Looking at the latest mobile games productions, our smartphone are clearly a new platform to play AAA games. Smartphone games are no longer to be played on the toilet seat and games such as Dynasty Warriors Unleashed, Gangstar New Orleans, Implosion, Rush Rally 2 are hits that can be played instead of a playing a console game (or at least it is an alternative). I’m the first to be surprised, I haven’t switched on the PS4 last week end and played Dynasty Warriors Unleashed story mode :-).
Obviously, great graphics, great gameplay, great game, requires a great phone! Don’t expect playing Gangstar New Orleans with a cheap GPU. We released an article about the best mobile GPU, don’t hesitate to have a look.
In addition to raw power, their are other characteristics worth looking at such as RAM, screen size, screen resolution if you are interested in investing in a VR headset,etc…And finally, there is the question whether you are an Apple or Android fan!
A lot of questions so we put together a guide to help you choose.
There are new phones constantly announced on Android and a new iPhone every year so you could spend your life waiting as each year we see new GPUs, more RAM, more storage, better screen resolution,etc.. Hence we have split this guide in 2 : « the best smartphone released » and « the best smartphone to be released » so that if you need a smartphone right now, you know where to go to, and if you’re planning to buy a new smartphone the next month or so then you know what to expect !
Finally, we will barely discuss cost. Smartphones in the guide below are quite high end so you can expect minimum 500USD without contract. We will publish soon a new guide about Best smartphone to play on a budget.
Best smartphone to play games on mobile – released
Let’s start with the current smartphone. Note that they are the best smartphones available right now in US and EU (we might release a guide about import smartphone).
Apple iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus
As we discussed in our article about the best GPUs, iPhone 7 PowerVR GT7600 trusts the top in most of the performance benchmarks. In addition, IOS is much less fragmented than Android so it makes Game development much easier for games makers so games tend to be released before on iOS. Gameloft’s last Modern Combat Versus has been soft launched only on iOS at the moment.
If you’re an Apple fan, there is not much doubts and the iPhone 7 is a winner. If you don’t take side, then it will be about user experience so I suggest to go in store and try the UI, or ask your friend to let you try his.
Specs
- Screen: 4.7 LED-backlit IPS LCD with 750 x 1334 pixels resolution, 326 ppi/ 5.5 LED-backlit IPS LCD with 1080 x 1920 pixels resolution, 401 ppi
- Processor: Quad-core 2.34 GHz (2x Hurricane + 2x Zephyr)/PowerVR GT7600 GPU
- RAM:2 GB of RAM/3 GB of RAM
- Storage:32/128/256 GB
- Camera:12 MP rear camera, 7 MP front camera
- Battery:Non-removable 1960 mAh battery / 2900 mAh battery
- OS: IOS 10.3
- Size:138.3 x 67.1 x 7.1 mm/158.2 x 77.9 x 7.3 mm
- Weight:138 g / 188g
- Price : from $649 for iPhone 7 and $769 for iPhone 7 Plus
Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus
After the Galaxy Note 7 fiasco, Samsung had no choices but to release a massive hit. And it is. The S8 offers power, impressive screen and amazing new design. Samsung latest Galaxy smartphone now includes a unique 18.5:9 screen ratio with a 2960 x 1440 screen resolution , a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor or Samsung own Exynos 8895 (depending on the region), 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB of storage, and Android 7.0. if you are interested in VR games, the S8 comes with a compatible Gear VR headset and a controller for a better navigation.
The S8 and S8 Plus are no brainers if you want a solid and powerful gaming smartphone and you won’t have any issues for years with that power under the hood.
Specs
- Screen: 5.8-inch Super AMOLED display with 2960 x 1440 resolution, 570 ppi/6.2-inch Super AMOLED display with 2960 x 1440 resolution, 529 ppi
- Processor: Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 or Octa-core Samsung Exynos 8895 processor (depending on region)
- RAM: 4 GB of RAM
- Storage:64 GB of on-board storage, microSD expansion up to 256 GB
- Camera:12 MP rear camera, 8 MP front camera
- Battery: Non-removable 3,000 mAh battery
- OS: Android 7.0 Nougat
- Size: 148.9 x 68.1 x 8 mm, 155 g/159.5 x 73.4 x 8.1 mm
- Weight: 173 g
- Price: From $725 for Galaxy S8 and $825 for Galaxy S8 Plus
LG G6
The LG G5 struggled a lot against the Galaxy S7 last year but year on year LG improved it’s flagship. The LG G6 comes with a 5.7-inch Quad HD LCD display, with an aspect ratio of 18:9 and rounded corners, similar to the Galaxy S8. It also comes with a Snapdragon 821 processor, 4 GB of RAM and 32/64 gb storage. Unfortunately, while the Snapdragon 821 is a good processor, we would have preferred the latest Qualcomm edition to ensure a better longevity. The LG G6 is great for playing game on mobile.
Specs
- Screen: 5.7-inch IPS LCD display with 2880 x 1440 resolution, 564 ppi
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 processor
- RAM: 4 GB of RAM
- Storage: 32/64 GB of on-board storage, microSD expansion up to 256 GB
- Camera: Dual 13 MP rear cameras, 5 MP front camera
- Battery:Non-removable 3,300 mAh battery
- OS: Android 7.0 Nougat
- Size: 148.9 x 71.9 x 7.9 mm
- Weight: 163 g
- Price: From $672
Google Pixel and Pixel XL
Historically Google has always partnered with phone manufacturers such as Samsung, HTC, LG and lately Huawei to create Nexus phones. Now Google has decided to go solo and released the Google Pixel and Pixel XL.
Specs are similar to the LG G6 and we have to play with a Snapdragon 821, 4 GB of RAM, 32/128 GB storage and good battery size. However, the Pixel and Pixel XL do not have the screen size and resolution. The Pixel comes with a 5.0-inch AMOLED display with 1920 x 1080 resolution while the XL version offers a 5.5-inch display with 2560 x 1440 resolution which is better for VR gaming. For its « first », Google delivered great smartphones to play high res and demanding games.
Specs
- Screen: 5.0-inch AMOLED display with 1920 x 1080 resolution, 441 ppi/5.5-inch AMOLED display with 2560 x 1440 resolution, 534 ppi
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 processor
- RAM: 4 GB of RAM
- Storage: 32/128 GB of on-board storage, no microSD expansion
- Camera: 12.3 MP rear camera, 8 MP front camera
- Battery: Non-removable 2,770 mAh battery/3,450 mAh
- OS: Android 7.1 Nougat
- Size: 143.8 x 69.5 x 8.6 mm, 143 g/154.7 x 75.7 x 8.6 mm
- Weight: 143g/168 g
- Price: From $649 for Pixel and $769 for Pixel XL
OnePlus 3T
The OnePlus 3T is an improved version of the OnePlus 3 featuring killer specs and it’s an ideal smartphone for gaming if you like challengers that don’t hesitate to compete against big brands . You can count on a Snapdragon 821 processor supported by 6 GB of RAM and a 3,400 mAh battery for long gaming sessions. Display does not change with a full HD 5.5-inch AMOLED display with 1920 x 1080 screen resolution.
Specs
- Screen: 5.5-inch Optic AMOLED display with 1920 x 1080 resolution, 401 ppi
- Processor: 2.35 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 processor
- RAM: 6 GB of RAM
- Storage: 64/128 GB of on-board storage, no microSD card expansion
- Camera: 16 MP rear camera, 16 MP front camera
- Battery: Non-removable 3,400 mAh battery
- OS: Android 7.0 Nougat
- Size: 152.7 x 74.7 x 7.35 mm
- Weight: 158 g
- Price: From $439
Huawei Honor P10 and P10 Plus
Previously targeting mid range segment, Huawei went premium by introducing the Huawei Mate 9 and now the Huawei P10 and P10 Plus. Notable specs include Huawei own Kirin 960 processor featuring the latest Mali GPU G71, 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB of storage. The P10 is available in 2 screen size and resolution, from 5.1-inch IPS LCD with 1920 x 1080 resolution to 5.5-inch IPS LCD with 2560 x 1440 resolution. I’m currently playing mobile game on an Honor 8 without issues, so the P10 is worthy of your consideration if you are looking for a smartphone to play mobile games.
Specs
- Screen: 5.1-inch IPS LCD display with 1920 x 1080 resolution, 431 ppi/5.5-inch IPS LCD display with 2560 x 1440 resolution, 534 ppi
- Processor: Octa-core Hisilicon Kirin 960 processor
- RAM: 4 GB of RAM
- Storage: 64 GB of on-board storage, microSD expansion up to 256 GB
- Camera: Dual 20 and 12 MP rear cameras, 8 MP front camera
- Battery: Non-removable 3,200 mAh battery/3,750 mAh battery
- OS: Android 7.0 Nougat
- Size: 145.3 x 69.3 x 6.98 mm, 145 g/153.5 x 74.2 x 6.98 mm
- Weight: 145g/165 g
- Price: From €649 ($700) for P10 and €699 ($750) for the P10 Plus
Huawei Mate 9
Yes, Huawei appears twice in this guide and will be featuring in others are they have been delivering great quality phones lately and on all segments. The Huawei Mate proposes the same main component Including Kirin 960 and 4gb RAM and stands out because of its massive 4000 mAh battery and massive screen promisinglong lasting gaming.
Specs
- Screen: 5.9-inch IPS LCD display with 1920 x 1080 resolution, 373 ppi
- Processor: Octa-core Hisilicon Kirin 960 processor
- RAM: 4 GB of RAM
- Storage: 64 GB of on-board storage, microSD expansion up to 256 GB
- Camera: Dual 20 and 12 MP rear cameras, 8 MP front camera
- Battery: Non-removable 4,000 mAh battery
- OS: Android 7.0 Nougat
- Size: 156.9 x 78.9 x 7.9 mm
- Weight: 190 g
- Price: $686
This concludes our best available smartphones for gaming guide. Now let’s have a look at what the second half of the year has to offer.
Best yet to come smartphone for gaming – Not released yet
While most of the available android smartphones in the top comes with a Snapdragon 821, except the just released Galaxy S8, 2017 will see the adoption of the Snapdragon 835 which should deliver 25 percent faster graphics and lower consumption, potentially paired with 8GB RAM and quad HAD screen resolution. This promises a big step forward in mobile gaming and this is exactly what we are looking for.
iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus
The iPhone 8 should be released in September 2017 and Apple is supposed to celebrate the iPhone 10th birthday with a massive upgrade. We can expect new hardware and design, as well as a more premium price tag.
Google Pixel 2
The Google Pixel and Pixel XL were Google first very own smartphones so you could see them as test. Considering their successful launch, Google will most likely improve it’s new phone line in most parts including updated processor. The Google Pixel 2 should be announced around October 2017.
HTC U
HTC has not been included in our top above so we hope that the HTC U will be a new start for the Taiwanese brand. After all, my first smartphone was an HTC Desire. The HTC U is rumored to be quite powerful offering no less than a Snapdragon 835 processor with 6GB of RAM, up to 256GB storage and a 5.5in Quad-HD screen. HTC already sent out invitations and the U will be revealed on May 16th.
OnePlus 5
Yep, you read correctly, it seems that OnePlus has decided to skip number 4, for the best we hope. Rumors states that the OnePlus 5 could be released as early as May 2016 and include a Snapdragon 835 with 8GB RAM and a massive 4000 mAh. Considering historical OnePlus price tag, the OnePlus 5 could be a massive success and ideal for mobile gaming.
Galaxy Note 8
Guess who’s back ? Galaxy Note 7 is one of the biggest failure (if not the) in the mobile smartphone history. But it was a good phone ND praised by all reviews. Too bad few of them had a tendency to burn. So Samsung, learning from its mistakes will most likely release a powerful and incredible smartphone so that people the whole Note 7 chapter. Specs promises to be impressive.
Sony XZ Premium
I always wonder why Sony is struggling in the mobile space. I know the shortcut is easy, but how can you be selling that much consoles and not being able to build the ultimate gaming smartphone. In any case, the XZ Premium seems to be good, featuring a Snapdragon 835 along with an exclusive 5.5 4K HDR display.
Xiaomi Mi6
Xiaomi has now officially revealed the Mi6 featuring the Snapdragon 835 along with a four-sided curved glass.
Here end our Best smartphone to play mobile games guide. Feel free to comment in the comment section and share the article if you liked it.
