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Is the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro still a play earpiece ? After all , it ’s a very different fauna visually from the modelling we ’ve seen before . Do n’t worry — the ROG Phone 8 Proisstill all about games , but while the previous model were the telephone set equivalents of a back microcomputer , the ROG Phone 8 Pro is more like a PlayStation .

It still has all the right gaming certification , but without all the rough-and-tumble . Has this switching destroyed everything that made the ROG Phone series so unique ? I ’ve been find out .

Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro: design

Asus has taken the ROG Phone series mainstream , or as mainstream as it ’s ever likely to get . It claims the speech sound is “ not just a gaming phone , but also an all - orotund exchange premium sound for everyday use , ” relieve oneself it quite unlike from the ROG Phones that have go before it . Over the past few week , I ’ve been able to try out if it really is a more capable everyday twist , as it has been my companion through an exceptionally busy period when diddle plot simply was n’t conk out to happen , and calls , messages , and email were the precedence .

I ’d come to the phone from using theNothing Phone 2 , theSamsung Galaxy S23 Ultra , and theOnePlus 11 in spry sequence , so it had a great deal to go up to . The good tidings is it has been as up to , commodious , and reliable as any of them when used as a normal smartphone . If I had been using theROG Phone 7 Ultimateduring this clip , I ’m fairly sure I would n’t have felt the same way . The reason for this is Asus ’s determination to deepen the overall design of the ROG Phone .

It has smaller bezel around the concealment , a more formal shape , a slender 8.9 mm visibility , and a unclouded 225 - gram weight . The AirTriggers are still on each shoulder , but there are no more motorized vents , so it has take in an IP68 water supply and rubble resistance evaluation . The 3.5 millimetre earphone jack remain , as does a side - mounted USB - blow charging interface . It ’s for sure still more suitable to gambling than most flagship smartphones , but it ’s far less compromised . It present a monolithic change for the ROG Phone series , and a mostly positive one , too .

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Only mostly ? The problem is that the ROG Phone 8 Pro is n’t as mad , or as to the full gaming - centrical , as old models . Nor is it as middle - catching . The rear panel on the Pro is all mordant , and the sharp and clear LED array that brilliantly show unlike animations is entirely hide when it ’s turned off . When it is , the back of the ROG Phone 8 Pro is shockingly ordinary , although the elusive sparkle and matte flash do give it a visual boost . Even the tv camera module is a elementary , solid fateful division in the top corner that ’s slightly raised .

The ROG Phone 8 Pro is a comfortable and convenient quotidian partner .

It ’s clearly designed to give the telephone set more mass appeal , in addition to make it more usable , but there is a risk of infection of turning the hard-core repeat ROG Phone purchaser off as it ’s miss much of what made the older mannequin so different . The ROG Phone 8 Pro is a comfy and convenient everyday cooperator when I ’m not playing games , which ca n’t be said about any other ROG Phones , but there will of necessity be some who are exclusively turned off by that command .

The side of the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro’s camera module.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro: gaming

Asus still insists the ROG Phone 8 Pro is a gaming smartphone , despite it edging nigher to the mainstream than before , so what ’s it like when you do fiddle games ? As mentioned , the AirTriggers are still present on each shoulder and can be programmed to manoeuver in any mobile plot . Also , Asus ’ X Mode is available to supercharge performance whenever you require while proceed it manageable to extend battery life when you do n’t . I like that each of these feature is easily accessible by long - press the Quick preferences button , and they are entirely customizable too .

launch the 3DMark benchmarking app ’s Wild Life Extreme Stress Test revealed the phone gets very hot with such intervention , particularly on the slope of the shape . It ’s in these arduous spot where you will want to use the AeroCooler X lover accessory that clips on the back to aid chill with its physical buff . It sum up a duo of customizable buttons as well . It also set off hug drug Mode Plus on the earphone to squeeze even more carrying into action out of the twist . Under normal circumstances , comprehensive cooling methods , ranging from copper and graphite sheets to boron nitrate throw in into cavities , keep it guide at a sensible temperature .

You look at a 6.78 - column inch flexible AMOLED screen with a 1 - 120Hz refresh pace , which mechanically boosts to 165Hz when playing compatible games . Disappointingly , the resolution is 2400 x 1080 pixels , think it ’s not quite as high as some gamers may desire , but it matches late versions of the telephone . It has a crest luminousness of 2,500 nits , and although it has n’t been cheery or smart while I ’ve been test the phone , it has never been a problem to see the screen outside . I ’ve also found the automatic luminance adaption to be accurate and reliable .

The different animations for the AniMe screen on the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

You ’ll notice the bezel at the top and bottom of the screen have been concentrate in sizing compare to those on the ROG Phone 7 ( down from 5.65 mm to 1.65 mm ) , so you are gripping the screen more when playing game in landscape . For the biz I play , this is n’t an issue , but it may refer some hoi polloi . It ’s also another of the more hardcore gambling considerations that have been removed from the software program to make it more suitable for everyday consumption by more masses .

What ’s it like playing games on the ROG Phone 8 Pro ? It ’s like playing them on every other large flagship in terms of how you hold it and how it feels , but the AirTriggers are fantastic — accurate and easy to set up — and do split up this sound from its rivals . However , you ’ll need to toy game that really profit from them to notice they are there at all . X Mode and the masses of customization make plot play and operate the exact style you require . this speech sound is made by people who really understand mobile gaming , which helps ensure the ROG Phone 8 Pro should be the phone of choice for the consecrate fluid gamer .

The ROG Phone 8 Pro is emphatically a whole tone up from wager game on a Galaxy S23 Ultra orGoogle Pixel 8 Produe to the virtual buttons , X Mode , dateless customization options , and the AeroCooler X accoutrement . The difference is that you ’re prompt less often that this is a gaming smartphone than you were when roleplay on the ROG Phone 7 Ultimate .

The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro with the AeroCooler X fan attached.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro: battery life and phone performance

Asus want you to use the ROG Phone 8 Pro every day , so is that viable ? The sound itself is no bigger or heavier than theXiaomi 13 Proor a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra , so provided you ’re fine with something of this sizing and weight , you wo n’t feel it any unlike . I ’ve also line up calls profound superb , and the AI Noise Reduction has in effect removed background sound in meddlesome surroundings for the other political party . The phone has pulled in 5 G signals without event , but there were a few complaint that my voice was sometimes garbled during phone call — even in areas with a decent signal .

Due to my usance requirements over the past few workweek , I ’ve often only used the phone for about an hour a twenty-four hours , and just for the basics like calls , message , and electronic mail . It ’s mostly been link to a cellular signaling rather than Wi - Fi . It has also been connected to aSamsung Galaxy Watch 5 Produring this time . When used like this , the 5,500mAh bombardment ’s life is outstanding , and it has not dropped below 75 % after a full day from around 7 a.m. to midnight . I could not charge it overnight , and it would still easily last three or even four days . The low magnate efficiency of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is likely superb .

I appreciate this is n’t normal use of goods and services , peculiarly for a gaming phone , so what about when pushed hard ? set out from 100 % in the morning for a total screen clock time of four - and - a - half to five hours during the mean solar day , the battery depletes to about 30 % by 11 p.m. This is with a mix of GPS navigation , 90 minutes of YouTube cyclosis at 1440p ( which aim around 8 % on its own ) , 3DMark benchmarking to make up very in high spirits - level gaming , mixed gameplay includingAsphalt 9 : LegendsandPocket City , and some social networking and oecumenical app use .

A person holding the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Recharging selection are more comprehensive than previous ROG Phones , as it now includes wireless Qi 1.3 charging along with Asus ’ 65 - watt wire HyperCharge system , which takes the battery to 100 % in 40 minutes . This brings the ROG Phone 8 Pro in furrow with most other flagship phones , and the respectable wired fast charging means it ’s as versatile and convenient as the OnePlus 11 andGalaxy S23 .

Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro: software, speed, and security

Android 14 is install with Asus ’ own port , and there are two options for it . One includes all the usual gaming phone visual effects and customs duty image , while the other is a simple , clean pick . in person , I find the Asus version too meddlesome , but it does n’t operate any otherwise from the clean reading , so you ’ll be destitute to choose the ocular vogue you choose . I have no trouble with the computer software at all , and feel the ROG Phone 8 Pro a very pleasant phone to use all the time .

A lot of this is down to the sheer speed of the system in general , as there ’s no meanwhile , no hesitation , and no irritating pause . If you require the fastest smartphone out there , the ROG Phone 8 Pro will more than fulfil you . This is also manifest when playing games — powerful from the moment you open up the app . It all happens instantly , and games absolutely fly , making them more pleasurable and the experience more fluid .

The ROG Phone 8 Pro I ’ve been testing has a candidly insane 24 GB of RAM , which undoubtedly helps give it this amazing spell of amphetamine — but I would imagine the 16 GB interlingual rendition is scarcely lacking . All this add together up to being a big part of the ROG Phone 8 Pro ’s appeal as a games automobile , as it ’s about as in high spirits performance as smartphones get .

Screenshots taken from the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro.

Asus

I am using the ROG Phone 8 Pro ahead of launch without the final software install , but it has not proved to be unreliable , and no major germ have read up . There are a few thing to point out , though . I have find the screen is very sensitive , and it repeatedly register more than one tap , resulting in forked letters or identification number appearing . This is frustrating when inputting password or phone numbers .

I also find the notification shade is n’t very reactive and call for a very obvious virtual tug to get it to pull up down . These issues may well be fixed in the concluding software update , which is due before button . The in - display fingerprint sensor is fast , but not as fast as the grimace unlock organisation , so you may not even get to use it if both selection are participating .

Outside of Asus ’ gambling modes , there are some AI feature that are new for the ROG Phone 8 Pro . The AI Noise Cancellation make well on call , and also manoeuver during in - game chats and telecasting call . There ’s an AI - power hunt characteristic and various in - plot AI tools as well . These include auto - pickup , machine - run , and machine - skip for cutscenes . All these do enhance the ROG Phone 8 Pro ’s gambling certificate , but are only usable inGenshin ImpactandHonkai Star Railfor now , limiting the phone number of multitude who will find it useful .

Screenshots taken from the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro.

Asus

Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro: camera

The ROG Phone 8 Pro has a 50 - megapixel main tv camera with the 6 - axis gimbal stabilisation systemseen on the Zenfone 10 , plus a 13MP f/2.2 wide - angle camera and a 32MP telephoto tv camera with a 3x optical zoom . A 32MP selfie television camera complete the card , nominate it the most comprehensively specced - out camera on an ROG Phone yet .

While the camera is still not the reason you ’ll require to bribe the ROG Phone 8 professional , it ’s no longer a reasonnotto buy it . It takes vibrant , vivid , and fun photos , and there ’s enough versatility to keep you interested and involved . There ’s a enough level of consistence between the main and wide-cut - slant cameras , but the 2x hybrid and 3x optical zoom produce quite unlike - look images . The tone is enough , but if you face very critically , there ’s some edge enhancement , plus some texture do look a small pixelated .

Portrait mode work in a variety of situation and provides a noticeable burden , and when you get in close , there ’s a pleasing innate bokeh to different shots . It does n’t come back the most natural colors , but they for certain pop and are ideal for partake in online without much editing . The gimbal stabilization is n’t something you ’ll utilize all the clock time , and carrying into action seems to be similar to theZenfone 10 . think this is primarily a gaming smartphone and that previous ROG Phone camera have been average at best , the ROG Phone 8 Pro ’s camera is a grownup step forward for the range .

Screenshots taken from the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro.

Asus

Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro: price and availability

The ROG Phone 8 Pro will cost $ 1,199 for the 16GB/512 GB model , while a Pro Edition model with a elephantine 24 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage blank — plus the $ 100 AeroCooler X admit in the box — can be yours for $ 1,499 . The spill day of the month has not been confirm at the time of composition , but it will be sold in the U.S. soon .

At this price and with its more mainstream intentions , the ROG Phone 8 Pro goes up against the Galaxy S23 Ultra , the Pixel 8 Pro , and theiPhone 15 professional . It ’ll also be a staring alternative to theGalaxy S24 Ultra . It arguably always has been , but there was a particular reason to choose the ROG Phone over them , which has been slightly eat away with the 8 professional .

You ’ll still need to be a big fluid gaming lover toreallywant it , but not quite as much as before . Whether that signify you would be better off with one of its competitors may get along down to how often you take photos .

A photo taken using the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro’s main camera.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro: verdict

I ’ve used every ROG Phone since the very first , and the ROG Phone 8 Pro is the first one where I have n’t felt the pauperization to include a caution in my review article by stating at least once that you have to be a hard-core gamer to really enjoy it . The aim , IP rating , public presentation , charging , and photographic camera are all tailor to normal , workaday usance , and it is a much easy sound to populate with than you may expect given its pedigree .

It ’s less hassle and there are fewer compromises , so more the great unwashed can enjoy the monster carrying into action on offer , but there ’s still enough of Asus ’s gaming expertise inside to make it better than other flagships for gaming — just . Make no mistake , it may seem a bit more average this time , but at its heart , the ROG Phone 8 Pro is an right-down powerhouse and will efface any task — not just games — in record fourth dimension while on the face of it not breaking a lather . When the entire world of gaming sound isgoing through a major change , it ’s the sensible route for Asus to take .

The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro is a play smartphone wrapped up in a friendlier package that has the potential to appeal to more citizenry , whether they ’re casual gamers or bud professional . It ’s aPlayStation 5and not a gaming PC , and that ’s fine by me , but the real hard-core ROG Phone fans who expend hours play mobile games every day may find it has been watered down just a little too much .

A photo taken using the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro’s wide-angle camera.