LAUNCH | Announced | 2024, January 08 |
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Status | Coming soon. Exp. release 2024, January 31 |
BODY | Dimensions | 163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm (6.45 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) |
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Weight | 225 g (7.94 oz) | |
Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass), aluminum frame | |
SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) | |
IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) Illuminated RGB logo (on the back) Pressure sensitive zones (Gaming triggers) |
DISPLAY | Type | LTPO AMOLED, 1B colors, 165Hz, HDR10, 1600 nits (HBM), 2500 nits (peak) |
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Size | 6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~88.2% screen-to-body ratio) | |
Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~388 ppi density) | |
Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | |
Always-On display |
PLATFORM | OS | Android 14 |
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Chipset | Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | |
CPU | Octa-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 5x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520) | |
GPU | Adreno 750 |
MEMORY | Card slot | No |
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Internal | 256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM | |
UFS 4.0 NTFS support for external storage |
MAIN CAMERA | Triple | - International model - 50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, gimbal OIS 32 MP, f/2.4, (telephoto), 1/3.2", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 13 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide) - SEA/India model - 50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, gimbal OIS 13 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide) 5 MP, f/2.4, (macro) |
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Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | |
Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 720p@480fps; gyro-EIS, HDR10+ |
SELFIE CAMERA | Single | 32 MP, f/2.5, 22mm (wide), 1/3.2", 0.7µm |
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Features | Panorama, HDR | |
Video | 1080p@30fps |
SOUND | Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers |
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3.5mm jack | Yes | |
32-bit/384kHz Hi-Res & Hi-Res wireless audio |
COMMS | WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
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Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless | |
Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5), GLONASS | |
NFC | Yes | |
Radio | No | |
USB | USB Type-C (side), DisplayPort 1.4; USB Type-C (bottom), OTG |
FEATURES | Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
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BATTERY | Type | 5500 mAh, non-removable |
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Charging | 65W wired, PD3.0, PPS, QC5, 100% in 39 min - International 30W wired, PD3.0, PPS - India 15W wireless (Qi) 10W reverse wired |
MISC | Colors | Phantom Black, Rebel Grey |
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Models | AI2401 |
The Asus ROG Phone series has carved its niche as the go-to choice for mobile gamers. With each iteration, it pushes the boundaries of performance and introduces innovative features. The ROG Phone 8 Pro marks a significant shift, embracing a sleeker design while retaining its gaming prowess. Is it a successful evolution, or a compromise too far? Let's dive in.
Design: From Chunky Beast to Sleek Contender
Gone are the chunky, angular designs of previous ROG Phones. The ROG Phone 8 Pro opts for a more mainstream look, with slim bezels, a flat display, and a matte finish. It feels surprisingly comfortable to hold, a major departure from the brick-like experience of its predecessors. However, some may miss the aggressive gamer aesthetic.
Display: Smooth Sailing at 165Hz
The 6.78-inch AMOLED display boasts a buttery-smooth 165Hz refresh rate, delivering exceptional responsiveness in fast-paced games. Colors are vibrant and accurate, and the HDR support enhances visuals. The under-display selfie camera is unobtrusive, although some might prefer a traditional solution.
Performance: A Monster Untamed
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset paired with 12GB or 16GB of RAM is an absolute powerhouse. Games run flawlessly, even at the highest settings, with no frame drops or stutters. Asus' thermal management system, including a vapor chamber and a large cooling plate, keeps the phone from getting too hot under pressure. However, the lack of a dedicated fan like its predecessors might raise concerns for marathon gaming sessions.
Gaming Features: The Edge You Crave
The ROG Phone 8 Pro retains the beloved AirTriggers, pressure-sensitive buttons on the shoulder edges that offer additional control in games. These are customizable and can be mapped to various actions for a truly personalized experience. The optional AeroActive Cooler X further enhances performance and adds physical buttons for an even more console-like feel.
Battery Life: A Trade-off for Slimness
The 5,500mAh battery is a downgrade from the 6,000mAh seen in previous models. While it comfortably lasts a full day with moderate usage, heavy gaming sessions will drain it faster. This is a trade-off for the slimmer design, and frequent charging might become necessary for dedicated gamers.
Cameras: Not the Main Focus
The camera system is decent but not the phone's highlight. The triple-lens setup (50MP main, 13MP ultrawide, and 64MP telephoto) captures good photos in daylight, but struggles in low-light conditions. Video recording is smooth and stable, but lacks the advanced features of dedicated camera phones.
Software: Clean and Customizable
Asus' ROG UI is a refined overlay on top of Android 13. It offers various gaming-centric features like performance profiles, macro recording, and game-specific optimizations. The UI is clean and bloatware-free, although some customization options might feel hidden away.
Verdict: A Compelling Evolution for Mobile Gaming
The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro is not just a powerful gaming phone; it's a bold reimagining of what a gaming phone can be. The slimmer design, impressive performance, and retained gaming features make it a compelling choice for serious mobile gamers. While the battery life and camera are slight downgrades, they pale in comparison to the overall improvements. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a curious newcomer, the ROG Phone 8 Pro offers a smooth, feature-packed experience that pushes the boundaries of mobile gaming.
Pros:
Cons:
Overall:
The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro is a significant step forward for gaming phones, offering a compelling blend of power, performance, and comfort. If you're looking for the ultimate mobile gaming experience, the ROG Phone 8 Pro is a top contender.