The best smartphones for gaming in 2021

If you're a mobile gamer, having the right phone can make a huge difference in your gaming experience. Today's best gaming smartphones deliver smooth gaming experiences that rival the most popular consoles and gaming systems, all from the convenience of your smartphone.

With so many options on the market, how do you choose the right phone for gaming? You should look for a rugged and reliable device that has a high resolution, a fast refresh rate screen, and plenty of power. Each of the gaming phones below meet these criteria, so keep reading to find the right one for you.

Asus ROG Phone 5

Asus ROG Phone 5 - Best prices:

The Asus ROG Phone 5 should be at the top of every hardcore gamer's list, both for its large screen size and powerful hardware, including the high-quality sound it has.

This phone delivers a top-notch gaming experience, thanks to its blazing-fast refresh rate (144Hz), GameFX sound system, and gamer-friendly design. Inside the device, there is a state-of-the-art Snapdragon 888 processor, which provides enough power for all types of games. It also has a massive 6000mAh battery, designed for extended sessions.

Since the ROG Phone 5 is very popular, it is selling quickly on some sites. If it's not available, you can opt for another model (like the ROG Phone 3).

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Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra - Best prices:

Released in early 2021, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is one of the most popular phones on the market today. It's also one of the best for gaming, thanks to its cutting-edge processor, gaming-friendly display, and massive storage.

Serious gamers will appreciate the Galaxy S21 Ultra's 120Hz refresh rate, which delivers superb graphics and minimal lag. Moreover, this best-selling phone is equipped with the state-of-the-art Snapdragon 888 processor, which has been a game-changer since its launch earlier this year.

It is one of the most expensive phones on this list. But given the impressive number of features – gaming and non-gaming – it has, its price is justified.

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The best smartphones for gaming in 2021

OnePlus 9 Pro

OnePlus 9 Pro - Best prices:

If you're unfamiliar with OnePlus, its latest flagship phone, the OnePlus 9 Pro, is excellent for gaming.

The focus is on the graphics with this phone, which features a 6.7-inch screen and a fast 120Hz refresh rate. Combined with the high resolution, you can expect a gaming experience transparent. Even better ? The OnePlus 9 Pro includes the Hyper Touch feature, suitable for gamers, which increases the screen's responsiveness to touch.

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iPhone 13 Pro Max

Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max - Best prices:

Processor: Apple A15| Screen: 6.7 inches, 2778 x 1284 pixels| Weight: 238g | Storage: 128/256/512 GB/1 TB| Operating system: iOS 15

As you've probably noticed, Android smartphones make up a majority of the best gaming phones on the market. However, some Apple products, like the iPhone 13 Pro Max, are a very good option for gaming.

With a 120Hz refresh rate, this iPhone isn't the fastest on our list, but it has plenty of other benefits, especially for gamers. In particular, this phone is equipped with Apple's industry-leading A15 Bionic chip, which offers power and speed to iOS users. And, of course, the graphics look amazing on the 6.7-inch OLED display.

Compared to its price, you might be wondering: is the iPhone 13 Pro Max worth it for gamers? We think so... if you agree to give up some gaming-specific features in exchange for the other benefits of the Apple ecosystem.

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Nubia Red Magic 6

Nubia Red Magic 6 - Best prices:

Part of Nubia's line of gaming phones, the RedMagic 6 has been specially created for mobile gaming enthusiasts. Not only does it have all the power and speed you expect from a modern smartphone, but it also has several additional features designed to make gaming more comfortable.

Games are smooth and satisfying on the RedMagic 6, thanks to its generous 6.8-inch display and excellent 165Hz refresh rate. 500Hz sampling for single key and 360Hz for multiple keys. Other great features for gamers include a built-in cooling fan and console-style trigger buttons.

If you're into mobile gaming, the RedMagic 6 is worth considering. It is more affordable than many of its competitors and could be a safe bet for the right buyer.

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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 - Best prices:

By design, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 is an excellent choice for gamers. When open, the screen expands to an impressive 7.6 inches, which is a lot more screen real estate than a traditional phone.

This foldable smartphone also has powerful hardware to complement the design of its spacious display. Not only does it offer 5G connectivity (thanks to the Snapdragon 888 processor), but it also has a gamer-friendly 120Hz refresh rate. On top of that, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 supports the Samsung S Pen, and with it even more ways to use this versatile phone.

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Which device is right for you?

All players are different, and their expectations can be too.

If you want the fastest and most powerful smartphone on the market to be able to play in peace, go for devices that are based on innovative processors, like the Snapdragon 888 or the A15 chip, with fast refresh rates and a large storage capacity. In this category, the Asus ROG Phone 5 and the Samsung Galaxy S21 are two very good choices.

If, on the contrary, you have a limited budget, the price will be a determining factor. In this case, there are affordable devices, such as the Xiaomi Black Shark 4, or the Nubia RedMagic 6. Although they are less powerful than their high-end counterparts, they have the essential features to allow you to play on your smartphone.

What is a gaming smartphone?

Technically, any smartphone that can play games can be considered a gaming smartphone. However, there are a few phones designed for gaming, and marketed as "gaming smartphones". This is the case, for example, of the Asus ROG Phone 5. In this selection, we have compared devices designed specifically for gaming and products for the general public, such as the iPhone 13 Pro Max.

Do you really need a gaming smartphone?

Not necessarily. Many popular phones that aren't specifically designed for gaming are powerful enough to support resource-intensive mobile games. They are also often better in other ways than specialized gaming smartphones – for example, they may have a better camera or have a more aesthetic design.

However, if you like to play, you can opt for a device designed specifically for gaming.

What are the most important features for gaming smartphones?

The first thing to check is that the device has a fast and modern processor. This is the central technical component of a smartphone: it oversees every command and ensures that it performs the requested tasks. Currently, the best processors are the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 and the Apple A15 Bionic.

Next, look at the screen refresh rate. The higher it is, the better. Measured in Hertz (Hz), this number expresses the number of times your screen refreshes each second. As you would expect, a high refresh rate is essential for a smooth gaming experience with less lag. Today's best gaming smartphones have a refresh rate of at least 120Hz.

Finally, look for phones with sufficient storage space, RAM, and battery life. In other words, the more storage, RAM, and battery your phone has, the better suited it will be for mobile gaming. You'll be able to enjoy longer, uninterrupted gaming sessions, without slowing down your phone or draining the battery.

Source: ZDNet.com