Asus ROG Phone 6D review
The Asus ROG Phone 6D is a beast of a device that's set to take the gaming world by storm. Its unconventional cyberpunk design at the back is a dead giveaway for its purpose - it's a gaming phone, through and through. Equipped with a stunning 6.78-inch AMOLED display, this powerhouse packs a punch with its high-performance Mediatek Dimensity 9000+ chipset. But what really sets it apart is its 165Hz refresh rate, ultrasonic shoulder triggers, and impressive battery life - all of which make for an unparalleled gaming experience. Can it live up to the hype?
Build Quality and Design
The Asus ROG Phone 6D makes a statement with its unconventional cyberpunk design at the back. The sleek, matte-finish gorilla glass back is smooth to touch and provides a premium feel. The slight curve of the phone's body ensures it fits comfortably in your hand, making it easy to hold for extended periods. The build quality is robust, with an ice-glow aluminum frame that gives the phone a sturdy and solid feel. The power button and dual SIM slot feature blue color accents, adding a touch of personality to the design. However, the phone's weight at 239 grams might be off-putting to some users, and its thickness of 10.4 millimeters is noticeable. One notable omission is the lack of micro SD card expansion, which might be a drawback for those who value expandable storage. The phone's design does make up for this in other ways, though – the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack and dual USB ports (one on each side) adds to its premium feel. The design also features a slight camera bump, but it's not obtrusive. The arch-backed lighting effect is enabled when gaming with X mode turned on, adding an extra layer of visual flair. Overall, the Asus ROG Phone 6D's build quality and design make it stand out as a high-end device that's perfect for gamers and enthusiasts alike. While some users might find the phone's weight and thickness too much to handle, others will appreciate its premium feel and sleek design. The attention to detail in the phone's construction is evident, making it a solid choice for those seeking a top-of-the-line gaming experience.
Battery Life
The battery life of the Asus ROG Phone 6D is an aspect that warrants attention. As a gaming phone, it's expected to have a robust battery to sustain long gaming sessions. However, with features like a 165Hz refresh rate enabled at all times, I was surprised by the relatively short battery life. With the 165Hz refresh rate enabled, I only managed to get around 5 hours of screen-on time, which is decent but not spectacular. This is likely due to the high power consumption required to maintain such a high refresh rate. However, when I switched to the 125Hz refresh rate, I was able to push the screen-on time to 8 hours. As a compromise between smoothness and battery life, the ROG Phone 6D's default setting of 120Hz seems like an optimal choice. This is because it provides a good balance between screen smoothness and power consumption. If you're willing to sacrifice some smoothness for longer battery life, the 60Hz refresh rate can also provide around 9 hours of screen-on time. It's worth noting that fast charging is available on this device, with a 65W charger capable of fully charging the phone in under 50 minutes. This feature can be useful when you need to top up your battery quickly during gaming or other activities. However, the lack of variable refresh rate support means that you may not be able to take full advantage of fast charging when playing games at high frame rates. Overall, while the ROG Phone 6D's battery life is decent but not exceptional, it's still a capable device for long gaming sessions. If you're willing to prioritize battery life over smoothness, there are options available that can provide more hours of screen-on time.
Display
The Asus ROG Phone 6D boasts an impressive 6.78-inch AMOLED display made by Samsung, with a resolution of 10 DB and protection by Corning glass Victus. This screen is a highlight of the phone, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks that make it perfect for gaming and media consumption. One of the standout features of this display is its ability to support up to 165Hz of refresh rate, making it incredibly smooth and responsive. The option to manually select a refresh rate from 106fps down to 60fps is also a welcome feature, allowing users to find the perfect balance between screen smoothness and battery life. However, the phone's bezels are slightly thicker than some modern smartphones, which may be a drawback for those who prefer a more minimalist design. On the other hand, this does result in an uninterrupted screen experience with a notification light that alerts users to incoming texts or when the phone is being charged. In terms of display performance, the ROG Phone 6D delivers, offering crisp and clear visuals whether you're gaming or watching videos. The AMOLED panel produces excellent contrast ratios, making it ideal for displaying vibrant colors and detailed graphics. While some may find the slightly thicker bezels a nuisance, the benefits of this display far outweigh any minor drawbacks. The combination of an impressive 165Hz refresh rate, crisp visuals, and responsive touch input make it perfect for gaming and media consumption. Overall, the display on the Asus ROG Phone 6D is a true highlight of this phone, making it a great choice for those who value a premium visual experience.
Camera
The camera setup on the Asus ROG Phone 6D is comprised of three lenses - a 15-megapixel Ultra lens, a 13-megapixel macro lens, and a 5-megapixel sensor for basic usage. While the camera produces decent results in well-lit conditions, it falls short when it comes to low-light photography. In ideal lighting situations, the phone's camera captures vibrant colors and impressive detail. Scenery photos taken with the Ultra lens look particularly good, showcasing the Asus ROG Phone 6D's potential for capturing high-quality images. However, there are instances where certain areas of the frame appear overexposed or lacking in details. Nighttime photography is a different story altogether. The phone struggles to capture clear and detailed images, often resulting in grainy and noisy photos. This limitation is noticeable even with the macro lens, which is capable of capturing decent close-up shots during the day. Videography performance on the Asus ROG Phone 6D is relatively better, allowing for up to 8K resolution at 24 FPS. However, stabilization is only available up to 4K at 60 FPS, which might be a letdown for some users. Overall, while the camera setup on the Asus ROG Phone 6D has its moments, it's clear that this isn't a strength of the device. For those expecting top-notch photography capabilities, there are better options available in the market. However, if you're willing to overlook average camera performance, the ROG Phone 6D offers an impressive package elsewhere. Camera ratings: * Scenery photos: 7/10 * Low-light photography: 5/10 * Macro shots: 6.5/10 * Nighttime photography: 4.5/10 * Videography: 7.5/10 Rating: 6.2/10
Price and Value
The Asus ROG Phone 6D is a premium gaming smartphone that boasts an impressive set of features, including a 6.78-inch AMOLED display, a powerful Mediatek Dimensity 9000+ chipset, and a sleek design. However, its average camera performance might be a turn-off for some users. Priced at around RM3,500 (approximately USD750), the ROG Phone 6D is a significant investment for those seeking a top-notch gaming experience. While it's not the most affordable option in the market, the phone's performance and features justify its premium price tag. The device's AMOLED display offers stunning visuals with up to 165Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for gamers who demand smooth and seamless performance. The phone's cooling system and large battery capacity ensure extended gaming sessions without overheating or battery drain. However, the camera setup is a letdown, with average photo quality and limited features such as 8K video recording at 24FPS. While not deal-breaker, it's a notable compromise for users who prioritize photography. Considering its price point, the ROG Phone 6D offers great value for gamers who crave performance and features without compromises. The phone's powerful chipset, impressive display, and fast charging capabilities make it an attractive option for those willing to invest in a high-end gaming experience. While the average camera performance might be a concern for some users, the ROG Phone 6D remains a solid choice for those seeking a premium gaming smartphone that delivers on its promises. If you're a serious gamer looking for a top-notch device without breaking the bank, the ROG Phone 6D is definitely worth considering.
Performance
The Asus ROG Phone 6D is a powerhouse in the gaming smartphone market, and its performance is one of its standout features. The phone is powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 9000+ chipset, which delivers smooth day-to-day use with no issues whatsoever. Whether you're playing games like PUBG or Call of Duty on high graphics settings, the ROG Phone 6D can handle it with ease. In our testing, we found that the phone could maintain a smooth 90 FPS up to Ultra HD in both Evil and PUBG, making it an ideal choice for gamers. The ultrasonic shoulder triggers also proved to be responsive and accurate, adding to the gaming experience. One of the notable features of the Dimensity 9000+ chipset is its power efficiency. We found that even with prolonged use, the phone remained cool and didn't throttle in performance, thanks to its large graphite heat sink and flipper chamber cooling system. However, when we pushed the refresh rate to its maximum of 165 Hz, battery life took a hit. With such a high refresh rate enabled, we could only manage around 5 hours plus Australian time, which is relatively short. Switching back to 120 Hz, however, improved battery life significantly to around 8 hours. Overall, the performance of the Asus ROG Phone 6D is exceptional, making it an ideal choice for gamers and those who want a powerful smartphone experience. While there may be some compromises with battery life at high refresh rates, the overall package still makes the ROG Phone 6D a top contender in its class. Rating: 4.5/5
Pros
1. Unconventional cyberpunk design that's smooth to touch and has a matte finish
2. Great performance with Mediatek Dimensity 9000 plus chipset, perfect for gaming
3. Awesome 165Hz refresh rate AMOLED screen with up to 8K video recording capability
4. Super fast charging feature (65W) that can fully charge the phone under 50 minutes
Cons
1. Average camera performance, not suitable for excellent photo taking
2. A bit heavy at 239g and thick at 10.4mm, making it uncomfortable to hold
3. No micro SD card expansion, which might be a drawback for some users
4. Variable refresh rate affects battery life, but 120Hz is the sweet spot