Best gaming phones Android Central 2021
While most phones can run free-to play titles such as Angry Birds and Subway Surfers on their own, the best Android phones for gaming will be able to handle more demanding games. The best Android games run on PC or console ports, which have faster processors, lots of memory and better displays, even when they are downgraded. These games drain battery life faster and can take up a lot of storage, so you might need a microSD card slot to store them all. You have every reason for your next phone to be able to handle all of these streaming services (Google Stadia or Xbox Game Pass for Android9xCloud). The Galaxy S21 Ultra is our favorite gaming phone. However, if this doesn't appeal to you or your budget is limited, there are many other options that might be worth looking at. These are the top Android phones for gamers.
Samsung's annual offerings push the boundaries of smartphones and extend that to mobile gaming. We've never seen a more powerful lineup of smartphones than the S21, and the Galaxy S21 Ultra is the best Android phone for gaming. The best silicon is used to power all your games. The Snapdragon 888 is included in all S21 phones. It offers a 25% increase in CPU performance and a 35% increase in GPU performance compared to the Snapdragon865 in the Galaxy S20s. The Snapdragon 888 benchmarks show that it is faster than any other multi-core CPU and has a lower GPU performance than the iPhone 12. The S21 Ultra's hardware specs are superior to its siblings by almost all other gaming metrics. It boasts the highest resolution (ppi) of 515 and the largest display (6.8 inches). The Ultra is the only one of the three phones that can be upgraded to 8GB, 12GB, or 16GB of memory. The S21 lineup has removed expandable storage. The Ultra model is the only one with 512GB internal storage. This makes it the best choice for running multiple games simultaneously. The Galaxy S21 Ultra boasts a Quad HD+ resolution with a 120Hz variable refresh rate and up to 1500 nits brightness. This mode, while it is extremely draining on your battery, looks amazing enough to be worth it. The mighty 5000mAh battery is able to keep up. The Galaxy S21 may be your choice due to its lower price, lighter and more comfortable design. It will also handle fast-paced shooting and high-resolution graphics with ease. The Ultra is our choice for dedicated smartphone gamers who have the funds to spend. The Ultra has a stunning Super AMOLED display.
QHD+ resolution refresh rate 120Hz
Snapdragon 888 with 16GB RAM
Giant battery
Water resistance IP68
Gaming Mode and Game Launcher Pros: There's no headphone jack
There is no expandable storage.
It is more difficult to hold a large display.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra - Best Overall Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra Go Big or Go Home The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is a true workhorse, delivering top-tier performance on an extremely fast display. Amazon: $1,000
Best Buy - $1,200
Walmart: $975
2. Best alternative: OnePlus 9 Pro
Source: Apoorva Bhardwaj/ Android Central
Although OnePlus is not the most popular mobile gaming company, there are a few that do. The OnePlus 9 Pro's stunning 6.7-inch AMOLED screen is the first thing you notice when you play a game. Although the phone's aspect ratio of 20:9 isn’t unusual, it feels larger. This phone has a lot of internal specs like the Snapdragon888 processor and lots of RAM. It's a robust device. The 120Hz variable rate is great, although you won't be able to get the high refresh rates that gaming phones offer. Smooth gameplay should not be an issue, thanks to the new vapor chamber cooling system that keeps heat away. The 360Hz touch response rate gives touch-centric games a big boost, a significant improvement on the 240Hz rate found in the OnePlus 8 Pro. The haptics are excellent, making these games feel more tactile. You should not have any problems using this phone with any of the games on Google Play and Xbox Game Pass. Fortnite is the same regardless of whether you use a controller. The battery life is good and you can get back to playing faster with OnePlus' Warp Charger. Pros: Gorgeous display
Cooling system improvements
Good haptics for tactile feeling
For a long-lasting game, you need solid internals
Excellent software Cons: No refresh rate of 144Hz
It is not a 21/9 ratio
Best alternative OnePlus 9 Pro Ready for entertainment The OnePlus 9 Pro is a fantastic gaming phone that can display and run the most popular games. Amazon: $1,070
$1,069 on OnePlus
3. Best value: Samsung Galaxy S21
Source: Hayato Huseman / Android Central
Samsung does not market the Galaxy S21 specifically as a gaming smartphone. Instead, it focuses its marketing efforts on other features. It wouldn't be wrong, however, to make a few comments about the Galaxy S21's gaming capabilities. Although it won't be as robust or durable as the S21 Ultra it can still handle its fair share if it is used correctly. It can stream games from Xbox Game Pass and works well when paired with a compatible Bluetooth controller. The screen's 120Hz refresh rate keeps games looking fluid, and the Snapdragon 888 inside should be able to handle the latest mobile titles. This 6.2-inch screen is smaller than the average, which means that it is less about screen size and more about being able to do more with less. The 120Hz refresh dynamic is dynamic and ensures that the battery lasts for a long time. It's also due to the lower resolution. The resolution is 2400x1080. This means that there aren’t as many pixels in the screen as a QHD display. If you value visual quality, you might not like this spec. The screen is still beautiful to look at but it can't compete with other gaming phones. The display is bright and has a 120Hz refresh rate.
Internals can handle games
Amazing haptics
It is easy to carry and hold
Color options Cons: Not as high resolution
S21 Ultra does not have the features you want
Samsung Galaxy S21: The best value Samsung Galaxy S21. The Galaxy S21 has everything you need to play games. Amazon: $800
Best Buy: $800
B&H: $750
4. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 is the best for large displays
Source: Chris Wedel/Android Central
The Galaxy Z Fold 3 foldable is an amazing device that elevates gaming to a new level. The Z Fold 3's unique feature is its foldout screen, which unfolds to a huge 7.6 inches. This gives you ample space for playing new games. Smooth playback of your favorite games is guaranteed by the 120Hz refresh rate on both the inner and outer AMOLED screens. The plastic coating on the outer and inner screens is a significant upgrade. The coating was made by Samsung and feels almost like you are interacting with a glass panel. The Z Fold 3 has been around for some time now and we have noticed a significant improvement in our daily use. The Snapdragon 888 chipset is one of the most powerful on Android. It can handle even the most difficult games and delivers more power than any other Android chip. You can store all your games with the 12GB LPDDR5 RAM, 256GB UFS 3.1 storage, and multitasking is possible here. You get global 5G band, Wi-Fi 6e and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity. An interesting addition this year is IPX8 waterproof, which allows you to continue gaming at the pool. The camera is also a great choice, so even if you aren't playing games, you can still take amazing photos in any lighting situation. You can get up to a day of use from the 4400mAh battery. There's also 25W fast charging and wireless charging. The Pros: A large 7.6-inch AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate.
Excellent internal hardware
The outer screen is helpful for daily tasks
Future-proofed design using global 5G
IPX8 water resistance
It is insanely expensive
5. The most advanced features of Nubia RedMagic6 Pro
Source: RedMagic
Nubia is a sub-brand under ZTE. You don't have to know much about it. You do need to know that the RedMagic 6 Pro from ZTE is one of most advanced gaming phones available. If you are interested in mobile gaming and want something truly unique, then you should consider buying it. The RedMagic 6 Pro is unique in many ways. The phone's display is the most striking. It has a 6.8 inch AMOLED and a jaw-dropping refresh rate of 165Hz. This feat is technical and unmatched on a phone like the Galaxy S21 Ultra. The phone's smoothness makes for a great gaming experience, as does Qualcomm's Snapdragon888 processor. It has up to 16GB RAM and 256GB internal storage. This phone is great for playing a good game. It is a gaming phone and has many features that will meet your expectations. RedMagic 6 Pro features built-in triggers in the phone's frame that allow for precise controls. It also has an improved cooling system with an active fan to cool down rising temperatures. Nubia still managed to fit in a 5,050mAh and a 66W battery. In just 38 minutes you can be fully charged in no time. Pros: Unmatched 165Hz AMOLED display
Solid cooling system
Qualcomm processor fast with tons RAM
For extra control, there are trigger buttons built-in
5.050 mAh battery + 6W charging Cons: Design may not be for everyone
Mediocre cameras
Software is full of bugs
The RedMagic 6 Pro has the most advanced features Nubia RedMagic 6 Pro is a phone that focuses on gaming. Features like trigger buttons and a display with 165Hz allow it to stand out. RedMagic 6 Pro - $699
6. Google Pixel 5 is the best for Stadia
Another phone that's not known for its gaming capabilities is the Google Pixel 5. The Snapdragon 765G is a popular mid-range phone that can run most Android games without any problems. However, it's not designed for high-end performance. The Pixel 5 with its 8GB RAM is ideal for cloud gaming. This uses remote servers to power your games instead of hardware. Google gives three months of their Stadia Pro subscription for free to all new Pixel 5 owners, especially for Stadia. Although the 6 inch AMOLED screen is smaller than many of the best Android phones for gaming, it can still run content at 4K at 60 FPS, which matches the highest output that Stadia can provide right now. Although it only has 128GB storage, you don't need to store any cloud games. The 4,080mAh battery proved to be reliable in our testing, and can handle long gaming sessions without the need for a wireless charger. The Pixel 5's top-of-the line cameras and Android 11 OS make it great for all other activities. Stadia has made great strides since its launch in 2019. You can play some of the most popular Stadia games, such as Cyberpunk 2077 and Assassin's Creed Valhalla. This is so cool! Pros: You get regular updates until October 2023
Clean, minimalistic design
90Hz AMOLED display
Flagship performance
Stadia compatibility
Great battery life
No expandable storage
A very small display
7. 7.
Source: Daniel Bader / Android Central
We'd be remiss to ignore Apple's offerings, as we're considering gaming phones in general. Although Apple does not officially allow cloud gaming apps to be downloaded, you can access them via your browser. The App Store also has some highly-demanding games that depend on the iPhone's amazing graphical tech, including Apple Arcade. All 12 iPhone models share the A14 Bionic chipet. This is the most powerful CPU to compete with the S21 Ultra's Snapdragon 888. We recommend the Pro lineup (including Max, if you have more to spend) as it has 6GB RAM. The base and mini models are not great but we appreciate every bit of it. Pro models have 512GB storage and are the only ones that can do so. They also have better brightness, longer battery life, superior cameras, and a higher average brightness. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 6.7 inch display and the iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 6.1 inch. Apple's continuous improvements to the platform are what make an iPhone purchase so appealing. iOS 14 will be your latest release. You will also have full support for future releases and security patches for many years, probably longer than any Android smartphone. Pros: 6.1 inch Super Retina XDR display
The A14 Bionic chip delivers incredible performance
iOS 14 running with years of software support
Pros: Only 6GB RAM
Maximum 60Hz
iPhone 11 Pro's battery life is not comparable
Apple iPhone 12 Pro iOS Gaming is Best The iPhone 12 Pro iOS gaming is also for professionals. It offers the design, performance and price that you need to get the best out of iOS gaming. Apple iPhone 12 Pro starting at $999
Amazon: $999
Best Buy: $999
8. Best for Gamers: Asus ROG phone 5
Source: Apoorva Bhardwaj/ Android Central
There are many great phones for gaming in the U.S. but the Asus ROG Phone 5 is the best. There are three options: the Ultimate, Pro and the standard models. The choice of which one you prefer is up to you. However, the standard model is ready to use straight out of the box. The handset is noticeably heavier than the 6.78-inch AMOLED screen phones. This is due to the fact that it has more space to house AirTriggers, an additional USB-C port for charging, and a 5-pin pogo connector to attach AeroActive fan accessories. Asus' GameCool system has a new design that siphons heat away both from the internals and the peripherals. This ensures your hands are comfortable. This is important because the Snapdragon 888 chipset must push to ensure that everything runs smoothly. This will happen, and the 144Hz refresh rate will make everything look smoother. The pros: Beautifully designed
Stereo speakers and headphone Jack
144Hz refresh rate
Cooling system improvements
Hefty 6,000mAh battery Cons: Water resistance
A bigger and more substantial build is possible
Best for gamers Asus RoG Phone 5 Tons value across the ocean. With its outstanding display, solid specs and distinctive design, the AsusROG Phone 5 offers a lot. Amazon: $660
