techsupport Don’t underestimate mobile gaming: you can play anywhere with just your phone. To enjoy smooth gameplay without freezes, lags, or other issues, you need a high-quality device. Here are the best smartphones for gaming enthusiasts.
What to Consider When Choosing a Gaming Smartphone
In 2024, the variety of smartphones on the market is vast. Ask a dedicated gamer which gadget to get for gaming, and the answer might be Samsung. But which one exactly? There are countless Samsung models, and not all of them are suitable for the tasks at hand. Additionally, other brands on the market perfectly meet gamers’ needs. To make the right choice and get the best gaming phone, focus on these five critical features:
- A small screen with a low refresh rate is uncomfortable for gaming. Look for a larger screen with a refresh rate of 60 Hz or higher and Full HD resolution.
- Processor: It’s easy to get lost in the myriad of names, so it’s best to follow expert recommendations. The more cores and higher clock speeds, the better. There’s no need to delve into semiconductor sizes down to the nanometer; just check the aforementioned parameters. The most powerful chipsets are Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, MediaTek Dimensity 9300, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, and Exynos 2400. For iPhones, the top choice is the proprietary A18 Pro. With any of these processors, your phone can run virtually any game available in app stores.
- Graphics Chip: Unlike PC gaming, the graphics chip is less crucial here, as it is usually integrated into the processor. You can’t choose the graphics separately — it comes with the chipset. The best graphic units are from Qualcomm, Apple, Samsung, and Mali, but their quality can vary significantly from model to model.
- RAM: The more RAM, the smoother the gameplay, especially for demanding games like PUBG. The minimum for a gaming device is 6 GB.
- Battery Capacity: While not the most critical element for performance, no one enjoys constantly recharging their phone after every two rounds at Dragon Slots. Ideally, look for a battery of at least 5000 mAh, enough for a couple of hours of intense gaming.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+
Powered by the Dimensity 7200 Ultra processor paired with 12 GB of RAM, this phone delivers solid gaming performance and maintains a stable frame rate. While it’s not as powerful as flagship models, it stands out in its class. Its 6.67-inch OLED screen boasts a resolution of 1220×2712 pixels and a brightness of up to 1800 nits, making it perfect for both gaming and watching movies. Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos mean you might not even need headphones.
The 5000 mAh battery lasts over 10 hours of active use — not a record, but it’s offset by ultra-fast 120W charging. Just 5 minutes of charging gives you 31%, and a full charge takes only 25 minutes. The main camera has an impressive 200 MP resolution. The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G is currently one of the best options for those seeking a versatile smartphone.
Huawei Mate X3
This smartphone features a massive 7.85-inch OLED display, making it hard to use with one hand. But that’s not an issue for gaming, which always requires both hands. Its foldable design transforms the display into a tablet-like experience with a resolution of 1080×2520 pixels and a 120 Hz refresh rate. Despite the large screen, the device is lightweight and ultra-thin, with a durable, flexible display that shows no creases even after frequent folding and unfolding.
Under the hood, the powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, 12 GB of RAM, and 512 GB of storage ensure smooth performance. However, the 4700 mAh battery drains quickly in unfolded mode. Fortunately, 66W fast charging and wireless charging mitigate this issue.
Infinix Note Pro+
The Infinix Note Pro+ catches the eye with its deep emerald color, eco-leather texture, and metallic accents, which make it look far more premium than its modest price suggests.
Its 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 2436×1080 pixels and a 120 Hz refresh rate ensures vibrant and smooth visuals, supported by HDR. However, its maximum brightness of 1300 nits falls short of top competitors. The MediaTek Dimensity 7020 processor is a solid choice for those who don’t demand the highest graphics settings.
What stands out is its fast-charging capability: the phone reaches 100% in just 27 minutes, and you can get over 60% in just 15 minutes.
Galaxy S24 Ultra
The Galaxy S24 Ultra is one of the best gaming phones on the market, offering everything you need for an unparalleled gaming experience. Its 6.9-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 3120×1440 pixels and a 120 Hz refresh rate delivers large, crisp, and fluid visuals. With the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, even the most demanding games run seamlessly.
Additional perks include a water-resistant S Pen stylus and five cameras, including a telephoto lens with 5x zoom, ideal for stunning astrophotography. If you need a device for both work and play, the Galaxy S24 Ultra can handle it all effortlessly.
