Samsung phones are good at pretty much everything. Most of the best Samsung gaming phones come with powerful processors and generous amounts of RAM, with dazzlingly vibrant and large screens perfect for playing the latest games. However, if you are a serious gamer, you may want to know which are the best Samsung phones for gaming. That is why we have listed the cream of the crop for you in this article.
What Makes a Samsung Phone Ideal for Gaming?
Before we dive into the list, let’s explore what sets Samsung gaming phones apart. Samsung, a leading name in the tech industry, has consistently delivered cutting-edge technology in its smartphones. When it comes to gaming, several key features make Samsung phones stand out:
- Powerful Processors: Samsung devices are equipped with top-tier processors, ensuring smooth and lag-free gaming experiences.
- High-Refresh-Rate Displays: A higher refresh rate translates to smoother animations and gameplay. Samsung phones often boast impressive refresh rates, providing a competitive edge in fast-paced games.
- Ample Storage: Games these days can be quite demanding in terms of storage. Samsung phones come with generous storage options, allowing you to install and enjoy a plethora of games without worrying about running out of space.
- Advanced Cooling Systems: Intense gaming sessions can lead to overheating. Samsung integrates efficient cooling systems in their phones to prevent performance throttling and maintain optimal gaming conditions.
Now, let’s explore the List Of The Best Samsung Gaming Phones You Can Buy This Year.
This list includes the best Samsung phone for gaming overall, as well as the number two and options in other price ranges.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G – Samsung Gaming Phone
OS: Android 11 (One UI 3.1) | Screen size: 6.8 inches | Resolution: 3200 × 1440 | Refresh rate: 120Hz | CPU: Snapdragon 888 (US) / Exynos 2100 (Global) | RAM: 12 / 16GB | Storage space: 128/256/512 GB | Battery: 5,000 mAh | Rear camera: 108 MP + 10 MP + 10 MP + 12 MP | Front camera: 40 MP | Weight: 229 grams | Dimensions: 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm
The Samsung S21 Ultra is Samsung’s latest flagship, with a ton of tweaks and upgrades from last year’s model, making it one of the best Samsung gaming phones you can buy right now. With the Snapdragon 888 SoC, it guarantees the best performance in the latest mobile games. The smartphone comes with 12 GB of RAM in the base model, which means that apps are quickly loaded from the memory.
The stunning 6.8-inch AMOLED display has minimal bezels for an immersive viewing experience. The 120Hz refresh rate should make apps and games feel smoother and smoother, while the 1440p resolution should make even the smallest details look crisp. The variable refresh rate screen also helps to reduce battery consumption.
The 5,000 mAh battery in the S21 Ultra is ideal for extended gaming, especially as the beastly interior and screen consume a lot of power. It supports both wired and 15W wireless power options. It comes with the latest UFS 3.1 storage specification which makes it faster to download and launch apps and games. However, the SD card slot for expandable storage of last year’s model has been removed.
Connectivity on the S21 Ultra is what you would expect from a flagship in 2021. WiFi 6th, mmWave 5G, and Bluetooth 5.2 ensure you get the fastest possible speeds for lower latency in games like online shooters and your download times.
The S21 Ultra 5G is the best Samsung gaming phone on the market right now. Launched for $ 100 less than last year’s model, it’s the best choice for those on a budget to spend on a high-quality, no-compromise gaming smartphone.
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G
Operating System: Android 10 (OneUi 2.5) | Screen size: 6.9 inches | Resolution: 3088 × 1440 | Refresh rate: 120Hz | CPU: Snapdragon 865+ (US) / Exynos 990 (Global) | RAM: 12 GB | Storage space: 128/256/512 GB | Battery: 4,500 mAh | Rear camera: 108 MP + 12 MP + 12 MP | Front camera: 10 MP | Weight: 208 grams | Dimensions: 164.8 x 77.2 x 8.1 mm
The latest flagship in the Samsung range, the Note 20 Ultra continues the legacy of the versatile Note range and is, for anyone with deep pockets, one of the best smartphones and best Samsung gaming phones out there. The powerful Snapdragon 865+ can easily handle the latest mobile games, while the 12 GB of RAM provides faster game loading times.
Add to that the hefty 6.9-inch AMOLED QHD screen, which is excellent for playing slow games in the adventure genre, for example. If you’re into action shooters, the 120Hz refresh rate will help you out and allow for faster and more intense gameplay, although at FHD due to Samsung’s limitations. The phone also features UFS 3.0, which allows you to download and load games much faster, and a microSD card slot for expandability.
The 4,500 mAh battery, while large, may not last as long as other smartphones, but it supports 25W fast charging for fast charging. Network connectivity also includes WiFi 6 and 5G for next-generation connectivity, so you can seamlessly stream games on your smartphone in the future. No headphone jack also means you need a dongle or Bluetooth earphones.
Samsung’s OneUI 2, an Android 10 skin, while not perfect for gaming, shouldn’t be much of a hindrance. Samsung’s store also includes games such as Fortnite for easier installation compared to other Android phones. The S-pen has no in-game benefits, but it can help if you also use your smartphone for productivity tasks.
The Note 20 Ultra makes for a reliable gaming smartphone, but it’s pricey for its features. Unless you’re using the S Pen, the S20 Ultra offers the same features but better battery performance at a lower price. Also, avoid the variant with the Exynos processor, as it performs worse and costs the same.
SAMSUNG GALAXY S20 ULTRA
OS: Android 10 (one user interface 2) | Screen size: 6.9 inches | Resolution: 3200 x 1440 | Refresh rate: 120 Hz | CPU: Snapdragon 865 (US), Exynos 990 (International) | RAM: 12 GB | Storage space: 128 GB | Battery: 5,000 mAh | Rear camera: 108 MP + 48 MP + 12 MP + 0.3 MP | Front camera: 40 MP | Weight: 220 grams | Dimensions: 166.9 x 76 x 8.8 mm
The S20 Ultra is Samsung’s latest flagship in Samsung’s S-series of premium smartphones. Packed with the powerful Snapdragon 865, this phone is sure to adapt to any game you throw at your leisure. In addition to power, the fast 120Hz AMOLED WQHD display ensures smooth gaming, but keep in mind that the screen shrinks to 120Hz FHD resolution. The touch response speed of 240 Hz provides an almost negligible touch latency, allowing you to react much faster. The huge 6.9-inch screens provide a larger viewing area in games.
The 5,000 mAh battery is needed to power the large screen for long gaming sessions and can be charged with support for 45W fast charging. The 12 GB RAM in combination with UFS 3.0 storage should ensure fast charging times for your games. , And the added benefit of With expandable storage, you can add an SD card if your phone is running out of space. The additional WiFi 6 support is great if you plan on streaming games, and for fast connectivity on the go, you can upgrade to 5G for $ 100. We recommend the S20 Ultra if you want the best possible experience Samsung gaming phone can provide. especially with the large screens, but you have to consider the $ 1200 price tag.
SAMSUNG GALAXY S20
OS: Android 10 (one user interface 2) | Screen size: 6.2 inches | Resolution: 3200 x 1440 | Refresh rate: 120 Hz | CPU: Snapdragon 865 (US), Exynos 990 (International) | RAM: 8 GB | Storage space: 128 GB | Battery: 4000 mAh | Rear camera: 12 MP + 64 MP + 12 MP | Front camera: 10 MP | Weight: 163 grams | Dimensions: 151.7 x 69.1 x 7.9 mm
The S20 is the base model of Samsung’s S20 line. It retains many of the features of the S20 Ultra, such as the 120Hz screen and Snapdragon 865 or Exynos 990 SoC, giving you the same performance and smooth gaming as the Ultra. The S20 has a smaller 6.2-inch screen, great colors, and deep blacks. The phone has a 4000 mAh battery which gives you a decent amount of playtime given the smaller screen and the support for 25W fast charging will charge your battery quite quickly. In terms of cameras, the S20 uses a triple camera system with excellent image and video quality with exceptional low-light shooting.
The 8 GB RAM allows for fast loading times and multitasking, while the UFS 3.0 storage allows for faster data transfers and the benefit of an SD card slot for expandability. The S20 is also 163 grams and 7.8mm thick, making it quite ergonomic to use compared to the S20 Ultra. WiFi 6 and optional 5G support make it great again if you’re looking for streaming games in the future.
The S20 is a great Samsung gaming phone option if you are looking for a compact smartphone that fits your gaming needs while offering a complete package. Plus, the $ 1000 price tag for the 5G model makes it a great option over the S20 Ultra if you’re comfortable with the smaller screen size.
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
OS: Android 11 (One UI 3.1) | Screen size: 6.2 inches | Resolution: 2400 × 1080 | Refresh rate: 120 Hz | CPU: Snapdragon 888 (US) / Exynos 2100 (Global) | RAM: 8 GB | Storage space: 128/256 GB | Battery: 4000 mAh | Rear camera: 12 MP + 64 MP + 12 MP | Front camera: 10 MP | Weight: 171 grams | Dimensions: 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm
The S21 5G is the most affordable member of Samsung’s recently launched S21 line. While some may consider it more of a mid-range smartphone due to features that Samsung left out, it still has powerful internal parts and a fast screen, making it a great gaming phone. The S21 has a 5nm Snapdragon 888 processor, which can be found in the latest flagships. The SoC in combination with 8 GB of RAM should load games quickly and allow lag-free play.
The 6.2-inch AMOLED screen is compact by today’s standards and has a refresh rate of 120 Hz for a smooth gaming experience and animations such as scrolling. While the FHD display has deteriorated from last year, the difference it makes to gaming should be minimal, with improved performance and battery life being the benefits of the lower resolution.
The fast UFS 3.1 storage should load apps and games quickly, although there is no SD card slot for expandable memory. The 4000 mAh battery has to provide a daily charge and recharges quickly via a fast wired charge of 25 W. Samsung has also omitted the included charger to keep costs down. The smartphone supports a range of connectivity options such as WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, and mmWave 5G for fast downloads and low latency when playing multiplayer games online.
At $ 800, the S21 5G is certainly a good Samsung gaming phone. Powerful internal components and a fast display ensure the best performance. However, the plastic back and lower screen resolution make it expensive compared to the competition.
Samsung Galaxy A51
OS: Android 10 (one user interface 2) | Screen size: 6.5 inches | Resolution: 2400 x 1080 | Refresh rate: 60 Hz | CPU: Exynos 9611 | RAM: 4/6/8 GB | Storage space: 64/128 GB | Battery: 4000 mAh | Rear camera: 48 MP + 12 MP + 5 MP + 5 MP | Front camera: 32 MP | Weight: 172 grams | Dimensions: 158.5 x 73.6 x 7.9 mm
The Galaxy A51 is Samsung’s foray into the mid-range smartphone segment and offers features such as an excellent screen and a hefty battery, although performance is not up to par. The Exynos 9611 compares best to the Snapdragon 712, although it still lags in efficiency and performance.
The 4 GB RAM in the base model should be strictly avoided as this is a mid-range option and the performance hit is not worth the money saved. The 6.5-inch AMOLED display offers excellent color reproduction and inky black thanks to Samsung panels, although unfortunately there is no support for high refresh rates. UFS 2.0 storage, now quite outdated, will take a long time to load apps and games. The phone also offers expandable storage for those who often run out of space in lower storage options.
The 4,000 mAh battery lasts a day, but if you use your smartphone often you should expect a lot less given the inefficient chipset. A 15W adapter, lower than the more standard 18W chargers used in today’s smartphones, will charge your phone, albeit slowly. The latest One UI 2 is pre-installed and you can expect software updates for several years.
The Galaxy A51 is an excellent mid-range Samsung phone that doubles as a gaming smartphone with a hefty battery, which might not last very long thanks to the Exynos processor. However, the vibrant screen still offers a viewing experience for a price of just $ 392.
Samsung Galaxy A71
OS: Android 10 (one user interface 2) | Screen size: 6.7 inches | Resolution: 2400 x 1080 | Refresh rate: 60 Hz | CPU: Snapdragon 730 | RAM: 6/8 GB | Storage space: 128 GB | Battery: 4,500 mAh | Rear camera: 64 MP + 12 MP + 5 MP + 5 MP | Front camera: 32 MP | Weight: 179 grams | Dimensions: 163.6 x 76 x 7.7 mm
Samsung’s budget offering, the Galaxy A71, is a great option if you’re looking for a decent gaming phone in a complete package. The Snapdragon 730 on the inside can play well, although not to the degree of flagships. The standard FHD Super AMOLED display lacks a high refresh rate, but is much better than the other offerings in this price range in terms of image quality and should perform well in gaming and content consumption. This is one of the budget Samsung gaming phones you can buy.
The 6.7-inch screen, with a small camera cutout and thin bezels, allows you to play in a wider area. It comes with 128 GB of UFS 2.1 storage, which may not be that fast, but it offers plenty of space for all your games along with the ability to expand the capacity via the microSD card slot. The 6 or 8 GB of RAM is sufficient for your multitasking needs and is standard on smartphones in this range. The camera system is also excellent and shares many features with the S20 series, providing unparalleled low-light photography in this price range.
It comes with One UI 2 with Android 10 and offers Samsung’s unique gaming and productivity features, although you can find many identical apps. The additional headphone jack is also useful for use with headphones while gaming and watching videos. The 4,500 mAh battery easily handles tasks that require a lot of energy, and the fast charge of 25 W can quickly recharge you in no time.
The Galaxy A71 is a great versatile Samsung smartphone that turns out to be great for gaming. At $ 350, it offers great value and is a recommendation if you want a capable Samsung gaming phone with good cameras and a better screen.
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 5G
Operating System: Android 10 (OneUi 2.5) | Screen size: 6.7 inches | Resolution: 2400 × 1080 | Refresh rate: 60 Hz | CPU: Snapdragon 865+ (US) / Exynos 990 (Global) | RAM: 8 GB | Storage space: 128/256 GB | Battery: 4300 mAh | Rear camera: 12 MP + 64 MP + 12 MP | Front camera: 10 MP | Weight: 194 grams | Dimensions: 161.6 x 75.2 x 8.3 mm
The Note 20, a more toned-down version of the Ultra variant, turns out to be quite expensive for the features it brings, but it’s the right choice for those looking to use it as a productivity device alongside gaming.
The inside of the Snapdragon 865+ is exclusive to the Note 20 series for Samsung phones and offers a significant amount of gaming power. With 8 GB of RAM, a standard for most smartphones, you can load games quickly in combination with the fast UFS 3.0 storage, which also ensures faster download and installation speeds.
The 6.7-inch FHD AMOLED panel doesn’t have the bells and whistles of high resolution or fast refresh rate, but it shows vibrant colors and is the best screen compared to most smartphones. The 4,300 mAh battery should easily last all day or a few gaming sessions as the screen won’t consume much. Thanks to the 25W fast charging, you can also quickly charge your phone when the battery is empty.
As for connectivity, you get WiFi 6.5G and Bluetooth 5.0. With streaming services like GeForce gaining popularity, these technologies may soon allow you to play PC games on your smartphone, providing a good level of protection for the future. The missing 3.5mm audio jack means you’ll have to make do with a Bluetooth dongle or headphones.
OneUI 2, while resource-intensive, shouldn’t slow you down much, but it does offer features that can come in handy, such as the option to download games like Fortnite natively from the Samsung store. The mask is also great for productivity tasks such as taking notes with the S Pen and more.
The Note 20 5G is a decent gaming package, but at $ 800 it doesn’t make sense to run it on smartphones like the S20 5G, which offers a better screen and is built for a small price difference. However, if you’re sure you need the S pen, that’s a great deal considering the specs. Again, the International variant of the Note 20 with the Exynos 990 is not worth the price for its performance.
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is the flagship model of the Galaxy Note series, and it is another excellent Samsung gaming phone you can buy this year. It has a similar display to the S21 Ultra, with a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and a variable refresh rate. The display is also slightly curved on the edges, which gives it a more premium look and feel.
The Note 20 Ultra is also powered by the same processor as the S21 Ultra, the Exynos 2100 (or the Snapdragon 888 in some regions), which delivers outstanding gaming performance. It also has 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of internal storage, which are more than enough for most games.
The Note 20 Ultra has a slightly smaller battery than the S21 Ultra, with a 4,500mAh capacity. However, it still supports 25W fast charging, 15W wireless charging, and 9W reverse wireless charging. The Note 20 Ultra has a similar camera setup to the S21 Ultra, with a 108MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, and a 12MP periscope camera with 5x optical zoom.
The cameras can also record 8K videos and support 50x digital zoom. The Note 20 Ultra has a 10MP selfie camera on the front, which can record 4K videos and take decent selfies. The Note 20 Ultra runs on Android 11 with One UI 3.1, which offers the same gaming features and tools as the S21 Ultra.
The Samsung Note 20 Ultra also supports the S Pen, which is included in the box and has a slot in the phone. The S Pen can be used as a remote control, a drawing tool, a note-taking device, and more. The Note 20 Ultra is a versatile and powerful gaming phone, but it also has some drawbacks. It is slightly cheaper than the S21 Ultra, starting from $1,099, but it is still very expensive. It also does not have a microSD card slot or a headphone jack, and it does not come with a charger in the box.
Pros:
- Similar display, processor, RAM, and storage as the S21 Ultra
- Slightly curved display
- S Pen included and has a slot in the phone
- Gaming features and tools
Cons:
- Still very expensive
- No microSD card slot, headphone jack, or charger in the box
- Smaller battery than the S21 Ultra
- Lower zoom than the S21 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 is the latest and most innovative model of the Galaxy Z series, and it is a unique Samsung gaming phone you can buy this year. It is a foldable phone that can transform from a 6.2-inch cover display to a 7.6-inch main display, which gives you more screen space and flexibility for gaming.
The main display is also a Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, which provides smooth and immersive gaming visuals. The cover display is also a Super AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, which is suitable for casual gaming and other tasks. The Z Fold 3 is powered by the Snapdragon 888 processor, which is the same as the S21 Ultra and the Note 20 Ultra in some regions. It also has 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of internal storage, which ensure fast and seamless gaming performance.
The Z Fold 3 has a 4,400mAh battery, which is smaller than the S21 Ultra and the Note 20 Ultra, but it still supports 25W fast charging, 10W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging. The Z Fold 3 has a triple-camera setup on the back, which includes a 12MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, and a 12MP telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom. The cameras can capture decent photos and videos, but they are not as impressive as the S21 Ultra or the Note 20 Ultra.
The Z Fold 3 also has a 10MP selfie camera on the cover display, and a 4MP under-display camera on the main display, which are hidden under the screen and offer a more seamless design. The Z Fold 3 runs on Android 11 with One UI 3.1, which has some gaming features and tools, as well as some foldable-specific features, such as Flex mode, Multi-Active Window, and App Continuity, which let you use the phone in different modes and multitask with ease.
The Z Fold 3 also supports the S Pen, which is sold separately and does not have a slot in the phone. The S Pen can enhance your gaming experience by allowing you to draw, write, and control the phone with precision.
The Z Fold 3 is a futuristic and versatile gaming phone, but it also has some limitations. It is the most expensive Samsung phone, starting from $1,799, which makes it a luxury device. It also does not have a microSD card slot, a headphone jack, or a charger in the box. It also has a lower battery capacity, zoom, and camera quality than the S21 Ultra and the Note 20 Ultra.
Pros:
- Foldable phone with a large and smooth main display
- Powerful processor, RAM, and storage
- Under-display cameras
- Foldable-specific features and multitasking
- S Pen support
Cons:
- Extremely expensive
- No microSD card slot, headphone jack, or charger in the box
- S Pen sold separately and no slot in the phone
- Lower battery capacity, zoom, and camera quality than the S21 Ultra and the Note 20 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE
The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE is the fan edition of the Galaxy S20 series, and it is a budget-friendly Samsung gaming phone you can buy this year. It has a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, which offers smooth and vibrant gaming visuals. The display also has a flat design, which some users may prefer over the curved edges of the S21 Ultra and the Note 20 Ultra.
The S20 FE is powered by the Exynos 990 processor (or the Snapdragon 865 in some regions), which is slightly less powerful and efficient than the Exynos 2100 or the Snapdragon 888, but it still delivers great gaming performance. It also has 6GB or 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of internal storage, which are sufficient for most games. The S20 FE has a 4,500mAh battery, which is the same as the Note 20 Ultra, and it supports 25W fast charging, 15W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging.
This Samsung Galaxy S20 FE has a triple-camera setup on the back, which includes a 12MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, and an 8MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. The cameras can take good photos and videos, but they are not as good as the S21 Ultra or the Note 20 Ultra. The S20 FE also has a 32MP selfie camera on the front, which can record 4K videos and take sharp selfies.
The S20 FE runs on Android 11 with One UI 3.1, which has the same gaming features and tools as the other Samsung models. The S20 FE does not support the S Pen, which may be a downside for some users. The S20 FE is a budget-friendly and reliable gaming phone, but it also has some compromises. It starts from $699, which makes it much cheaper than the S21 Ultra, the Note 20 Ultra, and the Z Fold 3, but it is still not the cheapest Samsung phone. It also has a plastic back, which may feel less premium than the glass or metal backs of the other models. It also has a lower processor, RAM, storage, zoom, and camera quality than the S21 Ultra and the Note 20 Ultra.
Pros:
- Smooth and vibrant display with 120Hz refresh rate
- Flat display design
- Budget-friendly price
- Gaming features and tools
Cons:
- Plastic back
- Lower processor, RAM, storage, zoom, and camera quality than the S21 Ultra and the Note 20 Ultra
- No S Pen support
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G
The Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is the mid-range model of the Galaxy A series, and it is the cheapest Samsung gaming phone you can buy this year. It has a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, which is the same as the S20 FE, and it offers smooth and colorful gaming visuals. The display also has a flat design, which some users may like more than the curved edges of the S21 Ultra and the Note 20 Ultra. The A52 5G is powered by the Snapdragon 750G processor, which is a decent chipset for gaming, but it is not as powerful or efficient as the Exynos 2100, the Snapdragon 888, or the Exynos 990.
It also has 6GB or 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of internal storage, which are adequate for most games. The A52 5G has a 4,500mAh battery, which is the same as the S20 FE and the Note 20 Ultra, and it supports 25W fast charging, but it does not support wireless charging or reverse wireless charging.
A52 5G has a quad-camera setup on the back, which includes a 64MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, a 5MP macro camera, and a 5MP depth camera. The cameras can take decent photos and videos, but they are not as good as the S21 Ultra, the Note 20 Ultra, or the S20 FE.
The A52 5G also has a 32MP selfie camera on the front, which can record 4K videos and take sharp selfies. The A52 5G runs on Android 11 with One UI 3.1, which has the same gaming features and tools as the other Samsung models. The A52 5G does not support the S Pen, which may be a drawback for some users. The A52 5G is a cheap and cheerful gaming phone, but it also has some limitations.
It starts from $499, which makes it the cheapest Samsung gaming phone you can buy this year, but it is still not the cheapest gaming phone on the market. It also has a plastic back, which may feel less premium than the glass or metal backs of the other models. It also has a lower processor, RAM, storage, zoom, and camera quality than the S21 Ultra, the Note 20 Ultra, and the S20 FE. It also does not support wireless charging or reverse wireless charging.
Pros:
- Smooth and colorful display with 120Hz refresh rate
- Flat display design
- Cheapest Samsung gaming phone
- Gaming features and tools
Cons:
- Plastic back
- Lower processor, RAM, storage, zoom, and camera quality than the S21 Ultra, the Note 20 Ultra, and the S20 FE
- No S Pen support
- No wireless charging or reverse wireless charging
Which Exynos processor is best for gaming?
In the United States, the vast majority of new Samsung phones come with a Qualcomm Snapdragon chip. These are rated as some of the fastest processors you can find in any type of smartphone, making them ideal for gaming. However, outside of the US, most Samsung phones use an Exynos processor. In contrast, cheaper Samsung phones also come with an Exynos processor in the United States.
Exynos chips are made in-house by Samsung, and while they’re not quite as fast as Snapdragons, high-quality Exynos drives do a good job of powering phones. When it comes to gaming, you’ll generally want to target a phone with the latest Exynos processor, currently the Exynos 2100.
This particular chip is carried by the S21 series outside of the United States, and the main reason it’s the fastest is that it uses transistors that are 5nm (nanometers) wide, instead of 7nm or more. This means it can pack more transistors than other chips, which in turn means it can perform calculations faster.
In other words, when looking for phones, always try to choose a device with a chip with the smallest transistor size (everything is the same). In the future, we will eventually witness a jump from 5nm to 3nm and so on.
How to Choose the Best Samsung Gaming Phone for You
Now that you have seen the list of the best Samsung gaming phones you can buy this year, you may be wondering how to choose the best one for you. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:
Budget:
The most important factor to consider is your budget. How much are you willing to spend on a gaming phone? The Samsung gaming phones range from $499 to $1,799, which is a huge difference. If you are on a tight budget, you may want to go for the A52 5G, which is the cheapest Samsung gaming phone. If you have a moderate budget, you may want to go for the S20 FE, which is a budget-friendly and reliable gaming phone. If you have a high budget, you may want to go for the S21 Ultra, the Note 20 Ultra, or the Z Fold 3, which are the premium and powerful gaming phones.
Performance:
The next factor to consider is the performance of the gaming phone. How fast and smooth do you want your gaming experience to be? The Samsung gaming phones have different processors, RAM, and storage, which affect their gaming performance. The S21 Ultra, the Note 20 Ultra, and the Z Fold 3 have the best performance, as they have the Exynos 2100 or the Snapdragon 888, which are the most powerful and efficient chipsets on the market. They also have up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, which ensure fast and seamless gaming performance. The S20 FE has a slightly lower performance, as it has the Exynos 990 or the Snapdragon 865, which are slightly less powerful and efficient than the Exynos 2100 or the Snapdragon 888. It also has 6GB or 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of storage, which are sufficient for most games. The A52 5G has the lowest performance, as it has the Snapdragon 750G, which is a decent chipset for gaming, but it is not as powerful or efficient as the Exynos 2100, the Snapdragon 888, the Exynos 990, or the Snapdragon 865. It also has 6GB or 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of storage, which are adequate for most games.
Display:
The next factor to consider is the display of the gaming phone. How large and smooth do you want your gaming visuals to be? The Samsung gaming phones have different display sizes, types, and refresh rates, which affect their gaming visuals. The Z Fold 3 has the largest display, as it has a 6.2-inch cover display and a 7.6-inch main display, which give you more screen space and flexibility for gaming.
The S21 Ultra and the Note 20 Ultra have the second largest displays, as they have 6.8-inch and 6.9-inch displays, respectively, which offer immersive gaming visuals. The S20 FE and the A52 5G have the smallest displays, as they have 6.5-inch displays, which are still suitable for gaming. The S21 Ultra, the Note 20 Ultra, the Z Fold 3, the S20 FE, and the A52 5G all have Dynamic AMOLED 2X or Super AMOLED displays, which offer vibrant and colorful gaming visuals.
They also all have 120Hz refresh rates, which offer smooth and responsive gaming visuals. However, the S21 Ultra, the Note 20 Ultra, and the Z Fold 3 also have variable refresh rates, which automatically adjust to the content and save battery life.
Battery:
The next factor to consider is the battery of the gaming phone. How long do you want your gaming session to last? The Samsung gaming phones have different battery capacities, which affect their gaming endurance. The S21 Ultra has the largest battery, as it has a 5,000mAh battery, which can last for hours of gaming.
The S20 FE, the Note 20 Ultra, and the A52 5G have the second largest batteries, as they have 4,500mAh batteries, which can also last for hours of gaming. The Z Fold 3 has the smallest battery, as it has a 4,400mAh battery, which is still decent for gaming. The S21 Ultra, the Note 20 Ultra, the Z Fold 3, the S20 FE, and the A52 5G all support 25W fast charging, which can quickly recharge their batteries.
However, the S21 Ultra, the Note 20 Ultra, and the Z Fold 3 also support wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, which can wirelessly recharge their batteries or other devices. The S20 FE and the A52 5G do not support wireless charging or reverse wireless charging.
Camera:
The next factor to consider is the camera of the gaming phone. How good do you want your photos and videos to be? The Samsung gaming phones have different camera setups, which affect their photo and video quality. The S21 Ultra has the best camera, as it has a quad-camera setup with a 108MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, a 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, and a 10MP periscope camera with 10x optical zoom.
The cameras can capture stunning photos and videos in any lighting condition, and they also support 8K video recording and 100x digital zoom. The S21 Ultra also has a 40MP selfie camera on the front, which can record 4K videos and take amazing selfies. The Note 20 Ultra has the second best camera, as it has a similar camera setup to the S21 Ultra, with a 108MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, and a 12MP periscope camera with 5x optical zoom. The cameras can also capture great photos and videos, but they have a lower zoom than the S21 Ultra. The Note 20 Ultra also has a 10MP selfie camera on the front, which can record 4K videos and take decent selfies.
In addition, the S20 FE has the third best camera, as it has a triple-camera setup with a 12MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, and an 8MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. The cameras can take good photos and videos, but they have a lower zoom and resolution than the S21 Ultra and the Note 20 Ultra. The S20 FE also has a 32MP selfie camera on the front, which can record 4K videos and take sharp selfies. The Z Fold 3 has the fourth best camera, as it has a triple-camera setup with a 12MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, and a 12MP telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom.
The cameras can take decent photos and videos, but they have a lower zoom and resolution than the S21 Ultra, the Note 20 Ultra, and the S20 FE. The Z Fold 3 also has a 10MP selfie camera on the cover display, and a 4MP under-display camera on the main display, which are hidden under the screen and offer a more seamless design.
The A52 5G has the fifth best camera, as it has a quad-camera setup with a 64MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, a 5MP macro camera, and a 5MP depth camera. The cameras can take decent photos and videos, but they have a lower zoom and quality than the S21 Ultra, the Note 20 Ultra, the Z Fold 3, and the S20 FE. The A52 5G also has a 32MP selfie camera on the front, which can record 4K videos and take sharp selfies.
Features:
The last factor to consider is the features of the gaming phone. What extra features do you want your gaming phone to have? The Samsung gaming phones have different features, such as the S Pen, the foldable design, the gaming tools, the microSD card slot, the headphone jack, and the charger in the box. The S21 Ultra, the Note 20 Ultra, and the Z Fold 3 support the S Pen, which is a stylus that can enhance your gaming experience by allowing you to draw, write, and control the phone with precision.
However, the S Pen is sold separately for the S21 Ultra and the Z Fold 3, and it does not have a slot in the phone. The S Pen is included in the box and has a slot in the phone for the Note 20 Ultra. The Z Fold 3 has a foldable design, which is a unique feature that can transform your phone from a 6.2-inch cover display to a 7.6-inch main display, which gives you more screen space and flexibility for gaming. The Z Fold 3 also has some foldable-specific features, such as Flex mode, Multi-Active Window, and App Continuity, which let you use the phone in different modes and multitask with ease.
Meanwhile, the S21 Ultra, the Note 20 Ultra, the Z Fold 3, the S20 FE, and the A52 5G all have some gaming features and tools, such as Game Launcher, Game Booster, and Game Plugins, which let you optimize your gaming experience and access various tools and settings. The S20 FE and the A52 5G have a microSD card slot, which allows you to expand your storage capacity for more games and media.
Also, S20 FE and the A52 5G also have a headphone jack, which allows you to use your wired headphones for better audio quality and comfort. The S20 FE and the A52 5G also come with a charger in the box, which saves you the hassle and cost of buying a separate charger. The S21 Ultra, the Note 20 Ultra, and the Z Fold 3 do not have a microSD card slot, a headphone jack, or a charger in the box.
FAQs – List Of The Best Samsung Gaming Phones You Can Buy This Year
Here are some frequently asked questions about the best Samsung gaming phones you can buy this year:
Which Samsung gaming phone has the best battery life?
The Samsung gaming phone that has the best battery life is the S21 Ultra, as it has a 5,000mAh battery, which can last for hours of gaming. It also supports 25W fast charging, 15W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging, which can quickly and wirelessly recharge its battery or other devices.
Which Samsung gaming phone has the best display?
The Samsung gaming phone that has the best display is the Z Fold 3, as it has a foldable phone that can transform from a 6.2-inch cover display to a 7.6-inch main display, which gives you more screen space and flexibility for gaming. The main display is also a Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and a variable refresh rate, which provides smooth and immersive gaming visuals.
Which Samsung gaming phone has the best camera?
The Samsung gaming phone that has the best camera is the S21 Ultra, as it has a quad-camera setup with a 108MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, a 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, and a 10MP periscope camera with 10x optical zoom. The cameras can capture stunning photos and videos in any lighting condition, and they also support 8K video recording and 100x digital zoom. The S21 Ultra also has a 40MP selfie camera on the front, which can record 4K videos and take amazing selfies.
Which Samsung gaming phone has the best performance?
The Samsung gaming phone that has the best performance is the S21 Ultra, as it is powered by the Exynos 2100 processor (or the Snapdragon 888 in some regions), which is one of the most powerful and efficient chipsets on the market. It also has up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage, which ensures fast and seamless gaming performance.
Which Samsung gaming phone has the best features?
The Samsung gaming phone that has the best features is the Z Fold 3, as it has a foldable design, which is a unique feature that can transform your phone from a 6.2-inch cover display to a 7.6-inch main display, which gives you more screen space and flexibility for gaming. The Z Fold 3 also has some foldable-specific features, such as Flex mode, Multi-Active Window, and App Continuity, which let you use the phone in different modes and multitask with ease. The Z Fold 3 also supports the S Pen, which is a stylus that can enhance your gaming experience by allowing you to draw, write, and control the phone with precision. The Z Fold 3 also has under-display cameras, which are hidden under the screen and offer a more seamless design.
Final Thoughts – Samsung Gaming Phone
While there are many viable options outside of Samsung’s range, these are the best options right now if you are specifically looking for the best Samsung gaming phone. All of these phones offer great performance for their price, so you can use this guide to help you choose the right Samsung gaming phone based on your mobile needs and available budget.
In conclusion, the best Samsung gaming phones you can buy this year are:
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3
- Samsung Galaxy S20 FE
- Samsung Galaxy A52 5G
These Samsung gaming phones offer excellent performance, battery life, display, and features for gaming. Whether you are a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, you will find a Samsung phone that suits your needs and budget. However, you should also consider your budget, performance, display, battery, camera, and feature preferences when choosing the best Samsung gaming phone for you. We hope this article has helped you find the best Samsung gaming phone for you. Happy gaming!