Gaming phones: are they worth it?

One of the most popular selling points for phones is their ability to be your gaming platform on the go.

The Matters of Mobile Gaming

Mobile gaming has exploded in popularity over the past few years. One can easily download a game or two at the App Store in the blink of an eye. A few simple steps, a download, and you are all set to go.

Almost all modern smartphones have the capacity to run games. Those wanting to up the ante however may want a gaming phone to do their bidding.

For a mobile device to have the ‘gaming phone’ moniker attached to it, it requires a few things.

  • A high RAM count
  • Fast processor speed
  • High internal storage capacity
  • A dedicated GPU to handle the visual aspects of the game
  • A screen large enough to display a game’s full view

The Battery Dilemma           

The thing to consider with portable gaming is its battery potential. This has been the issue since the days of the original GameBoy – you can only enjoy as much as the battery stays alive. With modern phones, you cannot simply switch batteries to keep going. You have to charge them to completion before you can continue. While fast charging and wireless charging are possible depending on the model, it still gives you a limited window into actually playing.

The Price Problem

Those with the label ‘gaming phones’ often have a very high price tag to their name. The Asus ROG 1 phone for instance costs $900-1100. The Razer Phone 2 has a similar price, going at $700-800 range. These offer high-end specs for mobile phone gaming, but it may leave you wondering whether the price is worth the result. This is due to items like the Nintendo Switch ($300) or even the 3DS ($150) offering a better gaming experience at fraction of the price.

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