Most third-party game booster apps close background apps and clear cache, the same thing your phone does when you swipe away recents. Built-in gaming modes from Samsung, OnePlus and other brands do more because they hook into the OS scheduler. Try those first, lower in-game graphics settings second, and only then reach for a booster app.
- Built-in gaming modes on Samsung, OnePlus, Realme, ASUS and iQOO phones are the real performance boost
- Razer Cortex is the most trustworthy third-party launcher with a Gaming Mode toggle
- GFX optimizers like PGT only help specific games and may violate their terms of service
Many Play Store booster apps are adware that request broad permissions. Several popular picks from 2020 to 2023 (Photo Tools Lab Game Booster, PerforMAX, Panda Game Booster, Game Accelerator and fake Clean Master clones) are now delisted. Avoid sideloading old APKs.
Built-in gaming modes (try these first)
Samsung Game Booster
Game Launcher on Galaxy phones blocks notifications, limits background apps and shows FPS overlays. One swipe from the Edge panel during gameplay. No third-party install needed.
OnePlus Fnatic Mode
Gaming Mode restricts background processes, enables advanced DND and prioritizes your primary SIM for lower latency. Fnatic Mode adds per-game network and notification controls on supported OnePlus models.
Realme Game Space
Collects installed games in one hub with auto-DND, brightness lock and RAM allocation tweaks. Available on most Realme and some OPPO phones with ColorOS.
ASUS Game Genie
ROG and Zenfone devices get per-game CPU and GPU clock controls, call blocking and touch sensitivity tuning through Game Genie. The deepest hardware-level options on this list.
iQOO Ultra Game Mode
Vivo iQOO phones offer per-game color enhancement, notification blocking and shoulder-button mapping. Pairs with the brand's high-refresh displays for competitive titles.
Third-party apps still on Play Store
Razer Cortex Games
The most reputable option left. Launches your game library, toggles a Gaming Mode that limits distractions, and optionally earns Razer Silver rewards. Game Booster hardware features are limited to Razer Phone models; everyone else gets the software mode.
PGT: GFX and Optimizer
Adjusts resolution, shadows and FPS caps for supported PUBG Mobile builds. The free version is enough to test compatibility; Pro unlocks higher FPS presets. Only works with games PGT explicitly supports, and modifying game files may trigger anti-cheat warnings.
Game Booster 4x Faster Pro
Combines one-tap RAM clearing with a GFX panel for resolution and render distance tweaks. Includes an on-screen HUD for temperature and memory. Less polished than Razer Cortex but still maintained on Play Store.
What game boosters actually do
A booster app kills background processes to free RAM and CPU time. That can smooth a stuttery session if your phone was hoarding apps, but it cannot add frames your chipset cannot render. If PUBG or Genshin still lags after boosting, drop graphics to Medium or Low in the game settings.
Phones with 8 GB or more RAM rarely benefit. Phones with 3 to 4 GB on a heavy game might see a short improvement right after a boost, but the effect fades once apps reload.
For more gaming on Android, see our best free Android games roundup and play PC games on mobile guide for cloud streaming alternatives that skip local hardware limits.
Do game booster apps really increase FPS?
Are game booster apps safe?
Should I use a booster or built-in gaming mode?
Does PGT work with all games?
What should I try before installing a booster?
Amit loves new tech and apps that make life easier, he writes about apps, games and useful websites on TheTechBasket.
