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From PUBG, Call Of Duty, Genshin Impact to MLBB, mobile games are all the rage these days. However, with high graphics games, your phone needs high frame rates, crisp graphics, and a solid battery life to support it. Otherwise, it can easily overheat and have its battery weakened over time. That’s why serious gamers should consider getting a dedicated gaming phone that runs games smoothly, and comes with features that boost your gameplay. Before we dive into the best gaming phones in 2022, here’s what you need to know when choosing one.
Speed is one of the most important factors when it comes to mobile gaming, especially for high graphics games like League of Legends: Wild Rifts and Mobile Legends. What determines the speed of a phone is the processor. A good processor will enable a phone to provide crisp graphics that you’ll want for a smooth, ping-free game.
One of the top processors that the best gaming phones have in 2022 is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, which has been tested to allow for an impressive 88FPS on PUBG, 60FPS on Call Of Duty, and 40FPS for Genshin Impact. Close contenders include the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 and 865. For the best iPhones for gaming, the Apple A15 Bionic takes the cake as the best processor that allows for great efficiency.
Pro Tip: To determine the performance of a processor, look at the size of the transistors — the smaller it is, the better it is. A good baseline is 5 – 7nm.
For hardcore gamers who climb the ranks for hours on end, cooling is a crucial factor when choosing a gaming phone. Otherwise, your phone will heat up like it’s in the Sahara desert, which may affect your gameplay. The best gaming phones in 2022 are equipped with efficient internal cooling mechanisms which allow it to withstand long hours of heavy gaming.
We all know how annoying it is when the “low battery” notification pops up during a crucial moment and ends up costing you the entire game. Given how battery-consuming games are, battery capacity is something that you should look out for when buying a gaming phone. We recommend getting one with at least 4500mAh for sufficient stamina to last you throughout the game!
For an immersive gaming experience, display is definitely important. We recommend getting a phone with at least 120Hz refresh rate in order to support graphics-intensive games. In addition, screen materials like OLED and AMOLED are sufficient to support crystal clear displays.
The best gaming phones in 2022 stand out from regular phones with additional hardware and software that help to enhance the gaming experience. This includes magnetic pop-up triggers or shoulder keys which you can customise according to your needs. This is especially important for those who play shooting games, as they allow you to aim and shoot at the same time with ultimate ease. Some gaming phones also come with an in-built gaming mode, which can reduce distractions from notifications.
While gaming phones have impressive specifications for its processing capabilities, refresh rates, and come with additional features like pop-up triggers and RGB lighting, their cameras and other non-gaming features often pale in comparison to regular phones. Therefore, we recommend getting one if you’re a passionate or professional gamer who dedicates large amounts of time to gaming.
With the highest refresh rate in the market and high-performing Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor, the Nubia Red Magic 6S Pro Gaming Phone (available on REDMAGIC Official Store) is easily one of the best budget gaming phones in 2022. Apart from smooth performance, it also has a multi-dimensional cooling system which increases air heat transfer, so you can hold your phone with comfort throughout your games.
Avid Call of Duty and PUBG gamers will also appreciate that it sports shoulder triggers – which allows you to move faster while firing your shots with ease. Furthermore, the Nubia Red Magic gaming phone also boasts 720Hz multi-touch sampling rate, which provides you with satisfying fast touch and precise response. Its colourful RGB light feature would be the cherry on the cake, allowing you to game not just in comfort, but in style.
Another frontrunner for the best budget gaming phones in 2022 is the Xiaomi Black Shark 5 Pro (available on Black Shark Singapore Official Store). What sets it apart is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 – which is widely known as one of the top processors for mobile phones. This processor boasts stronger performance and lower power consumption, so you’ll have no issues running intensive games at blistering frame rates. Audiophiles will also love its stereo speakers that lets you hear everything that’s going on in the game – such as where your enemies may be hiding.
The Xiaomi Black Shark 5 Pro also differentiates itself with magnetic trigger buttons on the sides, which you can map according to the functions you need, such as in-game controls. In addition, it uses Anti-Gravity Dual VC Liquid Cooling plates which help to tone down heat dissipation. That’s why the Xiaomi Black Shark 5 Pro is worthy to be our roundup of the best budget gaming phones in 2022.
If you prefer a sleek and minimalist look to gamer-esque designs with flashy RGB lights, the OnePlus Ace 5G Gaming Phone (available on OnePlus Official Store) is for you. It is one of the best mid-range gaming phones in 2022 that is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8100. This processor features an octa-core CPU that allows you to play high graphics games without lags. Furthermore, the OnePlus Ace boasts a HyperBoost game frame stabilisation engine, which helps to reduce frame drops during games. This gaming phone is also able to fast charge from zero to 100 within a mere 10 minutes, so you’ll be able to fuel it up with enough juice to last you through your gaming sessions.
POCO is widely known for their best budget phones in Singapore, and the POCO F4 GT (available on POCO Official Store Global) is an affordable option by the brand that is designed with gamers in mind. Despite its budget-friendly price tag, the POCO F4 GT holds a candle to contenders in the market with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 which enables fast and better performance. This is further enhanced with an integrated Adreno 730, which allows for graphics acceleration without jitters and stutters.
Furthermore, the POCO F4 GT also features LiquidCool Technology so you can game for hours without the phone heating up to a hotplate. Another key reason why the POCO F4 GT makes the cut as one of best Android phones for gaming in 2022 is its magnetic pop-up triggers which are especially useful for shooting games.
An efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, massive battery capacity of 5000mAh, a robust cooling system and crystal clear display, the realme GT 2 Pro (available on realme Official Store Global) checks all the boxes for a gaming phone. Its stainless steel vapour cooling system reduces the temperature of the phone down to 19°C, which makes gameplay as comfortable as possible. Apart from a large battery capacity, the realme GT 2 Pro also comes with fast charging. All you need is 33 minutes for a full charge that’ll last you up to 21 hours of video streaming!
Apart from impressive performance, the realme GT 2 Pro stands out from other best gaming phones in 2022 with its eco-friendly design. It is the first phone to sport a biopolymer back which feels like recycled paper. This unique texture actually gives you a better grip while playing!
When it comes to mobile gaming, you want a screen that is smooth and solid so that swiping around the map and aiming your skills won’t be affected. That’s why the Redmi K50 Gaming Phone (available on Genuine.Store) stands out with its Corning Gorilla Glass finish, which is highly resistant to scratches, chips, and breaks. This gaming phone also boasts JBL Broadband Quad Speakers, which gives you superb audio quality.
In terms of graphics, the Redmi K50 gaming phone makes the mark with a standard screen refresh rate of 120Hz on an OLED screen. In addition, featuring magnetic pop-up shoulder keys and dual VC liquid cooling, the Redmi K50 gaming phone is placed firmly in this list of best Android phones for gaming in 2022.
Apart from the best gaming laptops in Singapore, Lenovo is making its foray into the gaming phone industry as well. Powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 888, the Lenovo Legion Y90 (available on monmartechnology) is one of the best budget gaming phones in 2022. Highlights for the gamer include the built-in dual cooling fans, four additional shoulder keys for better aiming, and dual force touch sensors for better touch-to-display time!
The Lenovo Legion Y90 also enhances your gaming experience with stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos. What’s more, it even features a game mode which lets you enjoy clearer in-game sounds!
Nothing quite beats the iPhone when it comes to the best phones for gaming in 2022. That’s why it is the choice of phones at professional tournaments like Mobile Legends Bang Bang! As of 2022, the best iPhone for mobile gaming is the latest iPhone 13 Pro Max (available on Apple Flagship Store) which features Super Retina XDR display with an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz. This means you’ll get to enjoy superb graphic performance and smooth, non-laggy gameplay.
Furthermore, iPhone 13 Pro Max is equipped with the Apple A5 Bionic chip, which gives you ultra-fast performance and power efficiency. You can also expect durable battery life which allows for up to 28 hours of video playback. The phone comes with 1 terabyte of storage, which is more than enough for space-intensive games like Genshin Impact. Overall, the iPhone 13 Pro Max is an all-rounder on this list.
Avid gamers would probably be familiar with ASUS ROG – an ASUS line of products that is designed to elevate your gaming experience. Whether it’s high quality graphics or great cooling mechanisms, you can expect the best features when it comes to ASUS ROG gaming products. That said, the ASUS ROG Phone 6 (available on A Phone) certainly fits the bill for the best gaming phone in 2022. It features the largest battery capacity on the list with a whopping 6000mAh, as well as top-tier display with 165Hz refresh rate, the highest in the market today.
What’s more, the ASUS ROG Phone 6 isn’t just equipped with the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, but also boasts Snapdragon Elite Gaming. This unlocks a deluge of mobile features like desktop-level frame rates, lightning speeds up to 144fps, and optimised speed for touch to display. Showcasing impressive specifications and standout features, it’s no wonder the ASUS ROG Phone 6 is one of the best gaming phones in 2022.
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G (available on Samsung Official Store) may not be marketed as a gaming phone, but it is easily one of the best android phones for gaming in 2022. While it’s mainly known as one of the best camera phones, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra also boasts impressive performance, display, and storage capabilities. It is equipped with the 4nm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Processor, as well as 12GB RAM and 1 terabytes of storage. This allows you to download multiple games and run them smoothly without any issues.
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is also known for its bright display that doesn’t dim even under sunlight. This is because it features the Edge QHD+ display and Visual Booster which gives you sharper images with better resolution.
Those who love a ginormous screen for clearer, larger graphics can consider the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 (available on Samsung Official Store) – the best foldable gaming phone in 2022 with 7.6 inch display. Apart from a large display, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 also offers an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate which gives you silky smooth graphics in your battle arenas. Powered by the Snapdragon 888, it definitely measures up to other best Android phones for gaming in 2022 in terms of processing speed. In addition, the Samsung Z Fold 3 is great for multi-tasking with its dual screen and split-screen feature!
That said, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 does pale in comparison to the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra in terms of battery life. It is also the most expensive on this list, so be sure to consider if the pros outweigh the cons for you!
| Gaming Phone | Processor | Refresh rate (Hz) | Battery life (mAh) | Shoulder triggers | Price |
| Redmi K50 Gaming Phone | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | 120 | 5500 | Yes | $472 – $912 |
| OnePlus Ace 5G | MediaTek Dimensity 8100 | 120 | 4500 | No | $649 – $749 |
| Xiaomi Black Shark 5 Pro | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | 144 | 4650 | Yes | $692 – $791 |
| Lenovo Legion Y90 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | 144 | 5600 | Yes | $692 – $1100 |
| POCO F4 GT | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | 120 | 4700 | Yes | $725 |
| ASUS ROG 5 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | 165 | 6000 | Yes | $840 – $2048 |
| Nubia Red Magic 6S Pro | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 | 165 | 5050 | Yes | $863 |
| Realme GT 2 Pro | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | 120 | 5000 | No | $999 |
| Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | 120 | 5000 | No | $1858 – $1998 |
| iPhone 13 Pro Max | Apple A15 Bionic | 120 | 4352 | No | $2279 |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 | Snapdragon 888 | 120 | 4400 | No | $2398 |
Not ready to go all out for an additional gaming phone? Zhng your current one with mobile phone accessories for gaming that can improve your gameplay. This includes external phone coolers that prevent your phone from overheating, as well as clip-on keys and triggers that allow you to aim and shoot with ease.
If your phone is starting to burn within short periods while gaming, it’s high time to bring the heat down with a phone cooler. It is an external accessory that can be attached to your phone to cool it down. The RedMagic Turbo Cooler (available on REDMAGIC Official Store) is a solid option to go for. With 29 blades and a large area that covers the CPU heating position, this phone cooler can bring the temperature of your phone down to -4°C! That’s not all – the RedMagic Turbo Cooler also boasts RGB lighting effects which instantly amps up the mood and aesthetics. What’s more, it can be powered by app control for greater convenience and ease of use.
If your phone doesn’t have shoulder keys or pop-up triggers, amp it up with this 6 Fingers Mobile Game Controller (available on BlueWow.sg)! Simply snap it onto your phones to secure it and it’ll make it way easier to shoot your targets. These mobile game controllers are compatible with any thickness, and are highly sensitive on the screen too!
Have sweaty palms and fingers? These may affect your movements and aiming in the game! Avoid losing control of your in-game manoeuvres with Finger Sleeves (available on Ankndo.sg)! These finger sleeves offer great sweat absorption, and are designed to be ultra-thin for utmost comfort. They are also touch sensitive, so you won’t have to worry about your swipes not being detected. In fact, these will give you more precise control on the in-game joysticks!
From the best budget Android gaming phones like Nubia Red Magic to all-rounders like the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, claim victory and achieve your longest win streak with best gaming phones in 2022! Complete your gaming setup with the best gaming headsets to boost communication and audio, and play in comfort with the best gaming chairs in Singapore! To stretch your dollar, don’t miss out on promo prices during our 9.9 Super Shopping Day!
Ending the year with a blast (of fireworks).
Prep a merry feast!
Deck the halls with boughs of holly!
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