Many users mistakenly believe that a gaming smartphone is a gadget whose most important thing is a powerful processor (CPU) and video accelerator (GPU). But it is not so.
In multiplayer games (and gaming smartphones are often purchased for playing such titles), no less important criteria are response speed (support for the latest WiFi standards is required) and the presence of additional physical buttons that can be used in the game.
So which smartphone should you buy for gaming, and what gadgets do gamers themselves recommend?
What parameters should I focus on?
Performance for gaming smartphones is an important parameter. But mobile processors of the last 3 generations already have excessive performance (for both CPU and GPU). That is, they are definitely enough for any released games with maximum graphics settings at Full HD resolution.
Flagship CPUs will only be needed by those smartphones that have a very high screen resolution (2K, 4K or similar). You need to understand that the greater the number of pixels in the display, the more data the video accelerator has to process (and, accordingly, the lower the FPS).
Difference in FPS at 20 and 120
It is for gamers that the FPS indicator is more important. Therefore, for games it is better to choose a smartphone with Full HD resolution (or slightly higher). This will also have a positive effect on the autonomy of the device.
✅ More characteristics that you need to pay attention to when choosing smartphones for games:
- Screen refresh rate. For most phones it is 60 Hz. This means that you won’t be able to get more than 60 FPS on them. For gaming, it is better to give preference to displays that support a screen refresh rate of at least 90 Hz, or even better - 120 Hz.
- The presence of additional buttons that can be used in the game. This is especially useful for shooters, when “triggers” can be used, for example, to throw a grenade or change weapons. This will save a fraction of a second on reloading, which in the same PUBG can radically change the course of the match.
- Availability of an advanced cooling system. Without it, even the most productive processor will begin to throttle after 15–20 minutes of active gaming, that is, lower its frequency to prevent overheating. And this will completely neutralize its potential performance!
- Supports modern WiFi standards. The most common standard, 802.11n, has high throughput, but the response time (ping) can be over 50 ms (especially when the signal level is weak). In WiFi 5th and 6th generations, the response is reduced to 4 ms and 1 ms, respectively! Naturally, this will only be relevant if the router supports the specified communication standards. But, at a minimum, a gaming smartphone must have support for the 5 GHz band!
- Availability of specialized software to improve performance, monitor temperatures and create additional “on-screen” buttons for user functions.
And we should not forget that a gaming smartphone will definitely be used as a regular phone. So you should also pay attention to the cameras, form factor, security features (fingerprint scanner).
TOP 4 best gaming smartphones by price and quality for 2021
Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Lite 6/128GB
The model consistently ranks among the top three gaming options . Here are the best
The “qualities” of flagship models are a powerful processor, excellent cameras, a powerful selfie camera, a high-quality display with good resolution, a lot of built-in memory and a sufficient amount of RAM.
Most buyers use the S Pen - an electronic pen, and make a choice in favor of the model precisely because of it.
The device recognizes pen touches not only on the screen, but also in the air. There is also a headphone jack here.
The flagship processor will ensure quality and speed in any modern games at maximum settings.
Specifications:
- OS: Android 10.0;
- Weight: 199 g;
- Screen: AMOLED, multi-touch;
- Diagonal: 6.7″;
- Rear cameras: 12+12+12 MP;
- Front camera: 32 MP;
- Processor: Samsung Exynos 9810, 8 cores;
- Built-in/RAM capacity: 128/6 GB.
pros
- headphone jack;
- electronic pen;
- cameras;
- high-quality assembly.
Minuses
- mediocre sound.
Xiaomi Mi 10T 6/128GB
The model boasts all the modern features - powerful hardware, support for wireless modules, ergonomics, and a nice design..
The screen with protective glass has good color rendering. The screen refresh rate here is one of the record ones - 144 Hz! Even gaming monitors do not always achieve such indicators.
Gaming hardware can handle all games without a hint of FPS drop.
The innovative liquid cooling system is supplemented with a special graphite layer on the processor, thereby improving heat transfer several times. The energy capacity of the battery eliminates the need for constant recharging.
Specifications:
- OS: Android 10;
- Weight: 216 g;
- Screen: IPS, multi-touch;
- Diagonal: 6.67″;
- Rear cameras: 64+13+5 MP;
- Front camera: 20 MP;
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865, 8 cores;
- Built-in/RAM capacity: 128/6 GB.
pros
- graphite processor coating;
- CPU liquid cooling system;
- speed of work;
- energy-intensive battery.
Minuses
- There are problems with the firmware.
Apple iPhone SE (2020) 128GB
A classic iPhone with a glass panel, reinforced with a metal frame . Display
It’s quite small, which makes it more comfortable to hold in your hand, but sometimes you have to look closely at what’s happening on the screen.
Well optimized, but has a small battery that can withstand no more than 4 hours of active use.
There is also support for fast charging. The built-in stereo speakers provide clear, deep, and very pleasant sound.
Mid-level cameras, in normal lighting they will give good quality.
But in terms of performance, the model has something to brag about – games run smoothly at high graphics settings without any drop in response speed or stuttering.
Specifications:
- OS: iOS 13;
- Weight: 148 g;
- Screen: IPS, multi-touch;
- Diagonal: 4.73″;
- Rear cameras: 12 MP;
- Front camera: 7 MP;
- Processor: Apple A13 Bionic;
- Built-in/RAM capacity: 128/3 GB.
pros
- small and light;
- top processor;
- speaker quality;
- protection from dust and moisture;
- wireless charger.
Minuses
- no slot for memory card;
- low screen resolution.
OnePlus 8 12/256GB
One of the most high-tech premium smartphones is based on the best gadget of 2021.
Large diagonal, HDR10+ support and a record refresh rate of 120 Hz – and the result is one of the best gadgets in terms of screen quality.
It is literally designed for games . High brightness levels and large viewing angles are an additional advantage. The energy-intensive battery can withstand up to 9 hours of active gaming - yet the emphasis is on performance rather than autonomy.
But at the same time, charging from zero to 100% is achieved in just 75 minutes.
The cameras are powerful enough with built-in super stabilization for photography enthusiasts . The processor is one of the fastest in 2021; in games, even at maximum settings, it barely heats up. Stereo sound was a nice plus.
Specifications:
- OS: Android 10;
- Weight: 180 g;
- Screen: AMOLED, multi-touch;
- Diagonal: 6.55″;
- Rear cameras: 48+2+16 MP;
- Front camera: 16 MP;
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865, 8 cores;
- Built-in/RAM capacity: 256/12 GB.
pros
- shell with gaming optimization;
- record frame refresh rate;
- fast charging.
Minuses
- no slot for flash card;
- autonomy.
Realme 6 4/128GB
Smartphone for gaming Realme 6 4/128GB
Processor: 8-core Helio G90T, video accelerator: Mali-G76. These are flagship chips for 2021, but even today their performance is sufficient for all Android games.
Model features:
- screen with a refresh rate of 90 Hz;
- fast charging (30 W, adapter included);
- On-screen selfie camera (average quality).
The main advantage of the gadget is its relatively low cost (middle price category). The disadvantage is that there is no additional software aimed at gaming functions.
But a large number of custom firmwares have been released for this device, which will allow you to reveal all its hidden potential. That is, for advanced users who want to save money, it is a definite favorite.
Samsung Galaxy S20
Smartphone for gaming Samsung Galaxy S20
Processor – Exynos 990, GPU – Mali-G77 MP11. At the moment, this is one of the most productive smartphones, but it should be borne in mind that not all games are adapted for Exynos.
Many multiplayer RPGs can experience FPS drops. But, as a rule, Samsung often releases updates and patches for its flagship phone models.
Additional advantages of the gadget:
- display - AMOLED, supporting 120 Hz (resolution - 3200 by 1440 pixels);
- camera - main 64 megapixel (the quality is not inferior to the latest generations of iPhone);
- Battery - 4000 mAh.
Flaws:
- high heat;
- low battery life (only 5 hours with active load in games);
- the design is outdated (almost nothing has changed for many years for the Galaxy line).
The cost is also overpriced. The user pays a significant price precisely for the excellent build quality, balanced functionality and frequent software updates.
TOP 4 best gaming smartphones with a good camera
Samsung Galaxy S20+ 5G 12/128GB
The 2021 model has become the pinnacle of the brand’s achievements - components, assembly, screen, performance.
Matrix with QHD resolution, refresh rate 120 Hz per second, sensitive auto-brightness adjustment, night theme, blue filter, AlwaysOn Display support and battery saving.
The brightness level is enough to use the gadget even on the sunniest day.
Autonomy is supported for up to 16 hours with active games at 60 Hz and up to 12 at 120 Hz, and the charging speed is from zero to a full charge in just over an hour.
The processor is adapted for 3D games at high graphics settings . The RAM is very fast, allowing easy switching between applications and good multitasking.
Specifications:
- OS: Android 10.0;
- Weight: 186 g;
- Screen: AMOLED, multi-touch;
- Diagonal: 6.7″;
- Rear cameras: 64+12+12 MP;
- Front camera: 10 MP;
- Processor: Samsung Exynos 990, 8 cores;
- Built-in/RAM capacity: 128/12 GB.
pros
- speed of work;
- cameras;
- CPU;
- screen quality;
- advanced level of protection against dust and moisture.
Minuses
- Weak front camera.
Apple iPhone 11 256GB
The famous smartphone is popular not only due to its high-quality build and well-promoted brand..
The metal case reliably protects the internal components from damage due to falls and accidental impacts. Reliable glass protects a high-quality screen on an IPS matrix.
The display itself is very bright and clear, with high-quality rendering of details . Good performance is provided by a modern processor in collaboration with a RAM module and a video chipset.
Fast response, switching between applications and games at maximum graphics settings without freezes or lags - that’s what this model can provide.
An additional advantage is the set of good cameras, the presence of an oleophobic screen coating and modern dust and moisture protection.
Specifications:
- OS: iOS 13;
- Weight: 194 g;
- Screen: IPS, multi-touch;
- Diagonal: 6.1″;
- Rear cameras: 12+12 MP;
- Front camera: 12 MP;
- Processor: Apple A13 Bionic;
- Built-in memory capacity: 256 GB.
pros
- performance;;
- excellent level of autonomy;
- sound quality;
- protection against dust and moisture at the most advanced level.
Minuses
- there may not be enough RAM;
- price.
OnePlus 8 Pro 12/256GB
One of the best OnePlus for modern games . The reason lies not only in the excellent
hardware performance and a huge amount of RAM.
There is an incredibly well-thought-out cooling system that does not allow the components and the case to heat up even during active gaming for many hours.
Another advantage is the AMOLED screen with high frequency screen resolution.
A well-developed operating system and shell only increase the power of the gadget.
If we add here some of the best cameras in the line and support for all modern communication modules, the result is a model comparable to premium ones.
Specifications:
- OS: Android 10;
- Weight: 199 g;
- Screen: AMOLED, multi-touch;
- Diagonal: 6.78″;
- Rear cameras: 48+8+48+5 MP;
- Front camera: 16 MP;
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865, 8 cores;
- Built-in/RAM capacity: 256/12 GB.
pros
- fast charging;
- autonomy at its best;
- connection stability;
- design is one of the best;
- equipment.
Minuses
- no protection from dust and moisture;
- no wireless charging.
Xiaomi Mi 10 8/256GB
In 2021, the smartphone can safely be called a leader in most indicators . Here and
an energy-efficient, powerful processor with a liquid cooling system, a super-powerful camera module, and an advanced video chipset.
A high-quality screen gives a high refresh rate, reducing the number of stutters.
108 megapixels for the main camera - and the output is breathtaking quality for both photos and video materials.
Those who like to play without a headset will appreciate the powerful stereo speakers with balanced sound and a good volume reserve.
Autonomy here is also far from in last place - when gaming, the battery holds a charge for up to 18 hours, and in standby mode - up to three days.
Specifications:
- OS: Android 10;
- Weight: 208 g;
- Screen: AMOLED, multi-touch;
- Diagonal: 6.67″;
- Rear cameras: 108+2+2+13 MP;
- Front camera: 20 MP;
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865, 8 cores;
- Built-in/RAM capacity: 256/8 GB.
pros
- the most powerful cameras;
- stereo speaker system;
- latest wireless communication modules;
- a lot of memory.
Minuses
- There is no slot for a flash drive (a dubious minus with so much built-in memory).
Xiaomi Black Shark 6/64GB
Smartphone for gaming Xiaomi Black Shark 6/64GB
