If you are in the market for a smartphone, you would have come across many different offerings from various companies such as Apple, Samsung, etc. Some offer photo and video options that even rival professional cameras, while others offer high refresh rate screens and beastly internals for exceptional performance. But the question of what is the fastest phone for your daily multitasking and productivity task then arises. Therefore, in this article, we have curated a comprehensive list of the fastest phones in the world.
These smartphones offer not only excellent performance and faster displays but also factors such as great software, camera quality, and enable you to play demanding games at high resolutions with ultra-smooth refresh rates for the best possible mobile experience.
What comprises a fast phone
There are three main factors that work in tandem with the phone’s software that determines if it is indeed a fast phone: The processor, memory, and refresh rate of the phone’s display.
Processor
Firstly, the processor, which is the brain of the smartphone, is the most important. The fastest phones employ processors like Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 865 or Apple’s A14 Bionic or better, which are crucial for a snappy experience. A slower processor will cause the phone to lag and stutter, which is not ideal.
Memory
The amount of RAM a phone has can positively or negatively affect its multitasking capabilities. Though, for highly optimized operating systems like iOS, you won’t require as much RAM compared to Andriod OS. Other benefits include better processing of captured photos and videos and better battery life as these processors are much more efficient.
Refresh Rate
The next factor is the screen’s refresh rate. A higher refresh rate will allow for much smoother animations and gameplay, but keep in mind that this will significantly affect your battery life. Similarly, a high touch latency will improve the responsiveness of your smartphone, even at lower refresh rates. Finally, support for the latest 5G connectivity will allow for faster network speeds, although the technology is not as widespread yet.
Fastest Smartphones
1. Asus ROG Phone 6 Pro
Verdict
The ROG Phone 6 Pro is the latest incarnation of the ultimate triple-A gaming phone. Stunning display, great refresh rate, with excellent supporting performance level all make it an extremly fast phone.
Specifications
OS:Android 12 |Screen size:6.78-inch |Resolution:2448 x 1080 |Display type:AMOLED |Refresh rate:165Hz |CPU:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 |RAM:18GB |Storage:512GB |Battery:6,000mAh |Rear camera:50MP+13MP+5MP |Front camera:12MP |Weight:239g |Dimensions:173 x 77 x 10.4 mmBenefits
- Stunning 165Hz display
- Double USB-C ports
- Efficient cooling
Drawbacks
- No wireless charging
- Camera was downgraded
The ROG Phone 6 Pro is a worthy upgrade to its predecessor. While it still sports the familiar white-lined build and provides a good deal of back cover customizability, it introduces the next generational step for smartphone specifications that makes things noticeably faster and snappier.
And as expected, rocking the latest Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, coupled with a UFS 3.1 supported storage medium, allows for a very snappy and responsive experience. If that 165Hz screen is only going to be maxed out on browsing anyway, then this CPU + storage combo is definitely the way to go. Oh, and don’t forget that 18GB of glorious RAM!
The Adreno 730 GPU definitely adds significantly more frames to the triple-A mobile games of today, making it one of the true high-end phones that can crunch frames along its refresh rate range. That being said, it can still struggle with the heaviest of the heavy titles if you insist on maxed settings all the time. Genshin Impact for example, still “only” maxes out at 54 FPS this way.
Battery life is more or less the same for the ROG Phone 6 Pro, as it also achieves around 15 hours with a continuous YouTube playback-on loop, much like other ROG Phone 5 models. Impressive when compared to other brands, but kind of just typical for the standard (latest) ROG Phone model.
One very noticeable drawback (if you even consider it one), is that the ROG Phone 6 Pro has effectively downgraded its camera specs. Its direct predecessor the ROG Phone 5 Ultimate, sports a 64MP+13MP+5MP camera configuration, whereas ROG Phone 6 Pro has slightly reduced this to 50MP+13MP+5MP.
But anyway, that’s hardly what people purchase ROG Phones for anyway. If you simply want the fastest phone all around, the ROG Phone 6 Pro is the premium choice. The top-of-the-line refresh rate for access and browsing, stunning display, and responsive gameplay experience.
2. Nubia RedMagic 7 Pro
Verdict
The RedMagic 7 Pro is one of the most capable and fastest phones available and is a great choice for a considerably heftier premium.
Specifications
OS:Android 12 (RedMagic OS 5.0) |Screen size:6.8-inch |Resolution:2400 x 1080 |Display type:AMOLED |Refresh rate:120Hz |CPU:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 |RAM:16GB |Storage:256/512GB |Battery:5,000mAh |Rear camera:64MP+8MP+2MP |Front camera:16MP |Weight:235g |Dimensions:166.27 x 77.1 x 10 mmBenefits
- 960Hz touch-sampling rate
- Functional shoulder buttons/triggers
- Solid battery life
Drawbacks
- Price conflict with the regular version
- Refresh rate lowered from 165Hz to 120Hz
Nubia might not be the first brand that you have in mind when it comes to dedicated gaming phones. But the company has been shaking up the market with its newer phones over the last few years. The most prominent of which is its RedMagic 7 series, particularly the Pro version of this review.
First off, the build is as you expect with the tier it is attempting to compete with. Premium finish, all-metal, compact, heavy, and stylish. Even without putting them side-by-side, you can instantly tell the visual differences between the Pro and non-Pro versions.
The standard should feel smooth and snappy, thanks to its astounding 960Hz touch sample rate and effective use of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor. Oddly enough, however, the refresh rate has been lowered from 165Hz back to 120Hz. A very weird decision given that this is supposed to be the more premium version of its product line. But, understandable, given that at the moment, app access and browsing are really the only ones pushing those frame rates to the max so far.
Speaking of frame rates, it performs admirably well on popular titles like CoD: Mobile, Real Racing 3, and PUBG. When used on its ‘Game Space’ mode, it will automatically ramp up its fans in order to stabilize and maximize performance. Perhaps best of all when gaming, it has shoulder triggers! This effectively transforms it into a sort of portable console even without the use of third-party hardware.
Battery life is also one of the better points of its upgraded specs, as it can push an hour or two longer than the original RedMagic 7 using the same settings and workload.
In a vacuum, the RedMagic 7 Pro is an excellent smartphone that’s extremely fast. However, when compared to current retail bundles of the original RedMagic 7, it gets a bit harder to recommend. Still, if you are craving its optimization upgrades, the extra cash is considerably still worth paying for.
3. Xiaomi Black Shark 5 Pro
Verdict
The Black Shark 5 Pro is an extermly prowerful and fast phone that featues the lastest specs and technologies for an emersive mobile experience.
Specifications
OS:Android 12 (Joy UI 13) |Screen size:6.67-inch |Resolution:2400 x 1080 |Display type:AMOLED |Refresh rate:144Hz |CPU:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 |RAM:8GB/12GB |Storage:256/512GB |Battery:4,650mAh |Rear camera:108MP+13MP+5MP |Front camera:16MP |Weight:220g |Dimensions:163.83 x 76.35 x 9.9 mmBenefits
- 144Hz bright and crisp display
- Functional shoulder buttons/triggers
- 120W super charging
Drawbacks
- Comparatively lower battery life
- No headphone jack
The Black Shark 5 Pro definitely goes on the more premium side of things when it comes to style, but the general black design somewhat sinks it under the crowd. On the plus side, this does make it rather discreet; you wouldn’t exactly be able to tell that it’s a heavy hitter at a glance.
Indeed, powered by none other than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor and Adreno 730 GPU, it is capable of playing the latest mobile games with no muss and fuss. What’s probably even better (from an optimization standpoint at least), is that the models are offered in 8GB and 12GB RAM packages, which is the perfect memory capacity for gaming plus multi-tasking use, without making the rest of the allocated digital space completely unused.
Oh and, like its other competitors, it also has shoulder triggers! This makes for a noticeably better long-time gaming experience.
Its 144Hz AMOLED display is certainly welcome as a standardized high-refresh rate, but it is kind of obligatory at this point. Still, it does work wonders when browsing and using compatible apps, especially when coming back to 60Hz screens later on.
Somewhat unlike other gaming-focused phones, the Black Shark 5 Pro has a 108MP camera, akin to what the likes of some mid-range phones would have. Performance is nothing too astounding, but it is kind of a strange addition to its component set.
120W sounds amazing for a supercharger, and it really is. Just 15 minutes from empty to full? Yes, please! But, there is a caveat to that. The Black Shark 5 Pro has a mediocre battery life that only lasts for about half of what its competitors can provide.
Despite its uninspired design and battery drawbacks, the Black Shark 5 Pro is still undeniably one of the fastest phones on the market today. It stays true to the product line it represents for the current generation, even if nowadays its meeker brethren are running around the market with delectable discounts.
4. Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max
Verdict
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max is the best IOS phone that features all the lastest specs, amazing perfromance, and a great camera alll in one beatiful design.
Specifications
OS:iOS 15/15.6 |Screen size:6.7-inch |Resolution:2778 x 1284 |Display type:Super Retina XDR OLED |Refresh rate:120Hz |CPU:Apple A15 Bionic |RAM:6GB |Storage:128/256/512GB/1TB |Battery:4,352mAh |Rear camera:12MP+12MP+12MP |Front camera:12MP+12MP |Weight:240g |Dimensions:160.8 x 78.1 x 7.7 mmBenefits
- Top-notch camera experience
- Very efficient battery usage
- High-optimized performance
- Ultra crisp and clean display
Drawbacks
- Mediocre cinematic mode
- Fastest charging option still stuck at 20W
Flagship iPhones typically provide outstanding performance for every bit of spec on the device. Especially its speed and performance, which do not seem to be hampered one bit by the lower RAM compared to its competitors. A testament to the level of optimization of iOS making the iPhone 13 Pro Max one of the fastest phones in the world.
Like many higher-end phones, its refresh rate is adaptive, which greatly helps in balancing browsing smoothness and battery life. Swiping between apps or scrolling within menus or pages feels very responsive, kind of noticeably so compared to the iPhone 12 Pro Max (which by itself is still impressive today).
Also, for the iPhone 13 Pro Max, in particular, there is another critical part that makes it stand above the rest: the camera. You can shoot a variety of styles with a “powerful” bokeh effect, super close-up shots give absolute clarity and detail regardless of light exposure. A macro mode takes full advantage of the ultrawide camera. Heck, even the basic photographic templates themselves are full of vibrance.
… This is why it seems so weird that the cinematic m+ode is only limited to 1080p.
As expected, battery life remains one of the key advantages of the iPhone 13 Pro Max over its competitors. You can easily make it to the second day of use without even needing to reach for a charger. And even if power is limited to 20W max for its upgraded charger, juicing up is still fast enough that you at least have a bit more than 50% battery life within just 15 minutes of plugging in.
Once again, Apple delivers a product that remains a leading class in all aspects of what makes the current generation phones the best. It is provided at a very premium price, of course, but the perfect combination of cutting-edge hardware is what makes it an extremely fast phone that’s worth it.
5. Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is the best all-round Android phones that is also very fast when it comes to performance.
Specifications
OS:Android 12 (One UI 4.1) |Screen size:6.8-inch |Resolution:3088 x 1440 |Display type:Dynamic AMOLED 2X |Refresh rate:120Hz |CPU:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 |RAM:8GB/12GB |Storage:128/256/512GB/1TB |Battery:5,000mAh |Rear camera:108MP+10MP+10MP+12MP |Front camera:40MP |Weight:229g |Dimensions:163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9 mmBenefits
- Professional-level camera usage
- Snappiest S Pen usage yet
- Super gorgeous display
Drawbacks
- (Slightly) downgraded RAM
- (Slightly) downgraded battery usage efficiency
If you don’t feel like shelling out a grand for Apple’s latest mobile offering, might we suggest Samsung’s competitor model? The Galaxy S22 Ultra is a direct evolution of the Galaxy Note line, offering the same, streamlined usage, with updated specifications and features that make accessing the unit, feel, much, much faster than ever before.
One thing has to be said though: WQHD+ resolution on roughly a 7-inch touchscreen display is absolute overkill. In fact, even Samsung kind of agrees, as the unit is set only to 1080p out of the box. You’d have to manually change the setting, and even then, the unit is going to be subject to noticeably higher battery usage. Then again, its adaptive refresh rate might take back some of that juice even if you do insist on using that stunning 3088 x 1440 screen setting.
As with the Galaxy Note line of products, the complete S Pen support means that the already fast and snappy experience of access and browsing gets even better using a more accurate touch medium.
With roughly 3ms of delay, the S Pen almost feels like it’s writing instantly on the screen, making it really feel like the notepad of the future. It can feel kind of small for some users, sure. But at least that’s what makes it fit conveniently inside the phone chassis, and without any need for less effective magnetic gimmicks.
Battery life is… just okay. It can last for an entire day’s work with a combined workload and adds about two to three hours more if you drop the resolution down to 1080p. A 45W charger is available, but it is sold separately.
Despite having not-so-optimal charging speeds and somewhat unusual battery optimizations, the Galaxy S22 Ultra remains a great player as one of the fastest phones on the market simply due to how it brought the S Pen ecosystem onto the most cutting-edge hardware today. It is utterly unmatched by anything in this regard, not even by an Apple Pencil-powered iPad.
