In terms of gaming, where do modern phones stand performance-wise?

[ChorniyVolk]

I'm reading things about them being able to match PS2/Xbox level performance with the latest stuff, which I find incredible (and somewhat unbelievable) considering their size. I mean, a PSP is sub-PS2 performance-wise last time I checked and it's bigger then most modern phones, not to mention it only has a single purpose whereas a phone has to be packed with other extras, lest it stop being a phone.

So where do they stand? Now anandtech is saying in the next 3-5 years that phones can match the 360's power and such? That's crazy!

 

[zerocool84]

No cellphone can match the power of a PS2 yet. Epic made a version of the Unreal 3 Engine run on the iPhone but of course it looks nothing like it does on Xbox/PC. PSP games look much better than the demo of Unreal on the iPhone as it should as it's a dedicated gaming machine. It's 4 years old but still hold it's on in the portable market. I'm sure with the next big release of the iPhone/Pre and not just a refresh will put a much better graphics chip in them. The iPhone and the Pre are very similar in power now and should be able to put out some awesome looking games in their next itinerations.

 

[gorcorps]

graphics wise IMO the iphone is in between a DS and PSP from what I've seen

It's fairly impressive for a phone, but pure touch controls hold it back from being anywhere near enjoyable with most game types.

 

[hanoverphist]

psp has more than just one purpose. you check emails, browse the net, store/ view pics, a mp3 player along with other things. it plays games very well also.

 

[Munky]

No phone is even close to matching a PS2, nevermind a PS3 or xbox360. I'd say wait at least another 8-10 years to have a portable device match the xbox360.