"When every millisecond counts, having the right device can mean the difference between victory and defeat."
The gaming landscape is evolving, and so are the devices we use to play. Whether engaging in high-stakes games like Fortnite or PUBG or exploring expansive open-world games like Genshin Impact, your smartphone's performance, battery life, and display quality are essential for an immersive experience. In this article, ViserMark explores the best gaming smartphones of 2024 that have been tested to date, breaking down their key features and helping you find the perfect match for your gaming needs.
ViserMark's Top Picks for Best Smartphones for Gaming
SAMSUNG GALAXY S24 ULTRA - (Flagship/Pro €700 +)
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and is supported by a high-end GPU known for excellent gaming performance. It supports advanced graphics rendering techniques, higher frame rates, and better power efficiency. Also, it can handle demanding games with high graphics settings smoothly and hardware-accelerated ray tracing, enhancing realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections in games.
Its 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display ensures vibrant colours, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, offering an immersive visual experience. Also, it has incredibly sharp and detailed visuals.are delivered by the QHD+ (1440 x 3200 pixels) resolution. QHD+ resolution and a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate ensure stunning visuals and smooth gameplay. The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra also benefits from advanced gaming features, such as Samsung’s Game Booster, which optimises performance by managing system resources, HDR10+ support and an enhanced cooling system to maintain performance during extended gaming sessions. Read the Full Review >>
GOOGLE PIXEL 8 PRO - (Flagship/Pro €700 +)
The Google Pixel 8 Pro features a powerful Google Tensor G3 chipset that delivers seamless gaming performance. It also has a powerful GPU and offers robust gaming performance, supporting high graphics settings and smooth gameplay. It is capable of running most modern mobile games efficiently but may not match the highest performance tiers of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. The QHD+ (1344 x 2992 pixels) resolution further enhances the gaming experience with sharp and detailed visuals.
The 6.7-inch OLED Super Actua display provides rich colours, deep blacks, and high contrast, making games look vibrant and lifelike. The 120Hz refresh rate enhances smooth animations and gameplay making it ideal for gamers. It's worth noting that Google's AI optimisations, including the advanced thermal management system, prevent overheating and maintain optimal performance enhancing gaming performance and graphics.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Google Pixel 8 Pro provide exceptional gaming experiences with their high-end specifications, efficient battery consumption, and fast charging capabilities.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has a slight advantage in battery efficiency, gaming time, charging speed, and GPU performance, making it the better choice for gamers who prioritise these aspects. However, the Google Pixel 8 Pro still excels with its high-quality display and solid gaming performance, Still, its higher battery drain rate and slower charging speed make it slightly less optimal for extended gaming sessions than the S24 Ultra.
For gamers prioritising the absolute best in graphics performance and efficient power management, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the better choice. The Google Pixel 8 Pro remains a strong contender with its excellent display and gaming capabilities but falls slightly behind in battery efficiency and charging speed.
GOOGLE PIXEL 8a - (High Tier €500-€699)
The Google Pixel 8a offers a good balance of performance and price. It features a Google Tensor G3 chipset and GPU designed for Mid to High Tier phones. It supports advanced graphics rendering and should handle most modern mobile games well. Its 6.1-inch OLED HDR display, with a 1080 x 2440 pixels resolution, provides vibrant colours, deep blacks, and good contrast. A 90Hz refresh rate provides a smooth display, ideal for gaming.
Also, it may need more advanced gaming optimisations found in flagship devices and can't match the high-end graphics performance and display quality of the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE. Read the Full Review >>
SAMSUNG GALAXY S23 FE - (High Tier €500-€699)
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is a solid option for gamers on a budget. It offers reliable performance with a balanced chipset found in Flagship Tier smartphones, superior graphics performance, higher frame rates, and better support for advanced graphics features. The 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, display offers excellent colour accuracy, high brightness, and deep contrast.
A 120Hz refresh rate provides an even smoother gaming experience but at the cost of higher power consumption. The S23 FE benefits from Samsung's Game Booster and other gaming features, which optimise performance and graphics rendering during gameplay. Read the Full Review >>
Google Pixel 8a offers better battery performance and efficiency for gaming, providing longer gaming sessions on a single charge. Its efficient power management makes it a more reliable option for extended gaming without frequent recharging. On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE offers a higher refresh rate and a more powerful processor, which can enhance the gaming experience with smoother graphics and faster performance. However, this comes at the cost of higher power consumption and shorter gaming duration per charge.
For gamers prioritising longer battery life and efficient power usage, the Google Pixel 8a is the better choice. For those who value higher refresh rates and more powerful performance, the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE might be more appealing despite its shorter battery life.
HONOR 200 LITE - (Mid Tier €200-€499)
The Honor 200 Lite provides good performance for gaming and everyday use. It features the MediaTek Dimensity 6080 processor, which provides a decent gaming experience for Mid Tier phones. The 90Hz display ensures smooth visuals, enhancing the gaming experience and the 6.7-inch AMOLED display with 1080 x 2412 resolution offers a respectable visual experience.
It shows a slightly higher battery drain during gaming than the OPPO A78 5G, but it is still within acceptable limits for Mid Tier smartphones. Read the Full Review >>
OPPO A78 5G - (Mid Tier €200-€499)
The OPPO A78 5G is a great option for budget-conscious gamers. Like the Honor 200 Lite, it features the lower-end Mediatek Dimensity 700 processor. Even with a slightly lower resolution display of 720 x 1612 pixels, the OPPO A78 performs surprisingly well in gaming and is below the Mid Tier smartphone average for battery consumption during gaming. The 6.5-inch HD+ display provides a satisfactory visual experience.
The battery consumption during gaming shows a marginally better battery efficiency, likely due to the lower resolution display. Also, faster charging capabilities provide a more seamless and less interrupted gaming experience. Read the Full Review >>
The Honor 200 Lite and OPPO A78 5G offer competitive gaming performance in the Mid Tier market, powered by MediaTek Dimensity processors. The Honor 200 Lite has a larger 5000mAh battery, ensuring extended gaming sessions and has a slight edge in battery efficiency. Still, the OPPO A78 5G despite the smaller 4500mAh battery has faster charging times.
Honor 200 Lite has an advantage when it comes to gaming graphics due to its higher resolution display (FHD+). This will result in more precise and detailed visuals during gaming, enhancing the overall gaming experience. The OPPO A78 5G, with its lower resolution (HD+), will not provide the same level of detail. However, due to the lower pixel load on the GPU, it may benefit from reduced power consumption and potentially smoother performance.
For users prioritising battery life and quick recharging, the OPPO A78 5G may be the better choice. However, the Honor 200 Lite also provides a robust gaming experience with its high-resolution display, making it a strong contender in this category. However, both smartphones are well-suited for gaming and the differences are not drastic enough to severely impact casual gaming.
MOTOROLA MOTO G24 - (Entry Tier €0-€199)
The Motorola Moto G24 is a solid entry-level gaming phone with a Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 chipset for casual gaming and everyday tasks. Its 6.5-inch LCD display offers a decent visual experience with a 720 x 1612 pixels resolution. The battery performance is rated the highest at 55/100, with efficient battery consumption during gaming. It offers a longer battery life of 61 hours, slightly higher than the Xiaomi Redmi 13C's 57 hours.
The Motorola Moto G24 has a higher battery consumption rate during gaming. Users may need to manage their gaming sessions or have a charger handy for longer playtimes. However, the extended battery life provides more flexibility for daily use.
XIAOMI REDMI 13C - (Entry Tier €0-€199)
The Xiaomi Redmi 13C provides excellent value for entry-level gamers. It also features a MediaTek Helio G85 chipset that handles casual gaming and daily tasks efficiently. The larger 6.7-inch LCD display offers a satisfactory visual experience. It demonstrates better battery consumption efficiency during gaming compared to the Motorola Moto G24. This suggests that the Xiaomi device may last longer during gaming sessions, which benefits gamers who prefer extended play without interruptions.
The lower battery consumption during gaming makes the Xiaomi Redmi 13C more suitable for extended gaming sessions. Its higher battery efficiency also ensures that users get more gaming time from each charge, making it a more attractive option for gamers.
Both the Motorola Moto G24 and Xiaomi Redmi 13C are excellent choices for Entry Tier gaming smartphones, with strong battery performance. The Xiaomi Redmi 13C holds a slight advantage in battery efficiency and overall gaming time, making it a marginally better choice for extended gaming sessions. However, the Motorola Moto G24 provides a robust battery life and fast charging capabilities, ensuring a reliable gaming experience.
For users looking for the best gaming performance within this budget, there may be better choices than the 90Hz refresh rate for high-end gaming. However, the Xiaomi Redmi 13C might be the preferable option due to its slight edge in battery efficiency. However, both phones will serve gamers well with their competitive specs and gaming features.
Key Highlights and Insights
This analysis evaluates the smartphone gaming performance and battery consumption across different price tiers: Entry, Mid, High, and Flagship.
High-End Graphics Performance:
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra offers superior graphics performance with its Adreno 740 GPU, which supports advanced features like hardware-accelerated ray tracing. This makes it the best choice for gamers prioritising high-end graphics and smooth gameplay.
Balanced Performance and Efficiency:
The Google Pixel 8a in the High Tier category perfectly balances performance and battery efficiency. Its Google Tensor G3 processor provides a robust gaming experience, making it an excellent option for extended gaming sessions.
Entry-Tier Efficiency:
The Xiaomi Redmi 13C demonstrates that Entry Tier smartphones can offer good gaming performance with efficient power consumption. Its longer gaming sessions make it a compelling choice for budget gamers, highlighting the advancements in Entry Tier smartphone technology.
Impact of Display Quality on Gaming Experience:
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Google Pixel 8 Pro both feature QHD+ displays with a 120Hz refresh rate, enhancing the gaming experience with smooth and vibrant visuals. This underscores the importance of display quality in delivering an immersive gaming experience.
Summary
Our analysis uncovers some fascinating insights across different smartphone tiers. The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra takes the lead in the Flagship Tier with its unparalleled graphics performance and efficient battery usage. In the high-tier segment, the Google Pixel 8a strikes a perfect balance between performance and battery life. The OPPO A78 5G shines in the Mid Tier category with its outstanding battery efficiency, while the Xiaomi Redmi 13C is a standout in the Entry Tier for its efficient power consumption and decent gaming performance.
These findings highlight the advancements in smartphone technology across various price ranges, offering gamers multiple options based on their specific needs and budget.
Ready to elevate your gaming experience? Choose from one of these top gaming smartphones to find the perfect fit for your gaming needs. Remember to subscribe to our mailing list for more insights and reviews on the latest smartphone battery reviews!
Written By:
Debbie Bouffler is the Marketing and Communications Manager at SmartViser. She plays a crucial role in developing the company's communication and marketing strategies. Debbie has gained extensive experience in strategic business development and marketing in various industries, which has helped her excel in her current position.
Debbie is a leader with imagination, an unmatched drive, and an infectious passion for growth and excellence, especially in the telecommunications industry.
For further insights into her professional journey or to connect, visit Debbie on LinkedIn.
At ViserMark, we pride ourselves on our rigorous and meticulous testing protocols. Our tests are conducted in real-time conditions to provide accurate and reliable results. Simulating everyday usage scenarios and intensive gaming sessions ensures that our battery performance and consumption data reflect actual user experiences. This thorough approach lets you make well-informed decisions when choosing a smartphone, knowing that our evaluations are grounded in practical, real-world applications - Trust ViserMark for unbiased and comprehensive assessments of the latest smartphones.
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