Introduction
I spent two weeks playing games on the iPhone 15 Pro, M2 iPad Pro, and Apple TV 4K. In this review, I will share my experiences with gaming on these Apple devices, including both the good and the bad aspects.https://youtu.be/i_NSBPMwwPk
iPhone 15 Pro Max
My everyday carry is the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which features Apple’s A17 Bionic chip, a game-changer for gaming with its 6-core CPU and 6-core GPU. The device boasts a 6.7-inch display with a resolution of 2796 x 1290 and an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120 Hz. It reaches a maximum brightness of 1000 nits and has a typical contrast ratio of 2,000,000:1.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max delivered excellent graphics performance in games such as Call of Duty Mobile and Mortal Kombat. I never experienced any stuttering or lag, and the intuitive Apple user interface made it easy to download and play games directly from the App Store.
One downside is the use of touchscreen controls, which can be less precise than a physical controller. To improve my gaming experience, I paired the iPhone 15 Pro Max with the BackBone controller. However, be aware of different versions of the controller available, some of which may or may not work with a phone case.
iPad Pro
The 11-inch M2 iPad Pro provides a gaming experience similar to the iPhone 15 Pro Max but with a larger LED display (2388 x 1668 resolution) and adaptive refresh rate of 120 Hz. The iPad Pro comes with 8 GB of RAM (or up to 16 GB on models with 1 TB or 2 TB storage) and storage options up to 1 TB.
While the larger screen enhances the gaming experience, using the touchscreen controls on the iPad Pro can be uncomfortable due to its weight (520 grams). To improve gameplay, I recommend using a controller such as the Sony DualSense wireless controller.
Apple TV 4K
The Apple TV 4K, equipped with an A15 Bionic chip, provides great streaming capabilities but limited gaming potential. The device uses a 6-core CPU and 4-core GPU, but the gaming experience is marred by controller latency and occasional unresponsiveness. There is also a lack of console-quality games, limiting the gaming options on this device.
Conclusion
Gaming on Apple devices has its advantages and disadvantages. The iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPad Pro offer smooth performance and great visuals, but the use of touchscreen controls may not be ideal for some games. Apple TV 4K’s limited gaming options and performance issues may deter serious gamers.
For those considering investing in Apple devices for gaming, the cost of entry can be high, with the iPhone 15 Pro Max priced at $1,200, the iPad Pro at $1,400, and the M2 Mac Mini at $1,300. If you are not already invested in the Apple ecosystem, you may want to explore alternatives like the Steam Deck, Legion Go, or ASUS ROG Ally for a better gaming experience.