NEWS  Smartphones  January 9, 2024  Reading time: 2 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

The ASUS ROG Phone series has long been synonymous with cutting-edge gaming phones, pushing the boundaries of performance and innovation. However, the newly unveiled ROG Phone 8 signifies a departure from the stereotypical gaming phone aesthetic, embracing a more mainstream flagship experience.

Design and Display

The ROG Phone 8 introduces a slightly slimmer design, aligning more closely with conventional smartphones. ASUS has omitted the cooling vent seen in previous models, opting for an IP68 design instead, making the device water-resistant. The 6.78-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a 165Hz refresh rate ensures a stunning visual experience, emphasizing the company's commitment to both aesthetics and performance.

Camera Innovation

ASUS aims to overcome the historical camera limitations of the ROG Phone series with the ROG Phone 8. Featuring a 32MP 3x telephoto camera, the handset introduces telephoto capabilities for the first time. The addition of a 50MP main camera with gimbal stabilization and a 13MP ultrawide camera further enhances the phone's photography prowess. With promises of 10x "Hyper Clarity Zoom" and up to 30x digital zoom, ASUS is making a bold statement in the smartphone camera arena.

Performance and Features

Under the hood, the ROG Phone 8 boasts a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, an improved cooling system, and a 5,500mAh battery with 65W wired charging and 15W wireless charging support. The device's 6.78-inch FHD+ 165Hz OLED screen, coupled with its high peak brightness, ensures a top-tier gaming and multimedia experience.

ASUS has not only focused on hardware but also introduced a myriad of software features, including Microsoft Phone Link support, Snapdragon Seamless support with future X Elite laptops, and Dirac Virtuo spatial audio support. The inclusion of AI features such as noise cancellation, semantic search, and AI-generated wallpapers adds a layer of intelligence to the user experience. Gaming enthusiasts will appreciate AI-based gaming features, including text identification in screenshots for quick searches.

Additional Features and Drawbacks

The ROG Phone 8 incorporates a 3.5mm port, Bluetooth 5.3 support, Wi-Fi 7-ready support, and a side-mounted USB-C port. However, the absence of eSIM support is notable, considering its prevalence in rival devices.

Pricing and Availability

ASUS has positioned the ROG Phone 8 competitively, with a recommended price of $1,099.99 for the base model. The pre-order price of $999.99 provides an attractive offer for early adopters. For users seeking higher storage and RAM, the ROG Phone 8 Pro and ROG Phone 8 Pro Edition offer enhanced configurations at $1,199.99 and a premium tier, respectively.

The ASUS ROG Phone 8 marks a significant shift in strategy for the gaming phone series, aiming to capture a broader audience with its mainstream flagship approach. Balancing powerful gaming features with a sleek design, innovative camera technology, and advanced AI integration, the ROG Phone 8 positions itself as a versatile and competitive contender in the flagship smartphone market. As mobile gaming continues to rise in popularity, ASUS's latest offering seeks to appeal not only to hardcore gamers but also to a wider consumer base.

 PRODUCT IMAGES: ASUS | COVER IMAGE: REVIEW SPACE