As mobile gaming continues to surge in popularity, the demand for high-performance gaming smartphones has never been higher. In 2024, several manufacturers have stepped up their game, delivering devices that offer incredible performance, stunning displays, and innovative features designed to enhance the gaming experience. Here, we review the top three gaming smartphones of the year and highlight their standout features. Finally, we reveal our personal favorite among these gaming powerhouses.
ASUS ROG Phone 8
The ASUS ROG Phone 8 is designed for hardcore gamers who demand the best in performance and display quality. Its cutting-edge features and thoughtful design make it a top choice for mobile gaming enthusiasts. The ASUS ROG Phone series has consistently set the bar for gaming smartphones, and the ROG Phone 8 is no exception. This year’s model brings several enhancements that make it a formidable contender in the gaming smartphone market.
Top Features:
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Processor: The ROG Phone 8 is powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, ensuring top-tier performance and smooth gameplay. This chipset is paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, making multitasking and running demanding games a breeze.
6.78-inch AMOLED Display with 165Hz Refresh Rate: The display on the ROG Phone 8 is a gamer’s dream, featuring a 6.78-inch AMOLED panel with a 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time. This results in buttery-smooth visuals and an immersive gaming experience, further enhanced by HDR10+ support and a peak brightness of 1200 nits.
Customizable AirTrigger 6 System: ASUS has refined its AirTrigger system, offering even more customization options. The ultrasonic shoulder buttons can be mapped to various in-game functions, giving players a competitive edge. Additionally, the new Motion Control feature allows for intuitive game controls through device movement.
RedMagic 9 Pro
The RedMagic series has been a strong contender in the gaming smartphone arena, and the RedMagic 9 Pro solidifies its position with impressive hardware and unique features tailored for gamers. With its innovative cooling system and impressive display, the RedMagic 9 Pro is an excellent choice for gamers who want to enjoy their favorite titles without worrying about overheating or lag.
Top Features:
Active Cooling System: The RedMagic 9 Pro stands out with its built-in active cooling system, featuring a small internal fan that helps keep the device cool during intense gaming sessions. This system significantly reduces thermal throttling, ensuring sustained performance over long periods.
6.8-inch FHD+ AMOLED Display with 120Hz Refresh Rate: The RedMagic 9 Pro boasts a 6.8-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering fluid and responsive visuals. The display also supports a 960Hz touch sampling rate, making it incredibly responsive to touch inputs, which is crucial for fast-paced games.
Dedicated Gaming Shoulder Triggers: Similar to the ROG Phone 8, the RedMagic 9 Pro features dedicated shoulder triggers that can be customized for different games. These tactile triggers provide a console-like gaming experience, giving players a competitive advantage in shooters and other action-packed games.
Black Shark 5 Pro
Xiaomi’s Black Shark series has been a favorite among mobile gamers, and the Black Shark 5 Pro continues this tradition with robust hardware and features designed specifically for gaming. The Black Shark 5 Pro’s unique features and powerful hardware make it a top contender for gamers who seek both performance and innovative gaming-centric design elements.
Top Features:
Magnetic Pop-up Triggers: The Black Shark 5 Pro introduces magnetic pop-up triggers that provide a tactile and responsive gaming experience. These physical triggers can be easily mapped to in-game controls, offering a distinct advantage in games that require quick reflexes.
7.1-inch QHD+ AMOLED Display with 144Hz Refresh Rate: The Black Shark 5 Pro features a larger 7.1-inch QHD+ AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, providing sharp and vibrant visuals. The high resolution and refresh rate ensure that games look stunning and run smoothly, making for an immersive gaming experience.
Dual Battery System with 120W Fast Charging: To keep gamers in the action longer, the Black Shark 5 Pro comes with a dual battery system that supports 120W fast charging. This allows the device to charge from 0 to 100% in just 15 minutes, minimizing downtime and maximizing playtime
Editors Choice: RedMagic 9 Pro
The RedMagic 9 Pro is my favorite gaming phone for several compelling reasons. First and foremost, its performance and its price point is unmatched. Equipped with the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, it ensures lightning-fast speeds and seamless multitasking, essential for an immersive gaming experience. The 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage provide ample space and smooth functionality, making lag and storage issues a thing of the past. The phone is equipped with a 6000mAh battery that easily lasts through long gaming sessions. Moreover, the 120W fast charging support is a game-changer. It charges the phone from 0 to 100% in just under 30 minutes, minimizing downtime and maximizing your gaming time. The RedMagic 9 Pro comes with customizable shoulder triggers that enhance the gaming experience by providing additional control options. The haptic feedback is precise and adds a layer of immersion to the gameplay. Additionally, the Game Space feature allows you to optimize performance, block notifications, and record gameplay effortlessly.
