Question Galaxy S21 Performance Issue While Playing GTA San Andreas

[jamiesmith11]

Hey folks,

I’ve been enjoying GTA San Andreas on my Samsung Galaxy S21, but lately, I’ve noticed something strange. The game feels laggy during missions, and sometimes the controls don’t respond properly, especially while driving. It’s super frustrating because the phone handles other games like Asphalt 9 without a problem.

I’ve tried tweaking the in-game graphics settings, restarted my phone, and even ensured all updates are installed. Nothing seems to help. Could this be a compatibility issue between the game and the Galaxy S21 or Android 13?

Would love to hear if anyone else has had similar problems or if there are any fixes you’d recommend!

Thanks in advance!

 

[SyCoREAPER]

It's a poorly optimized game. It's impressive for what it is but still not optimized. Doesn't run great on my Tab S8 Ultra which has a very similar SoC, just more RAM which makes no difference. I wouldn't say it's as bad as you describe but a tablet also has larger surface area to discipate heat, so you may be thermal throttling even if it doesn't feel hot (because it means it's doing its job).

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! Also, just to be sure, did you get this phone directly from Samsung or a reputable retailer, or might it have been a bargain at some more questionable site like Aliexpress or Wish?

 

[Madd62]

It's not that San Andreas has a fault, it IS a.. ...

(old man leaving the room now.... )

As small compensation there is mild consensus and basic tips here :

https://eu.community.samsung.com/t5/other-galaxy-s-series/s21-5g-very-bad-performance-in-games/td-p/4475367

Curious if you have the Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100 version. Exynos versions at that time not as good for thermal management etc.

 

[SyCoREAPER]

It's not that San Andreas has a fault, it IS a.. ...

(old man leaving the room now.... )

As small compensation there is mild consensus and basic tips here :

https://eu.community.samsung.com/t5/other-galaxy-s-series/s21-5g-very-bad-performance-in-games/td-p/4475367

Curious if you have the Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100 version. Exynos versions at that time not as good for thermal management etc.

And that's why I am signing off for today, no sleep = assumptions and missing a very important/obvious first question.

Good catch @Madd62