A few years ago, Android OEMs launched a new concept called the gaming smartphone. These devices come with flagship processors, high-refresh-rate displays, and beefy batteries. While brands like Asus continue to make gaming smartphones, they may be getting a little irrelevant.
Take the example of Asus ROG Phone 6, the latest flagship gaming smartphone with Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC, 165Hz refresh rate display and 6,000mAh battery. The device currently costs Rs. 71,999, making it an expensive affair.
Similarly, if you look at devices like OnePlus 10T 5G and iQOO 9T 5G, these phones come with Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC with 120Hz AMOLED display. Again, they don’t match the spec sheet, but they have the same chip, and probably offer the same experience.
Gaming phones are thick and bulky.
One of the main reasons why I don’t recommend gaming smartphones for regular users is that they are heavy and bulky and can cause hand fatigue with continued use. The extra added weight adds little value to the device in terms of battery life or cooling solution, but the average user might not get much out of it.
Let’s talk about the games
Gaming smartphones come with a few physical features that we don’t see on a regular smartphone. These devices will usually have features like a physical/potential shoulder button and a dedicated headphone jack, and some phones will offer an LED light for an extra touch.
Most popular games like COD: Mobile, BGMI, and PUBG New State only support a maximum of 90fps, so phones like the ROG Phone 6 will feel like a phone with a 90Hz display even if it has a high refresh rate display. Yes, some games support higher refresh rates. However, those are mostly arcade-style games that don’t require cutting-edge hardware.
We’re not even talking about the iPhone.
If you want a gaming smartphone, the latest Apple iPhone is probably your best bet. Games will be better optimized for iPhones and users can expect smooth gameplay even on the most demanding games like Genshin Impact and COD: Mobile.
So who should buy a gaming phone?
Gaming phones aren’t bad, just like their predecessors. Most gaming phones now focus on looks rather than functionality and offering something that a regular smartphone doesn’t. If you want a phone with good speakers, big display and good battery life then this is the gaming phone you should choose.
If you want a device that’s as powerful as a gaming smartphone that’s easy to hold and offers a decent camera setup, then you might need to start looking at performance-oriented devices. Phones like OnePlus 10T 5G and iOOQ 9T are some of the best performance oriented devices available in India right now.
Best mobile phones in India
Story first published: Thursday, August 18, 2022, 10:57 am [IST]