Some gaming phones from a few years back are still hanging in there quite nicely. They might not be the very latest, but if you want solid gaming performance without paying flagship-new prices, these are options you can still find that deliver.
ASUS ROG Phone 5 (2021) - The solid option
The ROG Phone 5 was one of the most popular gaming phones when it launched, and even today, it holds up remarkably well. It came with a Snapdragon 888 chipset, a huge 6000mAh battery, and stereo speakers that made it feel like a mini gaming console in your hands. For competitive gaming, its 144Hz AMOLED display is still fast enough to give an edge.
In 2025, its biggest challenges are availability, battery health, and slightly older software, but the performance remains smooth and reliable. For RM2999, it can easily outperform many newer mid-range devices and still deliver that signature ROG gaming experience.
Tech specs and features
- Display: 6.78-inch AMOLED, 144Hz, HDR10+
- Chipset: Snapdragon 888
- RAM / Storage: Up to 18GB / 512GB
- Rear Camera: 64MP (wide) + 13MP (ultrawide) + 5MP (macro)
- Front Camera: 24MP
- Battery: 6000mAh, 65W fast charging
nubia RedMagic 7S Pro (2022) - Still relevant in this era
The nubia RedMagic 7S Pro features the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, which still delivers very good frame rates for modern mobile games, especially when not pushing every possible graphic setting to max. Its built-in fan is a standout, helping the phone stay cooler and maintain performance under load.
On the downside, it is getting older, so battery degradation and software update frequency become more relevant concerns. Also, display and cooling tech have improved since then, so it won't outperform newer models in raw specs. For RM3699, and if you find one in good condition, this phone remains one of the more capable gaming phones from its generation in the local market.
Tech specs and features
- Display: 6.8-inch AMOLED, 120Hz
- Chipset: Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
- RAM/Storage: 12GB/18GB RAM, 256/512GB storage
- Battery: 5000mAh
- Fast Charging: 65W
- Extras: Built-in fan, shoulder triggers, 3.5mm jack
Black Shark 5 Pro (2022) - The reliable one
The Black Shark 5 Pro was all about bringing console-like gaming features to a phone. Its standout elements included magnetic pop-up triggers for shooters, a 144Hz OLED display, and dual stereo speakers tuned for immersive gameplay. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, it offered plenty of power when it debuted and still does a great job when running demanding games.
Fast charging was another major highlight, with 120W support allowing nearly a full charge in under 20 minutes. While its battery capacity wasn't the largest, the combination of rapid charging and tactile gaming controls makes it a strong "Old but still Gold" contender in 2025. For RM3699, this phone is great value for your money.
Tech specs and features
- Display: 6.67-inch OLED, 144Hz, HDR10+
- Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
- RAM / Storage: 12GB / 256GB (up to 16GB RAM available)
- Rear Camera: 108MP (wide) + 13MP (ultrawide) + 5MP (macro)
- Front Camera: 16MP
- Battery: 4650mAh, 120W fast charging
Lenovo Legion Y90 (2022) - The old beast
The Lenovo Legion Y90 is a gaming beast that still holds up due to its oversized 6.92-inch AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate. Built with gamers in mind, it featured active cooling, dual USB-C ports, and even RAID storage architecture combining UFS and SSD for faster speeds. This made it one of the most unique devices in its class.
While its software support is not as strong today, its sheer hardware strength makes it a phone worth revisiting in 2025. For RM2785, the Legion Y90's large screen and gaming optimisations give it an edge for those who want an immersive gaming experience. Availability could be an issue, though.
Tech specs and features
- Display: 6.92-inch AMOLED, 144Hz, HDR10+
- Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
- RAM / Storage: Up to 18GB / 640GB (UFS + SSD)
- Rear Camera: 64MP (wide) + 13MP (ultrawide)
- Front Camera: 44MP
- Battery: 5600mAh, 68W fast charging
ASUS ROG Phone 6D Ultimate (2022) - The rare treasure
The ASUS ROG Phone 6D Ultimate swaps the Snapdragon chip in favour of the MediaTek Dimensity 9000+ and includes special cooling features, like the AeroActive Portal. That portal helps airflow when using the cooling accessory, so it stays cooler than many similarly aged phones under sustained load. The display is a 165Hz AMOLED, which keeps gaming visuals fluid.
One drawback is the availability of certain variants or accessories, especially as newer ROG phones release. Also, phones this old may have issues with battery wear or firmware longevity.
For RM4999, you might be discouraged by the price tag. However, if you find one in good condition with a valid warranty, it can still serve as a capable gaming machine in 2025.
Tech specs and features
- Display: 6.78-inch AMOLED, 165Hz, HDR10+
- Chipset: MediaTek Dimensity 9000+
- RAM/Storage: Up to 16GB RAM, 512GB storage
- Battery: 6000mAh
- Fast charging: 65W fast charging
- Extras: AeroActive Portal (for cooling), AirTrigger controls
Conclusion
Using this list, we can quickly draw some conclusions. First, the older ROG Phone 5 remains relevant because it balances performance and game-centric features. The Black Shark 5 Pro is also solid, if you can find one with a warranty.
Our pick? We believe the nubia RedMagic 7S Pro is the best when it comes to your ROI. It's future-proof and has very solid hardware, compared to other phones on the list and most phones on the market. The cool gamer aesthetic also helps, as it propelled the phone to the top of our list.
If you are interested in more older phones that are great for gaming, you can read them here. While you are at it, you might want to check out Part Two too. Who knows? You might find what you want there.
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