Multisample anti-aliasing (MSAA) is a technique used in computer graphics to improve image quality. The “Force 4x MSAA” setting in the Developer options forces the Android system on your device to use 4x multisample anti-aliasing in OpenGL ES 2.0 games and certain other apps to make the quality of the visual experience in these games and apps smoother. However, If the graphics processing unit (GPU) in your Android device is not high-end enough, you might encounter problems with this setting on. That’s why it’s off by default. NOTE: Turning on the “Force 4x MSAA” setting tends to drain your battery faster, depending on your phone or tablet. You can try out the setting and see how your device behaves and what kind of battery life you get with the setting on. You can always turn it off again if need be. Open the Settings app, if it’s not already open, by swiping down from the top of the screen once (or twice, depending on the brand of device you’re using) and tapping the Settings (gear) icon.
To improve the image quality on your Android device, the Developer options have to be available. Scroll to the bottom of the list in the left pane of the Settings app. If you don’t see the Developer options item, either before or after the About device item (depending on the brand of your device), you need to enable them. Once that’s done, return to the main Settings screen, scroll to the bottom, and tap “Developer options“.
Make sure the Developer options are on. If not, tap the slider button to turn them on.
To turn on 4x MSAA in OpenGL ES 2.0 apps, tap the slider button to the right of the “Turn on 4x MSAA” option in the Developer options. You may have to reboot your device to have this option take effect, so if you don’t notice a change right away, try rebooting your device. Once you enable the 4x MSAA option (and reboot, if needed), your device will render games at the highest possible quality and your high-end, 3D games and apps on your Android device will now look even better.
If you want to try some games with beautiful graphics rendering that can be even further enhanced by turning on the 4x MSAA setting in the Developer options, we have a few suggestions for you.
Asphalt 8: Airborne (Free)
This is a really popular mobile racing game with beautifully rendered 3D tracks, great looking cars, and special effects. The game has a lot of great features, including a campaign mode with over 300 events to race, an online multiplayer mode, and there is even a comprehensive damage system so you feel like you’re managing an actual car. Asphalt 8: Airborne is free but you can purchase virtual items within the app.
Riptide GP2 ($1.99)
This is a wave-runner racing game that delivers a visually stunning experience. It features rocket-powered hydro jets racing around futuristic tracks across a dynamic and interactive water surface. The game has been out for a couple of years, but it’s still an awesome game with improved graphics, and other cool features like online multi-player races, upgradeable hydro jets and riders, improved graphics, an all-new career mode, and a whole new stunt system with dozens of new tricks.
The Room Three ($3.99)
This is a puzzle game set in a beautiful world with intuitive touch controls and a natural tactile experience. The plot of the game involves you being lured to a remote island where you must find unique objects and the clues used to unlock their secrets. This version adds alternative endings and a new eyepiece that allows you to explore the world in miniature.
What high-end games do you play on your Android device? Did you notice a difference when you turned on the 4x MSAA setting? Let us know in the comments.
