SAMSUNG

Why Samsung phones are bad at gaming?

Samsung‘s Galaxy line of smartphones consistently ranks among the top contenders in the Android market. They offer gorgeous displays, great cameras, and a reliable software experience.

However, when it comes to gaming, the experience isn’t as seamless. While Samsung phones are undeniably capable, there are factors to consider that might influence your decision, particularly when compared to some competitors.

This article dives into some of the factors that can contribute to a less-than-ideal gaming experience on Samsung phones. It’s important to note that these are not inherent flaws, but rather areas where competitors might currently hold an edge.

1. Thermal management...One of the biggest concerns for mobile gamers is thermal throttling. When a phone pushes its processing power for extended periods, like during intense gaming sessions, it generates significant heat. If not adequately managed, this heat can lead to performance drops as the phone throttles back its processing speed to prevent overheating.

Several Chinese OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) have incorporated innovative cooling systems to address this issue. These can include vapor chambers, multi-layer graphite sheets, and even dedicated cooling fans in some gaming phones. 

While Samsung utilizes thermal management solutions, they might not be as aggressive as the ones found in some competitor devices. This could lead to more frequent thermal throttling in Samsung phones during demanding games, resulting in frame rate drops and a less smooth gaming experience.

2. Less-focused software optimization...Software optimization is a crucial aspect of mobile gaming. A well-optimized phone can squeeze maximum performance out of its hardware, ensuring smooth gameplay. 

Unfortunately, Samsung’s software optimization for gaming hasn’t always been stellar. This isn’t to say it’s always bad, but compared to some competitors who offer dedicated gaming modes with resource management tweaks, Samsung’s approach feels less focused.  

While features like Game Booster exist, they often feel like surface-level solutions. Gamers crave deeper control over how their phone allocates resources during intense gaming sessions. This lack of granular control can lead to situations where the phone juggles background tasks and the game itself, potentially impacting performance.

3. Touch sampling rate...The touch sampling rate measures how frequently a phone’s display registers touch input. Higher rates result in faster, more responsive touch detection, which is crucial for reaction-heavy mobile games.  

Some high-end gaming phones from Chinese OEMs feature crazy touch sampling rates of over 2000Hz. While Samsung excels in providing high refresh rates, its touch sampling rates fall behind across its lineup. 

For instance, the Galaxy S24 Ultra, Samsung’s flagship, maxes out at 240Hz, with no Samsung phones exceeding this rate. And there are no Samsung phones that offer a touch sampling rate higher than this. In contrast, even mid-range devices from Xiaomi like the Redmi K70 Pro boast an impressive 2160Hz touch sampling rate.  

This disparity doesn’t make Samsung phones unplayable but might put them at a slight disadvantage in competitive gaming, where every millisecond matters. However, the touch sampling rate is only one aspect of touch responsiveness—overall display latency also plays a significant role.

4. The Missing Piece: A Dedicated Gaming Ecosystem...Dedicated gaming phones from brands like Asus and Red Magic create a full ecosystem designed for serious mobile gamers. These devices often include hardware add-ons like clip-on controllers and cooling fans to elevate the gaming experience.

In contrast, Samsung lacks such dedicated accessories or built-in gaming-focused features. This lack of a dedicated gaming ecosystem can leave Samsung phones feeling like generic high-powered devices, not specifically designed with the hardcore gamer in mind.

While some users rely on third-party accessories as a workaround, these solutions fall short compared to a manufacturer-backed approach.

5. The Verdict...Samsung phones are undoubtedly powerful and capable of handling even the most demanding mobile games. However, compared to some Chinese OEMs, they may fall short in areas like thermal management, game-specific software optimization, and consistently high touch sampling rates. The absence of dedicated hardware features for gaming can also be a drawback for certain users.  

These aspects are crucial for hardcore mobile gamers. However, it’s worth noting that smartphone manufacturers design their devices to appeal to a broader audience. Samsung offers a well-rounded phone experience that caters to various user needs, including gaming, but it might not be laser-focused on maximizing every aspect of this particular segment.

Ultimately, the right choice depends on your priorities. If gaming is your top concern, you might prefer a phone with advanced cooling, optimized software, and the highest touch sampling rates. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a flagship device that excels across multiple areas—not just gaming—a Samsung Galaxy phone remains a strong contender.

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