ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro Review

The smartphone world was never meant for the faint-hearted, and the battleground for dominating this market is as intense as it gets. ASUS, known in gaming circles for its ROG (Republic of Gamers) line-up, has carved a niche for itself with phones that cater specifically to the mobile gaming crowd. However, with the recent release of the ASUS ROG Phone 8, I was left questioning whether the Japanese tech giant was treading water rather than blazing new trails.

The ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro is a stylish, powerful gaming smartphone that boasts an impressive array of features tailored to gamers and tech enthusiasts. This latest iteration promises an even more immersive gaming experience with its upgraded display and features designed to enhance performance and user control. With a clear focus on gaming, ASUS has equipped the ROG Phone 8 with some top-notch hardware, including the latest Snapdragon processor and up to a whopping 24 GB of RAM in its high-end configuration.

There is no denying the formidable hardware packaged into the ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro. The device is a beast, capable of handling the most demanding games and multitasking with ease. The 6.78-inch AMOLED display supports a 165Hz refresh rate, which translates to smooth visuals. The inclusion of the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset also ensures that this phone is no slouch regarding performance. Other notable highlights include the usual AirTrigger touch-sensitive controls, ultrasonic triggers that offer haptic feedback, and a substantial 5500mAh battery.

However, I cannot help but feel underwhelmed when you compare it to the previous model, the ASUS ROG Phone 7, which had a larger battery, and the rear screen has been downgraded to look like it belongs on an old pinball machine. The actual improvements seem more like a natural progression rather than a revolutionary leap. When looking at the ROG Phone 8 in the context of its previous versions, ASUS has maintained a consistent design language and feature set that, while refined, doesn't offer a compelling enough reason for existing ROG Phone users to upgrade.

While playing around with the ROG Phone 8 for the past few weeks, while there is no denying its power and gaming prowess, I found myself seeking something more. The experience of using this phone is great, but since my main handset is also a gaming phone (this was just a short-term loaner), I never felt like it could do anything my other phone couldn’t. I was also concerned that I might damage the ROG Phone 8 because the review website that had it before me managed to scrape the rear with their own main handset. Though that could be because they didn’t like the case that came included in the box?

The ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro is not a conventional smartphone, and it doesn't pretend to be. It is a device for a specific audience. However, I couldn't help but feel that even within the gamer niche, it lacks an identity distinct enough to stand out. It is a solid device with impressive technology under the hood. It remains a top choice for those seeking the ultimate gaming experience on the go. However, in an ever-evolving market, solid might not be enough. With a lack of significant design innovation and features that seek to redefine the gaming phone segment, the ROG Phone 8 fails to captivate beyond its core audience. ASUS should be commended for its dedication to delivering powerful technology to gamers. However, to truly stand out, it will need to take bigger risks and push the boundaries of what is expected from a gaming phone. For now, the ASUS ROG Phone 8 will satisfy the die-hard ASUS fans and those who value performance above all else. But for the rest of us, we'll be waiting for the next update that truly changes the game.