The mobile gaming landscape is fiercely competitive, with Xiaomi and Lenovo consistently pushing boundaries. We pit the upcoming Xiaomi Black Shark GS3 Ultra against the Lenovo Legion Y700 (Gen 4), a device powered by the cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Elite, to determine which offers the superior experience for dedicated mobile gamers. While specific details on the GS3 Ultra remain scarce, we'll leverage brand history and market positioning to provide a comprehensive comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average gamer prioritizing raw performance and a proven track record, the Lenovo Legion Y700 (Gen 4) emerges as the winner. Its Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset delivers exceptional processing power, and 68W fast charging ensures minimal downtime. The Black Shark GS3 Ultra, while promising, lacks concrete specifications to challenge this lead.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 3G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 4G bands | N/A | N/A |
| EDGE | No | No |
| GPRS | No | No |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, November 21 | 2025, May 08 |
| Status | Coming soon. Exp. release 2025, December | Available. Released 2025, May |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass), aluminum frame | Glass front, aluminum frame, aluminum back |
| Dimensions | - | 7 mm thickness |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | - | 340 g (11.99 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | - |
| Resolution | 466 x 466 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 1904 x 3040 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~408 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.43 inches | 8.8 inches, 224.8 cm2 |
| Type | AMOLED, 1000 nits | IPS LCD, 68B colors, 165Hz, HDR, 600 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Octa-core (2x4.32 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix L + 6x3.53 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix M) |
| Chipset | - | Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) |
| GPU | - | Adreno 830 |
| OS | - | Android 15 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | - |
| Card slot | No | microSDXC |
| Internal | - | 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM |
| Phonebook | No | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | - | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF |
| Video | - | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | - | 8 MP |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Unspecified | No |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | No |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | No | 1x USB Type-C 2.0 & 1x USB Type-C 3.2 Gen2, DisplayPort 1.4 |
| WLAN | No | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | No | - |
| Java | No | - |
| Messaging | SMS(threaded view), Email, IM | - |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2 | Unspecified |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 68W wired
Bypass charging |
| Type | - | Li-Po 7600 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver | Black, White |
| Models | - | TB322FC, ZAG40002CN |
| Price | - | About 400 EUR |
Xiaomi Black Shark GS3 Ultra
- Potential for advanced cooling system (based on Black Shark history)
- Likely to feature gaming-centric software optimizations
- May include unique gaming accessories
- Lack of confirmed specifications
- Potential for higher price point
Lenovo Legion Y700 (Gen 4)
- Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm) provides exceptional performance
- 68W fast charging with bypass charging
- Compact flagship design
- May not have the most extensive cooling system
- Camera may not be a primary focus
Display Comparison
The Lenovo Legion Y700 (Gen 4) is expected to feature a high-refresh-rate display, likely 144Hz or higher, crucial for smooth gameplay. Given Black Shark’s history, the GS3 Ultra will almost certainly also boast a high refresh rate panel. However, without specific details on panel technology (LTPO vs. standard OLED) or peak brightness, it’s difficult to assess a clear advantage. Black Shark often prioritizes minimal bezels for an immersive experience, a feature the Legion Y700 likely matches. Color accuracy, measured in Delta E, will be a key differentiator, but data is currently unavailable for either device.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is often secondary for gaming phones, but the Lenovo Legion Y700 (Gen 4) likely features a capable main sensor. The Black Shark GS3 Ultra, based on previous models, may prioritize camera features geared towards content creation for streaming or social media. Without specific sensor details for either device, it’s difficult to compare image quality. We anticipate both phones will include standard features like HDR and night mode, but the image processing style will likely differ, with Black Shark potentially favoring more vibrant colors.
Performance
The Lenovo Legion Y700 (Gen 4) is powered by the Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm), featuring an octa-core CPU configuration with 2x4.32 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix L cores and 6x3.53 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix M cores. This 3nm process node offers significant improvements in power efficiency compared to previous generations, reducing thermal throttling during prolonged gaming. The Black Shark GS3 Ultra’s chipset remains unknown, but given its gaming focus, it will likely be a flagship-tier processor. However, matching the Snapdragon 8 Elite’s efficiency and raw power will be a significant challenge. The Legion Y700’s LPDDR5x RAM further enhances performance, providing faster data access for demanding games.
Battery Life
The Lenovo Legion Y700 (Gen 4) supports 68W wired charging, enabling relatively quick top-ups. While the battery capacity remains unspecified, 68W charging is sufficient for a full charge in under an hour. The Black Shark GS3 Ultra’s battery capacity and charging speed are currently unknown. However, Black Shark often incorporates large batteries to support extended gaming sessions. The inclusion of 'bypass charging' on the Legion Y700 is a significant benefit, allowing the phone to be powered directly from the charger while gaming, reducing battery strain and heat generation.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Black Shark GS3 Ultra if you need a phone specifically designed for extended gaming sessions with a focus on cooling and potentially unique gaming accessories, assuming it follows Black Shark’s tradition. Buy the Lenovo Legion Y700 (Gen 4) if you prefer a compact flagship with top-tier performance, a proven chipset in the Snapdragon 8 Elite, and fast charging capabilities, offering a balanced gaming and everyday experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 8 Elite in the Lenovo Legion Y700 (Gen 4) overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 8 Elite's 3nm process node significantly improves thermal efficiency compared to previous generations. While some heat generation is inevitable during prolonged gaming, the Legion Y700 (Gen 4)'s cooling system, combined with the chipset's efficiency, should mitigate throttling and maintain consistent performance.
❓ Does the Lenovo Legion Y700 (Gen 4) support high frame rates (90fps or 120fps) in popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Lenovo Legion Y700 (Gen 4)'s powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and high refresh rate display are well-equipped to handle high frame rates in PUBG Mobile. Achieving 90fps or 120fps will depend on the game's settings and optimization, but the Legion Y700 (Gen 4) provides the hardware necessary to unlock these settings.
❓ What kind of gaming accessories can be expected with the Xiaomi Black Shark GS3 Ultra, based on previous models?
Historically, Black Shark has offered a range of gaming accessories, including external controllers, cooling fans, and shoulder buttons. The GS3 Ultra is likely to continue this trend, potentially introducing new accessories designed to enhance the gaming experience and provide a more console-like feel.
