Asus has unleashed its latest gaming-centric phone, Asus ROG Phone 8 series. Beyond captivating gamers, this lineup – comprising the ROG Phone 8, ROG Phone 8 Pro, and ROG Phone 8 Pro Edition – exhibits a charm that extends to a wider audience. These smartphones showcase a sleeker design, improved durability with enhanced dust and water resistance, and the addition of wireless charging up to 15W – features that attract not only gaming enthusiasts but also a broader spectrum of smartphone users.
Asus ROG Phone 8 Series key features
| Feature | ROG Phone 8 | ROG Phone 8 Pro | ROG Phone 8 Pro Edition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Models | Standard | Upgraded | Premium |
| Body Design | Sleeker, improved durability, IP68 dust/water resistance, wireless charging (15W) | Same as ROG Phone 8 | Same as ROG Phone 8 Pro, LED dot-matrix display on back |
| RAM | 12GB | 16GB | 24GB |
| Storage | 256GB | 512GB | 1TB |
| Cooling System | Boron nitride + copper, 20% improved thermal efficiency | Boron nitride + copper, 20% improved thermal efficiency | Boron nitride + copper, 20% improved thermal efficiency |
| AeroActive Cooler | Temperature reduction of up to 26°C | Temperature reduction of up to 26°C | Temperature reduction of up to 26°C |
| AI Features | AI Grabber (game walkthroughs), AI-powered search in apps, AI Wallpaper (in development) | AI Grabber (game walkthroughs), AI-powered search in apps, AI Wallpaper (in development) | AI Grabber (game walkthroughs), AI-powered search in apps, AI Wallpaper (in development) |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| Battery | 5,500mAh, 65W fast charging | 5,500mAh, 65W fast charging | 5,500mAh, 65W fast charging |
| Display | 6.78″ OLED, 165Hz refresh rate, 2,500 nits peak brightness, hole-punch notch | 6.78″ OLED, 165Hz refresh rate, 2,500 nits peak brightness, hole-punch notch | 6.78″ OLED, 165Hz refresh rate, 2,500 nits peak brightness, hole-punch notch |
| Front Camera | 32MP | 32MP | 32MP |
| Rear Camera | 50MP main, 13MP ultrawide, 32MP telephoto (3x zoom) | 50MP main, 13MP ultrawide, 32MP telephoto (3x zoom) | 50MP main, 13MP ultrawide, 32MP telephoto (3x zoom) |
| Target Audience | Gamers and broader audience | Gamers and power users | Gamers and demanding users |
Setting themselves apart in both design and specifications, the ROG Phone 8 variants cater to diverse preferences. The standard ROG Phone 8, featuring an RGB logo, offers 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. Meanwhile, the Phone 8 Pro steps up with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage, while the Phone 8 Pro Edition boasts an astounding 24GB RAM and 1TB storage, both featuring LED dot-matrix displays on their backs.
However, the standout feature remains their gaming capabilities. Introducing a cutting-edge cooling system utilizing boron nitride and copper, Asus ingeniously dissipates heat from the Snapdragon processor through the phone’s back cover, enhancing thermal efficiency by 20 percent. Complementing this is an improved AeroActive Cooler that can reduce back cover temperatures by up to 26 degrees Celsius (79 degrees Fahrenheit).
In the landscape of 2024, AI-powered functions significantly augment the gaming journey. The inclusion of the “AI Grabber” feature serves as a game-changer, simplifying the search for gaming walkthroughs by identifying and copying in-game text—an incredible aid for gamers in need of guidance. Furthermore, Asus utilizes AI algorithms to fine-tune search results within the phone’s essential applications and is in the process of crafting an “AI Wallpaper” feature using Stable Diffusion, allowing users to generate personalized wallpapers seamlessly.
Under the hood, all three ROG Phone 8 models are based on the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and are powered by a 5,500mAh long-lasting battery that supports 65W fast charging. The front features a 6.78-inch OLED display with a refresh rate of up to 165Hz, a peak brightness of 2,500 nits, and a discreet hole-punch notch that houses a 32-megapixel front-facing camera. On the back, there’s a triple-camera setup consisting of a 50-megapixel main sensor, a 13-megapixel ultrawide, and a 32-megapixel telephoto with 3x optical zoom.
Although Asus’ ROG phones are primarily crafted with gamers in mind, the ROG Phone 8 series successfully caters to individuals caught between choosing a gaming-focused device or a traditional flagship smartphone. This latest release offers an enticing choice, combining impressive gaming capabilities with a wider range of features. As a result, it has the potential to attract a more diverse audience due to its compelling blend of gaming prowess and versatile functionalities.