The new Asus ROG Phone 8 is very much still a gaming phone, but this time around Asus designed it with everyday usability in mind. It’s smaller and lighter than before and has a proper IP68 dust and water resistance rating (vs. IP54 on last year’s model).
Bigger changes include a 32MP 3x telephoto camera and improved stabilization for the main cam (Hybrid Gimbal Stabilizer 3.0). There is now wireless charging too (15W), though the battery capacity was reduced slightly (at 5,500mAh it’s not small by any means).
As a gaming phone, it will make use of the new variable refresh rate (1-120Hz) enabled by the LTPO panel. And some games will be able to make use of the 165Hz mode too, though even the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 doesn’t have the power to hit that target for more demanding titles.
The Asus ROG Phone 8 is on pre-order in Europe with the base model priced at €1,100 (12/256GB). In the US this same model costs $1,100.
There is a Pro model as well with a mini-LED matrix on the back, this one is €1,200 for a 16/512GB. The Pro Edition model packs 24GB of RAM and 1TB storage and goes for €1,500. The Pro will be available in India too, costing ₹95,000, the Pro Edition one will be ₹120,000.
The Red Magic 9 Pro also has a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, but it is lacking an LTPO display. Also, its built-in cooling fan means no waterproofing. On the plus side, the international model is much cheaper with a 12/256GB unit costing just $650/€650 and a 16/512GB one going for $800/€800. There is no tele camera or wireless charging on this model, however.
With the new design philosophy the ROG Phone 8 competes with regular flagships too. The OnePlus 12 will go global later this month, the Samsung Galaxy S24 launch is fast approaching, the Xiaomi 14 should become available outside of China sooner or later (but the 14 Pro will not).
What do you of the Asus ROG Phone 8 – is it your next phone or has the company missed the mark? By the way, we have the ROG Phone 8 and 8 Pro at the office and are already working on a review, so stay tuned for more on Asus’ latest gaming phone.
Laura Adams is a tech enthusiast residing in the UK. Her articles cover the latest technological innovations, from AI to consumer gadgets, providing readers with a glimpse into the future of technology.
