Sniper Elite 4 Shines as a Tiny Marvel on the iPhone 16 Pro

I\’ve often come across the phrase \’console-quality graphics\’ being used frequently regarding first-person shooter or action-adventure mobile games. However, very few have actually lived up to this standard of visual excellence, particularly when considering the previous generation of gaming consoles—until recently though, things seem to be changing.

With the
iPhone 15 Pro
Apple’s A17 Pro chipset introduced the capability to play genuine console games directly.
Death Stranding
, despite some minor performance hitches and lower resolution. However, we\’re still looking at a genuine AAA, full-featured console game running on a compact device small enough to fit in your pocket.

The
iPhone 16 Pro
Then took the gameplay up a notch – literally – with the A18 Pro chip, promising an enhancement in gaming performance.

Taking aim

I recently got an opportunity to test out the iOS version of
Sniper Elite 4
on such an integrated circuit with my own hands
iPhone 16 Pro Max
.

If you aren’t already acquainted, the
Sniper Elite
The games are third-person tactical shooter titles set during World War II. In these games, players must eliminate their targets through stealth tactics and long-range attacks across expansive open-world environments. These games gained recognition for their graphic kill sequences, which feature detailed slow-motion depictions of bullets\’ trajectories as they pierce into Nazi soldiers’ bodies. Viewers can see an x-ray view showcasing the violent impact, including shattered bones, torn tissues, and entrails, all rendered vividly.

Released way back in 2017 for the
PlayStation 4
,
Xbox One
and PC,
Sniper Elite 4
wasn’t exactly cutting-edge but it was still a great-looking game. I played it a few years ago on an
Xbox One X
After it was improved for that upgraded console, I really enjoyed myself, particularly when playing cooperatively with a buddy.

Coming back all these years later, I was curious how it would hold up on a modern smartphone.

Going in, I’ll be honest and admit my hopes weren’t too high… though they weren’t exactly low either given the performance that Apple claims its in-house chip can achieve – especially when we’re talking about running a somewhat old game rather than the likes of
Cyberpunk 2077
.

And so with the help of a
Backbone One Gen 2
Using the mobile controller, I plunged right in.
Sniper Elite 4
.

Sniper level treatment, yet not exactly top-tier.

Right away—I mean, should it be \”rifle butt\” instead?—I\’m impressed with how well the game appears on iOS; sunlight filters through the fluffy clouds convincingly, structures boast adequate detail, and the lifelike character models far surpass the simplistic, low-polygon plastic soldiers I anticipated. Still, it isn’t perfect; for instance, certain vegetation seems somewhat two-dimensional, and operating at a 720p resolution reveals plenty of jagged lines.

Additionally, there are several limitations. Primarily, the frame rate tops out at approximately 30 frames per second — this may seem acceptable theoretically, but within a game that values seamless precision, it falls short of being optimal. Coupled with occasional drops in performance, the gameplay can become somewhat unstable during intense moments.

The second problem lies with the integrated touchscreen controls, which demand quite a lot from a relatively small 6.7-inch screen. Perhaps those skilled at
Call of Duty: Warzone for Mobile
will have a different experience, but my recommendation would be to play with one of the
best mobile controllers
instead.

Nevertheless, the overall experience left an impression on me. It feels akin to playing something on my own.
Steam Deck
; the game still appears quite appealing, even with noticeable trade-offs in details and clarity. Therefore, I wouldn’t mind dedicating a significant amount of time to it.
Sniper Elite 4
To kill time during a dull trip or while basking in the sunlight.

It holds additional promise in another aspect as well: iOS might turn into the hub for genuine console-level gaming on mobile devices. When the presently speculated yet virtually certain
iPhone 17
When it comes around, I anticipate Apple will fit it with an upgraded and enhanced processor.

AI performance is expected to take center stage due to its present advancements.
Apple Intelligence
Push, I\’m also looking forward to seeing a generational increase in gaming capabilities as well.

Should this occur, it might pave the way for increasingly challenging console games to be ported to iOS.

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