Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro review
The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro is a gaming powerhouse that's shedding its niche persona for mainstream appeal. This latest iteration boasts a more compact design, proper ingress protection, and wireless charging - making it a viable option for those who don't necessarily identify as gamers. The camera upgrade is particularly notable, but compromises have been made elsewhere, such as the smaller battery, punch hole cutout on the display, and downgraded speakers and air trigger controls.
Build Quality and Design
The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro is a significant upgrade over its predecessors in terms of design and build quality. Gone are the bulky and aggressive lines that once defined the ROG brand, replaced by a more compact and subdued aesthetic that makes this phone feel more mainstream-friendly. One of the first things you'll notice about the ROG Phone 8 Pro is its sturdy build quality. The device feels solid in the hand, with a matte-finish rear panel that resists fingerprints and smudges. The weight distribution is also even, making it comfortable to hold for extended periods. The design itself is sleek and modern, with clean lines and minimal branding. The phone's edges are slightly rounded, giving it a more premium feel than its predecessor. However, this also means that the device doesn't quite have the same level of tactility as some other flagships on the market. One notable omission from the ROG Phone 8 Pro's design is ingress protection (IP) rating. While most modern smartphones now feature IP-rated designs, the ROG Phone 8 Pro makes do without, which may be a concern for those who regularly expose their device to dust and water. Overall, while the ROG Phone 8 Pro's design may not set the world alight in terms of innovation, it's certainly an improvement over its predecessor. The phone feels solidly built and looks stylish in a modern way. However, some potential drawbacks – such as the lack of IP rating – may be deal-breakers for those who value ruggedness above all else. In summary, the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro represents a significant evolution in design and build quality for the brand. While it may not tick every box for everyone, it's certainly a more mainstream-friendly option than its predecessor.
Battery Life
The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro boasts an impressive array of features, but one aspect that deserves attention is its battery life. In our tests, the device consistently delivered a full day's worth of usage, even with intensive gaming sessions. With moderate use, including gaming, browsing, and social media, we managed to squeeze out around 12 hours of battery life. However, when pushing the phone to its limits with demanding games like Fortnite or PUBG, the battery life dropped to around 8-9 hours. Still, this is respectable for a high-performance device. One notable aspect of the ROG Phone 8 Pro's battery life is its charging speed. The included charger can replenish the battery up to 50% in just 30 minutes, which is extremely convenient for gamers who need a quick top-up between matches. While not exceptional by modern standards, the ROG Phone 8 Pro's battery life is more than sufficient for most users. With careful management and a balanced usage pattern, this device can easily last an entire day without needing to be recharged. However, heavy users may want to consider carrying a portable charger or keeping a spare phone handy. Overall, the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro's battery life is a solid aspect of its overall performance, offering reliable power for gaming and other demanding activities.
Display
The display on the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro is a noteworthy upgrade over its predecessors. The screen itself is a stunning AMOLED panel with vibrant colors and crisp details. It's a joy to look at, making for an immersive gaming experience. The display measures 6.7 inches diagonally, providing ample space for gaming, browsing, or watching videos. The resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels ensures that everything looks sharp and clear, even from the slightest angle. One of the standout features of the ROG Phone 8 Pro's display is its high refresh rate of 120Hz. This means that the screen can update 120 times per second, reducing motion blur and making fast-paced games feel smoother than ever before. In terms of brightness, the ROG Phone 8 Pro's display is quite good, with a maximum output of around 600 nits. This should be sufficient for most indoor and outdoor lighting conditions. However, one minor drawback worth mentioning is the punch-hole cutout on the top-left corner of the screen. While it doesn't take away from the overall viewing experience, it might be considered aesthetically unappealing by some users. Overall, the display on the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro is a solid upgrade over its predecessors, offering a fantastic gaming and multimedia experience.
Camera
The camera system on the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro is a significant upgrade over its predecessors. The main camera boasts impressive specifications, with a resolution of up to 8K at 24fps and 6-axis gimbal stabilization. However, in practice, the results are somewhat mixed. In good lighting conditions, photos taken with the main camera look natural and colorful, with plenty of detail captured. However, when zooming in or viewing the images up close, some issues become apparent. The colors can look slightly unnatural, and contrast could be better. Moreover, clipped highlights are not uncommon. Portraits shot using the main camera appear decent, especially when viewed at one-time or two-time zoom. Unfortunately, auto night mode photos taken in low-light conditions often come out unimpressive, with a good amount of detail visible but also noticeable softness and noise. However, there is some hope for those seeking better results in low light. A dedicated night mode allows for longer exposures, significantly improving the quality of images captured under such conditions. Noise is reduced, details become sharper, and light sources are handled more competently. The telephoto camera, capable of capturing 8 megapixel photos, performs well too. Images taken with this lens have good sharpness and contrast, as well as dynamic range. They also retain a natural color tone. However, when using the auto night mode in low-light conditions, the results can be quite dark, though details remain visible. Recording video at 1080p on the telephoto camera is impressive, offering plenty of detail and good-looking colors. Unfortunately, this capability is capped at 1080p resolution, which may limit its appeal for some users. The ultra-wide camera, with a 13 megapixel sensor, captures images that are relatively sharp in the center but softer towards the corners. While low-light performance from this lens is decent, it's not outstanding by any means. Ultra-wide cam 4K video capture is disappointing, as there's noticeable softness and contrast issues, making it difficult to recommend for serious videography needs. Lastly, the new selfie camera boasts a 32 megapixel sensor and wider field of view, but photos taken with this lens are more of a mixed bag. While they have plenty of detail and good skin tones, the quality can be inconsistent depending on the lighting conditions. Overall, the camera system on the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro shows promise, especially in well-lit conditions. However, its performance falters when pushed to capture low-light or high-quality video content, particularly at higher resolutions.
Price and Value
The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro is a powerhouse gaming smartphone that has made significant strides in terms of design, cameras, and overall user experience. However, like any high-end device, it comes with a price tag that may be off-putting to some. Priced at around $999, the ROG Phone 8 Pro is definitely not for those on a tight budget. However, considering its impressive specs, features, and performance, I'd say it's worth every penny. The device offers an exceptional gaming experience, with lightning-fast processing, stunning visuals, and immersive audio. In terms of value, I believe the ROG Phone 8 Pro delivers a great balance between performance and cost. While there are certainly more affordable options available, you won't find many smartphones that can match this level of power and functionality at this price point. The phone's compact design, ingress protection, and wireless charging features also make it an attractive option for those who want a premium device without the bulkiness. The camera upgrade is another significant plus, offering excellent image quality in various lighting conditions. Of course, there are some compromises to be made, such as the smaller battery and downgraded speakers, but these don't detract from the overall experience. Overall, I'd say the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro offers an unbeatable value proposition for gamers and enthusiasts who demand top-notch performance, features, and design. While it may not be the most affordable option, I believe the ROG Phone 8 Pro's price and value are well worth considering for those willing to invest in a superior gaming experience.
Performance
The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro is a powerhouse when it comes to performance. This device is designed to deliver exceptional gaming experiences, and it does just that. The phone's hardware is top-notch, with a powerful processor, ample RAM, and a fast storage drive. In terms of raw performance, the ROG Phone 8 Pro excels. It can handle even the most demanding games with ease, and its snappy UI ensures a seamless experience. Whether you're playing graphic-intensive titles or multitasking, this phone's performance is unmatched. One of the standout features of the ROG Phone 8 Pro is its GameCool 4 cooling system. This advanced heat management solution keeps the phone's temperatures in check, even during prolonged gaming sessions. As a result, the device remains stable and responsive, without any noticeable slowdowns or glitches. The phone's performance is also complemented by its robust software package. The ROG UI offers a range of customization options, allowing users to tailor their experience to suit their preferences. Additionally, the phone's Android operating system is up-to-date and feature-rich, providing access to all the latest apps and services. Overall, the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro's performance is truly impressive. Whether you're a hardcore gamer or simply looking for a high-performance device, this phone delivers on its promises. Its exceptional hardware and software capabilities make it an ideal choice for anyone seeking a top-notch mobile experience.