In 2020, 50% of the video gaming industry’s revenue was derived from smartphone usage. Gaming is in the process of sizing down, fitting into the palm of our hand, and providing an easy on-the-go alternative to traditional clunky consoles or dedicated handhelds.

Because of the capabilities of games these days, high-spec handsets are a necessity. One of the most popular mobile games out right now is Call of Duty, an online, first-person shooter, multiplayer game. One of the modes involves battling it out against a large number of virtual opponents. If your device isn’t up to scratch, you could lag behind the others and risk a loss. Similarly, MMORPGs such as Runescape rely heavily on player interaction and require almost constant communication for an enjoyable experience.

However, not all games require as high a spec, there are simpler games out there that can run well on an older device. For example, online bingo has gained popularity in recent years due to the rise of iGaming. Unlike the previously mentioned games, the titles on the bingo games site Paddy Power don’t require such a high level of tech. Bingo is entertaining and its simplicity means that anyone can give it a go. There are loads of different games on any one site, such as Great Pigsby, a Great Gatsby-themed game, and Slingo Racing, based on horse racing. However, because of the vibrant graphics, a quality smartphone is recommended.

So, here, we take a look at three of the best gaming smartphones on the market.

1. Nubia RedMagic 5G

This super speedy gaming phone has a 144Hz refresh rate, allowing it to render graphics quicker than any other handset out there. It has a Snapdragon 865 chip, which isn’t as great as some, but still offers very good functionality, being only two years old.

The rendering rate is brand new and so far, unique to this handset. This means that the rate can’t yet be exploited in most games. Game developers still need to create games with this feature, and the rest of the smartphone offerings need to catch up to this phone’s technology before it can have any real impact.

2. iPhone 13 Pro Max

You may think that the iPhone’s not up to scratch when it comes to gaming capabilities. Well, think again. The iPhone 13 Pro Max has an A15 Bionic chip, the very latest in Apple’s signature processing technology. Apple claims that it’s 50% faster than the competition, and it is darn fast. Its Super Retina display also makes the most of intensive CGI graphics.

As with most iPhones, it’s expensive. Apple’s unique branding allows them to charge more for their sought-after products. The cheapest version is still quite costly at $1099. The phone also has a distinctly lacking battery life, meaning that the main draw of using a phone for gaming – portability – is compromised.

3. Xiaomi Black Shark 4 5G

This is a great budget option for new or casual gamers. It has a small price tag but very little is compromised when it comes to the actual gaming experience. It includes the Snapdragon 888 chip, which can also be found in Oculus Quest 2, a head-mounted display for virtual reality that renders graphics at a rapid pace.

This small price does come with a certain design feature – it’s huge. The phone is thick and heavy, making it a lot less agile than other gaming phones on the market. This does unfortunately put it at a disadvantage compared to other phones out there.

The Winner

We’re going to have to give it to the RedMagic 5G, purely for leading the way with its innovative stratospheric refresh rate. Though it could be perceived that Nubia has messed up, as games can’t be made quickly enough for the RedMagic, we admire them for putting user enjoyment and the phone’s longevity before profits. With this forward-thinking strategy, our eyes are on Nubia and what they come up with next. They’re proving to be the drivers of change in the industry.