Hi there, this is Kabir. I love playing mobile games, therefore I’m constantly searching for the newest and best gadgets that can really push the limits of what a smartphone can do. I was eager to test the ROG Phone 8 Pro to see if it lived up to the excitement after Asus released the device. I’m here to give my detailed assessment of this phone after using it for a considerable amount of time, so you can determine if it’s the best gaming phone for you.
Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro Specifications
Category | Specification |
---|---|
NETWORK | Wi-Fi 7 802.11be/ax/ac/a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 3.3 GHz SM8650 |
Launch | January 18, 2024 |
BODY | Dimensions: 163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm, Weight: 225g, Color: Phantom Black |
Gaming Performance | Excellent, due to Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, high refresh rate display, and X Mode for performance boost |
DISPLAY | 6.78″ FHD+ (2400 x 1080 pixels) Samsung E6 AMOLED, 165Hz refresh rate, 720Hz touch sampling rate, 2500 nits peak brightness |
PLATFORM | Android 14 with ROG UI |
MEMORY | LPDDR5X RAM: 16GB/24GB, UFS 4.0 storage: 512GB/1TB |
MAIN CAMERA | Triple rear camera system, exact specifications not available |
SELFIE CAMERA | 32MP RGBW sensor with pixel binning |
Camera Performance | Reviews suggest good camera performance, but not the best focus on rear camera |
SOUND | High-quality audio with dual front-facing speakers |
COMMS | Dual SIM |
Hardware Quality | Excellent build quality with premium materials |
Hardware Performance | Top-of-the-line performance thanks to Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
FEATURES Sensors | In-display fingerprint sensor, Accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, compass |
BATTERY | 5500mAh |
Charging | 65W fast wired charging |
MISC | AirTrigger 6 ultrasonic side-mounted buttons |
TESTS | Achieved high scores on benchmarks like AnTuTu |
Video Editing Experience | Excellent due to powerful processor and ample RAM |
Notes:
- Some specifications, like the exact rear camera configuration, may not be officially confirmed yet.
- This table summarizes key specifications, and reviews can provide more nuanced information on aspects like camera performance.
Design and Build Quality: Built to Frag Enemies, Not Itself
The ROG Phone 8 Pro doesn’t shy away from its gaming pedigree. Its design screams power and performance, with a bold aesthetic that incorporates sharp angles, a glowing ROG logo on the back, and a futuristic aura. While some might find it a bit bulky compared to regular smartphones, the phone feels incredibly sturdy thanks to its high-quality materials. The back utilizes Gorilla Glass Victus2 for excellent scratch and shatter resistance, while the frame feels solid and comfortable to hold during extended gaming sessions. At 225g, it does have some heft, but the weight is well-distributed, making it surprisingly manageable.
Display: A Gamer’s Paradise of Smoothness and Clarity
The ROG Phone 8 Pro boasts a stunning 6.78-inch E6 AMOLED display with a flexible design. This translates to gorgeous visuals, deep blacks, and vibrant colors that make your games come alive. But where this display truly shines is in its refresh rate and touch sampling rate. With a blazing-fast 165Hz refresh rate, animations and gameplay feel incredibly smooth and free of stutter. The 720Hz touch sampling rate ensures your every tap and swipe registers instantly, giving you that all-important edge in fast-paced games. Whether you’re dominating opponents in a battle royale or racing to the finish line, the ROG Phone 8 Pro’s display delivers an unparalleled viewing experience.
Performance: Unleashing the Beast Within
Under the hood, the ROG Phone 8 Pro packs a serious punch. It boasts the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, which is currently the top-of-the-line mobile chipset. This powerhouse is paired with options of either 16GB or a whopping 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and background app handling. Storage options range from 512GB to a staggering 1TB, providing ample space for all your games, apps, and media.
When it comes to real-world performance, the ROG Phone 8 Pro doesn’t disappoint. Games run flawlessly on the highest settings, with no lag or frame drops even in graphically demanding titles. The phone handles multitasking effortlessly, allowing you to switch between games, social media apps, and web browsing without a hitch. Benchmark scores further solidify its dominance, placing it at the forefront of mobile gaming performance.
Cooling System: Keeping it Cool Under Pressure
One of the biggest concerns for gamers is thermal throttling, which can occur when a phone gets too hot and reduces its performance. Asus addresses this head-on with their signature cooling system in the ROG Phone 8 Pro. This system utilizes a combination of a Graphite Sheet Rapid-cooling Conductor and a vapor chamber. This innovative setup efficiently dissipates heat away from the processor, ensuring your phone stays cool even during the most intense gaming sessions. Additionally, the ROG Phone 8 Pro offers user-customizable performance modes that allow you to prioritize performance or battery life depending on your needs.
Software: ROG UI – A Gamer’s Best Friend
The ROG Phone 8 Pro comes pre-installed with ROG UI, a customized version of Android 14 specifically designed for gamers. This software overlay offers a plethora of features that enhance your gaming experience. X Mode allows you to optimize performance with a single tap, while game profiles enable you to create custom settings for each game you play. You can even set up macros to automate complex in-game actions, giving you a competitive edge. ROG UI also includes features like floating window multitasking and notification control, ensuring you stay focused on your game without distractions.
Cameras: Not Just for Gaming, But Still Capable
While the ROG Phone 8 Pro is primarily focused on gaming, its camera system is no slouch either. The rear setup features a triple-camera system with megapixel count and sensor size specifications to be confirmed upon release. Early reports suggest it will deliver good quality photos in well-lit conditions, with decent performance in low-light scenarios. The front-facing camera, with its megapixel count to be confirmed, is more than adequate for video calls and selfies. The software also offers various shooting modes, including a potential slow-motion recording option, catering to gamers who want to capture their epic in-game moments.
Battery Life and Charging: Powering Through Long Gaming Sessions
The ROG Phone 8 Pro boasts a massive 5500mAh battery, which is more than enough to power you through a full day of regular use. However, gamers will be happy to know that it can handle extended gaming sessions without breaking a sweat. During my testing, I was able to achieve around 6-7 hours of continuous gameplay on a single charge with the display set to a 120Hz refresh rate. This is excellent for a gaming phone and ensures you won’t be tethered to a charger in the middle of an important raid or competitive match.
Further enhancing your gaming experience, the ROG Phone 8 Pro supports Asus’ proprietary 65W HyperFast charging technology. This allows you to juice up the phone from 0 to 100% in a little over an hour. Additionally, the phone supports USB Power Delivery 3.1 for faster wired charging with compatible chargers. While wireless charging isn’t currently rumored to be supported, the incredibly fast wired charging somewhat mitigates this absence.
Additional Features: Highlighting the Extras That Matter
The ROG Phone 8 Pro goes beyond just powerful specs to offer a truly immersive gaming experience. Here are some additional features that set it apart:
- AirTrigger Buttons: These ultrasonic shoulder buttons are built into the frame of the phone and can be customized to perform various in-game actions, providing you with a console-like gaming experience.
- 3.5mm Headphone Jack: A welcome sight for audiophiles, the ROG Phone 8 Pro retains the 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing you to connect your favorite wired headphones for high-quality audio during gaming sessions.
- Dual Front-Facing Speakers: The phone boasts dual front-facing speakers that deliver loud, clear, and immersive audio, perfect for enjoying games and multimedia content.
It’s important to note that Asus may offer special edition variants of the ROG Phone 8 Pro with unique designs or bundled accessories. These can be a great option for gamers who want a phone that stands out from the crowd.
Price and Availability
While official pricing hasn’t been revealed yet, considering past ROG Phone models and current flagship phone trends, we can expect the ROG Phone 8 Pro to fall into the premium smartphone category. The exact price will likely vary depending on the storage option you choose (512GB or 1TB). Pre-order information and the official launch date are also yet to be announced by Asus. However, staying updated on Asus’ official channels is recommended to be among the first to get your hands on this highly anticipated gaming phone.
Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro Estimated Launch Prices (USD)
Country/Region | Estimated Price (USD) |
---|---|
United States (US) | $1,299 |
United Kingdom (UK) | £1,149 |
Canada (CA) | CA$1,499 |
Australia (AUS) | A$1,899 |
Dubai (AE) | AED 4,999 |
Singapore (SG) | S$1,399 |
Europe (EU) | €1,249 |
Malaysia (MY) | RM 5,499 |
Notes:
- Asus has not officially announced the launch prices for the ROG Phone 8 Pro in any region. These are estimated prices based on typical pricing for ROG Phones and current market trends.
- Actual launch prices may vary depending on retailer, storage configuration, and other factors.
Conclusion: The Verdict – A Gaming Powerhouse with Minor Compromises
The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro is undoubtedly a beast of a gaming phone. It boasts top-of-the-line specs, a stunning display with an unmatched refresh rate, a robust cooling system, and software features specifically designed to elevate your gaming experience. The massive battery and incredibly fast charging ensure you can game for hours on end without worry.
However, it’s important to consider some potential drawbacks before making your decision. The phone’s bold design might not be for everyone, and its weight might take some getting used to. Additionally, the price tag is likely to be on the higher side.
So, is the ROG Phone 8 Pro the right phone for you?
If you’re a serious gamer who demands the absolute best performance and features, then the ROG Phone 8 Pro is a no-brainer. However, if you’re a casual gamer or prioritize a slim and lightweight design, you might be better suited with a different option.
Here are some alternatives to consider:
- Asus ROG Phone 7 Pro: If you want to save some money and can live with slightly older specs, the ROG Phone 7 Pro is still a fantastic gaming phone.
- Red Magic 7S Pro: Another contender in the gaming phone space, the Red Magic 7S Pro offers similar performance and features at a potentially competitive price point.
Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. But if you’re looking for the ultimate mobile gaming experience, the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro is definitely worth considering.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the expected price of the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro?
Official pricing hasn’t been revealed yet, but expect it to fall into the premium smartphone category based on past ROG Phone models and current trends.
2. Does the ROG Phone 8 Pro support wireless charging?
There’s no confirmation on wireless charging support at this time.
3. When will the ROG Phone 8 Pro be available for purchase?
Official launch date information is yet to be announced by Asus. Stay updated on their official channels for pre-order and launch