Considering how fast smartphone technology has moved over the past few years, it is no surprise that they are becoming more and more like a laptop or PC. Specifically, several gaming smartphones are looking to replace your gaming laptop, PC, or console.
While they are still relatively niche, there are already a handful of world-class gaming phones that totally deserve your attention. Here are a few of the newest and best gaming phones and what to remember when choosing one. And after finding the perfect smartphone for you, make your internet connection stable for online gaming and enjoy your games with your brand-new smartphone.
1. ASUS ROG 6D
Arguably the best gaming smartphone on the market, the ROG 6D from ASUS can handle everything from an Online Casino to League of Legends and everything in between. The ROG 6D has everything you need for gaming and so much more.
It has 512GB of storage and 16GB RAM, is extremely fast, has a crisp display, and has some of the best speakers around. On the downside, it is very expensive, but you do get what you pay for.
2. Black Shark 5 Pro
Coming in a close second is the 5 Pro from Black Shark. Released last year, the 5 Pro is seen as the closest competition to the ROG 6D, and for a good reason. It is extremely powerful and can run almost any game flawlessly. Not to mention, it has retractable triggers that will give you that controller feel.
The one thing stopping the 5 Pro from being a serious competitor is its lackluster battery. For such a powerful piece of kit, it has a weak battery that doesn’t last long. It also tends to get very hot, meaning the cooling system can be drastically improved, too.
3. ASUS ROG Phone 5
Once again, ASUS is pulling out all the stops for their gaming smartphones. The ROG Phone 5 is a phone that has been designed almost as an entry-level device that still does a lot of the higher-end tasks.
It can have either 128 or 256GB in storage, as well as either 8, 12, or 16GB of RAM. On the downside, you will notice a drop in performance in more detailed games, and the device is also heavy and can feel clunky.
4. Nubia Red Magic 7
The Nubia Red Magic 7 is another device that many believe to be the best value for money, even though it has a few flaws. On the plus side, it has great storage and RAM options, as well as an amazing display.
On the downside, it has a really poor battery, considering everything it is capable of. Much like the Phone 5 above, it also has a bulky design that feels more antiquated than it should.
Any Brand-New iPhone or Galaxy
While not a specific phone, it is important to remember that you don’t need to buy a smartphone that is labeled as a “gaming phone” for it to do the same thing. Newer iPhones and Galaxy Phones like the Galaxy S23 or iPhone 14 both have the RAM, processing power, and memory to be incredible gaming phones.
What to remember when choosing a gaming phone
When choosing a gaming phone, there are a few things you need to remember, as it isn’t quite the same as choosing a regular smartphone.
Price
The first thing you will notice is that gaming phones are far more expensive than you may think, especially compared to other smartphones. However, this shouldn’t be too much of a surprise as you aren’t paying for just a smartphone.
When it comes to the price, it is important to note what you are getting for your money: increased storage and RAM, a massive battery, a great display, etc.
Storage
Speaking of storage, if you are buying a phone for gaming, you will need a device that has huge amounts of built-in storage or expandable storage. Considering you will be playing games much bigger than a regular mobile game, you will need extra space.
Display
Another aspect to look for is a great display. You can think of a gaming phone display as a monitor; you want something that provides a lot of detail and doesn’t pixelate the moment you zoom into something.
Battery
The next thing to look for is a device with exceptional battery life. It’s all good and well having an ultra-powerful device, but if the battery barely lasts while you’re playing, you lose the mobile aspect of phone gaming and spend all your time attached to an outlet.
You may have to sacrifice some features
Finally, be prepared to sacrifice, or at least partially sacrifice, some features that you would find in a standard smartphone. Gaming smartphones aren’t designed to take world-class photos or record in 4K or 8K.
Many gaming phones will dial down some features to maximize the components that power games. More often than not, this often requires sacrificing a camera, or at the very least, a very good one.
