Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) Mobile is among the most popular multiplayer battle royale games. With over 100 million downloads on Google Play Store alone, the game is hugely successful on Android and iOS platforms. But which platform offers the better experience for PUBG Mobile gaming? Should you buy an Android phone or an iPhone for playing PUBG? Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide.
Hardware Considerations
When it comes to hardware, some key factors affect PUBG gaming performance on smartphones:
Processor
PUBG Mobile is a graphically intensive game that requires a powerful processor for smooth gameplay. Android phones are equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets, while iPhones use Apple’s proprietary Bionic chipsets. High-end Android processors like the Snapdragon 865/870/888 often benchmark better for gaming than Apple’s A-series chips.
RAM
More RAM allows the game to load faster and run smoother. Many Android flagships today come with 8GB or even 12GB RAM compared to 4GB in iPhones. The extra RAM gives Android phones an edge for multi-tasking between PUBG Mobile and other apps.
Display
Higher screen refresh rates make gameplay more fluid. Top-end Android phones boast displays with 90Hz, 120Hz, and even 144Hz refresh rates, while iPhones are still limited to 60Hz.
So, regarding raw hardware specifications, flagship Android phones are better optimized for gaming needs. They have more powerful processors, higher RAM, and smoother displays than iPhones.
Software Optimization
But hardware is only one part of the story. Software optimization plays a huge role in gaming performance, too. And this is where iPhones have an advantage over Android.
iOS is optimized explicitly for Apple devices only. On the other hand, Android OS has to work across thousands of different phone models. So PUBG Mobile is better optimized for iPhones than the broad range of Android devices.
Graphics rendering and touch response are generally snappier on iPhones. Even cheaper iPhones can run PUBG smoothly on medium pictures, while similarly priced Android phones may struggle. Software optimization trumps hardware advantages to an extent.
Phone Heating and Battery Drain
Intensive games like PUBG Mobile can heat phones and drain batteries fast. Because of better optimization, iPhones run more smoothly and have less battery drain than Android phones while gaming.
The superior hardware in Android flagships produces more heat. And different power efficiency levels across many brands and models also impact battery life.
So iPhones have an edge here for longer and more extraordinary gaming sessions.
Graphic Settings and Frame Rates
PUBG Mobile has a range of graphic settings – Smooth, Balanced, HD, HDR, and Ultra. It also has options for High and Ultra frame rates up to 90fps.
Higher core counts in Android SOCs allow more graphics settings customizations. The latest Android flagships can run PUBG at maxed settings and 90fps frame rates.
But not all phones have these options. Many cheaper mid-range Androids can only run at Smooth graphics and Medium frame rate. iPhones have fewer adjustments, but even older models consistently run at least Balanced and High settings.
So flagship Androids provide more graphics flexibility while iPhones deliver a reliably good experience across the lineup.
Gaming Accessories Support
Mobile gaming accessories can significantly improve PUBG sessions on phones. Options like dedicated triggers, cooling fans, and thumb sleeves work via the headphone jack, USB-C port, or wirelessly over Bluetooth.
With their open ecosystem support, Android phones connect a much more comprehensive range of gaming accessories. Cases with built-in triggers and charging docks with cooling fans all easily work with Android.
Apple tightly controls accessory compatibility for iPhones. Very few controller attachments or cooling solutions are designed specifically for iOS. Android phones are better for accessorizing and enhancing your PUBG gaming experience.
In-Game Performance
Let’s talk about actual in-game performance – loading times, lag, frame drops, and the overall smoothness of gameplay.
Here, iOS optimization makes itself evident again. The consistent hardware design and focused OS allow iPhones to load PUBG maps faster with less lag and fewer frame drops. Hiccups and stutters are less frequent.
Performance varies a lot across the Android landscape. Flagship phones loaded with high-end specs like the Pixel 2 XL Panda, Asus ROG Phone 6 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra can deliver superb performance rivaling, if not exceeding, iPhones.
But mid-range and budget Android devices often suffer from slow load times, intermittent lag, and frame drops that negatively impact gaming. On average, iOS still provides a smoother PUBG experience, especially at lower prices.
Game Version Differences
PUBG Mobile on Android and iOS are slightly different versions developed by various studios.
The Android version is called “PUBG Mobile” and was developed by Tencent Games. The iOS version is called “PUBG Mobile Global,” developed by Krafton.
There are minor distinctions like maps, in-game events, and accessibility of some features at times. But core gameplay mechanics are identical. Both provide the same battle royale experience.
However, due to Apple rules, the iOS version cannot show blood splatters and gore that the Android contains. So, Android has a bit more realistic violence.
Cheating and Bans
Like any popular online multiplayer game, PUBG Mobile unfortunately has problems with cheating and hacking. Using illegal mods like aimbots gives some players unfair advantages over others.
Cheating is a more significant issue on Android than iOS for a few reasons. iOS’s closed nature makes it harder to install cheating apps and mods. Android’s more fragmented ecosystem means anti-cheat measures take longer to roll out to all devices.
Cheater reports and bans do happen on both platforms. However, developers have reported that over 90% of cheating occurs on Android phones. IOS offers a comparatively more fair and cheating-free PUBG gaming environment.
Game Development and Updates
PUBG Mobile needs constant updates to fix bugs, balance gameplay, and bring new content. Updates are handled differently for Android and iOS.
Updates must be slowly rolled out on Android to a broad spectrum of devices. New versions may take weeks to reach all Android players. Updates also have to be tailored by manufacturers for their phone models.
For iOS, updates apply universally and simultaneously across iPhones. New iOS versions of PUBG Mobile are available immediately for all players on release.
This means iOS users can access the latest optimizations, features, and content updates faster. The unified platform allows for swifter development.
Customization and Tweaking Options
Android’s open design offers more options for customizing and tweaking PUBG Mobile gameplay. Players can tinker with graphics drivers, use mods, or gain root access for maximum control.
On iPhones, such customization and tweaking is locked down by Apple. Jailbreaking iPhones to gain more access is complex and voids warranties.
So, you have more leeway to tailor and enhance your gaming experience on Android devices over iOS.
PUBG Mobile Controller Support
PUBG Mobile has official support for gaming controllers to provide a better gaming experience. Android supports various Bluetooth controllers from Sony, SteelSeries, GameSir, and more.
iOS PUBG only supports Made for iPhone/iPad (MFi) controllers. So, you are limited to a handful of approved controllers from SteelSeries, Gamevice, and Horipad. No DualShocks or Xbox controllers.
Android’s open Bluetooth support gives you more (and cheaper) controller options for serious PUBG Mobile gaming.
Phone Costs
Gaming phones are expensive but provide the best experience. Android has devices dedicated to gaming from brands like Asus, Lenovo, and Xiaomi. The ROG Phone 5s Pro with overclocked processor and 165Hz display is ultimate for PUBG.
Only the top-end Pro Max models are suitable for intensive gaming among iPhones. Considering similarly specced gaming phones, Android flagships are generally $100 to $300 cheaper than iPhones.
For more budget options, Android has capable gaming phones under $500, like the Poco X4 GT and Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus. There are no budget gaming iPhones.
So Android offers a broader range of phones optimized for PUBG at more affordable prices.
Jailbreaking/Rooting
As mentioned, the open Android OS allows root access to change settings, uninstall bloatware, and optimize performance. This level of customization and tweaking can enhance PUBG gameplay.
Apple locks down iPhones, restricting access to system files and settings. You have to risk jailbreaking to gain that control.
So, maximizing and customizing your PUBG experience is more accessible by rooting Android phones. But jailbreaking comes with security risks and voids the iPhone warranty.
Gameplay Capability Over Time
PUBG Mobile is a continuously evolving game with constant updates and more demanding graphics. What runs smoothly today may start lagging after a few months.
Newer and higher-spec phones have the best longevity. But Android flagship processors generally outpace iPhones and remain capable gaming phones for 2 to 3 years.
Comparable iPhones tend to degrade faster and struggle with new PUBG updates over time. After 2 years or so, even High settings start causing frame drops.
So high-end Androids retain smoother PUBG gaming capabilities for longer than iPhones before you need to upgrade.
Conclusion
Let’s summarize the key points:
- Android phones have superior hardware, but iOS is better optimized for gaming.
- iPhones provide a smoother overall experience and consistency. Flagship Androids can match and exceed iPhones.
- iOS has fewer device heating and battery drain issues.
- Android supports more graphic settings and gaming accessories.
- iOS offers less cheating and faster access to updates.
- Android provides more tweaking options and controller support.
- Flagship gaming Androids are cheaper with better longevity than iPhones.
So, which is better for PUBG Mobile? Here are some quick recommendations:
- For Casual Gamers – Get an iPhone for smooth, consistent gameplay out of the box.
- For Serious Gamers – Go for a flagship Android phone for maximum power and customization.
- For Budget Gamers – Pick an upper mid-range Android phone for better performance at a lower cost.
Within Android, some of the best phones optimized for PUBG Mobile include the ROG Phone 6 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, Xiaomi Black Shark 5 Pro, and a list of best Android Phones for PUBG Mobile.
On the Apple side, the latest iPhone 14 Pro Max or iPhone 13 Pro Max are your top high-end options.
Make your choice depending on your priorities – optimization, hardware, accessories, pricing, and other factors discussed above. Android and iOS offer a great experience, but each has pros and cons for PUBG gaming.
