Introduction

Welcome, gamers! It’s a new year and you know what that means: new smartphones to fuel your gaming addiction. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. No need to comb through endless specs and reviews – we’ve done the heavy lifting for you. We’ve scoured the market for the best gaming smartphones of 2023, so you can keep your head in the game and your fingers on the triggers.

These devices pack a punch, delivering high-quality graphics and lightning-fast speeds, all while fitting in your pocket. So say goodbye to the days of lugging around your clunky gaming rig, and hello to the future of mobile gaming.

Let’s dive in and see which phones reign supreme in the realm of gaming.

Factors to Consider

Processor

Alright, let’s start with the heart of any gaming smartphone – the processor! Think of it as the engine that drives your gaming experience, and boy do we want a powerful engine!

Now, you might be wondering, “What makes a processor good for gaming?” Well, let me break it down for you. The processor is responsible for handling all the complex calculations required for gaming, so a high-performance processor means smoother, faster and more responsive gaming.

But with so many processors on the market, how do you know which one to choose? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. We have the Qualcomm Snapdragon, MediaTek Helio, and Exynos from Samsung, just to name a few. Each has its own pros and cons, but rest assured that any of these processors will have your gaming running like a well-oiled machine.

So, what do I recommend? Well, a Snapdragon 8-series or the latest MediaTek Dimensity chips are some of the best options out there. These babies are like nitrous for your gaming experience. Just imagine, no more lag during those clutch moments!

RAM and Storage

Next up, we have RAM and storage – the Twin Towers of gaming smartphones. Think of them as the fuel and the cargo hold of your smartphone spaceship, and you don’t want either of them to run low during your journey.

RAM, or Random Access Memory, is like the short-term memory of your smartphone. It stores all the data your phone needs to access quickly, so the more RAM your smartphone has, the smoother your gaming experience will be.

And then we have storage, which is like the long-term memory of your smartphone. This is where all your games, photos, and videos are stored. So, if you’re a gamer who likes to have a lot of games on hand, then make sure your gaming smartphone has enough storage for all your needs.

Now, you might be thinking, “But how much RAM and storage do I need?” That’s a good question, my friend. For RAM, a minimum of 6GB is recommended for a decent gaming experience, but 8GB or more is ideal. And for storage, a minimum of 128GB is good, but 256GB or more is ideal.

But, here’s the thing, more is always better when it comes to RAM and storage. Think of it as having a big fuel tank and a spacious cargo hold. You never know when you’ll need it, and you don’t want to run out in the middle of a long gaming session.

Display

Ah, the display, the window to your gaming world. This is where all the magic happens, and let me tell you, you want the magic to be as beautiful and smooth as possible.

So, what makes a good gaming display? Well, first and foremost, the resolution. The higher the resolution, the sharper and clearer the image will be. And if you’re a stickler for details, you’ll want to aim for a display with a resolution of at least 1080p.

But wait, there’s more! The refresh rate is also crucial for a smooth gaming experience. A high refresh rate means that the screen updates more frequently, which results in a smoother and more fluid display. A refresh rate of 60Hz is standard, but if you want to take your gaming to the next level, look for a display with a refresh rate of 90Hz or even 120Hz.

And let’s not forget about the screen size. A bigger screen means a more immersive gaming experience, but it also means a bigger and heavier phone. So, you’ll need to strike a balance between screen size and portability.

Now, if you’re someone who enjoys playing games in the dark, then you’ll also want to look for a display with good color accuracy and brightness. After all, you don’t want to miss that critical shot just because you couldn’t see it.

Battery

Ah, the battery, the bane of every gamer’s existence. You spend hours lost in a game, and just as you’re about to reach the next level, your phone dies on you. Tragic, I know.

That’s why a good battery is essential for a gaming smartphone. You want a phone with a large enough battery to last through those long gaming sessions, and you also want a phone that can recharge quickly so you can get back to gaming as soon as possible.

And let’s not forget about battery life when playing games. Gaming can be demanding on your phone’s battery, so you’ll want to look for a phone with good battery optimization. Some gaming smartphones even have special modes that prioritize battery life when gaming.

So, what should you look for when it comes to the battery on your gaming smartphone? Well, first and foremost, you want a large battery. A battery capacity of at least 4,000mAh is a good place to start.

Next, look for fast charging capabilities. Nothing is more frustrating than having to wait hours for your phone to charge when all you want to do is play some games. Look for a phone with fast charging capabilities, and you’ll be back in the game in no time.

And finally, make sure the battery life is optimized for gaming. You don’t want your phone to die on you in the middle of a critical moment, do you?

Graphics

Ladies and gentlemen, let’s talk about graphics. You know, those pretty little pixels that bring your games to life.

See, when it comes to gaming, graphics play a big role in the overall experience. You want your games to look good, of course, but you also want them to run smoothly. That’s why it’s important to have a gaming smartphone with a powerful GPU (graphics processing unit).

So, what should you look for when it comes to the GPU on your gaming smartphone? Well, first and foremost, you want a phone with a powerful GPU. A phone with a Snapdragon 865 or newer is a good place to start.

Next, you want to look for a phone with a high refresh rate display. A high refresh rate means that the screen updates more frequently, which leads to smoother graphics. A display with a refresh rate of at least 90Hz is a good place to start.

And finally, you want to look for a phone with good optimization for gaming. Some gaming smartphones have special software optimizations in place to ensure that games run smoothly, even on hardware that may not be the absolute latest and greatest.

So, why is a good GPU and good graphics important for gaming? Well, for starters, it ensures that your games look good. You want your games to be immersive, and good graphics help with that. And secondly, good graphics ensure that your games run smoothly. No more stuttering or slowdowns – your games will be smooth and fluid, just like they’re meant to be.

Price

Alright folks, we’ve covered a lot of ground so far. We’ve talked about processors, RAM and storage, displays, cooling, batteries, and graphics. But there’s one thing we haven’t talked about yet – and that’s the almighty dollar.

Yes, my friends, we’re talking about price. Now, I know that price isn’t the most glamorous topic, but it’s important to remember that gaming smartphones can get pretty expensive. So, it’s crucial to set a budget and stick to it.

Now, I’m not saying that you should go for the cheapest gaming smartphone out there. After all, you want a phone that will last you a while and perform well. But, you also don’t want to break the bank. You want to find the sweet spot between price and performance.

So, what should you expect to pay for a good gaming smartphone? Well, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1,500, depending on the specs and features you’re looking for. Just remember, the more you spend, the more features and better performance you’ll get.

And don’t forget, when it comes to price, you don’t always have to buy the latest and greatest smartphone. Sometimes, older models that have been on the market for a while can offer great performance at a lower price.

Brand Reputation

Ladies and gentlemen, we’ve finally arrived at the final section of this gaming smartphone extravaganza – brand reputation! Now, I know that some of you may be thinking, “Oh great, another boring section about brands.” But hear me out, because this is important.

You see, not all brands are created equal when it comes to gaming smartphones. Some brands have a solid reputation for making high-performance gaming phones, while others have a reputation for making… let’s just say, less than desirable gaming phones.

So, what should you look for in a brand when buying a gaming smartphone? Well, you want to look for a brand that has a solid reputation for making high-quality smartphones with good performance, especially when it comes to gaming. Brands like ASUS ROG, Razer, and Nubia RedMagic are known for making some of the best gaming smartphones on the market.

On the other hand, you want to steer clear of brands that have a reputation for making smartphones that are unreliable or have poor performance. You don’t want to buy a gaming smartphone only to find out that it crashes in the middle of your gaming sessions or has a short battery life.

And, of course, you want to look for a brand that has good customer support. Because, let’s face it, things can go wrong, and you want to make sure you have a team of experts who can help you out if something goes wrong with your gaming smartphone.

Top 6 Gaming Smartphones for 2023

Ladies and Gentlemen, drumroll please! It’s time to reveal the top 7 gaming smartphones of 2023!

ASUS ROG Phone 6 Pro

This beast is like the Hulk of gaming phones, it’s big, bold and packed with power.

Processor: Octa-core (1×3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3×2.75 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4×1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
RAM & Storage: 18GB RAM / 512GB
Display: 6.78 inches / 1080 x 2448 pixels
Battery: Li-Po 6000 mAh / 100% in 42 min charging
Graphics: Adreno 730
Price: 64,995 PHP
Brand: Asus

Black Shark 5 Pro

This smartphone is like a stealth fighter, sleek, fast and powerful. It’ll leave your opponents in the dust!

Processor: Octa-core (1×3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3×2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4×1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
RAM & Storage: 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM
Display: 6.67 inches / 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio / 144Hz
Battery: Li-Po 4650 mAh / 100% in 15 min charging
Graphics: Adreno 730
Price: 30,800 PHP
Brand: Xiaomi

Xiaomi Mi 12 Pro

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly gaming smartphone, this is the one for you. It’s like a budget sports car, it may not be a Ferrari, but it’ll still get you from A to B in style.

Processor: Octa-core (1×3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3×2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4×1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
RAM & Storage: 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
Display: 6.73 inches / 1440 x 3200 pixels / 120Hz
Battery: Li-Po 4600 mAh
Graphics: Adreno 730 / 100% in 42 min charging
Price: 48,551 PHP
Brand: Xiaomi

Nubia Red Magic 8 Pro

With its efficient cooling technology, this smartphone is like a refreshing breeze on a hot summer day, it’ll keep you cool under pressure.

Processor: Octa-core (1×3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2×2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2×2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3×2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
RAM & Storage: 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM
Display: 6.8 inches / 1116 x 2480 pixels, 20:9 ratio / 120Hz
Battery: Li-Po 6000 mAh / 100% in 43 min charging
Graphics: Adreno 740
Price: 20,895 PHP
Brand: ZTE

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

This is a premium smartphone, perfect for those who want the best of both worlds. It’s like a luxury sports car, fast and flashy, but also packed with power.

Processor: Octa-core (1×3.36 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2×2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2×2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3×2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
RAM & Storage: 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 12GB RAM
Display: 6.8 inches / 1440 x 3088 pixels / 120Hz
Battery: Li-Ion 5000 mAh / 65% in 30 min charging
Graphics: Adreno 740
Price: 81,990 PHP
Brand: Samsung

OnePlus 10 Pro

If you’re looking for a smartphone that balances power and affordability, this is the one for you. It’s like a well-rounded boxer, it’ll pack a punch and still leave some money in your pocket.

Processor: Octa-core (1×3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3×2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4×1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
RAM & Storage: 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
Display: 6.7 inches / 1440 x 3216 pixels / 120Hz
Battery: Li-Po 5000 mAh / 100% in 32 min charging
Graphics: Adreno 730
Price: 30,899 PHP
Brand: OnePlus

Conclusion

Well folks, it’s time to wrap up this gaming smartphone extravaganza! We’ve covered all the important factors that you need to consider when buying a gaming smartphone. We’ve talked about processors, RAM and storage, displays, cooling, batteries, graphics, price, and brand reputation.

So, now it’s time to ask the big question, “What’s the best gaming smartphone money can buy?” And the answer is… drumroll please… there isn’t a single “best” gaming smartphone. The best gaming smartphone for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

However, what I can tell you is that by considering all the factors we’ve discussed in this blog, you’ll be able to find a gaming smartphone that’s perfect for you. Whether you’re looking for a gaming smartphone with a top-notch processor, lots of RAM and storage, a stunning display, efficient cooling system, long battery life, high-quality graphics, an affordable price, and a reputable brand, there’s a gaming smartphone out there for you.

So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and find your perfect gaming smartphone! And remember, no matter what gaming smartphone you choose, the most important thing is to have fun while gaming. After all, that’s what it’s all about, right?

And with that, I bid you farewell, my fellow gamers. May your gaming sessions be long and glorious, and may your gaming smartphones never crash in the middle of a boss battle. Game on!