If you’re in the market for a gaming smartphone that promises an unparalleled gaming experience, then look no further than the recently launched Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro.
In this in-depth review, we’ll explore the features, design, and performance that make this gaming powerhouse stand out.
What’s Inside the Box?
The unboxing experience is nothing short of impressive.
Alongside the ROG Phone 8 Pro, you’ll find a ROG 65W power adapter, a braided USB cable, and, if you opt for the Pro Edition, the AeroActive X cooler and a stylish carrying case. Asus has even included a protective bumper for the ROG Phone, ensuring your investment is well-protected.
Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro
Unleashing the Power
The ROG Phone 8 Pro boasts a compact design without compromising on gaming features. Powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, it ensures ultimate gaming performance.
The advanced thermal system, complete with cooler support, keeps the device cool during extended gaming sessions. With a 5500mAh dual-design battery and upgraded camera tech, Asus has crafted a device for gamers willing to invest in top-notch hardware.
Design Excellence
The design of the ROG Phone 8 Pro is a blend of metal edging and frosted glass on the back.
Available in Phantom Black for the Pro model and Phantom Black or Rebel Gray for the regular ROG Phone 8, Asus has opted for a sleek and restrained approach compared to other gaming smartphones.
The Pro model introduces the Anime Vision dot matrix feature, a customizable visual delight that can also function as a notifications light.
Software Customization
Running on Android 14 out of the box, Asus promises four years of security updates and at least two OS updates. Users have the flexibility to choose between a customized ROG Android version or a more stock Android experience.
The ROG Phone 8 Pro features a display optical fingerprint sensor for convenient and secure unlocking.
Gaming Features Unleashed
The heart of the ROG Phone 8 Pro lies in its gaming prowess. The Armory Crate provides easy access to various gaming settings, including performance modes and air trigger customization.
The Anime Vision feature, coupled with the AeroActive X cooler, enhances the gaming experience, making it truly immersive.
A Visual Treat
The device sports a 6.78-inch Samsung E6 AMOLED display, ensuring a vivid and immersive gaming experience. While the resolution is Full HD+, the 2400×1080 pixels offer crisp visuals.
The display supports a variable refresh rate, reaching up to 165Hz for supported games. The only downside is the intrusion of the selfie camera on the display, but it’s a minor inconvenience.
Audio Experience
Audio on the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro is delivered through stereo speakers, providing a dynamic sound experience. While the bottom speaker may be downward-facing, it doesn’t significantly impact the overall audio quality.
The inclusion of a headphone jack and the AeroActive cooler’s ability to redirect the headphone jack to the bottom edge enhances the gaming audio experience.
Powerful Performance
With the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and a whopping 24GB of RAM in the Pro model, the ROG Phone 8 Pro delivers exceptional gaming performance.
Testing it with demanding games like Genshin Impact on high settings showcased smooth gameplay with minimal hiccups. The advanced thermal system ensures the device stays cool even during prolonged gaming sessions.
Battery Life and Charging
The 5500mAh dual-design battery provides decent battery life, especially considering the efficient chipset. In gaming scenarios, the ROG Phone 8 Pro can last for over 3 hours with the AeroActive cooler on Smart cooling mode.
The 65W wide fast charging capability ensures quick replenishment, taking around 40 minutes to charge the device fully.
Camera Capabilities
Equipped with a triple-camera setup, including a 50MP Sony IMX 890 sensor, the ROG Phone 8 Pro delivers satisfactory camera performance.
The camera app is user-friendly, offering essential modes like portrait and night mode. The 6-axis hybrid gimbal stabilization aids in capturing stable shots, even in low-light conditions.
Also Read: Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Review
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro is a gaming powerhouse that excels in both design and performance. Packed with gaming-centric features, a stunning display, and powerful hardware, it caters to the needs of mobile gamers.
While the selfie camera intrusion and some minor issues with air triggers may be a drawback, the overall gaming experience offered by the ROG Phone 8 Pro is unmatched.
People Reviews
Good to see wireless charging included, it can be useful sometimes – ThaedDavid
FINALLY having IP68 Water Resistance has pushed it over the edge for me. Wouldve loved it if they’d kept the 6000mah battery, but will definitely be picking this one up in the future. – Thenesrookie
Looks like the phone for me. Expensive as hell, but you don’t get IP68 and air triggers anywhere else. Performance like that will be amazing for emulation, going to have a great time loading up the thing with all my favorites. I wanted to get into a dedicated, standalone emulation device, but it was just never practical; this would be perfect. Great battery for the easy stuff like GBA, more than sufficient for the hard stuff like PS2 and Gamecube, and can play all the android games out there too. – magpiefirefly
Shame Android doesn’t receive many games to utilize all this processing power. Its mainly used to emulate games from decades old consoles. – lavantz345
People Also Ask
Q1: Is the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro water-resistant?
A: Yes, the ROG Phone 8 Pro is IP68 water and dust resistant, providing enhanced durability.
Q2: Can I use the AeroActive cooler from the older ROG phones on the ROG Phone 8 Pro?
A: No, the AeroActive X cooler is specifically designed for the ROG Phone 8 Pro and won’t work with older ROG phone models.
Q3: How customizable is the Anime Vision dot matrix feature?
A: The Anime Vision feature is highly customizable, allowing users to choose from various animations and use it as a notifications light or a unique personal touch.
Q4: Does the ROG Phone 8 Pro support 8K video recording?
A: Yes, the ROG Phone 8 Pro supports 8K video recording, providing users with the option for high-resolution video capture.
Q5: Can I expect regular software updates for the ROG Phone 8 Pro?
A: Asus promises four years of security updates and at least two OS updates for the ROG Phone 8 Pro, ensuring longevity and keeping the device up to date with the latest software enhancements.
Q: What is the price of Asus ROG Phone 8 pro?
A: $1199.99