatures rise. A replacement should therefore be judged by how it manages heat over a complete session. ASUS specifies a dedicated GameCool 9 thermal design for the ROG Phone 9 Pro, while REDMAGIC lists its ICE-X Magic Cooling System for the 10 Pro. These specifications establish a gaming-oriented cooling approach; they do not establish identical sustained frame rates between the phones.
#1 Best Overall
- Ultra-high Performance Chipset: This cell phone is equipped with a powerful and efficient Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chip, using 4nm technology and a full-core 3.2GHz CPU, supporting 24GB LPDDR5X memory + UFS 4.0 flash memory, and equipped with an AI engine, with comprehensive performance upgrades.
- Revolutionary 50MP Quad Camera System: This smartphone is equipped with All 50MP four camera system: Including a Main Camera, a Periscope, an Ultra-wide Camera, and a ultra-clear Front Camera; this cell phone support Ultra XDR 4K video, Auto Tone, Portrait Optimiser, Motion Capture Mode, Night Mode; Whether you're a photographer, vlogger, or social media enthusiast, with the pro-grade camera system and AI enhancements, this Nothing phone can ensure every shot is masterpiece-ready.
- One-Touch Control, AI-Powered Organization：ESSENTIAL KEY: A new button on the side of your device.Press once to capture your screen, long-press to record voice and ideas, and double-press to access Essential Space; ESSENTIAL SPACE: Everything in one place, organised the way you want it to be，AI mobile phones helps organise your captures, generating suggestions, and staying on top of what matters; Explore more AI features, Let AI enrich your life
- GLYPH INTERFACE: Where Light Speaks; The Glyph Matrix transforms your phone into an interactive playground—smart animations turn notifications, tools, and games into living light experiences; NFC: An animation comes to life when NFC is triggered; Glyph Button: Quick-tap to browse Glyph Toys, long-press to launch—from utilities to games; Smarter Alerts: Notifications now speak in light and sound, blending visuals with meaning; Beyond illumination; This is interaction, redefined.
- Larger and Brighter FHD Display: 6.67" FHD+ 1.5K AMOLED flex screen with 1.07B colors & 120Hz adaptive refresh for ultra-smooth visuals; Vs Nothing Phone (2)/(3a): Phone (3) boasts 181.2% brighter (4500 nits), 16.7% sharper (460 PPI), and 316% faster touch response (1000Hz); IP68-rated—tough enough for any adventure.
Controls that match your games
Touch controls are adequate for many genres, but shoulder inputs can be useful for shooters, racing games and other titles that benefit from separating movement, aiming and actions. ASUS provides AirTriggers and Game Genie controls on the ROG Phone 9 Pro. Whether they help depends on the games you play and on whether those games accept the relevant input behavior. A controller can be preferable for titles designed around physical buttons, but support varies by game.
Display refresh is a capability, not a guarantee
The ROG Phone 9 Pro has a 6.78-inch FHD+ AMOLED display. ASUS lists refresh-rate options up to 165 Hz in system settings and up to 185 Hz through Game Genie. A game must render at a matching rate to benefit from the higher setting; many games use lower caps. Check each game’s own graphics and frame-rate menu instead of assuming that a 185 Hz setting produces 185 frames per second.
Battery capacity does not equal gaming endurance
ASUS lists a typical-equivalent 5,800 mAh battery and compatibility with 65 W wired charging for the ROG Phone 9 Pro. Capacity and charging support are useful reference points, but they are not a controlled measurement of hours in a particular game. Screen brightness, frame-rate mode, network radio, ambient temperature and game workload can change consumption substantially.
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Everyday usability still matters
A gaming phone is also your camera, communications device, navigation tool and work phone. Compare weight and dimensions, water protection, cameras, software behavior, update policy, repair options, accessories and local service. A phone that wins a specification sheet but is uncomfortable in a pocket or difficult to service may be a poor replacement for daily use.
At-a-glance: which alternative fits which priority?
| Candidate | Confirmed gaming features | Best fit | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro | AirTriggers, Game Genie, GameCool 9 cooling, up to 185 Hz in Game Genie, 5,800 mAh typical-equivalent battery, 65 W wired charging compatibility, IP68 | Players who want built-in controls, gaming software and broader flagship features | Specifications and availability vary by model and market; manufacturer performance claims are not independent head-to-head tests |
| REDMAGIC 10 Pro | ICE-X Magic Cooling System listed on the official specification page | Players who prioritize gaming hardware and cooling | Confirm the exact regional version, network compatibility, software and support before purchase |
| REDMAGIC 10S Pro | A review describes a strong cooling and battery focus | Long-session players willing to accept a more specialized phone | The review notes camera and general-use trade-offs; generation, stock and regional support require checking |
| A current mainstream flagship available in your country | Manufacturer buying guidance commonly treats display characteristics as gaming considerations | Owners who put camera quality, software support, local service and balanced daily use ahead of gaming controls | No specific mainstream model is established here as a universal gaming winner |
ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro: the most balanced gaming-first option
The ROG Phone 9 Pro is the strongest starting point when you want gaming hardware without giving up as many conventional-phone features. ASUS’s official specification page lists the Snapdragon 8 Elite platform with an Adreno 830 GPU, 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage for the Pro. The Pro Edition raises those figures to 24 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage. Treat these as listed configurations, not proof that every market receives every SKU.
ASUS lists Android 15 and IP68 protection for the device. Water resistance is useful insurance for an everyday phone, but it does not make the handset immune to liquid damage, and protection can change after drops or repairs. Check the warranty terms in your country.
Controls and software
AirTriggers provide shoulder inputs that can be mapped for compatible games. Game Genie is ASUS’s gaming control layer; it is also where the higher 185 Hz refresh option is listed. These tools can reduce the need to cover on-screen buttons with your thumbs, but they are not automatically advantageous in every title. Competitive games may restrict certain input methods, and game developers decide how external or mapped controls behave.
For traditional button layouts, ASUS promotes the ROG Tessen mobile controller. Check the controller’s phone fit, USB-C alignment and case clearance before ordering. A thick protective case can prevent a controller from seating correctly even when the phone itself is compatible.
Rank #2
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Thermal design and optional cooling
GameCool 9 is ASUS’s dedicated thermal design for the ROG Phone 9 Pro. The Pro Edition’s listed box contents include an AeroActive Cooler X Pro. The standard Pro’s box listing differs, so confirm the exact SKU rather than assuming that the cooler is included. An external cooler can help during long sessions, but it adds bulk, noise and another item to charge or carry.
Screen and power
The 6.78-inch FHD+ AMOLED panel gives games a large viewing area while keeping the stated resolution below 2K, a choice that can reduce rendering load compared with a higher-resolution panel. ASUS lists up to 165 Hz in ordinary system settings and up to 185 Hz in Game Genie. The panel’s maximum does not override a game’s frame-rate limit.
The listed 5,800 mAh typical-equivalent capacity and 65 W wired charging compatibility suit frequent play, especially when you can top up between sessions. They remain specifications rather than a measured endurance result. Charging speed can also vary with the supplied charger, cable, temperature and battery state.
Why choose it over a conventional flagship?
- You want shoulder controls integrated into the phone rather than relying on a separate controller.
- You value a gaming dashboard with configurable controls and refresh settings.
- You want a stated cooling design and the option of an attachable cooler.
- IP68 protection and a more familiar flagship-style feature set matter for daily use.
What to verify before buying
- The RAM, storage and accessory bundle for your exact regional SKU.
- Whether the AeroActive Cooler X Pro is included or sold separately.
- Carrier bands, eSIM or SIM configuration, warranty coverage and repair availability.
- Whether your main games support the control methods you intend to use.
- Current software-update commitments; the available material identifies Android 15 but does not establish a future update duration.
Official specifications and the feature overview are available from ASUS’s ROG Phone 9 Pro specifications and ROG Phone 9 Pro feature page.
REDMAGIC 10 Pro and 10S Pro: specialized hardware for long sessions
REDMAGIC is relevant when gaming is the phone’s primary job. The official 10 Pro specification page lists the ICE-X Magic Cooling System, making cooling a central part of the product rather than an afterthought. A TechRadar review of the 10S Pro likewise emphasizes cooling and battery focus while describing the phone as more specialized and noting camera and general-use compromises compared with camera-focused phones.
Why the cooling emphasis matters
Cooling cannot guarantee a fixed frame rate, but it addresses the problem that often bothers mobile players most: performance changing as a session continues. A dedicated thermal system may help a phone sustain its configured power level more effectively than a design optimized primarily for thinness. The available specifications do not provide a controlled, same-game comparison against the ROG Phone 9 Pro, so choose REDMAGIC for the design priority, not for an unsupported claim that it is faster.
Who should consider the 10 Pro
- Players who spend long periods in demanding 3D games.
- Buyers who prefer gaming-first cooling hardware over camera-led design.
- Users comfortable checking import, regional software and carrier details themselves.
Who should consider the 10S Pro
The 10S Pro is worth investigating if its local configuration and price are current where you live and you accept a specialized handset. The published review perspective highlights cooling and battery priorities but also points to camera and broader everyday-use trade-offs. Those trade-offs can be acceptable for a dedicated gaming device and frustrating if you expect flagship photography or the smoothest general-purpose software experience.
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- Confirm whether you are buying the 10 Pro or 10S Pro; they are different generations and configurations.
- Verify the seller’s regional software, language support, warranty route and return policy.
- Check 4G and 5G bands against your carrier, particularly if purchasing an imported model.
- Confirm current stock and the included charger, because bundles can differ by market.
- Read the return terms if your preferred games require a control or notification behavior that the software handles differently.
Use the official REDMAGIC 10 Pro specifications for the cooling-system listing. The broader-use perspective on the 10S Pro comes from TechRadar’s review.
Rank #3
- GSM Unlocked: Use your preferred GSM carrier with ease. Compatible with T-Mobile, Metro PCS, and others. Sim card not included. For availability on select networks, please consult your service provider. Note: This device is not compatible with AT&T/Cricket or CDMA networks like Verizon and Sprint.
- Two Screens, More Control: Large 6.78” curved main display for streaming, gaming, and browsing, plus a smaller, rear screen for quick selfies, messages, and music controls.
- Smooth Performance: Handles your favorite apps, games, and multitasking without slowing down, with plenty of space for all your photos and videos.
- Capture Your Best Moments: Triple rear camera and high-quality selfie camera for bright, detailed photos and 4K videos.
- All-Day Battery: Stay powered all day with our 5,000mAh battery, and recharge in a flash with our 66W quick charge technology that tops you up from 0 to 100% in just 20 minutes.
Should you keep a mainstream flagship in the shortlist?
Yes, especially if gaming is one priority among several. A current mainstream flagship in your country may offer a better camera, longer or clearer software support, easier repair, stronger accessory availability and more predictable carrier compatibility. It may not include shoulder triggers, a gaming dashboard or a dedicated cooling system, but those omissions can be worthwhile if most of your day is spent outside games.
Samsung’s own buying guide discusses display characteristics as a gaming consideration and points readers toward its current flagship line. That is manufacturer guidance, not an independent performance comparison. Use it as a reminder to inspect display refresh behavior, touch response, thermals and game compatibility rather than as proof that a particular flagship is the best gaming phone.
For a mainstream option, compare the exact model sold by your carrier with the gaming-first phones on these practical points:
- Does the game support the desired frame-rate mode?
- Does the phone maintain comfortable surface temperatures during a full session?
- Can it charge or run a cooler without blocking the case, port or speakers?
- Will the manufacturer and carrier support the phone for the period you plan to keep it?
- Are camera quality, water protection and repair access more valuable to you than AirTriggers?
The buying guide is at Samsung’s UK gaming-phone guide. Its regional context matters: recommendations and models can differ outside the United Kingdom.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Match the phone to the games you actually play
Competitive shooters
Prioritize sustained touch responsiveness, stable frame pacing and controls that do not obstruct the display. AirTriggers may be useful for mapping actions that would otherwise occupy screen space, but confirm that your game permits the input method. A controller can help with comfort, while some competitive titles limit or regulate external inputs.
Racing and driving games
A large AMOLED display and a high refresh option can make motion easier to follow, but the game must support the relevant frame rate. Physical triggers or a controller may improve steering and button access. Check whether the phone’s case interferes with the controller’s grip.
Role-playing and strategy games
These games often place less emphasis on maximum frame rate and more on battery life, readability and long-session comfort. The ROG’s gaming tools and REDMAGIC’s cooling focus remain useful, but a mainstream flagship may be the better overall choice if cameras, updates and service matter more between sessions.
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Cloud gaming
For cloud services, network quality and latency can dominate the experience. A high-refresh display and comfortable controls still help, but a gaming phone cannot fix a congested Wi-Fi connection or a distant server. Check your home network and carrier coverage before paying a premium for peak hardware.
Rank #4
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- Dual sim (NO MICRO SD) 5G: 5G SA: n1/2/3/5/7/8/20/26/28/38/40/41/66*(70M)/71/77/78/485G NSA: n1/3/5/7/8/20/28/38/40/41/66*(70M)/71/77/784G LTE TDD: B38/40/41/42/484G LTE FDD: B1/2/3/4/5/7/8/18/19/20/26/28/66*(70M)/713G WCDMA: 1/2/4/5/6/8/192G GSM: 2/3/5/8Supports 4x4 MIMO*5G SA/NSA N66(70M) and 4G B66(70M): UL 1710MHz～1780MHz, DL 2110MHz～2180MHz*5G connectivity may vary based on region availability and local operator support.
- 6.59" 1.5K 120Hz ultra-bright AMOLED displayResolution: 2756*1268Contrast ratio: 8,000,000:1Refresh rate: Up to 120Hz*Refresh rate can be adjusted to up to 120Hz for supported apps.Peak brightness: 3500 nits covering 25% display areaHBM brightness: 2000 nitsTypical brightness: 800 nitsTouch sampling rate: Up to 480HzInstant touch sampling rate: 2560Hz*2560Hz instant touch sampling rate is activated under Game Turbo Mode.12-bit color depth, 68 billion colorsDCI-P3 wide color gamut3840Hz PWM dimmingOriginal color PROPro HDR displayWet Touch display 2.0HDR10+TCertifiedTÜV Rheinland Flicker Free CertifiedTÜV Rheinland Circadian Friendly CertifiedDolby VisionCorning Gorilla Glass 7i
- Dimensity 8500-Ultra4nm manufacturing processOcta-core CPU, up to 3.4GHzMali-G720 MC8 GPU / 6500mAh (typ)100W HyperChargeUSB Type-C charging portUp to 27W reverse chargingSupports PD3.0/PD2.0Smart charging
- Wi-Fi Protocol: Wi-Fi 6/ Wi-Fi 5/ Wi-Fi 4 and 802.11a/b/g*Wi-Fi 6 capability may vary based on regional availability and local network support. Wi-Fi connectivity (including Wi-Fi frequency bands, Wi-Fi ratified in IEEE Standard 802.11 specifications) may vary based on regional availability and local network support. The function may be added via OTA when and where applicable.WLAN frequency: 2.4G Wi-Fi | 5G Wi-FiSupports 2x2 MIMO, 8x8 Sounding for MU-MIMO, Wi-Fi Direct, MiracastBluetooth 6.0Supports SBC / AAC / LDAC / LHDC 5.0 / LC3 / ASHA / AuracastNFC -
How to evaluate a replacement before committing
- List your real games. Write down the titles you play most, their frame-rate options, controller support and any restrictions on mapped inputs.
- Decide whether you need built-in controls. If shoulder inputs are central to your play style, the ROG Phone 9 Pro deserves priority. If you rarely use them, a mainstream flagship may deliver more value outside games.
- Plan for a complete session. Consider the length of your usual play period, room temperature, brightness, mobile data use and whether you can use an external cooler.
- Check the exact SKU. Match RAM, storage, charger, cooler bundle, SIM configuration and warranty to the listing for your country.
- Confirm physical compatibility. Test or verify case clearance for the AeroActive Cooler X Pro, ROG Tessen or another controller before buying accessories.
- Compare service, not only specifications. Check repair locations, return windows, update statements, carrier bands and local support contact details.
- Use the return period intelligently. Install your main games, test the controls, play a complete session and check whether notifications, heat and ergonomics work for you.
Common mistakes when replacing an S21 or S22
Assuming the newest chip guarantees sustained speed
Peak processor specifications say little about what happens after heat builds up. Look for a stated thermal design and evaluate your own games over a long session.
Buying on refresh rate alone
A 165 Hz or 185 Hz setting is useful only when the game, graphics mode and system can deliver matching frames. Higher refresh can also increase power consumption.
Ignoring the accessory bundle
The ROG Phone 9 Pro and Pro Edition do not necessarily have identical box contents. A cooler that is included with one SKU may be optional with another. Verify before budgeting.
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Imported gaming phones can differ in network bands, software, language options, warranty and charger. Regional stock and support are part of the phone’s real value.
Expecting a gaming-first camera system to match a camera flagship
The 10S Pro review perspective specifically identifies camera and general-use trade-offs. If photography is a daily priority, keep a mainstream flagship in contention.
Bottom-line recommendations
Choose the ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro when you want the clearest combination of dedicated gaming controls, configurable software, stated cooling, a high-refresh AMOLED display, IP68 protection and a more conventional everyday feature set. Confirm your exact RAM, storage and accessory bundle, especially if you want the AeroActive Cooler X Pro.
Choose the REDMAGIC 10 Pro or 10S Pro when gaming sessions and cooling take precedence over camera and general-use refinement. The ICE-X system and the 10S Pro’s reviewed cooling-and-battery emphasis make them credible gaming-first candidates, but local software, bands, warranty and stock need careful checking.
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Choose a current mainstream flagship when the phone must balance games with photography, long-term software support, carrier service and day-to-day convenience. There is no evidence here for one universal winner; the right replacement depends on your games, session length, control preferences and local buying conditions.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
