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Asus Android 14 Released Mar 2024

Asus ROG Phone 8

8.4 / 10
Compass Score
Based on 30 critic reviews
Starting from
$1,099
Specs
Android 14 Operating system
6.78" Screen size
50MP f/1.9 Main camera
SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) Octa-core Processor
256 GB Storage
5,500 mAh Battery

Verdict

A powerful device that blends gaming prowess with everyday functionality but comes with a high price point.

+
What's good
+ Top-tier performance
+ Bright display
+ IP68 certified
+ Improved camera setup
+ Air Trigger controls
−
What's not
− High price point
− Audio downgraded
− Slightly bulkier
− Limited software updates
− Lacks microSD slot
By category

Key specs

What critics say

Critic consensus

Compass Score
30 reviews
weighted by credibility
GSMArena
GSMArena
9.2

“ROG Phone 8 generation and the ROG Phone 8 and 8 Pro are the phones with the most mainstream appeal to come out of the ROG family as of yet. This is the most compact and pocketable ROG Phone ever, now with proper IP68 ingress protection. Yet, that has not come at the expense of the excellent display, which still has a 6.78-indi diagonal, excellent upgraded 2,500 nits max brightness, HDR capabilities and 165Hz refresh rate, now with LTPO tech for adaptive refresh rate adjustment. The camera setup has been massively upgraded with gimbal OIS on the main cam and a dedicated telephoto shooter, both adding to the overall versatility and mainstream appeal of the ROG Phone 8 and 8 Pro.”

PC Magazine
PC Magazine
8

“The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro Edition has everything you need to take your mobile gaming to the next level.”

Notebookcheck
Notebookcheck
8.9

“The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro successfully manages the balancing act between gaming smartphone and premium phone. However, it is not cheap.”

TechRadar
TechRadar
6

“The Asus ROG Phone 8 ticks a few boxes for gamers: it has a top-end chipset, a high refresh rate display and useful software tools. However, issues with its design make it tricky to use for actual gaming, and it costs a lot more than it really should.”

Video reviews

Watch before you decide

Review
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro: Mainstream gamer
Joshua Vergara
Review
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Review
Jam Ancheta
Review
ASUS ROG Phone 8 – All Gestures & Motions Review
HardReset.Info
Comparison
S24 Ultra Vs ROG Phone 8 Pro Vs iPhone 15 Pro Max Vs Red Magic 9 Pro | Best gaming phone 2024?
ZeiTech
Comparison
ROG Phone 9 Pro vs ROG Phone 8 Pro: WORTH Upgrading?
OASTHAR

In Depth

Design

The phone features a more streamlined design, shedding the ‘gamer’ aesthetics for a more mainstream look. It sports a subtle matte black finish, characterized by minimalistic branding, which sets it apart from previous models.

Reviewers from multiple sources found this approach to design quite pleasing, as it doesn’t explicitly scream ‘gaming phone’ while still maintaining a premium feel. The phone is slimmer and more manageable in weight, making it comfortable for extended use.

One unique feature includes an AniMe Vision panel on the back, which integrates 341 mini-LEDs for customizable animations. According to reviewers, “it provides just the right amount of flash without being overbearing,” as noted by a reviewer.

Display(s)

The large 6.78-inch display offers vivid colors and a smooth experience, perfect for gaming or videos.

A high refresh rate of 165Hz ensures quick response times, giving you an edge in fast-paced games.

The display reaches impressive brightness levels, up to 2500 nits, so you can see clearly outdoors.

Experts praise its color accuracy, with reviewers describing it as “great for video streaming or gaming” (ROOT-NATION.com).

Performance

You’ll appreciate the Asus ROG Phone 8’s ability to swiftly handle any game or app with its top-tier Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. This powerhouse of a chip ensures seamless performance, maintaining smooth operation even during high-demand gaming sessions.

Equipped with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, the phone offers ample space for your games, apps, and media. Experts highlight that its “extreme speed is primarily due to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor,” maintaining its status as one of the fastest devices on the market.

For gaming enthusiasts, the customizable touch triggers and robust cooling solution further enhance the gaming experience by keeping your phone cool, even during long play sessions. It’s the perfect choice if you seek unrivaled speed and a reliable gaming companion.

Software & Storage

The interface for Asus ROG Phone 8 is designed with gamers in mind, featuring a clean layout with customizable elements and no pre-installed unwanted apps. Reviewers from TechRadar highlight its similarity to basic Android, making it user-friendly.

It offers tailored apps such as Armory Crate, offering quick access to games and gaming features. Reviewers say this toolkit provides practical settings like power management and performance adjustments for different gaming scenarios.

Additional options like customizable animations and themes enhance the user experience, while gaming tutorials may lengthen the setup process according to Root-Nation.com. The interface supports easy personalization to cater to your preferences.

Cameras

Despite being a gaming phone, the cameras strive to hold their own. The main 50MP sensor delivers brightly colored and sharp images, even in less-than-ideal lighting, with instruments like a gimbal stabilizer enhancing steadiness during shots.

An added 32MP telephoto lens provides 3x optical zoom, which is a welcome feature in today’s phones. “It’s not going to replace your top-end iPhone, but it’ll hold its own,” experts remarked. The ultra-wide camera also delivers consistent quality, though close-up capabilities are less impressive. Overall, you’ll get good utility for a gaming-centered device.

Battery

The phone’s 5,500mAh battery ensures you can enjoy a full day’s use without constantly searching for power outlets. Reviewers stress that while gaming drains the battery faster than non-gaming tasks, its formidable capacity supports hours of intense play.

Dual USB-C ports and 65W fast charging add flexibility and speed, allowing you to quickly recharge in just 45 minutes with the compatible adapter, explained by TechRadar. Wireless charging at 15W is also a convenient addition, as described by experts, offering more ways to keep your device topped up on the go.

This setup provides remarkable convenience and efficiency, making the battery performance feature-rich and appealing to those with a demanding lifestyle.

Audio

The stereo speakers deliver clear, immersive sound that’s ideal for watching movies or playing games, giving you booming audio that adds depth to your entertainment. The use of high-resolution audio ensures quality sound, with the sound stage benefiting from spatial sound effects.

For calls, the microphones provide effective noise cancellation, enabling your voice to come through clearly even in busy environments. This ensures your conversations are uninterrupted and clear, making it easier for you to communicate.

Experts note that the speakers’ placement may be problematic when you’re in a gaming session, resulting in a muffled audio experience. Despite this, the phone’s audio system is regarded as generally impressive for entertainment and casual use.

The Bottom Line

If you’re seeking top performance, this device offers the latest chipset and a customizable gaming experience. Reviewers note that it rapidly loads games and supports high refresh rates, making it ideal for gamers seeking a seamless experience.

Its enhanced camera features and improved build make it more suitable for everyday use, but the cost may outweigh the benefits for casual users. Experts caution that its price is higher than other devices with similar specs, which may impact its attractiveness unless high-end performance is a must-have.

Common questions

What people actually want to know

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Community

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