The best gaming phone of 2024 has a large display and powerful tech. It includes gaming features like shoulder buttons for better control. T3’s detailed list helps gamers choose what fits them best. It looks at the top gaming smartphones, best budget options, and Android models.
Key contenders include the Asus ROG Phone 8, RedMagic 8, and Xiaomi Black Shark 5 Pro. They provide top performance, gaming-focused features, and a premium gaming experience. This experience is on par with playing on a console or PC. These phones do more than just gaming. They also work well as everyday smartphones, combining elite gaming with practical use.
Key Takeaways
- The Asus ROG Phone 8 features a 6.78-inch AMOLED screen with a 165Hz refresh rate.
- RedMagic 8 by Nubia offers a fantastic screen and great value.
- Xiaomi Black Shark 5 Pro boasts a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 CPU.
- Asus ROG Phone series is renowned for top-level performance.
- Xiaomi Black Shark 5 Pro is priced at $1,715.
- Nubia RedMagic 8S Pro weighs 228 grams and ensures solid performance.
Understanding What Makes a Great Gaming Phone
The top gaming phones mix key elements to boost game performance. Things like screen size and resolution and processor and RAM are vital. Every gamer should focus on these elements when choosing the best phone for games.
Key Specifications to Consider
Looking at a gaming phone’s key specs helps you choose wisely. The best ones in 2024, highlighted on TechRadar’s guide, have a great balance. They make gaming experiences better.
Screen Size and Resolution
The look of your games depends a lot on the screen size and resolution. For instance, the top gaming phone for 2024 has a 6.78-inch screen and a 1080 x 2400 resolution. This setup offers clear and lively visuals. The best budget option gives you a 6.8-inch screen and a higher 1116 x 2480 resolution. It ensures smooth visuals perfect for immersion in your games.
Processor and RAM
A strong processor and enough RAM make games play better. New phones use the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 along with up to 24GB RAM and 1TB storage. Such setups help the phone deal with heavy tasks easily. This avoids any delay in your gaming experience.
Below is a table comparing the top gaming phones and their key specs:
| Phone Model | Weight | Dimensions (mm) | Screen Resolution | Processor | RAM | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Gaming Phone (2024) | 225g | 163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 | 1080 x 2400 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Up to 24GB | Up to 1TB |
| Best Value Gaming Phone | 229g | 164 x 76.4 x 8.9 | 1116 x 2480 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Up to 16GB | Up to 512GB |
| Most Audacious Gaming Phone | 239g | 173 x 77 x 10.3 | 1080 x 2448 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | 16GB | 512GB |
| Best Non-Gaming Phone for Gaming | 232g | 162.3 x 79.0 x 8.6 | 1440 x 3120 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy | 12GB | Up to 1TB |
Top Gaming Phone 2024: What’s New?
The top gaming phone 2024 is all about innovations in mobile gaming. It takes gaming on a phone to new heights. It brings never-before-seen features for the best gaming experiences.
Innovations in Mobile Gaming Technology
A major change is the new cooling systems. They keep the phone cool during intense gaming. For example, the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro and Nubia Red Magic 9 Pro have these cool features.
Displays now show better images, thanks to higher refresh rates. The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro has a large, high-quality screen. It uses a smart refresh system to save battery and boost performance. The RedMagic 9 Pro’s screen is also big and clear.
The heart of these top phones is a powerful processor. The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro and Nubia Red Magic 9 Pro use the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. They offer super speed for gaming. The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro even goes up to 24GB of RAM and 1TB storage.
Battery life has improved a lot. You can play for a long time without recharging. The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro lasts almost 19 hours on a single charge. The RedMagic 9 Pro has a huge battery that keeps you going for hours.
Below is a comparison of the top gaming phones of 2024, showcasing the specifications that make them stand out:
| Phone Model | Display | Processor | RAM | Storage | Battery | Camera (Rear/Front) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro | 6.8-inch AMOLED (2400 x 1080) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | 24GB | 1TB | 5,500mAh | 50MP + 13MP + 32MP / 32MP |
| Nubia Red Magic 9 Pro | 6.8-inch (1116 x 2480) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | 16GB | 512GB | 6,500mAh | 50MP + 50MP + 2MP / 12MP |
| Motorola Edge Plus (2023) | 6.7-inch pOLED (2400 x 1080) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | 12GB | 512GB | 5,000mAh | 50MP + 50MP + 2MP / 12MP |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | 6.7-inch OLED (2778 x 1284) | A17 Bionic | 8GB | 1TB | 4,500mAh | 48MP + 12MP + 12MP / 12MP |
| OnePlus 12 | 6.82-inch AMOLED (1440 x 3168) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | 16GB | 512GB | 5,100mAh | 50MP + 50MP + 2MP / 32MP |
In summary, the best gaming phone 2024 is packed with innovations in mobile gaming. It brings better cooling, displays, processors, and battery life. These features make it the best choice for gamers.
Asus ROG Phone 8: The Premium Choice
The Asus ROG Phone 8 is a premium gaming mobile that shines with top features and a great user experience. It’s built with high-quality materials and filled with premium tech. This makes it a standout choice for gaming.
Design and Build Quality
The ROG Phone 8 is 17% smaller, 15% thinner, and 9% lighter than its last version. This makes it sleek and easy to hold. It’s also tough, with an IP68 rating to resist dust and water. The back features an AniMe Vision window. It’s customizable with 341 elements, making each phone unique.
Performance and User Experience
The Asus ROG Phone 8 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform. This offers a 30% CPU speed increase and a 25% GPU boost. It’s great for gaming. The AeroActive Cooler X helps manage heat, improving cooling and lowering the back cover temperature by up to 36°C. Its 6.78” E6 AMOLED display has a 165Hz refresh rate and 2500 nits peak brightness. This ensures smooth, bright visuals.
Battery Life and Charging
The Asus ROG Phone 8 includes a powerful 5500mAh battery with fast charging. This means longer gaming sessions with fewer breaks. It focuses on providing a gaming experience you can really dive into.
Nubia RedMagic 8S Pro: Power at a Budget
The RedMagic 8S Pro is a top-notch gaming smartphone. It offers great power without a high price. Costing $649 / £579, it was released on July 18. It was available worldwide, including the UK and the US, by July 27.
Cooling System and Thermal Management
The RedMagic 8S Pro excels in thermal management. Its cooling system keeps its performance steady while gaming. By preventing overheating, it ensures top-notch gaming experiences.
Display Quality
This phone sports a 6.8-inch AMOLED screen. It delivers stunning visuals and smooth play through its 120Hz refresh rate. Its nearly bezel-less design makes gaming and watching content more immersive.
| Model | Price | RAM | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matte/Midnight | $649 / £579 | 12GB | 256GB |
| Platinum | $779 / £689 | 16GB | 512GB |
| Aurora | $799 / £709 | 16GB | 512GB (semi-transparent design & RGB lighting) |
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset in the RedMagic 8S Pro offers great performance and energy efficiency. You can choose between 12GB and 16GB of RAM, and 256GB or 512GB of storage. It runs on Android 13 and boasts an exceptional camera system with a 50MP main camera.
The phone includes a 6,000mAh battery with 65W wired charging. This allows for long gaming sessions with quick recharges. For a gaming phone that’s both powerful and budget-friendly, the RedMagic 8S Pro is an excellent choice.
Xiaomi Black Shark 5 Pro: Best Value
The Xiaomi Black Shark 5 Pro is a top gaming phone for its great deal. It mixes strong performance with a good price. This phone features Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset and a 6.67-inch OLED screen for top-notch gaming.
Integrated Shoulder Triggers
A key highlight of the Black Shark 5 Pro is its built-in shoulder triggers. These are magnetic, giving gamers better control. With a 144Hz refresh rate, gaming on this device feels smooth and responsive.
Power to Price Ratio
For $799 in the US, you could get the 8GB/128GB model of the Black Shark 5 Pro. It’s not just about what you pay; this device has a lot to offer. It comes with a top-tier camera setup, fast 120W charging, a big 4,650mAh battery, and up to 512GB storage.
Comparing the Black Shark 5 Pro to the RedMagic 7 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, and the Black Shark 4 Pro shows its strength. It excels in many tests. It looks cool with its design, and it has special features like Shark Space and cooling tech. Check out the Black Shark 5 Pro Review for more. This makes the Black Shark 5 Pro a top choice in the market.
Apple iPhone 14 Plus: The Best Gaming Phone for iPhone Users
The Apple iPhone 14 Plus is the top choice for iPhone users who love gaming. It features a big 6.7-inch screen and a powerful A15 Bionic chip. This makes games look great and run smoothly. Its Super Retina XDR OLED displays bring out every detail, with a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio for stunning visuals.
Compatibility with iOS Games
The Apple iPhone 14 Plus shines because it works so well with iOS games. This means you get to play lots of different games, many of which are only on iOS. So, whether you like simple games or big multiplayer ones, this phone has something for you.
Performance in Gaming
What’s a great gaming phone without top performance? The Apple iPhone 14 Plus does not disappoint. With its A15 Bionic chip, games run smoothly. Plus, it has a long battery life, which means more time for gaming without constant charging. Safety features like Crash Detection and Emergency SOS are also there, providing safety when playing for long hours.
Its support for 5G means you can play multiplayer games without lag. Plus, with eSIM technology, setting up your phone for gaming is fast and secure.
Performance Benchmarks: Which Phone Reigns Supreme?
It’s key to know the performance benchmarks for gaming phones. This helps in picking the best one. We look at both standard tests and real-use tests. This shows us which phones are great on paper and in the hands of users.
Benchmarking Tools and Metrics
Tools like Geekbench and AnTuTu help measure gaming phone performance. They check things like how fast the phone processes info and how good it is at handling graphics. Phones like the Asus ROG Phone 8 and Nubia RedMagic 9 Pro do well because of their powerful chips. But, the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro stands out, offering big improvements in speed.
The refresh rate of a phone’s screen matters a lot for gaming. The Asus ROG Phone 8 with its 165Hz rate beats the RedMagic 9 Pro’s 120Hz. It means games look smoother. The Asus ROG Phone 8 is also brighter, which helps in well-lit places.
Real-World Performance Tests
Testing phones in real gaming scenarios shows us what they’re really made of. For intense games, you need your phone to work hard without getting too hot. The Asus ROG Phone 8, with its powerful battery and good cooling, lasts long in these battles. The RedMagic 9 Pro, with its even bigger battery, can also play a long time. But, it might get hot without the same cooling features.
In the real gaming world, the Asus ROG Phone 8 shows off its great screen and cooling tech, making games more fun. On the other hand, the RedMagic 9 Pro’s huge battery keeps the game going and going. Both phones do well for gamers, but the Asus ROG Phone 8 offers more for the pros.
| Feature | Asus ROG Phone 8 | Nubia RedMagic 9 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.78-inch, 165Hz, 2500 nits | 6.8-inch, 120Hz, 1600 nits |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| RAM Options | 16GB/24GB | 12GB/16GB |
| Battery | 5,500mAh | 6,500mAh |
| Refresh Rate | 165Hz | 120Hz |
Additional Features to Look for in a Gaming Phone
It’s important for a gaming phone to be strong at the core, but extra features can make it even better. Things like a good camera, great sound, and lots of storage help in all aspects of use. This means you get a versatile phone that meets your gaming and everyday needs.
Camera Quality
A top-notch camera doesn’t directly affect your gaming, but it’s a big plus. Phones like the Asus ROG Phone 8 pack a punch with 50MP and 32MP cameras. They not only take great stills but also shoot high-quality videos, adding to the phone’s great value.
Audio Output
Great audio is key for an immersive gaming experience. Phones like the Nubia RedMagic 8S Pro enhance the game with powerful speakers or headphone support. They also ensure cool, detailed sound from the game reaches you clearly.
Storage Options
For downloading big games and apps, ample storage is a must. The best gaming phones offer up to 1TB of space. This lets you store tons of games, apps, media, and documents without worrying about running out of space.
FAQ
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