When comparing Sminiker Gamepad vs SteelSeries Free, the Slant community recommends SteelSeries Free for most people. In the question“What are the best third-party game controllers for Android?” SteelSeries Free is ranked 9th while Sminiker Gamepad is ranked 11th. The most important reason people chose SteelSeries Free is:
The SteelSeries Free has a built in rechargeable battery that is charged through a USB cable. This makes it more convenient than a AA or AAA battery powered controller, as you won't have to worry about always having extra batteries on hand. Also, a rechargeable battery is cheaper in the long run.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Holds your phone for you
There is a detachable phone holder which can be mounted to the controller. When on the go, it can be hard to find a place to prop your phone up, which makes a phone holder like this very useful.
Pro Comfortable for long gaming sessions
The controller is full sized, which means that your hands aren't cramped trying to hold onto a miniature controller.
Pro Stores 4 device's info for easy switching
The Sminiker Gamepad can hold onto 4 device's pairing status and switch between them with the click of a button. Most controllers need to be un-paired, and then re-paired each time you switch devices. This helps make the Gamepad more attractive if you have both a phone and a tablet, or wish to share your controller with your kids/friends, or anyone else.
Pro Built in rechargeable battery
The SteelSeries Free has a built in rechargeable battery that is charged through a USB cable. This makes it more convenient than a AA or AAA battery powered controller, as you won't have to worry about always having extra batteries on hand. Also, a rechargeable battery is cheaper in the long run.
Pro Small and portable
The SteelSeries Free is pretty small and only weighs 1.91 ounces, meaning it is very pocketable and easy to carry around.
Pro 3rd party app support
Luckily there is a third party app that allows for customization of the inputs on this device. It is called Game Controller 2 Touch and has full support for the SteelSeries Free.
Pro First party app available
SteelSeries provides a free app on the Google Play Store to set up ones device.
Cons
Con Only works with Android
Many of the other controllers can work with either Windows, iOS, or both...however the Sminiker Gamepad only works with Android phones.
Con Cheap components
The build quality of the Sminiker isn't great, and the included charging USB cable is short and can break easily based on numerous reviews.
Con Only two shoulder buttons
Many ports and games utilize four shoulder buttons, meaning some games will not work with this controller.
Con First party app is useless
Apparently the SteelSeries Engine app does not work as advertised and is pretty much useless.
Con The tiny size makes your hands feel cramped after a while
While it's very portable, your hands are going to be squished after playing on it for a few hours.