Asus’ ROG smartphones have consistently targeted gamers, but the introduction of the ROG Phone 8 series aims to elevate the lineup’s appeal. The ROG Phone 8, ROG Phone 8 Pro, and ROG Phone 8 Pro Edition boast a slimmer profile (8.9mm versus 10.49mm for the ROG Phone 7), reduced weight (225g compared to 239g), improved dust and water resistance (IP68 versus IP54), and now feature wireless charging up to 15W — all desirable attributes regardless of whether you’re a mobile gamer.
The ROG Phone 8 lineup comprises the standard ROG Phone 8, the ROG Phone 8 Pro, and the ROG Phone 8 Pro Edition, each offering unique design elements and functionalities. Priced at \(1,099.99 (€1,099.99 / £949.99), the ROG Phone 8 sports an RGB logo on the back and includes 12GB of RAM along with 256GB of storage. On the other hand, the \)1,199.99 (€1,199.99 / £1,099.99) ROG Phone 8 Pro boasts 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, while the $1,499.99 (€1,499.99 / £1,299.99) ROG Phone 8 Pro Edition offers a substantial 24GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. The higher-tier models also feature LED dot-matrix displays on their rear panels.
The standout feature remains the gaming capabilities of these devices. Equipped with a cutting-edge thermal management system utilizing carbon nitride and metal, the phones efficiently dissipate heat generated by the chipset processor, enhancing overall thermal performance by 20 percent according to Asus. Additionally, for users seeking further cooling solutions, Asus introduces an updated version of its AeroActive Cooler accessory, which can reduce rear cover temperatures by up to 26 degrees Celsius (79 degrees Fahrenheit).
In the realm of AI advancements in 2024, Asus introduces the “AI Grabber” feature, designed to simplify online gaming tutorials by recognizing and replicating in-game text. Leveraging AI technology, Asus enhances search functionalities within the camera app, Gallery, and Settings apps. A forthcoming “AI Wallpaper” feature is also in development to create personalized wallpapers using Secure Diffusion technology.
Powering all variants of the ROG Phone 8 series is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, renowned for its performance capabilities. The devices are equipped with a 5,500mAh battery supporting rapid 65W charging. Display-wise, a 6.78-inch OLED screen with a refresh rate of up to 165Hz, peak brightness of 2,500 nits, and a hole-punch notch housing a 32-megapixel front camera adorn the front panel. On the rear, a versatile triple-camera setup featuring a 32-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, a 13-megapixel ultrawide lens, and a primary 50-megapixel sensor is prominently featured.
While Asus’ “ROG” smartphones may not cater to non-gamers, the ROG Phone 8 series aims to bridge the gap for individuals seeking a versatile device for both entertainment and premium performance. Scheduled for release in February in the UK and Europe, the availability in the US will be announced subsequently.
