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Why e sports players prefer i phones over gaming phones

Why eSports Players Prefer iPhones | The Gaming Phone Debate

By

Oliver Martinez

Apr 26, 2025, 05:13 PM

Edited By

David Brown

Updated

Apr 27, 2025, 07:03 PM

2 minutes of duration

Two eSports players focused on their iPhones during a gaming session, surrounded by gaming gear
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A growing trend shows eSports players favoring iPhones over dedicated gaming phones like Redmagic and Asus ROG. This shift raises questions about the reasons behind this preference, particularly as mobile gaming becomes increasingly competitive.

The Sponsorship Factor

Many pro gamers link their choice of device to sponsorship deals. "It's often whatever device a brand sponsor is offering," commented one player. Contracts can limit their options, steering them toward specific brands rather than optimal gear.

Optimization for Gaming

Players consistently point out that iOS games are generally better optimized. A forum post echoed this sentiment: "Every app is optimized for iPhones by default," highlighting how app developers focus on Appleโ€™s ecosystem since they release only a few new models each year. One player noted, "If youโ€™re outside of tournaments, iPhone is the best option because developers canโ€™t optimize for 100+ Android models." More comments from players reinforce this, with one stating, "Iโ€™ve used iPhone Pro Max series the iPhones run extremely smooth and thatโ€™s the real reason most players like it."

Performance Issues with Gaming Phones

Gamers are vocal about performance discrepancies between gaming phones and iPhones. Notable feedback reveals that many Android devices falter during intensive gameplay. "The ROG phone just loses frames and heats up," shared a player, contrasting their experience with the "smooth performance" of their iPhone 13 Pro Max. Another player declared, "I still prefer my older iPad Pro over any Android device," underlining display quality as crucial for gaming. Interestingly, one transition from a Samsung A13 noted how they conquered a competitive rank after switching to an iPhone: "I did conqueror two weeks ago I love iPhones."

Industry Standards

Interestingly, there are no formal regulations against using certain devices in eSports, allowing a mix of hardware choices. While iPhones are popular, some gamers do stick with high-end Android devices equipped with advanced processors. One player highlighted that many non-competitive players are now using gaming phones, specifically a Red Magic Pro 10, citing impressive performance on 120fps at full settings without activating the cooling fan.

Key Insights

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Many eSports players opt for iPhones primarily due to sponsorships.

  • ๐Ÿ” iPhones typically run smoother, with optimized apps focused on their ecosystem.

  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ Performance issues plague several gaming phones, frustrating players.

  • ๐ŸŽฅ "Most apps are optimized for iOS as they are the premium consumer."

  • ๐Ÿ”„ More casual players are experimenting with gaming phones but find consistent performance with iPhones.

As the eSports scene continues to grow, the preference for iPhones leaves room for debate. Will we see a shift as technology advances? This could signal evolving player preferences in future competitions.