The gaming industry comprises one of the most potent and active markets in the world. And when it comes to gaming, it’s true that consoles and PCs continue to reign supreme when it comes to performance and game quality. However, a certain democratization of gaming is taking place in this modern age. More and more people are shifting toward mobile gaming as well and it’s really not all that hard to see why.
The products that these smartphone manufacturers are churning out these days are just downright unbelievable. A flagship smartphone in 2021 will outdo most laptops that are merely five or six years old. The latest smartphones are equipped with deep and immersive displays that can rival even high-end TV monitors. They’re also fitted with some of the most sophisticated processors in the world of tech. There are also a bunch of other features that help enhance the gaming experience like stereo speakers, 5G internet connections, and exceptional build quality.
In the past, smartphones were merely used as devices for communication. They were tools that people used to converse with one another despite the distance. Eventually, they became multimedia devices that catered to creators and consumers alike. They were fitted with top-shelf camera technology and complex image processing software that allowed novices to shoot professional-grade photos and videos easily. But now, they’re more than just tools for communication, content creation, and media consumption. They are also bonafide gaming devices. And in this article, we’re going to take a look at some of the top-tier smartphones in the market today when it comes to gaming.
The Premium Pick: Asus ROG Phone 5
When it comes to gaming, very few companies, if any at all, do it better than Asus. The brand’s Republic of Gamers collection is exactly that. It’s a pileup of some of the best gaming devices that the industry can offer. And the Asus ROG Phone 5 is definitely one of the best examples of that commitment to serving the gamer community. The phone has a beautiful 120Hz display which makes for the one of the smoothest video playbacks on any phone out there. It’s also powered by the mammoth Snapdragon 888 chip and up to 12GB of RAM. That’s more than enough horsepower to handle anything that even the most demanding games will throw at it. From immersive RPG’s to online casino games, first-person shooters, and simulators, the ROG Phone 5 can definitely handle it.
The Budget-Friendly Pick: ZTE Nubia Red Magic 6
If you don’t have as much money to spend on a gaming phone and you’re running on a tight budget, you can still get a pretty solid gaming experience with the ZTE Nubia Red Magic 6. It boasts of an overpowered 166Hz AMOLED display and a Snapdragon 888 chip, the same one on the Asus ROG Phone 5. But the best part about this phone is that it costs nearly half as much as the other phones that are listed in this article. That being said, it doesn’t have the best design or build quality, but it’s definitely an awesome option for mobile gaming at a reasonable price.
The Most Versatile Pick: Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus
Sometimes, people don’t just want to use their smartphones for pure gaming. There are so many people out there who use their phones for productivity, social media, and content creation as well. This is where the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus fits in. It’s the newest and boldest offering from the Samsung Galaxy line and it boasts of the highest specs that are available on smartphones today. Samsung has always had the reputation for manufacturing some of the best screens on smartphones in the industry today and the S21 Plus is no exception. It’s a do-everything kind of phone that’s ready to handle any task that you throw at it.
The Apple Fan Pick: iPhone 12 Pro Max
Of course, all of the choices that have been mentioned so far won’t necessarily appeal to people who only subscribe to the Apple ecosystem. And this is why the iPhone 12 Pro Max has to fall into this list as well. It has the new Apple A14 Bionic chip, making it the most powerful smartphone that they’ve ever produced. It also has a beautiful 6.7” OLED display that showcases some of the brightest and most vivid colors on any smartphone screen. You’re definitely paying a premium for this phone, but you’re also getting a lot in return in terms of its build-quality and overall functionality.
