I had the opportunity to borrow both the Lenovo Legion Pro and ASUS ROG Phone 3 - undeniably the most powerful gaming phones currently available. Not only do they boast robust hardware, but they also feature distinct designs and numerous gaming-centric functionalities. Both utilize the Snapdragon 865+ chipset, prompting me to conduct a benchmark and speed test to determine the superior device.
Recap of the Specifications for Both Devices
For those unfamiliar with the Snapdragon 865+, Qualcomm has elevated the clock speed of its Kyro 585 cores (Cortex-A77) to 3.1GHz, resulting in a 20% boost in performance compared to the Snapdragon 865. Additionally, the Adreno 650 GPU can handle graphics with a 10% increase in capabilities. The Game Smoother and Adaptive Performance Engine features work together to deliver smoother in-game visuals, eliminating stuttering. Imagine it as akin to NVIDIA's G-Sync technology. The chip supports 90 FPS for PUBG Mobile (currently available for OnePlus 8 Pro in the U.S.) and facilitates a 144Hz display.
Benchmark
- Both phones consistently scored over 50% higher in benchmark tests without simultaneous charging.
- No background apps were running during benchmark sessions.
- Benchmarking was conducted approximately three times, with the highest score taken. If there was a significant variance in the highest scores, additional tests were performed (4th, 5th, and so on).
- GFXBench was run once, and the score was taken from the High Tier test.
Gaming Experience
I won't reiterate the gaming experience on the ROG Phone 3, as it has been extensively discussed in previous posts – the device handles full settings effortlessly. Regarding the Legion Pro, further testing is required. The device also supports a 144Hz display, promising a delightful swiping experience.The Legion Pro directly displays FPS and various details such as clock speed, device temperature, video recording, etc. This eliminates the need for third-party apps to track FPS. Results consistently showed smooth gameplay, maintaining a solid 60 - 61 FPS from start to finish. Graphics settings were kept at the highest level.After completing three rounds of PUBG, the Legion Pro exhibited a warming back panel. In contrast, previous tests revealed the ROG Phone 3 staying cooler during gameplay, peaking at a modest 37 degrees Celsius.Speedtest
Despite the Legion Pro having only 8GB RAM and the ROG Phone 3 boasting 12GB RAM, I still want to compare their speedtest results to see if there's a significant difference.
In terms of app opening speed, both phones are fast with minimal differences. Through multiple speed tests, there were instances where the Legion Pro was faster, and other times the ROG Phone 3 outperformed. However, the truth is, in multitasking, the 8GB RAM struggled in our tests, and overall, the 12GB RAM on the ROG Phone 3 emerged victorious. This test serves as a reference only, as we haven't had the opportunity to test the Legion Pro with 12GB RAM for a fair comparison.
Conclusion: Both devices excel in performance, ensuring smooth gameplay for any mobile game. The choice between them also impacts the overall user experience. We'll provide more detailed insights into daily usage experiences in future posts!