Gaming phones have evolved significantly over the years. From simple devices with games like Snake and Tetris, gaming phones have many powerful features nowadays. So, what features do consumers want in modern gaming phones, and are they worth investing in? Keep reading to learn more about the growing gaming phone market and the key features to look for when buying gaming smartphones.
Table of Contents
Significant growth in the gaming phone market
Cooling system
Design
Storage
RAM
Processor
Display
Build quality
Dedicated gaming buttons
Gaming phones for every lifestyle
Significant growth in the gaming phone market
The mobile gaming industry has grown tremendously in recent years. As of 2021, there were over 2.6 billion mobile gamers worldwide, and it’s projected that the number will exceed 3 billion by 2023. Furthermore, in 2022, the mobile gaming segment accounted for nearly 50% of global gaming revenue, making it larger than the PC and console gaming segments combined.
These statistics show the huge potential of the gaming phone market. However, only businesses that cater to customers’ needs can leverage the opportunity. So, what do consumers look for in gaming smartphones? Here are the essential factors to consider when choosing gaming phones.
Cooling system
Heating is one of the biggest concerns for many mobile gamers. When running graphic-intensive games, some phones may overheat, which can affect processor performance. This process is called thermal throttling, and it can result in choppy gameplay.
That’s why looking for a gaming phone with a cooling system is essential. While some gaming phones have a built-in cooling system, others have a detachable fan that gamers can attach to the back of the phone to cool it down.
Design
Many gaming phones look different from regular smartphones. Unlike regular phones, gaming phones tend to have unconventional designs and unique add-ons, such as RGB lighting, transparent backplates, and other extras.
When looking for gaming phones, look for phones with unique design elements, as they can enhance the gaming experience and appeal to gamers.
Storage
Mobile games have become considerably larger as mobile game graphics have improved. For instance, Call of Duty: Mobile requires 2.4GB of storage to install. As a result, most gamers want devices with ample storage for their favorite titles.
Generally, 128GB of storage is sufficient for casual gamers, while heavy users may require gaming phones with at least 256GB of storage.
RAM
On both gaming laptops and phones, games require a certain amount of RAM to run smoothly. Smartphones with inadequate RAM may offer substandard gaming performance, resulting in lag or sudden crashes when running games.
Smartphones with inadequate RAM also take longer to launch games and may struggle to run multiple apps simultaneously. As a result, many gamers look for gaming smartphones with sufficient RAM — particularly gamers who play while live streaming on platforms like Twitch.
Generally, 6GB of RAM is adequate for most casual gamers. However, hardcore gamers who play graphically intensive games may prefer devices with at least 8GB of RAM for superior gaming performance.
Processor
Like RAM, a gaming phone’s processor is another key component that can affect gameplay. In gaming phones, the processor performs calculations and renders graphics. Thus, a more powerful processor can offer better gaming performance.
There are two major gaming phone processor manufacturers: Qualcomm and MediaTek. Qualcomm is renowned for its high-end Snapdragon processors, while MediaTek makes the Dimensity line of processors.
When assessing processors, look at the model numbers. Generally, the higher the model number, the more powerful the processor. For instance, the Snapdragon 888 processor offers better performance than the Snapdragon 870. Similarly, the Dimensity 9200 provides better performance than the Dimensity 9000.
Display
A gaming phone’s display can significantly impact the gaming experience because it can affect colors, contrast, and touch sensitivity.
When evaluating gaming phone displays, here are the key features to consider:
– Screen size: Bigger screens provide a more immersive gaming experience. For casual gamers who want to play puzzle games like Candy Crush Saga, phones with a screen size of at least 6 inches will be adequate. However, gamers who play first-person shooter games, like PUBG Mobile, may prefer screens of at least 6.5 inches.
– Screen type: There are two standard screen types: LED and AMOLED. While LED screens are decent, AMOLED screens offer better picture clarity.
– Refresh rate: Gaming phones with higher refresh rates offer more fluid gameplay. They also allow gamers to react faster and give them an edge in competitive games that require split-second decisions, like PUBG Mobile. Most smartphones have a refresh rate of 60Hz because most games only support up to 60fps (frames per second). However, for gaming devices, look for phones with a refresh rate of at least 120Hz, as many modern games, such as Call of Duty: Mobile, require devices with 120fps refresh rates.
– Touch sampling rate: Like the refresh rate, the touch sampling rate is measured in Hertz. Similarly, it gives gamers an edge over opponents if it’s high, as it determines how fast games detect touches. As a general rule, look for gaming phones with a touch sampling rate of at least 180Hz.
Build quality
Build quality is another key factor to consider when choosing a gaming phone because it affects the device’s durability. For gamers who want durable gaming phones, consider offering rugged phones, as they handle daily wear and tear better than standard smartphones.
Dedicated gaming buttons
Some gaming phones have buttons, such as shoulder buttons, explicitly designed for gaming. While dedicated buttons don’t offer the same engaging experience as dedicated controllers, they can make gaming more convenient.
When playing competitive games, dedicated gaming buttons can allow gamers to react faster and give them an edge over rivals. Dedicated gaming buttons can also help to reduce strain on the hands and fingers when gamers play for long periods.
These benefits can make gaming phones with gaming controls appealing to gamers, especially hardcore gamers.
Gaming phones for every lifestyle
Ultimately, there’s no one-size-fits-all gaming phone. While heavy users may want gaming phones with premium features and specifications, casual gamers may not need devices with high-end specifications or many bells and whistles.
Check out Alibaba.com for a variety of gaming phones for both hardcore and casual gamers.
