[Graphics] What is the iPhone's graphical limit on games?

[nouveau-apple]

It has been my dream to have next generation console level graphics with unspeakable fidelity on mobile games with the retina display.

But some games just aren't there yet. I don't remember seeing anything I was truly blown away by.

But theoretically, what is the maximum the phone can do? What if someone tried to push the graphics to its literal limit? What would they need to do??

 

[bchreng]

I'd say it's pretty close when it comes to 2D graphics. Check out Angry Birds Epic and Angry Birds Stella Pop for some real nice, sharp (hand drawn?) visuals. For 3D graphics, check out Angry Birds Transformers, SimCity, Spirit Lords, Stormblades or pretty much any racing game. The graphics are nicely detailed and run really smoothly on the iPhone 6.

 

[nickchallis92]

To be fair, the low screen resolution on the iPhone 6 means all games will run well

 

[lakaiordie]

check out the new mortal kombat game, it looks awesome.

 

[hovscorpion12]

Mortal Kombat X on the iPhone 6 Plus is amazing. It is the exact game that you would find on either the PS4 or Xbox One.

 

[Jimmy James]

Unspeakable fidelity. Just don't talk about it.

 

[cynics]

It has been my dream to have next generation console level graphics with unspeakable fidelity on mobile games with the retina display.

But some games just aren't there yet. I don't remember seeing anything I was truly blown away by.

But theoretically, what is the maximum the phone can do? What if someone tried to push the graphics to its literal limit? What would they need to do??

The problem you'll find with mobile games especially on iOS is the game needs to work on a variety of older devices. While a dev could program for multiple devices that adds a tremendous level of difficulty and time.

Its a double edge sword for the end user. It means newer games will likely work on their older devices while at the same time it means that those same games aren't going to using the full potential of newer devices.

And of course like all systems of gaming, the limits are rarely reached because programmers are constantly getting better at optimization. This is why years after a console is produced a game will come out that sets a bar in graphic detail, quality and how fluid it runs. Launch games rarely accomplish this and in the mobile world the hardware is progressing/updating very quickly.

I do a bit of retro gaming so I watch these guys on Youtube. Now the systems are older but you can see what I'm talking about when it basically just comes down to how the good the developer is and the time they are willing to spend optimizing the game for the platform.

https://youtu.be/F4oxszRCXgw

https://youtu.be/GCpoiwhiNno

 

[UltraInstinct]

Hearthstone looks good on iPhone/iPad.

 

[yjchua95]

It has been my dream to have next generation console level graphics with unspeakable fidelity on mobile games with the retina display.

But some games just aren't there yet. I don't remember seeing anything I was truly blown away by.

But theoretically, what is the maximum the phone can do? What if someone tried to push the graphics to its literal limit? What would they need to do??

Well you could try to load Epic Zen Garden on it and see the capabilities with the Metal API.

Another one is Infinity Blade III. Modern Combat too.

You could also try looking for OpenGL ES 3.0 games, but for that, you're going to have to Google them. Same applies for games with the Unity 5 engine.

 

[Jimmy James]

Epic stutters on my 6

 

[iOS909]

Check out the recently released game, Lost Within, as well as the two Halo titles available. They don't push the chips as hard as they can go, but the visuals are pretty high up there in regards to the best looking titles.

 

[Russiaone]

Mortal Kombat X on the iPhone 6 Plus is amazing. It is the exact game that you would find on either the PS4 or Xbox One.

^hasn't played Mortal Kombat X on PS4 or Xbox One

 

[Michael Goff]

Will we be getting next gen graphics on the iPhone any time soon? Probably not, but w can get last gen level graphics right now.