How performance optimisation makes Samsung Galaxy phones great for gaming

Whether you're keeping tabs on the video games or wider tech world, 'AI' is one acronym that can't be ignored, bringing with it game-changing potential that's vast, impressive, and maybe a little bit scary. One area in which it's not scary though is in Samsung's Galaxy S25 phone, where AI technology is being used for the good of gaming. Combining the Korean manufacturer's trailblazing smartphone hardware with Galaxy AI¹ features that bolster your phone's gaming chops, here are some of the ways in which the Galaxy S25 raises the bar for handheld gamers.

Specs, screen, and design combine for a smooth gaming experience

TL;DR: Each Galaxy S25 model comes with industry-leading hardware and ergonomic designs that makes it great for handheld gaming—whether you're playing native mobile games, emulation, or cloud gaming.

Samsung phones never scrimped on displays, having pioneered such technologies as AMOLED and foldable screens over the years. Each variant of the Galaxy S25 comes with a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display and 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, while on the resolution front things peak with the Galaxy S25 Ultra's 3120 × 1440, 6.9" display.

So whether you want to have clear oversight of your empire in Unciv (the excellent open-source reworking of Civilization V), or are streaming Cyberpunk 2077 to your device via GeForce Now and want to enjoy the neon cityscape popping out against the deep blacks, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is the best way to go about it at maximum fidelity.

With 12GB RAM on the Galaxy S25, and up to 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage, the powerhouse will handle mobile games you throw at it very well. While the Galaxy S25 Ultra offers uncompromising power and plentiful size, smaller-handed gamers may appreciate the smaller 6.2" display on the base Galaxy S25, or the S25 Edge—Samsung's thinnest ever S phone at a svelte 5.8mm and 163g. Couple that with a more rounded design than the previous S generation, and the S25 series will comfortably see you through hours-long gaming sessions.

Battery and performance optimisation make gaming sessions longer and better

TL;DR: Galaxy S25's AI-driven optimisations that improve the phone's battery life for short sessions, boost performance, and maintain the battery's health over the long run.

This is where the AI starts coming in. While the Galaxy S25's vibrant display keeps you transfixed in your game, Galaxy AI is thrumming along in the background, adapting to your gaming habits. Adaptive Performance Management funnels CPU, GPU, and RAM resources towards your most played and most demanding games, and during longer sessions will deprioritise background phone processes that aren't essential at that moment, which keeps thermals low, and battery and game performance cruising.

Accompanying the adaptive refresh rate—which preserves battery life by turning down the refresh rate when it's not being maxed out by the frame rate—is dynamic FPS adjustment which can, for instance, output cutscenes at a lower frame rate than gameplay, or identify when you're playing a slower-paced game that doesn't require blistering fps and adapt accordingly.

Dolby Atmos offers 3D sound that pulls you into the game

TL;DR: Each Galaxy S25 model comes with Dolby Atmos, which means that even through the phone's speakers—typically the bane of audio-enthusiastic phone owners—you'll get directional audio and a wide soundstage that offers a compelling simulation of 3D sound.

Atmos switches on automatically during gaming, so when you're playing a horror game under the covers and are cowering in a barrel waiting for the beast to pass (i.e., every Outlast Trials session ever), you'll be able to track its approach and time your escape… or just remain paralysed in fear and pray for the best. In an online shooter like Warzone, meanwhile, you'll be able to detect the direction that gunfire's coming from, getting an edge over those cowardly snipers across the map.

With rich sound bolstered by Dolby Atmos, the Galaxy S25 series overcomes a longstanding weakness of smartphones, and enhances gaming immersion.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra may lead the pack in terms of raw specs, but each variant of Samsung's flagship brings something to the table. There's good news for fans of Samsung's foldables too, because the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold7 and Flip7 will pack the same AI foundation and powerful hardware into the iconic multi-screen and clamshell formats, so stay tuned.

One last thing. If you have somehow missed the buzz throughout the internet tech sphere, Samsung has recently launched their latest foldable wonder – the Galaxy Z Fold7. With major upgrades, such as a stunning (2184 x 1968) 8” main display, a substantial 4400 mAh battery, and the Snapdragon® 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset, there’s a lot for mobile gamers to get excited about. Visit the Samsung website to find out more specs and pre-order details.

¹_{Samsung account login is required for certain AI features.}