The brand new Asus ROG Phone 8 is still a gaming phone, however this time Asus made it more usable for everyday use. It’s smaller and lighter than before with a proper IP68 dust and water resistance rating (as compared to the IP54 rating on the previous model).
The major changes include a 32MP 3x telephoto camera and improved stabilization for the main camera (Hybrid Gimbal Stabilizer 3.0). It now has wireless charging (15W), although the battery capacity has been slightly reduced (at 5,500mAh it’s still quite large).
As a gaming phone, it will make use of the new variable refresh rate (1-120Hz) enabled by the LTPO panel and also includes 165Hz mode, 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 also a Pro model 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 is priced at €1,500. The Pro will also be available in India costing ₹95,000, while the Pro Edition one will be ₹120,000.
The Red Magic 9 Pro also has a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, but it doesn’t have an LTPO display. Its built-in cooling fan means no waterproofing. However, 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.
ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro
The ROG Phone 8’s new design philosophy allows it to compete with regular flagships. The OnePlus 12 will go global later this month, the Samsung Galaxy S24 launch is fast approaching and the Xiaomi 14 should be available outside of China sooner or later.
OnePlus 12 • Xiaomi 14
What do you think about 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.
