Mobile gaming has become increasingly popular since the early 2000s. Remember how it all began with simple basic, pre-installed games like Snake on Nokia phones?
Then, the launch of the Apple App Store and Google Play Store revolutionized mobile gaming. Developers could create and distribute games easily, and the next decade was dominated by easy-to-use mass-market games like Angry Birds and Candy Crush Saga.
As smartphones became more powerful, mobile gaming expanded to include strategy, RPGs, and shooters previously associated with consoles or PCs. The introduction of monetization systems like freemium (free-to-play with in-app purchases), subscription services, and ads financed even more game developments.
Online entertainment sites have now sprung up all over the internet, with many gaming niches to choose from. Online casinos have grown popular in recent years and if you are getting lost looking for what to play, thankfully Bonusfinder Ireland has reviewed new online casinos in Ireland.
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How to choose a gaming phone
The choice of games is increasingly enticing.
But what about the choice of phones? Which ones make the best buys for gaming fans?
The best gaming phones can revolutionize your playing. The market now includes some seriously powerful units. If you’re looking for a new gaming phone, check out these factors:
- Look for a phone with a powerful processor – it directly affects gaming performance. Big names to look for include Qualcomm Snapdragon and MediaTek Dimensity.
- Make sure a phone has oodles of RAM. This ensures smooth multitasking and seamless gameplay.
- A higher refresh-rate display, such as 90Hz or 120Hz, guarantees smoother animations.
- Opt for a phone with a high-resolution display. OLED or AMOLED displays offer the best deep blacks and vivid colors.
- Efficient cooling systems, like vapor chambers or liquid cooling, help prevent overheating during long sessions.
- Gaming drains batteries. Look for a large battery capacity and fast charging technology.
- Some phones have gaming-specific features like shoulder triggers, customizable gaming modes, and haptic feedback. Think whether these will enhance your play.
- Lots of storage is essential for installing lots of games. Look for at least 128GB.
- Good audio boosts the whole experience. Phones with stereo speakers or advanced tech like Dolby Atmos are ideal.
- 5G connectivity offers faster downloads and lower latency.
- Gaming can be intense – so a phone must be durable to withstand drops and accidental damage.
Gaming phone recommendations
Sadly, as usual, the best costs the most. Most gaming experts pick the ASUS ROG phone series.
The rest of us drool but balk at the £ 1,000 price tags. For droolers everywhere, though, here are the specs:
Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro
- Screen: 6.78-inch AMOLED
- Resolution: 2448 x 1080
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- Cameras: 32MP front, 50MP main rear, 13MP ultra-wide
- Storage: Up to 1TB
- Water resistance: IP54
- Dimensions: 163.8×76.8×8.9mm
- Weight: 225g
Win the lottery and this is the latest and greatest gaming phone with the best components in a super slick chassis with many extra gaming features.
Check out the rear dot-matrix screen, great camera and touch triggers.
Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor is the latest, and the slim new matte black chassis feels superb. The edge-to-edge display and lightning performance make this a gaming phone.
You could save a couple of hundred by opting for the little sister, the Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate. It’s still not cheap, but the Ultimate is one of the last to offer a more comfortable curved back.
The good news is you don’t need to rob a bank to buy an Asus. Here are some brilliant alternatives:
RedMagic 9 Pro
For around half the price of the ROG 9 Pro, have a look at Red Magic’s latest. It’s probably a far better real-world choice for most gamers.
The 9 Pro has a fantastic price tag for its high performance. The cool chassis houses an older CPU, but it dishes out plenty of power.
Fancy a used bargain? Look for the Red Magic 8S Pro. It’s still a class act.
Samsung Galaxy A50
Proof that you don’t have to sell your house for a phone that will run your favorite games without blurring and stalling. The Samsung Galaxy A50 is a sensible, budget-friendly phone with no frills.
Black Shark 5 Pro
The new BlackShark 5 Pro offers cool physical pop-up triggers along the top of the device, giving you a fantastic level of control like a console handset.
Add in the decent cameras, and it makes good sense at the decent price tag.
Other good game machines to consider include the OnePlus 9 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra or Note series, and, of course, the mighty iPhones. The 15 Pro Max is a serious piece of gaming kit.
Really short of cash? Look into the best bargain budget option – the Poco X6 Pro. There’s a seriously good display – and the price tag? You’ll have to blink and have another look to check it’s not a mistake.
