The line of gaming smartphones from ASUS received quite significant updates at CES 2024. This time, the already well-known ROG Phone series has significantly updated its design and added features. This year, it also consists of two models – ROG Phone 8 and ROG Phone 8 Pro.
The new products have managed to reduce their bodies and weight compared to their predecessors. Previously, there were complaints about the size of smartphones, because not every user was comfortable with such a large gadget. In both cases, the dimensions of the new cases are 163.8×76.8×8.9 mm (173×77×10.3), and the weight is 225 grams (239 grams).
The cases still have glass panels on the front and back, with an aluminum frame in between. However, they now have IP68 water and dust protection, which they did not offer before. At the same time, the classic jack for connecting wired headphones has not disappeared.
In general, the design of ROG Phone 8 and 8 Pro has been significantly updated. Previous models kept a certain theme, which was slightly changed for a long time. However, now the device has significantly updated its appearance, with only the logo remaining recognizable. But there are options with it.
The difference between the ROG Phone 8 and 8 Pro models is the logo. The first smartphone has the familiar ROG logo with RGB backlighting. The Pro version will offer Anime Vision mini-LEDs, similar to those previously seen on laptop lids, headphones, and keyboards. The user will be able to choose what kind of information the system will display on the back, or they can choose their own image.
The diagonal of the displays of both models is 6.78 inches (as before). These are LTPO AMOLED matrices with a resolution of 2400×1080 pixels, an aspect ratio of 20:9, a refresh rate of up to 165 Hz, and a maximum brightness of up to 1,600 cd/m² (and 2,500 at the peak when playing HDR). The speakers no longer “hug” the display from the top and bottom, but are located in a more traditional way, as on conventional smartphones.
The display also has a small hole for the front camera. Its resolution is 32 MP (ƒ/2.5, 1/3.2″, 22 mm). The main camera unit at the back has three sensors: a 50MP main wide-angle Sony IMX890 (ƒ/1.9, 1/1.56″, 24 mm), a 13MP ultra-wide-angle (ƒ/2.2, 120°, 13 mm), and a 32MP telephoto (ƒ/2.4, 1/3.2″, 3× optical zoom).
Both models are powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 with Adreno 750. They also share support for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, multiple navigation systems, NFC, and more. In both cases, a 5 500 mAh battery is used, and there is support for 65W fast charging.
However, there is a nice addition here as well. ROG Phone now supports induction charging with a power of up to 15 W, or reverse charging with a power of 10 W.
Another difference between the two models is the amount of memory. The ROG Phone 8 will offer a choice of 12 or 16 GB of RAM, and 256 GB of storage. The ROG Phone 8 Pro, on the other hand, has 16/512 GB options, and the top of the line has 24 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage (in all cases, this is UFS 4.0).
The most expensive bundle will include an additional AeroActive Cooler X cooling unit (otherwise, the accessory will be sold separately). Other accessories include the ROG Tessen controller. At the same time, the built-in triggers on the case frame also remain in the new models.
Those wishing to purchase the ROG Phone 8 will be able to choose from two colors – Rebel Grey and Phantom Black, while the ROG Phone 8 Pro is only available in black. The initial cost of the new smartphones in Europe will be €1,099 and €1,199, respectively. The level of Ukrainian price tags and the date of local sales are still unknown.
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