Best Gaming Smartphones of 2017: Elevate Your Mobile Gaming Experience
Discover the top gaming smartphones of 2017 that transformed mobile gaming with powerful performance, striking displays, and innovative features. These devices set benchmarks for gamers seeking immersive, responsive, and long-lasting gaming experiences. From the iPhone 7 Plus to the Galaxy S8 Plus, explore the best choices that year offered for mobile gaming enthusiasts, balancing affordability, performance, and cutting-edge technology to enhance your gaming adventures.
In the fast-paced technological landscape of 2017, smartphones transitioned beyond simple communication devices to become powerful entertainment hubs capable of handling complex gaming applications. This evolution marked a significant milestone, as leading brands introduced devices specifically optimized for gaming performance, graphics, and immersive experiences. Gamers worldwide sought smartphones that could handle demanding games smoothly, without lagging or overheating, while also offering long-lasting battery life and impressive displays. The year saw numerous models claim the top spot for mobile gaming, each carefully engineered to provide superior gameplay and visual fidelity, making 2017 a remarkable year for mobile gaming enthusiasts.
Whether you're a casual gamer or a dedicated mobile gaming fanatic, choosing the right smartphone can dramatically influence your overall experience. From high refresh rate screens to advanced processors, manufacturers worked tirelessly to maximize gaming capabilities. This comprehensive review highlights some of the most outstanding smartphones of 2017 that elevated the mobile gaming landscape, combining performance, affordability, and innovative features in a compact device. Let’s explore the top contenders that redefined mobile gaming in 2017 and continue to influence gaming smartphones today.
Top Gaming Smartphones of 2017: Features and Highlights
Apple iPhone 7 Plus
The Apple iPhone 7 Plus emerged as a powerhouse for gaming during 2017, thanks to its robust hardware and software synergy. Recognized for delivering exceptional speed and graphics performance, this device supported smooth gameplay with high frame rates, essential for an immersive gaming experience. The 5.5-inch Retina HD display enhanced visual clarity, vibrant colors, and sharp details, making gaming visuals pop. Apple's optimized GPU and efficient iOS platform ensured minimal lag, even during intensive gaming sessions. Additionally, the iPhone 7 Plus's long-lasting battery life and rapid charging capabilities made extended gaming marathons possible without frequent interruptions. The device also supported a vast library of games available through the App Store, catering to casual and professional gamers alike.
OnePlus 5
The OnePlus 5 was a budget-friendly yet high-performance option that carved a niche among mobile gamers in 2017. Equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor, it provided smooth graphics rendering and fast response times, crucial for gaming. Its 6.01-inch Optic AMOLED display offered immersive visuals with vibrant colors and sharp detailing, making it ideal for gamers seeking a high-quality screen without spending a premium. The device’s Dash Charge technology ensured rapid recharging, allowing fewer downtime and more gaming time. Its competitive pricing made it attractive to a broad audience, proving that high-end gaming capabilities could be accessible to more users. OnePlus 5 also supported high-fidelity sound for an enhanced gaming audio experience.
Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus
Samsung’s Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus in 2017 set a new standard for immersive gaming via their stunning displays and advanced features. The Galaxy S8 featured a 5.8-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED screen, while the S8 Plus boasted a larger 6.2-inch display, both offering vivid visuals and excellent touch responsiveness. These smartphones supported virtual reality gaming through Samsung Gear VR integration, pushing the boundaries of immersive experiences. The Edge displays not only enhanced the aesthetic appeal but also provided quick access to gaming tools and notifications. The devices’ powerful Exynos and Snapdragon processors, combined with optimized RAM, delivered seamless gameplay even during graphically demanding titles. Enhanced audio support and gaming mode features, such as Game Tools, facilitated full-screen gameplay, minimized notifications, and optimized device performance for lengthy gaming sessions.
Google Pixel XL
The Google Pixel XL, sharing a similar screen size to the iPhone 7 Plus, was designed for gamers seeking a pure Android experience coupled with high performance. Its 5.5-inch QHD display offered crisp visuals; however, the higher pixel density sometimes resulted in slightly reduced frame rates compared to other devices. Despite this, gameplay remained smooth, with Google's software optimizations ensuring a responsive experience. The device excelled in providing clean UI and quick updates, enhancing compatibility with the latest gaming apps. Its impressive front and rear cameras, though mainly for photography, contributed to overall media consumption, making it a well-rounded device for gaming and entertainment.
Motorola Moto Z Play
For gaming enthusiasts prioritizing battery life, the Motorola Moto Z Play was an outstanding choice in 2017. Boasting a 3510 mAh battery, it could sustain extended gaming sessions without frequent recharges. The device's modular design also allowed users to attach Moto Mods, such as battery packs or enhanced speakers, further improving gaming entertainment. The Snapdragon 625 processor struck a balance between performance and energy efficiency, making it suitable for casual and moderate gaming. Its AMOLED display delivered vibrant visuals, while the device’s lightweight and ergonomic design supported comfortable handling during long gaming periods. Moto Z Play’s combination of durability and endurance made it one of the best options for gaming on the go in 2017.
In conclusion, 2017 was a landmark year for mobile gaming, with several smartphones achieving impressive performance benchmarks. While the landscape continues to evolve, these models set foundational standards for gaming optimization in mobile devices. From high-refresh-rate screens and powerful processors to immersive VR capabilities and exceptional battery life, the smartphones highlighted above provided gamers with unparalleled experiences that continue to influence device design and gaming performance today.
