Chinese cell phones are still the best options when it comes to performance in Android games. Very cheap, some phones have the performance of a Galaxy S9, and they cost less than half the price. Discover the best gaming smartphones to buy in 2018.
Video article:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-4xodhDmZk– My 6
The Mi 6 is a smartphone from 2017. But it is the cheapest Snapdragon 835 phone today. For something around R$1.200 to 1.400, it is possible to have a smartphone that, in terms of games, is nothing compared to the top-of-the-line models launched in Spain.
This remarkable little one comes with versions with 4 and 6 GB of RAM. Both with 64 GB of internal space. The only "but" is the screen of "only" 5.15 inches, which may not be ideal for many people. But with this configuration, you can run games like PUBG Mobile with everything maxed out without any problems.
Specifications:
- Screen: 5.15 inches ; 1920×1080 pixels ; IPS 428 PPI.
- Processador: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 2.45Ghz 64bit Octa Core.
- GPU: Adreno 540.
- Memory: 4GB or 6GB LPDDR4 1866MHz.
- Rear cameras: two 12 MP.
- Front camera: 8 MP.
- Battery: 3.350mAh.
- Bluetooth: 5.0.
- System: MiUI 9 Android 8.0.
- Sound: Use both speakers in games.
- Storage: 64GB or 128GB.
- Other features: NFC, Quick-Charge 3.0, curved glass screen, biometric reader. Comes with case and film (already applied).
Link to Buy Banggood
- OnePlus 5T
The OnePlus 5T is that “good at everything” smartphone case! In addition to detonating in games and multitasking with its 8 GB of RAM, the smartphone known as “iPhone Killer” still has excellent cameras and battery.
The “clean” design pleases “Greeks and Trojans”. There is no one who doesn't like a smartphone with small bezels and a large screen. It's 6 inches to enjoy heavy games to the fullest.
The OnePlus 5T has versions with 64 and 128 GB.
Specifications:
- Screen: 6 inches; 1080 x 2160 pixels; OLED 401ppi.
- Processador: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 2.45Ghz 64bit Octa Core.
- GPU: Adreno 540.
- Memory: 6GB or 8GB LPDDR4X.
- Rear cameras: one 16 MP and one 20 MP (Sony Sensor).
- Front camera: 16 MP, with f/2.0 aperture.
- Battery: 3.300mAh.
- Bluetooth: 5.0.
- Sistema: OxygenOS (Android 8.0)
- Sound: Use both speakers in games.
- Storage: 64GB or 128GB.
- Other features: NFC, Quick-Charge 3.0, curved glass screen, biometric reader. Comes with case and film (already applied).
Link to Buy Banggood
Link to Buy on GearBest
- ZTE Nubia Z17
The ZTE Nubia Z17 is that option for those who liked the price of the Mi 6, however, did not like the size of the screen. It comes with 5.5 inches (against 5.1 of the Mi 6). In the “engine”, the Z17 comes with Snapdragon 835 and 6 GB and LPDDR4X.
The design is kind of “iPhonzão”, but on the other hand, the Z17 has great cameras. The front is great for selfies with 16 MP.
This smartphone usually goes on sale with a value of around R$ 1.600 reais. For a value far above that, it's good to go straight to the OnePlus 5T.
Specifications:
- Screen: 5.5 inches ; 1920×1080 pixels; 403 PPI, LCD.
- Processador: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 2.45Ghz 64bit Octa Core.
- GPU: Adreno 540.
- Memory: 4GB or 6GB LPDDR4X.
- Rear cameras: f1.8(12.0MP) + f2.0(23.0MP).
- Front camera: 16 MP f/20.
- Battery: 3.200mAh.
- Bluetooth: 4.1.
- System: Nubia UI 5.0 (Android 7.1).
- Sound: The two speakers work in games with Dolby Atmos technology.
- Storage: 64GB or 128GB.
- Other features: NFC, Quick-Charge 3.0, biometric reader. Comes with case and film (already applied).
Link to Buy Banggood
- Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S
The Mi Mix 2S is Xiaomi's top of the range. The device with premium design and specifications, a device where Xiaomi has spared nothing.
It comes with Snapdragon 845, 8GB of RAM and a whopping 256GB of internal space. For having all the best and the best, and being the top of Xiaomi, don't expect to pay little. The Mi Mix 2S does not go for less than R$ 2.500 reais.
Specifications:
- Screen: 6 inches ; 2160×1080 pixels; 403 PPI, LCD.
- Processador: Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 Octa Core, 2.8GHz max.
- GPU: Adreno 630 710MHz!
- Memory: 6GB or 8GB LPDDR4X.
- Rear cameras: f1.8(12.0MP) + f2.4(12.0MP), with AI optimization.
- Front camera: 5 MP ?
- Battery: 3.400mAh.
- Bluetooth: 5.0.
- System: MIUI 9 (Android 8.0).
- Sound: only one speaker works during games.
- Storage: 128GB or 256GB.
- Other Features: NFC, Quick-Charge 4.0, Biometric Reader, Wireless Charging. Comes with case and film (already applied).
Link to Buy Banggood
Link to Buy on GearBest
– Black Shark (A Besta)
Black Shark has already arrived in Chinese product stores. Xiaomi's gaming-focused smartphone comes with Snapdragon 845, the most powerful today. The GPU is the Adren0 630, the new generation, 30% more efficient in games compared to the Snapdragon 835.
In addition, the Black Shark comes with liquid cooling, a dockable controller and lots of gaming tweaks (similar to Samsung's on the Galaxy S7, S8, and S9).
On paper it looks wonderful. But on a day-to-day basis, compared to the Mi Mix 2S, its great advantage is the lower battery heating... and that's it. The cooling system doesn't make much difference in terms of performance. In other words, the Black Shark will not perform better than another smartphone with Snapdragon 845.
The price is not cheap, something around R$ 2500 reais. But even taxed, it is still in the same price range as the Galaxy S9.
Specifications:
- Screen: 6 inches ; 2160×1080 pixels; 403 PPI, LCD.
- Processador: Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 Octa Core, 2.8GHz max.
- GPU: Adreno 630 710MHz!
- Memory: 6GB or 8GB LPDDR4X.
- Rear cameras: f1.8(12.0MP) + f2.4(12.0MP).
- Front camera: 20 MP
- Battery: 4.000 mAh.
- Bluetooth: 5.0.
- System: MIUI 9 (Android 8.0).
- Sound: Both speakers work during games.
- Storage: 64GB or 128GB.
- Other Features: NFC, Quick-Charge 3.0, Biometric Reader, Liquid Cooling. Comes with case (bumper) and film. Control must be purchased separately.
Link to Buy Banggood
Link to Buy on GearBest
– HUAWEI Honor View 10
We consider smartphones with Snapdragon to be the best option for those who want to play games on smartphones. Hundreds of the most popular Android games are optimized for the Adreno GPU.
But if you're more into cameras, you should check out the Honor V10. With the same processor as the HUAWEI Mate 10, the Kirin 970, the V10 has a slightly more affordable price and an impressive lens set.
In terms of processing, the Kirin 970 is there in the same range as the Snapdragon 835. However, it is necessary to be aware of some emulators that run better on the Snapdragon GPU.
But the cameras and interface design will captivate those who like to take pictures. The Honor V10 has one of the best cameras today, beating the Galaxy Note 8 head-on.
Specifications:
- Screen: 6 inches ; 2160×1080 pixels; 403 PPI, LCD.
- Processador: HUAWEI Kirin 970 Octa-core (4 x 2.36GHz A73+ 4 x 1.8GHz A53).
- GPU: Mali G72 MP12 767MHz.
- Memory: 4GB or 6GB LPDDR4.
- Rear Cameras: 20.0MP MONO + 16.0MP RGB camera.
- Front camera: 13 MP
- Battery: 3.750 mAh.
- Bluetooth: 4.2.
- System: EMUI 8.0 (Android 8.0).
- Sound: Both speakers work during games.
- Storage: 64GB or 128GB.
- Other features: NFC, Quick-Charge 3.0, biometric reader, unique in the list with memory card slot up to 256 GB.
Link to Buy Banggood
– ZTE Nubia Red Magic
Last but not least we have the recently announced ZTE Nubia Red Magic. The device from ZTE will come with a focus on affordable price, so it gives up some aspects.
The processor is from last year, the Snapdragon 835. There is no dual camera array behind, just one. Like Black Shark, it has a “Gamer” button that turns off all secondary apps and disables notifications.
Nubia has not yet arrived in Chinese stores, but it is estimated that its price will be around R$ 2 thousand reais.
– Other smartphones to consider
See also:
- Best Cheap Smartphones to Buy on GearBest Spain
- Top 7 Best Controls for Android Phones
- Redmi Note 4x, Mi6 and more: Promotions at Banggood
You may have noticed that we have not put any smartphones with a MediaTek processor. Despite being potent on paper, in the real world, Helios often disappoint when it comes to gaming performance.
The Helio P25, for example, has processing power only comparable to the intermediate (already old) Snapdragon 625. Therefore, devices with it were left out of the list of best mobile phones for games.
However, some devices with MediaTek come with a lot of battery. They can be interesting for those who are not demanding with either the camera or the performance in games.
Later this month, we will list the best Chinese gaming phones of 2018 (intermediate) and low-cost (cheap).
Reminder: It doesn't hurt to let you know. If you are going to buy these devices in import stores, remember the delivery time and that you will probably be taxed with 60% import tax.
[Warning: none of the cell phones displayed here have any representation or warranty in Spain. Buy at your own risk. All links contain reference code. when buying through them, Mobile Gamer Spain receives a commission from the partner stores.]
[originally published May 2, 2018]
