Android is an open-source operating system created by Google. This means that there is no single company who produces Android handsets; rather, there are several companies who use the mobile operating system on certain smartphones, instead of one company and one operating system like you see with Apple iPhone’s. Here is a breakdown of the best Android handsets for mobile casino gameplay:
Samsung Galaxy Note II: With a huge 5.5″ screen, quad-core processor, and Google’s 4.1 Jelly Bean platform, this may be the best device for mobile gambling. Pokies and graphic-intensive games work flawlessly, and this device brings games to life.
Samsung Galaxy S3/S4/S5: The S3 has a large 4.8″ Super AMOLED HD screen that is incredibly sharp, and its successors increased the display’s capabilities in both size (5″ for S4, 5.1+ for S5) and resolution (crystal clear 1080p). Users rave about how fast the phone processes information, which translates into a great experience for mobile casino games.
LG Optimus G: Available exclusively through Telstra in Australia, the LG Optimus G is fast, but owners report poor battery life. It is 4G capable, has a large 4.7″ 1080p HD screen, and runs the 4.1 Jelly Bean processor. It seems to be priced right where it should be – right in the middle.
Sony Xperia Z: Yep, a Sony on the list. With a 5″, 1080p display, the Sony Xperia Z is another great choice for Android fans who want to play real money casino games. Reviews claim a weak speaker system on this device however, so if you like the sounds of a pokie machine, this may not be the best choice.
HTC One: Although the HTC One is one of the cheaper smartphones on this list, it holds it’s own against more expensive devices (for gambling purposes). It has a 4.7″ HD screen, and the text is very crisp. This is great for games like pokies, where the text for betting amounts and game images tend to be very small. This device also uses the 4.1 Jelly Bean processor, like the more expensive Galaxy Note II. Other choices include the HTC One S and One X.
Google Nexus 4: Considering the other Android devices available, we do not recommend the Google Nexus 4. It doesn’t offer 4G capability or expandable memory, two important things that are easily found in other Android devices.
HTC Evo 4G: A beautiful phone with a 4″ colour QHD touch screen and 4G internet capabilities makes this offering from HTC perfect for poker, roulette or slots playing while on the go.
Motorola Droid RAZR: An old favourite resurrected with the Android OS, and AMOLED Advanced touch-screen display and a rear-facing 8.0MP digital camera. This offering from Motorola is perfect for looking stylish while chatting online or playing a few hands of poker on the way home from work.
Samsung Epic 4G: Promoted as more of a mobile HD cinema than an Android smartphone, the Samsung Epic is a budget option with plenty of high-end features. You will enjoy playing craps online with this capable yet affordable Android device.
Android Casino Apps vs Instant Play Games
Some mobile casinos offer apps for different games, but many of them offer instant-play games as well. Instant-play games do not require a download, meaning your Android device won’t be using up memory.
Android casino apps generally more streamlined interfaces all in one application, which better suits regular players who want a dedicated app. Royal Vegas’s official casino app for Android is one such high-quality app we recommend for users. However, Instant Play via your mobile device’s Web browser is an equally competent playing option; in the end, the ‘better’ option depends on the individual player’s preferences.
When trying to decide between the apps or instant-play, consider a few things:
Does my Android have enough available memory?
In general, terms, if you’ve bought your smartphone or tablet within the last couple of years, it should have more than enough memory to download a few casino apps. However, if you already have tons of stuff on your device, you might consider removing things you don’t use (apps, music you no longer listen to etc.) before downloading new apps.
How often do I want to play?
If you’re going to play a lot, you might as well get the app and enjoy having the mobile casino accessible through a tap of an app icon. However, if you just want to play around now & then, you might prefer saving the memory on your Android and go with the instant-play games via your Web browser.
Am I going to play for real money?
Both methods are recommended for real money play, as there’s no true advantage over one or the other. Both are also safe and secure thanks to the casino’s top digital encryption technology governing their games and the data connections.
Top Real Money Android Casino Games
In general terms, games that lend themselves to the shape & size of a smartphone or tablet will be a good Android game. For example, poker machines in live casinos are rectangular, just like any Android device. The same can be said for online keno, bingo, scratchies and roulette. Roulette has a wheel, but the table itself is rectangular. So, games like these tend to look nicer on a mobile device than something like craps. Although a craps table is rectangular, craps have so many betting options that it’s more difficult for designers to fit this game to a mobile screen.
