The Contenders: Our Phone Lineup
For this mobile gaming cooling showdown, we assembled a diverse group of smartphones representing different price points and cooling technologies. We included the flagship Galaxy S23 Ultra, known for its powerful processor and advanced thermal management; the budget-friendly Redmi Note 12, to see how well affordable phones handle intense gaming; the ROG Phone 7, a phone explicitly designed for gaming with its integrated cooling system; and the OnePlus 11, a popular choice among gamers for its balanced performance and features. Each phone was tested under identical conditions to ensure fairness.
Testing Methodology: Heat is On
We put each phone through a rigorous series of tests using graphically demanding games like Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile, and Asphalt 9. We monitored core temperatures using a thermal camera and a dedicated app, taking readings before, during, and after gameplay sessions lasting 30 minutes each. We focused on the peak temperatures reached, the average temperature throughout the session, and the time it took for the phone to cool down afterward. We also considered the overall gaming experience – did the phone feel hot to the touch, and did the performance throttle noticeably due to overheating?
Galaxy S23 Ultra: Flagship Performance, Solid Cooling
The Galaxy S23 Ultra, despite its powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, showed impressive thermal management. While temperatures rose during extended gameplay, they remained comfortably within acceptable limits. The phone didn’t get excessively hot to the touch, and there was no noticeable performance throttling. Samsung’s vapor chamber cooling system clearly proved its worth, keeping things relatively cool even under pressure.
Redmi Note 12: Budget-Friendly, But Heat Sensitive
The Redmi Note 12, representing the budget-friendly segment, showed its limitations in heat dissipation. Temperatures climbed significantly faster and reached higher peaks compared to the flagships. While still playable, the phone became noticeably warm, and performance throttling was observed, impacting the overall gaming experience. This highlights the importance of efficient cooling even in lower-priced devices.
ROG Phone 7: The Gaming King Reigns Supreme
As expected, the ROG Phone 7, with its sophisticated active cooling system, excelled in temperature control. Its integrated fan and advanced heat-spreading materials kept temperatures remarkably low throughout the tests. The difference was noticeable – the phone remained noticeably cooler than any other device, even after extended gaming sessions. This solidified its position as the clear winner in terms of thermal management.
OnePlus 11: A Balanced Performer
The OnePlus 11 delivered a balanced performance in terms of cooling. Its temperatures rose during intensive gaming, but not as dramatically as the Redmi Note 12. The phone remained comfortably playable, although not as cool as the ROG Phone 7 or even the Galaxy S23 Ultra. However, it presented a good middle ground between performance and thermal management, a good option for those seeking a well-rounded gaming experience without breaking the bank.
Beyond the Numbers: The Importance of Touch and Feel
While the thermal camera data provides objective measurements, the subjective feel of the phone during gameplay is also crucial. Even if temperatures are within acceptable ranges, a phone that feels excessively hot to the touch can detract from the gaming experience. In this regard, the ROG Phone 7 and the Galaxy S23 Ultra stood out, remaining relatively comfortable to hold even after prolonged gaming sessions.
The Verdict: Cooling Matters
Our testing revealed a clear correlation between cooling technology and gaming performance. The ROG Phone 7’s active cooling system significantly outperformed the competition, maintaining impressively low temperatures even under intense stress. However, the Galaxy S23 Ultra showcased that even passively cooled flagships can deliver excellent thermal management. Budget devices, like the Redmi Note 12, demonstrated the importance of robust cooling for maintaining optimal gaming performance. Ultimately, choosing a phone with superior cooling capabilities significantly enhances the overall mobile gaming experience.
