Old but Still Gold: 3 older flagships that are still amazing for gaming Part II

Previously, we listed our picks for the Old But Still Gold: 5 older flagships that are still amazing for gaming Part I. As you can expect, one list is not enough. So, this part 2 should give you a better idea of what you should be looking for, especially if you're looking for a gaming flagship that is just a year or so older.

That said, you can expect the price range to be significantly higher than before from RM3300 to RM4300. But they're somewhat easier to find than the previous gaming devices. So, without further ado, these are our Old but Still Gold: 3 older flagships that are still amazing for gaming Part II choices for your gaming needs.

ASUS ROG Phone 7 - Still packed with gaming features

The ASUS ROG Phone 7 continues ASUS's legacy of top-tier gaming phones, making it a solid choice for Malaysian gamers. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, this phone delivers smooth, lag-free performance even during intensive gaming sessions. It features a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 165Hz refresh rate and a 720Hz touch sampling rate, ensuring fluid visuals and responsive controls.

Furthermore, the 6000mAh battery supports 65W fast charging, offering extended gaming sessions without frequent charging. ASUS's AirTrigger system and GameFX audio add to its immersive gaming experience. Plus, key features like its RGB lighting, customisable side-mounted charging port, and enhanced cooling system make it a gaming powerhouse. The included AeroActive Cooler accessory can further reduce temperature during long gaming marathons.

Photography-wise, the ROG Phone 7 features a 50MP triple-camera setup. In Malaysia, the ROG Phone 7 is priced at approximately RM4299 for the base model, making it a premium choice for those who prioritise performance. If you are interested in the Ultimate variant, you can read more from our review here.

Tech Specs

• Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC
• 6.78-inch AMOLED display with 165Hz refresh rate
• 16GB LPDDR5X RAM
• 6000mAh battery with 65W fast charging
• AirTrigger system and GameFX audio
• RGB lighting and customisable side-mounted charging port
• AeroActive Cooler accessory
• 50MP triple-camera setup

Nubia RedMagic 9 Pro - The next Borderless Gamer's device 

The Nubia Redmagic 9 Pro sets itself apart with its hardcore gaming design and high-performance specs, making it a top pick for mobile gamers in Malaysia. Featuring a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and up to 18GB of RAM, it delivers seamless performance, even during high-demand games. The 6.8-inch AMOLED borderless display with a 165Hz refresh rate and 960Hz touch sampling rate ensures that visuals are crisp and input lag is minimal, providing a competitive edge in fast-paced games. Its 5000mAh battery supports 135W fast charging, ensuring long gaming sessions without compromise.

Redmagic's active cooling system, complete with a built-in fan, helps keep the phone running cool during marathon gaming sessions. The phone also includes capacitive shoulder triggers, customisable RGB lighting, and a stereo speaker to improve your gaming experience. In Malaysia, the Nubia Redmagic 9 Pro is priced around RM3799, making it an excellent choice for gamers who want a device built specifically for gaming.

Key features

• Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC
• 6.8-inch AMOLED display with 165Hz refresh rate
• Up to 18GB RAM
• 5000mAh battery with 135W fast charging
• Built-in active cooling system with fan
• Capacitive shoulder triggers
• Customisable RGB lighting
• 50MP primary camera

iQOO 12 - The latest gaming Value Buster

The iQOO 12 is a high-performance phone with features that cater to gaming and daily use. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, it offers top-tier performance, especially when paired with 12GB of RAM. The 6.78-inch E6 AMOLED display boasts a 144Hz refresh rate, providing smooth, fluid visuals for an immersive gaming experience. The 5000mAh battery supports 120W FlashCharge, giving you a quick boost in just 20 minutes. That makes it ideal for on-the-go gaming.

The iQOO 12 also incorporates dual pressure-sensitive shoulder buttons, enhancing its gaming capabilities by offering additional control. This phone balances gaming power with great photography, featuring a 50MP main camera. Priced at around RM3399 in Malaysia, the iQOO 12 offers a premium experience without breaking the bank. If you need more details, you can check an article about it here.

Key Features

• Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC
• 6.78-inch E6 AMOLED display with 144Hz refresh rate
• 16GB RAM & 512GB storage
• 5000mAh battery with 120W FlashCharge
• Dual pressure-sensitive shoulder buttons
• 50MP main camera

Conclusion - Surprisingly, the most affordable one

In conclusion, these phones each bring something unique to the table, making them excellent choices for gaming in Malaysia. Whether you prioritise raw power, immersive displays, or advanced gaming features, all of them offer outstanding performance in their own right.

However, if we had to pick the best overall gaming phone, the iQOO 12 stands out the most. The only phone in this list to feature a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, it offers value-busting features like a 144Hz AMOLED display, 120W FlashCharge, and gaming-centric features like pressure-sensitive shoulder buttons.

As you can see, there are fewer gaming-centric flagship phones every year. However, they may be making a comeback in the midrange. For now, what are your thoughts on this article? Have better suggestions? Share your thoughts and views in the comments below and stay tuned for more news, reviews and articles like this at TechNave!