Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile (WZM) has taken the mobile gaming world by storm with its console-quality graphics and fast-paced battle royale action. However, the game has been plagued by performance issues since its launch, especially on entry-level and mid-range smartphones. To address these concerns, Activision has announced a major update that raises the minimum device requirements for Warzone Mobile, which may leave many players with outdated smartphones unable to continue playing the game.
In this article, we’ll break down the new requirements, what devices will be affected, and what it means for the future of Warzone Mobile on Android and iOS.
Why Are the Minimum Requirements Changing?
Activision has stated that in order to maintain the high standards of performance necessary for upcoming updates and integrations with the larger Call of Duty franchise, the minimum device specifications for Warzone Mobile needed to be raised. The company emphasized that this change would provide a better, more seamless gameplay experience moving forward.
The updated requirements are designed to ensure smoother performance and deliver high-quality visuals, especially as the game continues to evolve with Season 01 and beyond. This also aligns with the game’s expanding ambitions, as Warzone Mobile aims to match the performance of its console and PC counterparts.
What Devices Will Be Affected by the Update?
After the update scheduled for November 14, more than 1,000 smartphones will lose access to Warzone Mobile, primarily due to their outdated graphics processing units (GPUs) and operating systems. If you’re using a device with any of the following GPUs, you might find your access to the game cut off:
Affected GPUs:
- Mali-G76 MC4
- Mali-G52 MC2
- Mali-G76
- Mali-G72
- Mali-G72 MP3
- Mali-G52
- Mali-G71
- Mali-G51
- Adreno (TM) 610
- Adreno (TM) 613
- Adreno (TM) 616
- Adreno (TM) 612
- Adreno (TM) 615
These GPUs are commonly found in mid-range smartphones powered by Qualcomm and MediaTek chips. Devices using these older chips will no longer meet the performance standards required to run Warzone Mobile effectively.
Minimum Operating System Requirements:
- Android 13 or newer
- iOS 17 or newer
If your device doesn’t meet these new standards, you may still be able to play the game until May 5, 2025, as Activision has confirmed that version 3.10 will continue to work on unsupported devices until then. After that date, access to the game will be completely cut off for these devices.
Impact on Performance: Mid-Range Devices and Older Phones
While the new system requirements ensure Warzone Mobile runs optimally, the reality is that even some mid-range Android smartphones that meet the updated specs may still experience performance issues. Mobile gaming on smartphones is constantly evolving, and Warzone Mobile is one of the most graphically intensive games available on mobile platforms today. As such, the game may still struggle to run smoothly on older or less powerful devices, even if they have a supported GPU and operating system.
For players with supported devices, there could still be occasional dips in performance, particularly when playing large-scale battles with 120 players or navigating the dense, high-detail environments in the game. Players looking for the best possible experience will likely need to upgrade to a newly released high-end Android smartphone with superior specs.
Best Devices for Warzone Mobile
For the best performance, Activision recommends using the latest generation of Android smartphones and iPhones. Some of the best options for Warzone Mobile performance include:
- Apple iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max
- Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
- OnePlus 11 5G
- Xiaomi 13 Pro
- Google Pixel 8 Pro
These high-end smartphones come equipped with the latest chipsets and GPUs, providing the processing power and graphical performance needed to run Warzone Mobile at its highest settings.
What Can You Do If Your Device Is Affected?
If your device is one of the many that will lose access to Warzone Mobile, there are a few options to keep playing the game:
- Upgrade Your Smartphone
Consider upgrading to a newer smartphone that meets the revised requirements. This will not only ensure continued access to Warzone Mobile, but it will also provide a better overall gaming experience with improved graphics, faster load times, and smoother gameplay.
- Play on iOS
If you’re using an older Android phone, switching to an iPhone might be a solution, as most modern iPhones running iOS 17 or newer will continue to support the game. The transition to iOS is seamless, and you’ll benefit from consistent updates and performance improvements.
- Stick with Version 3.10
If you’re not ready to upgrade, you can continue to play the current version of Warzone Mobile (version 3.10)on your unsupported device until May 5, 2025. After that date, you’ll no longer be able to play the game on your current device.
Conclusion: The Future of Warzone Mobile on Smartphones
As Warzone Mobile continues to grow and evolve, it’s clear that Activision is committed to providing the best possible gaming experience for players. By raising the minimum device requirements, they ensure that the game can meet the high-performance standards expected from a title in the Call of Duty franchise.
While this change will affect thousands of gamers who own older or mid-range smartphones, it’s also a reminder of how quickly mobile gaming is advancing. The best experience in Warzone Mobile will soon require more than just a decent smartphone—it will require one with the latest technology capable of handling demanding graphics and gameplay.
For those looking to continue their journey in the battle royale, upgrading to a supported device will be key to ensuring you don’t miss out on the action. As always, Warzone Mobile promises to deliver intense, fast-paced gameplay, and now, with improved performance, it’s set to deliver that experience more reliably than ever before.
