The Best Gaming Phones in India & the Shadow of Piracy

Gaming has grown from a niche pastime into a global cultural and economic force, engaging over 3.2 billion players and generating annual revenues exceeding $200 billion (Statista, 2024). In India, the gaming industry is booming, with a market size of over $1.5 billion in 2024, set to triple by 2027. The widespread adoption of affordable smartphones, inexpensive internet access, and a growing base of young, tech-savvy users drives this growth.

Smartphones have revolutionized gaming, making it accessible to millions. With over 700 million smartphone users in India, mobile gaming dominates the market, often supported by free-to-play models and cost-effective subscription services like Xbox Game Pass.

Here is the list of top gaming phones in India

1. Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro
2. RedMagic 9S Pro
3. iQOO 13

Let’s break down why the first two are considered excellent for gaming

• Top-Tier Performance: Likely equipped with the latest and most powerful Snapdragon processor (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 ‘Leading Version’ or even an ‘Elite’ variant), ensuring smooth and lag-free gameplay even on the most demanding titles.
• High Refresh Rate Display: Expected to have an AMOLED display with a very high refresh rate (possibly 165Hz or even 185Hz as seen in previous models), providing incredibly smooth visuals and reducing motion blur, which is crucial for competitive gaming.
• Advanced Cooling System: ROG Phones are renowned for their sophisticated cooling solutions (like the ‘GameCool’ system) that prevent overheating during long gaming sessions, maintaining peak performance.
• Gaming-Specific Features: This includes AirTriggers (ultrasonic shoulder buttons) for console-like control, customizable gaming modes, and software optimizations through the Armoury Crate app.
• High Touch Sampling Rate: Offers a high touch sampling rate for ultra-responsive touch inputs, giving a competitive edge in fast-paced games.
• Large Battery: Typically features a large battery capacity (around 5800mAh) to support extended gaming sessions.
• Gaming Aesthetics: Often has a distinct “gamer” design with customizable RGB lighting.

• Flagship Performance: Also powered by a top-of-the-line Snapdragon processor (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3), delivering exceptional gaming performance.
• High Refresh Rate AMOLED Display: Features a smooth AMOLED display with a high refresh rate (120Hz or possibly higher), providing excellent visuals for gaming.
• Built-in Cooling Fan: A standout feature of RedMagic phones is their active cooling system with an internal fan, which significantly helps in dissipating heat and maintaining sustained performance.
• Shoulder Triggers: Includes capacitive shoulder triggers that can be mapped to in-game actions, enhancing control.
• High Touch Sampling Rate: Boasts a high touch sampling rate for responsive gaming.
• Large Battery: Equipped with a large battery (around 6500mAh) for prolonged gaming.
• Gaming-Focused Software: Comes with a dedicated “Game Space” mode that offers various gaming enhancements and settings.

• Powerful Performance: Expected to be powered by the latest high-end Snapdragon processor (likely the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 ‘Leading Version’ or its equivalent), ensuring smooth performance across demanding games.
• High Refresh Rate AMOLED Display: Will likely feature a vibrant AMOLED display with a high refresh rate (120Hz or possibly 144Hz) for fluid visuals and responsive gameplay.
• Gaming-Focused Features: iQOO phones often incorporate gaming modes, enhanced cooling systems, and potentially pressure-sensitive shoulder buttons or other gaming-centric software optimizations.
• Fast Charging and Large Battery: Typically equipped with large batteries and incredibly fast charging capabilities, minimizing downtime and maximizing gaming sessions.
• Competitive Pricing: iQOO often offers flagship-level performance at a more competitive price point compared to some other gaming-focused brands, making it an attractive option for value-conscious gamers.

Owning a device like the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro or the RedMagic 9S Pro unlocks the full potential of high-fidelity mobile games. However, this experience is best enjoyed by supporting the developers through legitimate purchases or subscriptions. Piracy not only deprives creators of their due but can also expose devices to security risks and limit access to updates and multiplayer features.

Despite the premium gaming experiences offered by PlayStation and Xbox, their high prices and limited regional pricing restrict access for many Indian gamers. This cost barrier contributes to the appeal of readily available, though often pirated, mobile games. While seemingly a cheaper short-term solution, widespread piracy ultimately harms the developers who invest in creating these games.

Despite these advancements, piracy continues to undermine the gaming industry. Globally, piracy costs developers billions annually, not just in lost revenue but in diminished motivation and weakened industry confidence. Piracy, as discussed above, often arises due to the high costs of games, lack of regional pricing, and limited access to legitimate titles in certain areas. These factors, combined with inadequate legal enforcement and low awareness about intellectual property, contribute to its persistence.

The Indian government has been taking steps to address online piracy, including game piracy, through various legal and regulatory measures. Here are some key recent initiatives and existing frameworks:

1. Amendments to the Copyright Act, 1957 (specifically in 2012): These amendments focused significantly on addressing digital piracy by:
   • Protecting Technological Measures (TPMs): Making it illegal to circumvent technologies like encryption used to protect copyrighted content.
   • Protecting Rights Management Information (RMI): Prohibiting the removal or alteration of electronic information that identifies copyrighted works.
   • Increased Penalties: Introducing stricter punishments, including imprisonment and fines, for copyright infringement.
2. The Information Technology Act, 2000: This act includes provisions against cybercrime, which can be applied to various forms of online piracy, including the distribution of pirated games. Section 65 specifically deals with tampering with computer source documents, which could be relevant in cases of game code alteration for piracy.
3. Blocking of Infringing Websites: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has been actively issuing blocking orders to Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to restrict access to websites hosting or facilitating the distribution of pirated content, including games. Recent reports indicate a significant number of such blocking orders have been issued.
4. WAVES Anti-Piracy Challenge (2025): Organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, this challenge aimed to foster innovative solutions in fingerprinting and watermarking technologies to safeguard digital content, including games, against piracy.
5. National Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Policy, 2016: This policy aims to create awareness about the benefits of IPR and strengthen enforcement mechanisms. Initiatives under this policy include:
   • Cell for IPR Promotion and Management (CIPAM): This body conducts awareness programs and provides training to law enforcement agencies on handling IPR crimes.
   • IPR Enforcement Toolkit for Police: This toolkit helps police officials understand legal provisions and procedures for dealing with IPR infringement cases.
   • Anti-Piracy Campaigns: Collaborations with media and influencers to raise public awareness about the negative impacts of piracy.

6. Cinematograph (Amendment) Act, 2023: While primarily focused on film piracy, this act includes provisions against unauthorized recording in exhibition facilities, which could have some implications for preventing the initial illegal copies that often lead to online game piracy (e.g., recording gameplay from early access versions).

7. National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in) and Helpline (1930): These platforms allow the public to report cybercrimes, including instances of online piracy.

In addition to this initiatives, India can address these priracy issues by fostering a strong domestic game development ecosystem. Producing affordable, culturally relevant games can reduce dependence on costly international titles, offering players legitimate and accessible alternatives.

Encouraging local developers will not only combat piracy but also generate employment, promote innovation, and position India as a global hub for game design and development.

To ensure sustainable growth, the gaming industry must prioritize regional pricing, accessible services, and awareness campaigns about intellectual property rights. Balancing inclusivity with profitability is essential for preserving gaming as a vibrant entertainment and cultural expression medium. By investing in local talent and embracing ethical practices, India can reshape its gaming landscape while contributing to the global industry.

This is a defining moment for the industry-a time to build an ecosystem that values creativity, respects intellectual effort, and offers everyone the chance to play fair.