Best Gaming Smartphones in the Philippines 2020 - 2021

Mobile gaming has changed leaps and bounds. It is no longer a casual practice when users played some basic games on their phones for fun. Mobile gaming is now a full-fledged affair as smartphones have become technologically advanced to run graphics-intensive games like PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty, Asphalt 9, and more.

While smartphone manufacturers are launching phones with a great mix of hardware and software to accommodate users' demand for gaming, the chipmakers like Qualcomm and MediaTek have also upped the game by making chips geared towards gaming even in the mid and entry-level segment.

A Basic Idea about Gaming Phones

Dedicated gaming smartphones invariably have powerful chipsets paired with capacious RAM and storage. They are also ruggedly designed with the addition of RGB lightings, cooling vents, and connectors to attach gaming accessories.

However, the more the phones are inclined towards gaming, the more they tend to ignore some other considerations. For example, gaming smartphones offer better battery life but, more often than not, fall short of camera prowess and also lack things like wireless charging and water resistance.

If these things are vital for you, you should look for powerful phones capable of holding their own even though they don't identify themselves as a hard-core gaming device. When it comes to performance, these smartphones tick every box and usually have a beautiful, restrained design compared to the flashy design of dedicated gaming phones.

Mostly for gaming, a smartphone should have the latest flagship chipset. Gone are the days where Apple conquered benchmarking sites with its chipset's performance. Today, Snapdragon performs better, and a large number of smartphone manufacturers use them in their Android devices.

A high refresh rate display is much in vogue these days. Ideally, a display with a 90Hz refresh rate or above delivers smooth scrolling and pretty responsive graphics performance than a regular display with a 60Hz refresh rate. A high refresh rate display will ensure that you don't miss out on any action during the gameplay.

The majority of the phones that we have compiled here are regular flagships offering stellar performance. Only the ASUS ROG Phone 3 is specially designed and proclaimed as a gaming phone on the list. The phones have been selected based on their benchmark score from AnTuTu that we think is essential for the best gaming experience.

Best Gaming Smartphones in the Philippines 2020

10. Samsung Galaxy S20+ - 515,501 Points

The Samsung Galaxy S20+ lands on the 10th spot on our 10 best gaming smartphone list. The Galaxy S20+ garnished a total score of 515,501 points from AnTuTu's listing. Although the device is not advertised as a full-fledge gaming smartphone, the device is worthy enough to be a strong contender for the best gaming phone thanks to its exceptional display, strong specs, and an array of features.

The version that made the ranking is the Exynos 990 version of the Galaxy S20+. The chipset is paired with 12GB RAM and 256GB internal storage. The configuration is more than enough for running any games and day to day usage.

Up front, the Galaxy S20+ features a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED curved display with QHD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. Backing the phone is a 4,500mAh battery equipped with 25W wired and 15W wireless fast charging.

Aside from its overall score, the Galaxy S20+ also boasts a great camera, Wireless PowerShare, Samsung wireless DeX desktop support, AKG tuned stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos sound, and IP68.

Samsung Galaxy S20+ Key Specifications

Display Size	6.7 inches
Display Resolution	Quad HD+ 3200 x 1440 pixels, Dynamic AMOLED 2X
OS ver	Android 10.0; One UI 2
CPU	Samsung Exynos 990 (7 nm+) Octa-core - Global Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 (7 nm+) Octa-core - USA
CPU Speed	2x2.73 GHz Mongoose M5 & 2x2.60 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 (Global), 1x2.84 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 585 (USA)
Storage	128GB
External Storage	microSD, up to 1TB
RAM	8GB
Main Camera	12MP + 12MP + 64MP + 0.3MP
Front Camera	10MP
Battery	Non-removable, Li-Po 4,500mAh Fast Qi/PMA wireless charging 15W Power bank/Reverse wireless charging 9W
Dimensions	161.9 x 73.7 x 7.8 mm
Weight	186 g
Color	Cosmic Black, Cosmic Grey, Cloud Blue

9. Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra - 516,553 Points

As part of Samsung's Galaxy S series for 2020, the Galaxy S20 Ultra is a powerhouse performer in every respect. This 5G phone has an Exynos 990 SoC paired with 12GB RAM and 512GB internal storage, expandable up to 1TB via microSD card.

The Galaxy S20 Ultra's 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support is perfect for an immersive gaming experience. Providing power to the device is a hefty 5,000mAh battery charging at a maximum rate of 45W.

It is also the first phone from Samsung that packs a 108MP camera sensor. It is then paired with a 48MP periscopic telephoto lens, 12MP ultra-wide sensor, and a 0.3MP ToF sensor. The phone can shoot 8K videos while the selfie camera is rated at 40MP.

In terms of other aspects, you get a Wireless PowerShare feature to transfer files between other Galaxy phones, Gorilla Glass 6 protection, AKG tuned stereo speakers, IP68 dust and water protection, and more. On AnTuTu, it achieved a score of 516,553 points.

Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra Key Specifications

Display Size	6.9 inches
Display Resolution	QHD+ 3200 x 1440 pixels Dynamic AMOLED 2X
OS ver	Android 10.0; One UI 2
CPU	Samsung Exynos 990 (7 nm+) Octa-core - Global Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 (7 nm+) Octa-core - USA
CPU Speed	2x2.73 GHz Mongoose M5 & 2x2.60 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 (Global), 1x2.84 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 585 (USA)
Storage	128GB, 256GB, 512GB
External Storage	microSD, up to 1TB
RAM	12GB, 16GB
Main Camera	108MP + 48MP + 12MP + 0.3MP
Front Camera	40MP
Battery	Non-removable, Li-Po 5,000mAh Fast battery charging 45W
Dimensions	166.9 x 76.0 x 8.8 mm
Weight	220 g (5G mmWave version weighs 222 g)
Color	Cosmic Black, Cosmic Gray

8. Apple iPhone 11 Pro - 516,657 Points

The iPhone 11 Pro is one of the best iPhones currently available in the market.

An A13 Bionic-powered iPhone 11 Pro puts up quite a show when it comes to gaming. It packs 4GB RAM and 256GB internal storage. Pair that with a fast-charging (18W) 3,046mAh battery that lasts about 24 hours, and you have got a great hardware combination for a flawless gaming experience.

It is further matched by an excellent 5.8-inch Retina display with 1125 x 2436 resolution, not to mention a triple-camera setup comprised of three 12MP sensors with 4K video recording prowess. The iPhone 11 Pro also features stereo speakers, Qi Wireless charging, and runs a new-look iOS 13 with Dark Mode. On AnTuTu, it was able to grab 516,657 points beating the two flagship phones from Samsung's Galaxy S series.

Apple iPhone 11 Pro Key Specifications

Display Size	5.8 inches
Display Resolution	2436 x 1125 pixel (458 ppi) OLED, Super Retina XDR display
OS ver	iOS 13
CPU	A13 Bionic
Storage	64GB, 256GB, 512GB
External Storage	No
RAM	4GB
Main Camera	12MP + 12MP + 12MP
Front Camera	12MP
Battery	Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery Wireless charging (works with Qi chargers) Up to 50% charge in around 30 minutes with 18W adapter or higher Video playback: Up to 18 hours Video playback (streamed): Up to 11 hours Audio playback: Up to 65 hours 18W adapter
Dimensions	144.0 x 71.4 x 8.1 mm
Weight	188 g
Color	Space Gray, Silver, Gold, Midnight Green

7. Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max - 524,436 Points

Heavy processing power is a prerequisite for gaming on any smartphone. And presently, Apple's A13 Bionic chipset is indeed a chipset for a gaming phone. The iPhone 11 Pro Max, driven by the same chipset, easily stakes a claim to be counted among the best gaming phones in the market today.

The iPhone 11 Pro Max comes with 4GB of RAM and up to 512GB of NVMe-based internal storage. The OLED display measures 6.5 inches with a 1242 x 2688 resolution. The screen also has Dolby Vision support with 800 nits of brightness.

With a triple-rear camera setup consisting of a 12MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide sensor, and a 12MP telephoto sensor, the iPhone 11 Pro Max captures fantastic photos and 4K videos. A 12MP selfie camera also shoots 4K videos and beautiful selfies containing a significant amount of detail.

Providing juice is a 3,969mAh battery armed with 18W fast charging and also Qi wireless charging support. You can expect a 50% charge in just 30 minutes. On AnTuTu, the iPhone 11 Pro Max was able to score 514,436 points.

Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max Key Specifications

Display Size	6.5 inches
Display Resolution	2688 x 1242 (458 ppi) OLED, Super Retina XDR display
OS ver	iOS 13
CPU	A13 Bionic
Storage	64GB, 256GB, 512GB
External Storage	No
RAM	4GB
Main Camera	12MP + 12MP + 12MP
Front Camera	12MP
Battery	Non-removable Li-Ion 3969 mAh Wireless charging (works with Qi chargers) Up to 50% charge in around 30 minutes with 18W adapter or higher Video playback: Up to 18 hours Video playback (streamed): Up to 11 hours Audio playback: Up to 65 hours 18W adapter
Dimensions	158.0 x 77.8 x 8.1 mm
Weight	226 g
Color	Space Gray, Silver, Gold, Midnight Green

6. Xiaomi Mi 10 - 563,116 Points

The Xiaomi Mi 10, the current flagship from the company, is a force to reckon with when it comes to mobile gaming. The smartphone features a Snapdragon 865 SoC paired with 12GB RAM and 256GB UFS 3.0 storage.

The performance doesn't get hampered thanks to a Vapor Chamber (VC) cooling system that manages heating during long gaming sessions. The VC cooling system is significantly larger than its rivals'.

The Xiaomi Mi 10 packs a 6.67-inch Super AMOLED display with an FHD+ resolution and 90Hz refresh rate. A highly durable 4,780mAh battery fuels the phone equipped with both 30W wired and wireless fast charging.

The Mi 10 managed to score 563,116 points on AnTuTu. Although not labeled as a gaming phone, the Mi 10 has the right specs and accessories to turn it into one.

Xiaomi Mi 10 Key Specifications

Display Size	6.67 inches
Display Resolution	FHD+ 1080 x 2340 pixels
OS ver	Android 10.0; MIUI 11
CPU	Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 (7 nm+) Octa-core
CPU Speed	1x2.84 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585
Storage	128GB, 256GB, 512GB
External Storage	No
RAM	8GB, 12GB
Main Camera	108MP + 13MP + 2MP + 2MP
Front Camera	20MP
Battery	Non-removable, Li-Po 4,780mAh Fast charging 30W Power Delivery 3.0 Fast wireless charging 30W Power bank/Reverse wireless charging 10W
Dimensions	162.5 x 74.8 x 8.96 mm
Weight	208 g
Color	Titanum Silver, Peach Gold, Coral Green, Ice Blue

5. Xiaomi POCO F2 Pro - 570,624 Points

The Xiaomi POCO F2 Pro costs half the price of any other premium flagships on our list but features almost all the top specs. It packs a Snapdragon 865 chipset, 2.0 Liquid Cooling System, UFS 3.1 storage, and support for 5G.

The POCO F2 Pro comes equipped with 8GB of RAM and 256GB internal storage. It sports a 6.67-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display with a 20MP selfie camera that hides in a pop-up slider, thus allowing for a near bezel-less screen. However, it features a conventional 60Hz refresh rate. The back features a quad-camera setup headlined by a 64MP main sensor.

Charging at a maximum rate of 30W, a 4,700mAh battery fuels the phone supported by Qualcomm Quick Charge 4.0. It fills to 100% in just 63 minutes. No wireless charging, but you won't be complaining considering the affordable pricing. In place of that, you get an IR Blaster and 3.5mm headphone jack, which is fast getting obsolete nowadays.

The POCO F2 Pro is an excellent value-for-money smartphone. It managed a score of 563,116 points on AnTuTu ahead of the iPhone 11 Pro duo and the Mi 10.

Xiaomi POCO F2 Pro Key Specifications

Display Size	6.67 inches
Display Resolution	FHD+ 1080 x 2400 pixels Super AMOLED
OS ver	Android 10, MIUI 11
CPU	Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 (7 nm+) Octa-core Kryo 585
CPU Speed	1x2.84 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585
Storage	128GB, 256GB
External Storage	No
RAM	6GB, 8GB
Main Camera	64MP + 5MP + 13MP + 2MP
Front Camera	20MP (Motorized pop-up)
Battery	Non-removable, Li-Po 4,700mAh Fast charging 30W, 100% in 63 min (advertised) USB Power Delivery 3.0 Quick Charge 4+
Dimensions	163.3 x 75.4 x 8.9 mm
Weight	219 g
Color	Cyber Gray, Phantom White, Neon Blue, Electric Purple

4. Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G - 595,317 Points

If money is not a hindrance, the S Pen-toting Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G is one of the most powerful smartphones in the market for you. It may not look like a proper gaming phone, but it packs a great punch when it comes to gaming.

Equipped with a huge 6.9-inch WQHD+ display with an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate and 12GB RAM, the Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G makes gaming quite enjoyable. It comes with 512GB built-in storage and is powered by a Snapdragon 865+ SoC.

The cameras are topnotch as well, with a 108MP primary sensor leading the pack. Moreover, it packs a 4,500mAh durable battery with 25W wired and 15W wireless fast charging support. Reverse wireless charging is also thrown into the mix. AKG tuned stereo speakers emanate the perfect sound enhancing the overall gaming experience. What more, it gets the latest Gorilla Glass Victus protection.

Besides being a powerful flagship, it is optimized to stream Xbox titles via Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. It can even cast games to external displays using Samsung's DeX interface and Miracast.

There is also an Exynos 990 SoC-powered Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G, but the Snapdragon version has the edge in terms of performance. On AnTuTu, the Snapdragon-version scored 595,317 points, way more than its Exynos counterpart (527,353 points).

Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G Key Specifications

Display Size	6.9 inches
Display Resolution	Quad HD+ 1440 x 3088 pixels, Dynamic AMOLED 2X HDR10+ 120Hz(FHD)/60Hz(QHD) refresh rate
OS ver	Android 10, One UI 2.5
CPU	Samsung Exynos 990 (7 nm+) - Global Octa-core (2x2.73 GHz Mongoose M5 & 2x2.50 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865+ (7 nm+) - USA (1x3.0 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 585
Storage	128GB, 256GB, 512GB
External Storage	microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
RAM	12GB
Main Camera	108MP + 12MP + 12MP
Front Camera	10MP
Battery	Non-removable, Li-Ion 4,500mAh Fast charging 25W USB Power Delivery 3.0 Fast Qi/PMA wireless charging Reverse wireless charging 9W
Dimensions	164.8 x 77.2 x 8.1 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.32 in)
Weight	208 g (7.34 oz)
Color	Mystic Black, Mystic White, Mystic Bronze

3. OPPO Find X2 Pro - 601,910 Points

Reaching the 600K mark on the scoreboard, the OPPO Find X2 Pro brings an eye-catching design and some of the best hardware on an Android. It has enough stamina to delight gamers. The spec sheet is pretty much the same as the OnePlus 8 Pro, but it packs a 65W insane fast charging capability for a 4,260mAh battery. It can fill to the brim in just 38 minutes.

Pumping power from under the hood is a Snapdragon 865 SoC, paired with 12GB of RAM and 512GB built-in storage. The triple-rear-camera system is led by a 48MP primary sensor which teams up with another 48MP ultra-wide sensor and a 13MP periscope telephoto sensor. The selfie shooter is rated at 32MP.

With a score of 601,910 on the AnTuTu benchmark, the OPPO Find X2 Pro can run any game you can throw at it or multi-task to your heart's content. There is almost nothing to find fault with this handset except that it doesn't support wireless charging.

OPPO Find X2 Pro Key Specifications

Display Size	6.7 inches
Display Resolution	QHD+ 3168 x 1440 pixels, OLED
OS ver	ColorOS 7.1, based on Android 10.0
CPU	Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ Dual-mode 5G Octa-core
CPU Speed	1x2.84 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 585
Storage	512GB
External Storage	No
RAM	12GB
Main Camera	48MP + 48MP + 13MP
Front Camera	32MP
Battery	Non-removable, Li-Po 4,260mAh 65W SuperVOOC 2.0 Flash Charge
Dimensions	165.2 x 74.4 x 8.8 mm (Ceramic) 165.2 x 74.4 x 9.5 mm (Vegan Leather)
Weight	217 g (Ceramic) / 200 g (Vegan Leather)
Color	Black (Ceramic), Orange (Vegan Leather)

2. OnePlus 8 Pro - 610,567 Points

On the second spot of the list for the best gaming smartphones is the OnePlus 8 Pro. Similar to the phones from the 10th up to the 3rd spot, the OnePlus 8 Pro is also not explicitly advertised as a gaming smartphone. Still, with an AnTuTu score of 610,567 points, it amply demonstrates its capability to run demanding games with ease.

The OnePlus 8 Pro is powered by a Snapdragon 865 SoC paired with up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB default storage. It features a 6.78-inch Fluid AMOLED display which maxes out at a 120Hz refresh rate.

Providing juice is a 4,510mAh battery with 30W wired and wireless fast charging. In addition to its high-level gaming performance, you can also enjoy the OnePlus 8 Pro's excellent camera capabilities. At the back, the OnePlus 8 Pro packs a quad-camera setup headed by a 48MP primary sensor while a 16MP sensor rests at the front for selfies.

The OnePlus 8 Pro maintains peak performance with excellent thermal management during extended gaming. You also get an IP68 dust and water resistance rating and wireless charging, unlike previous OnePlus smartphones.

OnePlus 8 Pro Key Specifications

Display Size	6.78 inches
Display Resolution	1440 x 3168 pixels, Fluid AMOLED HDR10+ 120Hz refresh rate
OS ver	Android 10.0; OxygenOS 10.0
CPU	Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 (7 nm+) Octa-core Kryo 585
CPU Speed	1x2.84 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 585
Storage	128GB, 256GB
External Storage	No
RAM	8GB, 12GB
Main Camera	48MP + 8MP + 48MP + 5MP
Front Camera	16MP
Battery	Non-removable, Li-Po 4,510mAh Fast charging 30W, 50% in 23 min (advertised) Fast wireless charging 30W, 50% in 30 min (advertised) Reverse wireless charging 3W
Dimensions	165.3 x 74.4 x 8.5 mm (6.51 x 2.93 x 0.33 in)
Weight	199 g (7.02 oz)
Color	Onyx Black, Glacial Green, Ultramarine Blue

1. ASUS ROG Phone 3 - 615,289 Points

The ASUS ROG Phone 3 is the only full-fledged gaming smartphone that managed to enter our list.

Developed and marketed as a pure gaming device, it comes with loads of top-of-the-line specs and features. The ROG Phone 3 features a 6.59-inch FHD+ OLED screen equipped with up to 144Hz refresh rate. The front-facing dual speakers elevate the experience further.

Gameplay is free from any glitches and lags thanks to the Snapdragon 865+ SoC paired with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of UFS 3.1 internal storage, which is enough space to store downloaded games. Testimony to its power is its benchmark score on AnTuTu managing the highest score of 615,289 points.

Providing juice to this gaming monster is a 6,000mAh battery with 30W fast charging. Maximizing the gaming experience, the ROG Phone 3 also comes with air triggers that act as shoulder buttons. Its camera offering may not be stellar but is the best version from the series so far. The ROG Phone 3 comes with a triple-camera setup with a 64MP main sensor at the back and a 24MP selfie camera upfront. The ROG Phone 3 also comes with several accessories that add to the overall gaming experience.

Ideally, the ROG Phone 3 is the best gaming smartphone out there in the market right now, with almost no significant pitfalls. However, at 240g, it might come as a challenge for everyday use.

ASUS ROG Phone 3 Key Specifications

Display Size	6.59 inches
Display Resolution	FHD+ 1080 x 2340 pixels, AMOLED 144Hz refresh rate HDR10+
OS ver	Android 10, ROG UI
CPU	Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ Octa-core Kryo 585
CPU Speed	1x3.1 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 585
Storage	128GB, 256GB, 512GB
External Storage	No
RAM	8GB, 12GB, 16GB
Main Camera	64MP + 13MP + 5MP
Front Camera	24MP
Battery	Non-removable, Li-Po 6,000mAh Fast charging 30W Power Delivery 3.0 Quick Charge 4.0, 3.0 Reverse charging 10W
Dimensions	171 x 78 x 9.9 mm (6.73 x 3.07 x 0.39 in)
Weight	240 g (8.47 oz)
Color	Black Glare

Conclusion

What makes a smartphone a gaming phone? Is it the design? Is it the gaming accessories available for the device? Or is it based on the chipset? In essence, any smartphone with a flagship-level chipset can easily run any games. However, suppose you are looking for the smoothest performance with gaming-focused ergonomics and features like high refresh rate and an effective cooling system. In that case, you can't do better than the ASUS ROG Phone 3.

If you want a phone with a premium gaming experience but at the same time should be an all-around device, our recommendation would be the Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G. It is no doubt expensive but it also supports Xbox Game Pass streaming, great cameras and is great for productivity (S Pen memo, DeX mode, and streaming videos).

For those who are price-conscious, the OnePlus 8 Pro and the Xiaomi POCO F2 Pro are the best choices available.

But if you are an Apple fan, the iPhone 11 Pro Max is the best choice. For added reference, the iPhone 11 Pro Max has superb battery performance beating the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra or other Android flagships in the market today.

We hope our list may have helped you in your quest for the best gaming smartphone as it allows an incisive look at the performance specs and pros and cons of the best gaming phones available in the Philippine market today.

Spec Comparison

• Images from  store.blackshark.com, asus.com