Gaming smartphones are for niche segment in the market, especially for those who are seeking the best possible. Hardcore mobile gamers should get the most capable smartphone in the market with good display. The screen should be sufficiently large with good resolution and refresh rate. If you are looking to get the best gaming smartphone in the market, here are some alternatives to choose:
Asus ROG Phone 5
Priced at nearly $900, it is the only gaming-oriented smartphone in this list. Asus designed the ROG Phone 5 as a dedicated mobile gaming device, not a generic smartphone. Inside, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset and 16GB of RAM ensure great performance. Among Android smartphone, it probably has the best dual-stereo speakers, which ensures amazing gaming experience. AirTriggers, 144Hz display refresh rate and huge battery are other features to consider from this smartphone.
Apple 12 Pro Max
At around $1,100, you will get the best possible hardware performance in the mobile sector. In any benchmark, productivity and real-life gaming test, the A14 Bionic chipset convincingly defeats the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888. Unfortunately, it has only the static 60Hz refresh rate. This means, the display can’t take full advantage of the very powerful hardware. Even if the phone is capable of rendering 3D games at more than 60fps at highest detail settings, the experience could feel somewhat mediocre at best. The iPhone 12 Pro Max looks stylish with its rear glass cover, but be prepared to spend $600 to repair it, if you crack it.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2
With its foldable design, the Galaxy Z Fold 2 is a real head turner. For people who want to get bragging rights and extra-large display for more immersive gaming, this device is an obvious choice. The 120Hz 7.6-inch display allows smooth scrolling. When using with one hand, the device feels very usable. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ chipset ensures excellent performance. The hinge mechanism feels smooth and is completely silent. When folded, the Galaxy Z Fold 2 is quite thick and bulky to carry around, especially if you use a protective case.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
Priced at more than $1,000, the Galaxy S21 Ultra is the best Samsung has to offer today. If photography is an important factor, this phone is something to consider. The granular and adaptive 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth experience, while maintaining good battery life. With S Pen case, it is a bulky smartphone and you only get 128GB storage for $1,200. With Exynos 2100 or Snapdragon 888 and 12GB of RAM, you will get among the best gaming experience in the market.
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
With 6.9-inch AMOLED display, you get sizable display among gaming smartphones. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ chipset offers snappy and super smooth performance. The camera on the back can produce still images and videos at acceptable quality. The S Pen is the biggest improvement so far. For some users, the $1,300 starting price can be a bit much and the gigantic size of the Note 20 Ultra could be a turn off as well. The 120Hz refresh rate could take a toll on the battery life.
