The Best Android Phone for Gaming: A Comprehensive Guide

Table of Contents

Are looking for the Best Android Phone for Gaming to buy? Look no further! The need for powerful smartphones has grown in line with the popularity of mobile gaming.

There are so many Android phones out there that choosing the best one for playing a game might be confusing. We have researched and discovered the best Android phones for gaming, considering factors such as performance, display, battery life, and more.

Gone are the days when gaming was limited to desktop computers and consoles. As smartphones became increasingly popular, the mobile gaming industry has expanded to worth more than $1 billion.

Still, not all smartphones are designed to play video games. The ideal Android gaming device would include a robust processor, a large and brilliant display, long battery life, effective cooling, and a decent camera.

Performance: The Key Factor for Best Android Phone for Gaming

A phone with a powerful processor can handle demanding games with ease, providing a smooth and seamless gaming experience. The best Android phones for gaming are powered by either the Qualcomm Snapdragon or the MediaTek Helio processors. The most powerful processors available in the market today are Snapdragon 888 and the Helio G95.

Display: Bigger is Better

The display is another critical factor to consider when looking for the best Android phone for gaming. A bigger display means a more immersive gaming experience, with better graphics and more detail. The display for an ideal gaming phone is a 6.5-inch to 7-inch. A high refresh rate is also essential for smooth gameplay. The best Android phones for gaming have a refresh rate of at least 90Hz or 120Hz.

Battery Life: Never Run Out of Power

Mobile gaming can be very demanding on your phone’s battery life. The best Android phones for gaming have a battery capacity of at least 4000mAh.

Cooling: Keep Your Phone Cool

Intense gaming can cause your phone to heat up quickly, leading to performance issues and even damage to your phone. The best Android phones for gaming come with efficient cooling systems to keep your phone cool during long gaming sessions.

Camera: Not a Priority, But Still Important

While the camera is not a critical factor for gaming, it is still an essential feature for many smartphone users. Stunning photos and videos shot on a high-definition smartphone are now easily shareable across social platforms. The best Android phones for gaming should come with the following:

  • At least 12 megapixels primary camera
  • At least 5 megapixels front camera.

Price: How Much Should You Spend?

The price of any best Android phone for gaming varies significantly, depending on the brand of the phone. It is essential to consider your budget when looking for the best Android phone for gaming.

The Best Android Phones for Gaming

1. Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra:

Best Android Phones for Gaming

The ultimate gaming phone with a powerful processor, a big and bright display, and efficient cooling.

thumbs up regular

Pros

  • Impressive camera system with 108MP main camera and 10x optical zoom
  • Large and high-quality AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
  • Powerful performance with Exynos 2100/Snapdragon 888 processor
  • S Pen support for note-taking and drawing
  • 5G connectivity and Wi-Fi 6E support
thumbs down regular

Cons

  • High price point
  • No expandable storage options
  • No headphone jack

2. OnePlus 9 Pro:

Best Android Phone for Gaming

A premium phone with a smooth and fast performance, a high refresh rate display, and an excellent camera.

thumbs up regular

Pros

  • Fast and powerful performance with Snapdragon 888 processor
  • High-quality AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
  • Excellent camera system with Hasselblad partnership
  • 65W fast charging and wireless charging capabilities
  • IP68 water and dust resistance rating
thumbs down regular

Cons

  • No expandable storage options
  • Relatively expensive
  • Battery life may be average if used frequently

3. Asus ROG Phone 5:

Best Android Phone for Gaming

A dedicated gaming phone with top-of-the-line specs, including a Snapdragon 888 processor, a 144Hz refreshes rate display, and a massive 6000mAh battery.

thumbs up regular

Pros

  • Powerful performance with Snapdragon 888 processor and up to 16GB of RAM
  • Impressive gaming features and accessories
  • Long battery life with a 6,000mAh battery
  • High-quality AMOLED display with 144Hz refresh rate
thumbs down regular

Cons

  • has weight may not be comfortable for all users
  • No headphone jack or expandable storage options
  • Camera quality is average compared to other flagship phones
  • No official IP rating for water and dust resistance.

4. Xiaomi Black Shark 4 Pro:

Best Android Phone for Gaming

A gaming-focused phone with a Snapdragon 888 processor, a 144Hz refresh rate display, and a dual-cell battery for extended gaming sessions.

thumbs up regular

Pros

  • Powerful performance with Snapdragon 888 processor
  • High refresh rate AMOLED display
  • Large battery capacity with fast charging capabilities
  • Good gaming features and accessories
thumbs down regular

Cons

  • No wireless charging capability
  • Camera performance is average compared to others
  • Limited availability outside of select markets

5. Realme GT:

Best Android Phone for Gaming

A powerful phone with a Snapdragon 888 processor, a 120Hz refresh rate display, and a large 4500mAh battery.

thumbs up regular

Pros

  • Powerful performance with Snapdragon 888 processor
  • Affordable price for high-end specs
  • Fast charging with 65W SuperDart charger
  • Good camera system with 64MP main lens
thumbs down regular

Cons

  • No wireless charging capabilities
  • No IP rating for water and dust resistance
  • Limited availability in some regions
  • No expandable storage options

6. Google Pixel 5:

Best Android Phone for Gaming

A mid-range phone with a smooth performance, a good camera, and a 90Hz refresh rate display, making it a great option for casual gamers.

thumbs up regular

Pros

  • High-quality camera system
  • Stock Android with guaranteed software updates
  • Compact and lightweight design
  • 5G connectivity
  • Good battery life
thumbs down regular

Cons

  • Mediocre processor compared to other flagship phones
  • Limited storage options
  • No headphone jack or expandable storage
  • Average display quality

FAQs

  1. Can I play any game on these phones? Yes, these phones can handle most games available on the Google Play Store, including graphic-intensive games.
  2. Do I need a gaming phone to play games on my phone? No, you do not need a gaming phone to play games on your phone. However, a gaming phone can provide a smoother and more immersive gaming experience.
  3. How long does the battery last on these phones during gaming? The battery life can vary depending on the phone and the game being played. However, most of these phones have a battery life of at least 4-5 hours during gaming.
  4. Can I use these phones for other tasks besides gaming? Yes, these phones can handle everyday tasks such as browsing the internet, taking photos, and making calls.
  5. Which phone offers the best value for money? The Realme GT offers the best value for money with its powerful specs and affordable price tag.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are going for the best Android phone for gaming, look for one that has higher performance, a large and brilliant display, good battery life, a decent camera, and effective cooling. Based on our research, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, OnePlus 9 Pro, Asus ROG Phone 5, Xiaomi Black Shark 4 Pro, Realme GT, and Google Pixel 5 are some of the best Android phones for gaming available in the market today.

Want to keep up with our blog?

Get our most valuable tips right inside your inbox, once per month!