ASUS ROG Phone 8 and Phone 8 Pro Quick Review: Best Gaming Phones of 2024!

ASUS ROG Phone 8 and Phone 8 Pro
ASUS has officially launched its highly anticipated gaming smartphones, the ROG Phone 8 and ROG Phone 8 Pro, at CES 2024. Building on the success of their predecessors, these devices boast cutting-edge features to elevate the mobile gaming experience. With a sleeker design, advanced cooling technology, and an impressive camera setup, ASUS aims to redefine the gaming smartphone landscape.

ASUS ROG Phone 8 and Phone 8 Pro Specifications:

Feature ROG Phone 8 Series
Display 6.78-inch FHD+ 120Hz LTPO AMOLED
Processor Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
RAM 12GB / 16GB / 24GB
Storage 256GB / 512GB / 1TB
Operating System Android 14 with ROG UI
Main Camera 50MP + 13MP + 32MP telephoto
Front Camera 32MP
Battery Dual-cell 5,500mAh with 65W HyperCharge
Charging 15W Qi wireless charging
Connectivity 5G
Dimensions 163.8×76.8×8.9mm
Weight 225g
Water Resistance IP68

Design and Display:

The ROG Phone 8 showcases a 6.78-inch Full HD+ AMOLED HDR display with a remarkable 165Hz refresh rate, making it a visual treat for gamers. ASUS has managed to trim down the device by 15%, ensuring a lighter and more ergonomic design without compromising performance. The thinner bezels contribute to a more immersive gaming experience, maintaining the phone's premium look and feel.

Design and Display

Processor and RAM:

Under the hood, both phones feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, offering exceptional performance. The devices come in multiple configurations, with RAM options ranging from 12GB to a staggering 24GB, coupled with ample storage choices.

Advanced Cooling Technology:

The inclusion of the Rapid-Cooling Conductor design, as part of the GameCool 8 thermal system, efficiently dissipates heat from the processor to the back cover. ASUS has also introduced the smaller yet more efficient AeroActive Cooler X clip-on cooler, reducing back cover temperatures by up to 26°C. These innovations address thermal concerns during extended gaming sessions, ensuring optimal performance.

Advanced Cooling Technology

Camera Specifications:

A standout feature is the phone's camera setup, including a 50 MP main camera with a Sony sensor, a 6-Axis Hybrid Gimbal Stabilizer 3.0, a 13 MP ultrawide camera, and a first-of-its-kind 32 MP 3X telephoto lens with built-in OIS. The telephoto lens offers clear images even at 30X zoom and stable video results at 10X zoom, enhancing the device's versatility for content creators and gamers alike.

Gaming-Centric Features:

ASUS has incorporated gamer-friendly features such as Background Mode and X Capture for seamless gaming transitions and key moment capture. The Al Grabber, utilizing Machine-Learning Recognition, enhances text capture, while X Sense 2.0 provides tips and assistance, enriching the overall gaming experience.
Gaming-Centric Features

Customizable Elements and IP68 Rating:

The ROG Phone 8 series introduces unique customizable elements like the Aura RGB Lighting logo and Anime Vision Mini-LED display. The latter displays preset or user-created animations and unlocks secret animations when two ROG Phone 8 Pro devices touch back-to-back. Notably, these smartphones are the world's first IP68-compliant gaming devices, ensuring resistance to dust and water ingress.

Battery and Charging:

Equipped with a dual-cell 5,500mAh battery, the ROG Phone 8 series offers a balance between power and portability. The 65W HyperCharge fast charging feature ensures a full charge in just 39 minutes, and users can also opt for the convenience of 15W Qi wireless charging.

Battery and Charging

ASUS ROG Phone 8 and Phone 8 Pro Pros and Cons:

Pros
High 165Hz refresh rate for smooth gaming
Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Processor
Efficient GameCool 8 Thermal Design
Dual-cell 5,500mAh with 65W HyperCharge
Versatile Camera Setup
IP68 Rating
RGB Lighting
Cons
No cons in this initial review

Pricing and Availability:

The ROG Phone 8 is priced at USD 1099.99 for the 16GB + 256GB model, while the ROG Phone 8 Pro starts at USD 1199.99 for the 16GB + 512GB model. The Pro Edition, featuring 24GB RAM and 1TB storage, is priced at USD 1499.99. The AeroActive Cooler X accessory is available for an additional USD 99.99. The devices are set to roll out globally in the Spring of 2024, with no specific details about the India launch at this time.

Verdict:

ASUS continues its legacy of delivering top-tier gaming smartphones with the ROG Phone 8 series. From the impressive display and advanced cooling technology to the powerful camera setup and customizable elements, these devices cater to the diverse needs of gamers and tech enthusiasts.

As we eagerly await their global release in the coming months, ASUS has once again set the bar high for innovation in the gaming smartphone industry. The ROG Phone 8 series promises an unparalleled gaming experience, ensuring that users stay at the forefront of mobile gaming technology.

FAQs:

Q: What is the display technology of ASUS ROG Phone 8 and ROG Phone 8 Pro?
Both phones feature a 6.78-inch Full HD+ AMOLED HDR display with a 165Hz refresh rate for an immersive gaming experience.

Q: What is the display refresh rate of ASUS ROG Phone 8 series?
The ROG Phone 8 boasts a stunning 165Hz refresh rate for an incredibly smooth gaming experience.

Q: Tell me about the cameras on the ROG Phone 8 series.
The phones boast a powerful camera setup, including a 50 MP main camera, 13 MP ultrawide, and a groundbreaking 32 MP 3X telephoto lens for stunning photos and stable zoomed-in videos.

Q: How does the cooling system work in ROG Phone 8 Smartphones?
The phones utilize advanced cooling technology, including the Rapid-Cooling Conductor design and the smaller yet efficient AeroActive Cooler X, ensuring optimal performance during extended gaming sessions.

Q: What's unique about the ROG Phone 8 series' design?
The phones feature a 15% thinner and lighter body with thinner bezels, maintaining a premium look without compromising performance.

Q: Are there any gaming-specific features on the ROG Phone 8?
Yes, gamers can enjoy features like Background Mode and X Capture for seamless gaming transitions, and Al Grabber for text capture, enhancing the overall gaming experience.

Q: Are the ROG Phone 8 devices water and dust resistant?
Yes, they are the world's first IP68-compliant gaming smartphones, providing resistance to dust and water ingress.

Q: What charging capabilities does the ROG Phone 8 series offer?
The ROG Phone 8 series features a dual-cell 5,500mAh battery with 65W HyperCharge fast charging, providing a full charge in just 39 minutes. It also supports 15W Qi wireless charging.

Q: What processor powers the ROG Phone 8 and ROG Phone 8 Pro?
The phones are equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, ensuring exceptional gaming performance.

Q: What are the RAM and storage options available?
The phones come in various configurations, offering RAM options ranging from 12GB to a massive 24GB, coupled with ample storage choices of 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB.

Q: What are the pricing details for the ROG Phone 8 series?
The ROG Phone 8 starts at USD 1099.99, while the ROG Phone 8 Pro begins at USD 1199.99. The Pro Edition, with 24GB RAM and 1TB storage, is priced at USD 1499.99.

Q: When will the ROG Phone 8 series be available for purchase?
The ROG Phone 8 series is set to roll out globally in the Spring of 2024, with specific availability details to be announced by the company.

Q: Is there any information about the India launch?
Currently, there are no specific details about the India launch.