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11 Best Phones For Hardcore Gaming by Gamefynder: 12:10pm On Mar 06, 2017


Mobile gaming has come to stay. These days, with the advent of smartphones, almost anyone can be a gamer anywhere at any time. People love their phones for different reasons. Some for the durability and sturdiness, while others for the cameras and selfies. Gamers on the other hand, go for phones that offer great frame rates without lag and the capacity to run games for 30 mins or more without overheating or major battery drain.

So let’s cut to the chase as we bring you the 11 best Mobile phones for gaming.

**note that the specs here are strictly for the purposes of gaming. When we say gaming, we don’t mean your average Candy Crush Saga (no offence) but games like GTA San Andreas and Dead Trigger. These phones were rated solely on their gaming performance. This post will be updated as better phones get launched.



11. Motorola Moto Z

This Android sentinel from the stables of Motorola will leave you begging for more. The phone is a true machine built for some high end gaming and is currently one of the best gaming smartphones right now.

Specs; Display: AMOLED capacitive Touchscreen 5.5 inches, 1440 x 2560p, Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820, CPU: Quad-core (2x 1.8GHz & 2x 1.6 GHz), GPU: Adreno 530, RAM: 4GB, Storage: 32/64GB, Camera: 13MP, 5MP Battery: Non-Removable Li-Ion 2600 mAh, OS: Android 6.0.1, Memory Card Support: microSD – 256GB

*Apart from the gaming experience, the Moto Z makes this list because of its very high Antutu Benchmark scores – one of the top 10 highest of 2016.



10. HTC 10

After the underwhelming One M9 and the equally over-hyped A9, HTC came back with a vengeance with the monstrous HTC 10. Even though, critics compare it unfavorably to its rival the Samsung S7 Edge because its display isn’t Super Amoled – it comes with a Super LCD5 capacitive touchscreen, which truth be told, is still awesome. The sound is also amazing, way better than the S7 Edge. This is a big deal breaker for puritans in the art of gaming. All things said, the HTC 10 is a true monster in performance and can easily crunch any high-end game you throw at it.

Specs; Display: Super LCD 5 capacitive Touchscreen, 5.2 inches, 1440 x 2560 p, Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820, CPU: Quad-core (2X2.15 GHz & 2X 1.6 GHz), GPU: Adreno 530, RAM: 4GB, Storage: 32GB/64GB, Camera: 12MP, 8MP, Battery: Non-Removable Li-Ion 3000 mAh, OS: Android 6.0.1, microSD support: Yes – 256 GB

*Aside the gaming experience, the HTC 10 makes this list because of its sound quality. When experienced in gameplay, the sound quality is amazing.



9. Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge – Snapdragon

A gaming beast, the S7 Edge has been around the block for some time now. It is still a fantastic device for gaming as Samsung added a few special functionalities such as the Gaming Tool for gamers to take advantage of. With its aesthetic design, you can’t help but pick this device for your gaming needs.

Specs; Display: Super AMOLED capacitive Touchscreen, 5.5 inches, 1440 x 2560p, Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820, CPU Quad-core (2x2.15 GHz & 2S 1.6 GHz), GPU: Adreno 530, RAM: 4GB, Storage: 32/64/128, Camera: 12MP, 5MP, Battery: Non-removable Li-Ion 3600 mAh, OS: Android 6.0

*Aside from its top-of-the-range specs, the S7 Edge makes this list because of its dedicated gaming tool


8. Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge – Exynos

Almost the same beast as its twin brother, the Exynos version was released later than its Snapdragon twin. Although Samsung has put out a statement claiming there is no difference between the two phones, for the purposes of gaming, the Exynos version performs up to 13 – 30 seconds faster than the Snapdragon. And for hardcore gamers like myself, this is a very HUGE difference (like the difference between heaven and earth) – especially if you’re gaming online. Different chipset different gpu makes it a different phone. Sorry Samsung.

Specs; Display: Super AMOLED capacitive Touchscreen, 5.5 inches, 1440 x 2560p, Chipset: Exynos 8890 Octa, Octa-core (4x 2.3 GHz Mongoose & 4x 1.6 GHz Cortex-A53), GPU: Mali-T880 MP12, RAM: 4GB, Storage: 32/64/128, Camera: 12MP, 5MP, Battery: Non-removable Li-Ion 3600 mAh, OS: Android 6.0, microSD support: Yes – 256GB

*same as above



7. OnePlus 3T

In an official statement released by OnePlus, the Tech Company claimed the OnePlus 3T could load games a whopping 48% faster than the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge. Samsung hasn’t sued them yet so we guess the claim must be more fact than fiction. This cyborg of a phone comes stacked with a 6GB of RAM to ensure you can open multiple games and leave them running in the background without hiccups. The frame rate is incredibly high, up there with the best of the best avant-garde phones we currently have today. With its Oxygen OS, it is indisputably the best gaming mobile device for those who do not want to burn a gigantic-sized hole in their wallet.

Specs; Display: Optic AMOLED capacitive Touchscreen, 5.5 inches, 1080x1920p, Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 821, CPU: Quad-core (2x2.35 GHz & 2x 1.6 GHz), GPU: Adreno 530, RAM: 6GB, Storage: 64/128 GB, Camera: 16MP, 16MP, Battery: Non-Removable Li-Ion 3400 mAh, OS: Android 6.0., microSD support: No.

*The Oxygen OS is dedicated to boosting gaming performance, 3rd highest Antutu Benchmark Scores for smartphones in 2016.



6. Sony Xperia XZ

The Sony Xperia XZ may be finding it hard to compete in the brutal cut-throat Android market but what’s not to like about this smartphone? Although it may not seem like much, a well-known fact amongst gamers is that Sony really optimizes its mobile devices for gaming. This is a company that produces the PlayStation console so you can bet your life the Xperia XZ is a gaming smartphone any enthusiast would be proud of.

Specs; IPS LCD capacitive Touchscreen, Display: 5.2 inches, 1090x1920p, Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 820, CPU: Quad-core (2x 2.15 GHz & 2x 1.6 GHz) RAM: 3GB, Storage: 32/64GB, Camera: 23MP, 13MP, Battery: Non-Removable Li-Ion 2900 mAh, OS: Android 6.0.1, microSD Support: Yes – 256GB

*The XZ makes this list because of the pedigree of its maker


5. Le Eco Le Pro 3

Simple but beastly specs. For the price, this smartphone is a serious bargain. The battery is ginormous. Although a few users have complained about software update issues, with the top-of-the-range chipset, this phone is worth is weight in gold.

Specs: IPS LCD capacitive Touchscreen, 5.5 inches, 1080x1920p, Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 821, CPU: Quad-core (2x 2.35 GHz & 2x 2.0 GHz) GPU: Adreno 530, RAM: 4/6GB, Storage: 32/64/128GB, Camera: 16MP, 8MP, Battery: Non-Removable Li-Ion 4070 mAh, OS: Android 6.0, microSD Support: No

*Makes this list because of it’s battery life, top of the range chipset and inclusion amongst Antutu’s best.



4. Google Pixel XL

If you do not want the Google Pixel cos of its small screen size, not to worry, Google has got you covered. The Pixel XL has a 5.5 inch display, and though QHD brings down the fps – frames-per-second, you won’t feel a thing. For top of the range gamers with top dollar in their pocket, the Pixel XL is a phone positioned to make its mark in the gaming world.

Specs; Display: AMOLED capacitive Touchscreen, 5.5 inches, 1440x2560p, Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 821, CPU: Quad-core (2x 2.15 GHz & 2x 1.6 GHz) GPU: Adreno: 530, RAM: 4GB, Storage: 32/128GB, Camera: 12.3 MP, 8MP, Battery: Non-Removable Li-Ion 3450 mAh, OS: Android 7.1., microSD support: No

* Incredible Antutu Benchmark scores, top-of-the-range hardware


3. Google Pixel

Very solid, easy to use and hyper fast. The Pixel was Google’s way of announcing its arrival into the Smartphone market. One of the most expensive smartphones right now, it comes loaded with the best System-on-Chip and the latest Android OS. Combined with its incredibly refined camera, it truly is an innovation to behold.

Specs; Display: AMOLED capacitive Touchscreen, 5.0 inches, 1080 x 1920p, Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 821, CPU: Quad-core (2x 2.15 GHz & 2x 1.6 GHz) GPU: Adreno: 530, RAM: 4GB, Storage: 32/128, Camera: 12.3 MP, 8MP, Battery: Non-removable Li-Ion 3450 mAh, OS: Android 7.1, microSD support: No

*Same as above


2. IPhone 7

Apple iPhone 7 is the calmer version of its more robust twin. Its compact size makes for very great frame rates. Not for those not content with a small-scaled phone, the iPhone does not make this list for its screen size. It’s the perfect phone for unpretentious game lovers who will neither compromise nor give an inch when it comes to gaming performance no matter what.

Specs; Display: LED-backlit IPS LCD capacitive Touchscreen, 4.7 inches, 750 x 1334, Chipset: Apple A10 Fusion, CPU: Quad-core 2.34 GHz (2x Hurricane + 2x Zephyr) GPU: PowerVR Series 7XT PLUS (six-core graphics) RAM: 2GB: Storage: 32/128/256GB, Camera: 12MP, 7MP, Battery: Non-Removable Li-Ion 1960 mAh, OS: iOS 10.0.1

*2nd highest Antutu Benchmark scores for a smartphone



1.IPhone 7 Plus

The Baddest. The Fastest. The Smartest. The King is ensconced on his throne. The iPhone 7 plus is the standard-bearer of all flagship phones in the market today. For purists who want to go big and go hard. It is without an iota of a doubt, the best smartphone for gaming right now. Enough said.

Specs; Display: LED-backlit IPS LCD capacitive Touchscreen, 5.5 inches, 1080x1920p, Chipset: Apple A10 Fusion, CPU: Quad-core 2.34 GHz (2x Hurricane + 2x Zephyr) GPU: PowerVR Series 7XT PLUS (six-core graphics) RAM: 3GB, Storage, 32/128/256GB, Camera: 12MP, 7MP, Battery: Non-Removable Li-Ion 2900 mAh, OS: iOS 10.01.

*Highest Antutu Benchmark scores for a smartphone

Worthy Mentions

Asus Zenfone 3

The makers of the ASUS ROG (Republic of Gamers) laptop, the Asus Zenfone 3 has what it takes to give a very immersive gaming experience. It’s a poor shame it doesn’t come with as much computing power as those mentioned above.

Specs; Display: Super IPS+ capacitive Touchscreen, 5.5 inches, 1080x1920p, Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8953 Snapdragon 625, CPU: Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53, GPU: Adreno 506, RAM: 3/4GB, Storage: 32/64GB, Camera: 16MP, 8MP, Battery: Non-Removable Li-Ion 3000 mAh, microSD support: Yes – 256GB

Lenovo Z2 Plus

Described as the cheapest Snapdragon 820 powered phone in the market, the Lenovo Z2 Plus is a cheapskate gamer’s wet dream. It doesn’t handle quite as well as some other smartphones mentioned above, but for its price, I don’t think anyone has a right to grumble.

Specs; Display: LTPS IPS LCD capacitive Touchscreen, 5.0 inch, 1080x1920 p, Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820, CPU: Quad-core (2x 2.215 GHz & 2x 1.6 GHz) GPU: Adreno 530 RAM: 4GB, Storage: 64GB, Camera: 13 MP, 8MP, Battery: 3500 mAh, OS: Android 6.0.1, Memory Card Support – No

Coolpad Cool 1:

This Snapdragon powered machine comes with a 5.5 inch (1920*1080 pixels) full HD IPS display with corning gorilla glass 3 protection. An upgrade of the LeEco Le 2, it actually has more to say about its camera than as a gaming device but that doesn’t mean it has that department ignored. It has been described as a fast, powerful phone well suited for gamers who cannot afford to buy the Lenovo Z2 Plus.

Specs; Display: IPS LCD capacitive Touchscreen, 5.5 inch, 1080 x 1920 p, Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8976 652, CPU: Octa-Core (4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x 1.8GHz Cortex-A72) GPU: Adreno 510, OS: Android 6.0, Battery: 4000 mAh, Storage: 32/64GB, RAM: 3GB/4GB, Camera: dual 13 MP, 8MP. MicroSD support – No

Feel free to add yours!

Culled from gamefynder.com.ng

https://www.gamefynder.com.ng/index.php/tech/86-tech-news/145-11-best-mobile-phones-for-gaming-4th-quarter-2016-1st-quarter-2017

4 Likes 3 Shares

Re: 11 Best Phones For Hardcore Gaming by EpicMaurice(m): 12:30pm On Mar 06, 2017
mtcheewww. sad no nokia3310

the list is fake ni.



can those phones play snake xenxia, bounce, tetris, ??

15 Likes

Re: 11 Best Phones For Hardcore Gaming by Nobody: 12:49pm On Mar 06, 2017
EpicMaurice:
mtcheewww.
sad
no nokia3310


the list is fake ni.




can those phones play snake xenxia, bounce, tetris,
??

Below are Tetris and bounce in the play store, and there are scores of snake games in the play store too

4 Likes

Re: 11 Best Phones For Hardcore Gaming by EpicMaurice(m): 2:15pm On Mar 06, 2017
greenhulk:


Below are Tetris and bounce in the play store, and there are scores of snake games in the play store too
I mean the original black n white ones.
the ones yhu use buttons to play grin

6 Likes 1 Share

Re: 11 Best Phones For Hardcore Gaming by Baroba(m): 2:24pm On Mar 06, 2017
Xiaomi redmi note 4 with its Helio X20 Mali T880 GPU handles high end games like a boss, and it cost less than $200.

8 Likes 1 Share

Re: 11 Best Phones For Hardcore Gaming by Nobody: 4:27pm On Mar 06, 2017
EpicMaurice:

I mean the original black n white ones.
the ones yhu use buttons to play grin

Let me guess, u also have a black and white TV in ur house?

27 Likes

Re: 11 Best Phones For Hardcore Gaming by Norman4real(m): 4:32pm On Mar 06, 2017
I'm bothered by the fact that this list features Snapdragon 625 phones... this is a mid-range chip that doesn't compare with the likes of Krillin 955 and Mediatek X25, which aren't included here.

1 Like 1 Share

Re: 11 Best Phones For Hardcore Gaming by Nobody: 5:05pm On Mar 06, 2017
Nice writeup. But how many NL people can buy these phones? Especially in this recession

5 Likes 1 Share

Re: 11 Best Phones For Hardcore Gaming by Titheman(m): 5:22pm On Mar 06, 2017
I was thinking HTC would make up this list

1 Like

Re: 11 Best Phones For Hardcore Gaming by barackodam: 6:19pm On Mar 06, 2017
Who your list epp now?


I'm certain 98% of people that came to read this thread would be disappointed.

I mean, cos I wantu play hardcore game, I'll go buy S7 or HTC 10? undecided undecided undecided undecided


I was expecting phones that majority of your readers use, and not phones 99% of your readers haven't seen in real life.


Btw, what's iOS doing up your list?

How many fantastic droid games are available on iOS? undecided undecided undecided undecided


make una no crucify me, I donno about the last paragraph

14 Likes

Re: 11 Best Phones For Hardcore Gaming by Nobody: 6:25pm On Mar 06, 2017
barackodam:
Who your list epp now?


I'm certain 98% of people that came to read this thread would be disappointed.

I mean, cos I wantu play hardcore game, I'll go buy S7 or HTC 10? undecided undecided undecided undecided


I was expecting phones that majority of your readers use, and not phones 99% of your readers haven't seen in real life.


Btw, what's iOS doing up your list?

How many fantastic droid games are available on iOS? undecided undecided undecided undecided


make una no crucify me, I donno about the last paragraph

U got to be kidding me. Actually majority of these hardcore games come out on iOS before getting to Android. The chipset on iphones are killer chips and they don't need 4gb of ram to run high end games.

And I see no reason a hardcore gamer would use his mobile phone as a gaming device unless he's just a casual gamer. Hardcore gamers play on gaming PC's and consoles.

20 Likes

Re: 11 Best Phones For Hardcore Gaming by barackodam: 6:33pm On Mar 06, 2017
greenhulk:


U got to be kidding me. Actually majority of these hardcore games come out on iOS before getting to Android. The chipset on iphones are killer chips and they don't need 4gb of ram to run high end games.

And I see no reason a hardcore gamer would use his mobile phone as a gaming device unless he's just a casual gamer. Hardcore gamers play on gaming PC's and consoles.


First paragraph, like I said, I donno about it, can't ascertain.


2nd paragraph, yeah, very right, but you know, not everyone can afford a console, until recent sha.

I bought my first droid, sole cos I wanted to game, and even though I don't do mobile gaming again, I still don't buy phones with poor CPU, 1.3 quadcore and below, cos I believe there can be a time that there would be that sweet awesome game I really wantu play.

1 Like

Re: 11 Best Phones For Hardcore Gaming by Nobody: 6:46pm On Mar 06, 2017
barackodam:



First paragraph, like I said, I donno about it, can't ascertain.


2nd paragraph, yeah, very right, but you know, not everyone can afford a console, until recent sha.

I bought my first droid, sole cos I wanted to game, and even though I don't do mobile gaming again, I still don't buy phones with poor CPU, 1.3 quadcore and below, cos I believe there can be a time that there would be that sweet awesome game I really wantu play.

U are the one that asked what iOS was doing in that list. The A10 fusion chip on the iPhone 7 is a lot powerful even than some of those snapdragon chipsets and the 2gb of ram is optimized to run any game without any problems.

1 Like

Re: 11 Best Phones For Hardcore Gaming by eightsin(m): 7:01pm On Mar 06, 2017
Op, pls which game will you recommend for huawei p9 lite? I love gaming but this is the phone I could afford. It's a midrange phone. Got it for 103k so I am kinda expecting it to be a lil game friendly
Re: 11 Best Phones For Hardcore Gaming by barackodam: 7:26pm On Mar 06, 2017
eightsin:
Op, pls which game will you recommend for huawei p9 lite? I love gaming but this is the phone I could afford. It's a midrange phone. Got it for 103k so I am kinda expecting it to be a lil game friendly



Any fücking game would play on it
Re: 11 Best Phones For Hardcore Gaming by barackodam: 7:26pm On Mar 06, 2017
greenhulk:


U are the one that asked what iOS was doing in that list. The A10 fusion chip on the iPhone 7 is a lot powerful even than some of those snapdragon chipsets and the 2gb of ram is optimized to run any game without any problems.


Okay man!

I accept. Ion really know or care much about iOS. Ain't my fault
Re: 11 Best Phones For Hardcore Gaming by eightsin(m): 10:08pm On Mar 06, 2017
barackodam:




Any fücking game would play on it

Thanks... one more thing. Where can I get these games from?

1 Like

Re: 11 Best Phones For Hardcore Gaming by Oscarpraise(m): 12:56am On Mar 07, 2017
My itel S31 smartphone can play any game cool

1 Like 2 Shares

Re: 11 Best Phones For Hardcore Gaming by Friedyokes: 1:16am On Mar 07, 2017
Oscarpraise:
My itel S31 smartphone can play any game cool
with the 1gb ram .....WOW..post screenshots
Re: 11 Best Phones For Hardcore Gaming by Kenneth10110(m): 10:10am On Mar 07, 2017
Tecno Boom J8 add it
Re: 11 Best Phones For Hardcore Gaming by barackodam: 1:36pm On Mar 08, 2017
eightsin:


Thanks... one more thing. Where can I get these games from?


Revdl
Rexdl
mob.org
Androidgamezonebd
Andropalace


Etc

3 Likes

Re: 11 Best Phones For Hardcore Gaming by barackodam: 1:37pm On Mar 08, 2017
Oscarpraise:
My itel S31 smartphone can play any game cool


Goan play batman telltale undecided undecided undecided


If e nor hang, maa bend angry angry angry angry angry

4 Likes

Re: 11 Best Phones For Hardcore Gaming by eightsin(m): 1:37pm On Mar 08, 2017
Thanks

barackodam:



Revdl
Rexdl
mob.org
Androidgamezonebd
Andropalace


Etc
Re: 11 Best Phones For Hardcore Gaming by hoover420: 2:23pm On Mar 08, 2017
How will someone buy this type of expensive gadget all cos of game? shocked
Even a fairly used Playstation 4 is not up to 100k.
I'd rather buy that & use my phone for other stuffs smiley

2 Likes

Re: 11 Best Phones For Hardcore Gaming by kvngjesse(m): 3:34pm On Mar 08, 2017
Friedyokes:
with the 1gb ram .....WOW..post screenshots
Lmfao
Re: 11 Best Phones For Hardcore Gaming by Judek2(m): 4:31pm On Mar 08, 2017
Where is gionee m6??
Re: 11 Best Phones For Hardcore Gaming by adewumiopeyemi(m): 10:20pm On Jul 18, 2017
Ok
Re: 11 Best Phones For Hardcore Gaming by Flashh: 10:21pm On Jul 18, 2017
ok
Re: 11 Best Phones For Hardcore Gaming by mikeycharles(m): 10:21pm On Jul 18, 2017
Where is bb q5
Re: 11 Best Phones For Hardcore Gaming by auntysimbiat(f): 10:21pm On Jul 18, 2017
WATCH ; Game Played On my Android Phone, Captured


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZoj9jOLoKo

2 Likes 1 Share

Re: 11 Best Phones For Hardcore Gaming by Erhun10z: 10:22pm On Jul 18, 2017
Thanks Alot, But With Your Post, I Will Stay Glued To My Play Station

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