Best Gaming Phones Of 2020: Top Picks & Reviews
Hey guys! Remember 2020? Feels like ages ago, right? But in the world of tech, it was a pretty significant year, especially for mobile gaming. We saw some amazing gaming phones hit the market that year, pushing the boundaries of what's possible on a handheld device. So, let's take a trip down memory lane and check out some of the best gaming phones of 2020. We'll dive into what made them special, why they were great for gaming, and whether they still hold up today.
Why 2020 Was a Great Year for Gaming Phones
2020 was a pivotal year for gaming phones because it marked a significant leap in mobile technology. Several key factors contributed to this surge in performance and features, making it a golden age for mobile gamers. One of the primary drivers was the advancement in processors. Chipset manufacturers like Qualcomm and MediaTek released their latest and greatest silicon, such as the Snapdragon 865 and Dimensity 1000 series, respectively. These processors brought substantial improvements in CPU and GPU performance compared to their predecessors. This meant that gaming phones could handle more demanding games at higher frame rates and with better graphical fidelity. The enhanced processing power also enabled advanced features like real-time ray tracing and improved AI capabilities, further enhancing the gaming experience.
Another critical factor was the improvement in display technology. Gaming phones in 2020 often featured high refresh rate displays, typically 90Hz or 120Hz, which provided smoother and more responsive visuals. This made a noticeable difference in fast-paced games where every millisecond counts. Additionally, many of these phones boasted AMOLED panels with vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast ratios, making games look more immersive and visually appealing. The combination of high refresh rates and superior display quality significantly contributed to the overall gaming experience.
Furthermore, 2020 gaming phones came with larger batteries and improved cooling systems. Demanding games can quickly drain a phone's battery, so manufacturers equipped these devices with high-capacity batteries to ensure longer gaming sessions. To prevent overheating and maintain peak performance, advanced cooling solutions such as vapor chambers and heat pipes were incorporated into the phone's design. These cooling systems effectively dissipated heat, allowing gamers to play for extended periods without experiencing performance throttling. The combination of larger batteries and efficient cooling systems was essential for providing a sustained and enjoyable gaming experience.
Lastly, the rise of 5G connectivity played a role in enhancing the mobile gaming experience in 2020. 5G offered faster download and upload speeds, lower latency, and more stable connections compared to 4G LTE. This meant that gamers could enjoy smoother online multiplayer experiences, reduced lag, and faster game downloads. 5G connectivity also enabled cloud gaming services like Google Stadia and Xbox Cloud Gaming, allowing gamers to stream high-quality games to their mobile devices without needing to download them locally. The availability of 5G significantly expanded the possibilities for mobile gaming and contributed to the popularity of gaming phones in 2020.
Top Gaming Phones of 2020: A Closer Look
Alright, let's get into the juicy stuff! Here are some of the top gaming phones that made waves in 2020:
1. ASUS ROG Phone 3
The ASUS ROG Phone 3 was a beast! It was like the ultimate gaming phone of 2020, packing everything a mobile gamer could dream of. Under the hood, it had the Snapdragon 865+ chipset, which was super powerful for its time. This meant it could handle even the most demanding games without breaking a sweat. The phone also came with up to 16GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and preventing any lag during intense gaming sessions. The combination of the Snapdragon 865+ and ample RAM made the ROG Phone 3 a performance powerhouse, capable of delivering a fluid and responsive gaming experience.
One of the standout features of the ROG Phone 3 was its 144Hz AMOLED display. The high refresh rate made everything feel incredibly smooth and responsive, giving gamers a competitive edge in fast-paced games. The AMOLED panel also offered vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, making games look visually stunning. The display's responsiveness, combined with its exceptional visual quality, made the ROG Phone 3 a joy to game on.
To keep the phone cool during extended gaming sessions, ASUS incorporated an advanced cooling system called GameCool 3. This system used a combination of a large vapor chamber, heat sink, and graphite film to dissipate heat effectively. The GameCool 3 system prevented the phone from overheating, ensuring consistent performance even during long gaming sessions. Additionally, ASUS offered an optional AeroActive Cooler 3 accessory, which further enhanced the cooling capabilities of the phone.
The ROG Phone 3 also had a massive 6,000mAh battery, which provided plenty of juice for long gaming sessions. This meant you could game for hours without worrying about running out of battery. The phone also supported 30W fast charging, allowing you to quickly recharge the battery when needed. The combination of a large battery and fast charging made the ROG Phone 3 an ideal choice for gamers who wanted to play on the go.
Finally, the ROG Phone 3 included a range of gaming-centric features, such as AirTriggers 3, which were customizable ultrasonic buttons that could be used to perform in-game actions. These buttons provided a more tactile and responsive gaming experience compared to using the touchscreen alone. The phone also had dual front-facing speakers that delivered immersive audio, enhancing the overall gaming experience. The combination of these features made the ROG Phone 3 a complete package for mobile gamers.
2. Black Shark 3 Pro
The Black Shark 3 Pro was another top contender in the gaming phone arena in 2020. It stood out with its unique design and focus on providing a comfortable and immersive gaming experience. One of the most distinctive features of the Black Shark 3 Pro was its physical pop-up triggers. These triggers provided a tactile and responsive gaming experience, similar to using a game controller. The pop-up triggers could be customized to perform various in-game actions, giving gamers a competitive edge.
The Black Shark 3 Pro also featured a large 7.1-inch AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. While not as high as the ROG Phone 3's 144Hz display, the 90Hz refresh rate still provided a smooth and responsive gaming experience. The AMOLED panel offered vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, making games look visually stunning. The combination of the large display and high-quality panel made the Black Shark 3 Pro an immersive gaming device.
Under the hood, the Black Shark 3 Pro was powered by the Snapdragon 865 chipset, which was a top-of-the-line processor in 2020. This meant that the phone could handle even the most demanding games without any lag or stuttering. The phone also came with up to 12GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and preventing any performance issues during intense gaming sessions. The combination of the Snapdragon 865 and ample RAM made the Black Shark 3 Pro a performance powerhouse.
To keep the Black Shark 3 Pro cool during extended gaming sessions, it featured an advanced liquid cooling system. This system used a combination of copper heat pipes and liquid-filled compartments to dissipate heat effectively. The liquid cooling system prevented the phone from overheating, ensuring consistent performance even during long gaming sessions. Additionally, the phone had a unique design that allowed for better airflow, further enhancing its cooling capabilities.
The Black Shark 3 Pro also had a large 5,000mAh battery, which provided plenty of power for long gaming sessions. The phone supported 65W fast charging, allowing you to quickly recharge the battery when needed. The combination of a large battery and fast charging made the Black Shark 3 Pro an ideal choice for gamers who wanted to play on the go. The magnetic charging port was also a nice touch, allowing you to charge the phone while gaming without the cable getting in the way.
3. Nubia Red Magic 5G
The Nubia Red Magic 5G was another gaming phone that made a splash in 2020, primarily known for its focus on high refresh rates and active cooling. It was one of the first phones to feature a 144Hz display, offering an incredibly smooth and responsive gaming experience. The high refresh rate made a noticeable difference in fast-paced games, giving gamers a competitive edge. The Red Magic 5G also had a unique design with a futuristic aesthetic, making it stand out from other gaming phones.
One of the standout features of the Red Magic 5G was its built-in cooling fan. This fan actively cooled the phone's internal components, preventing it from overheating during extended gaming sessions. The cooling fan was surprisingly effective at dissipating heat, allowing the phone to maintain peak performance even under heavy load. The Red Magic 5G also had a copper heat pipe and thermal gel to further enhance its cooling capabilities.
Under the hood, the Red Magic 5G was powered by the Snapdragon 865 chipset, which was a top-of-the-line processor in 2020. This meant that the phone could handle even the most demanding games without any lag or stuttering. The phone also came with up to 12GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and preventing any performance issues during intense gaming sessions. The combination of the Snapdragon 865 and ample RAM made the Red Magic 5G a performance powerhouse.
The Red Magic 5G also had a large 4,500mAh battery, which provided plenty of power for long gaming sessions. The phone supported 55W fast charging, allowing you to quickly recharge the battery when needed. The combination of a large battery and fast charging made the Red Magic 5G an ideal choice for gamers who wanted to play on the go. The phone also had a dedicated gaming mode that optimized performance and blocked notifications, ensuring an uninterrupted gaming experience.
The Nubia Red Magic 5G also had a range of gaming-centric features, such as shoulder triggers that could be customized to perform in-game actions. These triggers provided a more tactile and responsive gaming experience compared to using the touchscreen alone. The phone also had dual front-facing speakers that delivered immersive audio, enhancing the overall gaming experience. The combination of these features made the Red Magic 5G a compelling option for mobile gamers.
Do These Phones Still Hold Up?
So, the big question: do these gaming phones from 2020 still hold up today? The answer is a resounding yes, but with a few caveats. In terms of raw performance, they might not be able to match the latest and greatest gaming phones with their cutting-edge processors and GPUs. However, they're still plenty powerful enough to run most modern games at respectable settings.
The displays on these phones are still fantastic, with high refresh rates and vibrant colors that make games look great. The battery life is also still decent, although you might notice some degradation over time. The cooling systems are still effective, but they might not be able to handle the most demanding games for extended periods.
One area where these phones might fall short is software updates. Some manufacturers might have stopped providing updates for these older devices, which means you might miss out on the latest features and security patches. However, if you're primarily using the phone for gaming, this might not be a major concern.
Overall, if you're looking for a budget-friendly gaming phone and don't need the absolute latest specs, these 2020 models are still a great option. You can often find them at discounted prices, making them an excellent value for money.
Final Thoughts
2020 was a fantastic year for gaming phones, and the devices that came out then still offer a great gaming experience today. Whether you're a hardcore gamer or just looking for a phone that can handle some casual gaming, these phones are definitely worth considering. So, go ahead and relive the glory days of 2020 with one of these awesome gaming phones! Happy gaming, everyone!
