ASUS ROG Phone 8 and 8 Pro Launch in China: Pricing and Specifications

ASUS ROG Phone 8 and Phone 8 Pro
ASUS has officially launched the highly anticipated ROG Phone 8 series (review), marking a significant departure from the gaming-centric designs of its predecessors. The latest offerings, ROG Phone 8 and ROG Phone 8 Pro, made their debut at CES in Las Vegas and have now hit the Chinese market, showcasing a blend of cutting-edge technology and a more mainstream aesthetic.

ASUS ROG Phone 8 Series Pricing and Availability in China:

In China, the ROG Phone 8 is available at CNY 4,799 (approximately Rs. 56,702) for the 12GB RAM variant and CNY 5,299 (approximately Rs. 62,610) for the 16GB RAM option, both equipped with 256GB native storage. 

The higher-end ROG Phone 8 Pro is priced at CNY 5,999 (approximately Rs. 70,880) for the 16GB + 512GB configuration, while the top-tier 24GB + 1TB variant carries a price tag of CNY 7,999 (approximately Rs. 94,511). Pre-orders have commenced, and the devices will be available for purchase in China starting January 18.

ASUS ROG Phone 8 Series Specifications:

Feature ASUS ROG Phone 8 ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
Display 6.78-inch AMOLED, 165Hz refresh rate
Processor Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
RAM and Storage 12GB / 16GB RAM,
256GB storage
16GB / 24GB RAM,
512GB or 1TB storage
Battery 5,500mAh, 65W wired and 15W wireless charging
Camera 50MP OIS, 13MP, 32MP, Selfie: 32MP
Features IP68, AirTrigger buttons, 5-magnet speaker system, AI features

Design and Features:

Unlike its predecessors, the ROG Phone 8 series introduces a more refined design that aligns with mainstream smartphones. The devices boast a slightly boxy design with a squarish rear camera module and a dual-tone back panel. The standard model features a customizable Aura RGB lighting logo, while the Pro variant takes it up a notch with a mini-LED lighting setup incorporating 341 LEDs. Both phones are IP68-certified for dust and water resistance and include AirTrigger buttons for gaming along with a 5-magnet speaker system.

Design and Features

Display:

Breaking away from thick bezels, the ROG Phone 8 and 8 Pro showcase a 6.78-inch Samsung AMOLED display with an FHD+ resolution and a remarkable 165Hz LTPO refresh rate. The display, with 2,500 nits peak brightness, integrated fingerprint scanner, and glove touch support, features a center-aligned punch-hole design for a more immersive visual experience.

Performance and Cooling System:

Internally, the ROG Phone 8 series is powered by the formidable Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. The standard variant offers configurations with up to 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, while the Pro model pushes the limits with a maximum of 24GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. A conduction cooling system ensures effective heat dissipation, and the new AeroActive Cooler accessory is now smaller and lighter than its predecessor.

Performance and Cooling System

Battery and Charging:

Both phones are equipped with a robust 5,500mAh battery, supporting 65W wired and 15W wireless charging. This ensures a quick and efficient power-up for uninterrupted gaming sessions. The devices also come with various AI features to enhance overall performance.

Camera System:

The camera setup on the ROG Phone 8 and 8 Pro includes a 50MP OIS-enabled main camera, a 13MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 32MP telephoto unit with 3x optical zoom and OIS. The front camera boasts a 32MP RGBW sensor, promising high-quality selfies and video calls.

Verdict:

In conclusion, the ASUS ROG Phone 8 series delivers a compelling combination of sleek design, top-tier specifications, and advanced gaming features. With a focus on both aesthetics and performance, these smartphones cater to a broader audience while retaining the gaming DNA that the ROG series is renowned for. Whether you are a gaming enthusiast or a tech-savvy consumer, the ROG Phone 8 series stands out as a formidable choice in the competitive smartphone market.