Mobile gaming has grown exponentially since the first mobile phone games were introduced in the late ‘90s.
Nokia led the charge for handheld gaming in your pocket when they started preloading the classic arcade-style Snake into their handsets in 1997 – and now you can play console-level, high-definition games on your phone wherever you are thanks to the development of faster processors and 5G networks.
In fact, the drive of mobile gaming has seen it overtake both console and PC gaming in value
Whether you want to play online casino games at Virgin games or get in on the action in the latest Call of Duty game, you can get to the very best in games from the smartphone in your pocket – if you choose the right device.
What To Look For In A Gaming Mobile
We are in a very luck position as consumers because technology is evolving every day – so there are amazing mobiles that can run games, using social media applications, taking fabulous photographs, and staying in touch on both a business and personal level.
Some of the things you should look for when you are considering whether a handset will be the perfect fit for your gaming needs include:
- Large screen with high resolution
- Fast refresh rate
- Great CPU performance
- Long-lasting battery
- Specialised features – advanced haptic feedback, cooling systems, customisable gaming modes, and things like shoulder triggers etc.
The Top 5 Gaming Mobiles
There are top-tier smartphones that are brilliant for everything, from taking professional quality pictures to creating graphic work presentations, staying connected around the world, and playing online games.
However, there are some brilliant devices that are designed specifically for gamers – and a few of these take the top spots in this list.
Black Shark 5 Pro
This is a device that looks like a gaming phone. The whole design of the Black Shark 5 Pro is about being for the gamer, from the stunning resolution of the screen the physical triggers that pop up when you need them.
This phone also features excellent cameras which makes it more multifunctional than some of the other gaming phones on the list, which is why it takes the top spot.
Premium gaming features on this phone come at a price, but it is one of the least expensive handsets on the list. However, this device tends to get quite hot when running processing-heavy games and the battery life could be better.
Features:
- 6.67-inch screen with a resolution of 1080 x 2400
- Up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage
- Rear cameras: 108MP + 13MP + 5MP
- Front camera: 16MP
Asus ROG Phone 6
The Asus ROG gaming computers are the top of the range, and this tech has come into the smartphone sphere with a big, beautiful, and clear screen and a 165Hz refresh rate. Built to a gamer aesthetic, this is the ultimate in powerful gaming mobile.
While the cameras might be lacking, the gameplay is the most impressive out of all the devices on this list – but it does come with a hefty price tag. For some players, the lack of wireless charging capabilities could be a turn off, but the battery lasts surprisingly well and the phone doesn’t heat up.
Features:
- 6.78-inch Samsung AMOLED display with 1080 x 2448 resolution
- Up to 16GB RAM and 512GB of storage
- Rear camera: 50MP + 13MP + 5MP
- Front camera: 12MP
Nubia Red Magic 7
While the design of the Nubia Red Magic 7 is the most ‘marmite’ of the devices described here, it has the most gaming aesthetic with a thick and chunky look.
The huge screen offers seamless action because not only does it have a high resolution, but it also features a front camera that is hidden underneath the display so there is no interruption to your gameplay.
Although the phone can get hot, the fan cooling works well and the limited battery life is mitigated by the fast-charging capabilities – and it is more than capable of handling the more demanding titles.
Features:
- 6.8-inch screen with a 1080 x 2400 resolution
- Up to 16GB RAM and 512GB of storage
- Rear camera: 64MB + 8MB + 2MB
- Front camera: 8MB
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
This is one of the most powerful smartphones on the planet, and for a more ‘general purpose’ phone it also runs games brilliantly.
This phone has a large, high-resolution screen with special capabilities to deal with screen glare in bright sunlight, making it easy for you to play wherever you are.
One of the best things about this phone is the large memory storage available alongside great RAM – so there is no lag even when you are playing the biggest games.
Of course, it is also a professional smartphone – so it has all the photography and app usage ability that you would be looking for every day.
Features:
- 6.8-inch AMOLED screen with 1488 x 3088 resolution
- Up to 12GB RAM and 1TB storage
- Rear camera: 108MB + 10MB + 10MB + 10MB + 12MB
- Front camera: 40MB
iPhone 13 Pro Max
For those who love the Apple brand, the iPhone 13 Pro Max combines smooth operation and a fast refresh rate for a powerful gaming experience.
The App Store, and the Apple Arcade subscription, offers more gaming content than even the dedicated game phones can provide, which makes it an excellent choice for those who love a bit of variety.
Apple technology is always top of the line, and the iPhone 13 Pro Max has the best battery life of any iPhone – perfect for long gaming sessions.
Features:
- 6.7-inch screen with 1284 x 2778 resolution
- Up to 6MB RAM and 1TB storage
- Rear camera: 12MP + 12MP + 12MP
- Front camera: 12MP
Choosing the right gaming mobile will make your online gaming experience so much better – whether you are taking on a battle royale in Fortnite, winning a hand of poker in an online casino, or playing ultra-casual games like Candy Crush Saga.
