Introduction
The ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro review showcases the latest iteration of ASUS’s highly successful gaming phone series, designed to push the limits of mobile gaming. With top-tier hardware, cutting-edge cooling solutions, and gaming-centric features, the ROG Phone 8 Pro aims to be the ultimate choice for gamers who demand the best. But does it live up to the hype? In this in-depth review, we’ll explore everything you need to know about this powerhouse smartphone, from its design and performance to its gaming capabilities and software features.
1. Design & Build Quality
A New Look for ROG Phones
ASUS has made some significant design changes with the ROG Phone 8 Pro. While previous models leaned heavily into the “gamer aesthetic” with aggressive lines and RGB lighting, the ROG Phone 8 Pro takes a more refined approach. It still retains the essence of a gaming phone but with a sleeker and more premium design.
Materials & Durability
The phone features a high-quality aluminum frame with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection on both the front and back. This ensures durability while keeping the phone lightweight. ASUS has also improved water and dust resistance with an IP68 rating, making it more resistant to the elements than previous models.
RGB & Customization
One of the signature features of the ROG series is RGB lighting. The ROG Phone 8 Pro includes an AniMe Vision display on the back, allowing for custom animations, notifications, and system status updates. This can be customized via ASUS’s Armoury Crate software, letting users personalize their phone to their liking.
2. Display: A Gamer’s Dream Screen
AMOLED Brilliance
The ROG Phone 8 Pro features a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time. The FHD+ (2400 x 1080) resolution ensures crisp visuals while maintaining smooth performance.
HDR & Brightness
With HDR10+ support and a peak brightness of 2500 nits, the screen delivers stunning contrast and deep blacks, making it perfect for both gaming and media consumption. Whether you’re playing in a dark room or under direct sunlight, visibility remains top-notch.
Touch Sampling Rate
The 720Hz touch sampling rate ensures ultra-responsive controls, giving gamers a competitive edge in fast-paced titles like Call of Duty Mobile and PUBG.
3. Performance: Beast Mode Activated
Chipset & CPU Power
The ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro is powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, paired with the Adreno 750 GPU. This combination ensures industry-leading performance across all applications, including the most demanding mobile games.
RAM & Storage
• 16GB/24GB LPDDR5X RAM for seamless multitasking
• 512GB UFS 4.0 storage for ultra-fast load times
With this configuration, even the heaviest games and apps load instantly, and background apps stay active without closing.
Benchmark Scores
In benchmark tests, the ROG Phone 8 Pro scores:
• AnTuTu: Over 1.5 million points
• Geekbench: 2100 (single-core) / 6800 (multi-core)
These scores place it at the top of the smartphone performance charts, rivaling even some gaming laptops.
4. Cooling System: Keeping It Chill
Advanced Thermal Management
Gaming phones tend to overheat during extended sessions, but ASUS has implemented a new AeroActive Cooling System that significantly reduces thermal throttling.
Cooling Features
• Vapor Chamber Cooling 2.0 for efficient heat dissipation
• Graphene cooling layers for better thermal conductivity
• AeroActive Cooler X (optional accessory) that attaches to the phone and provides active cooling with a built-in fan
With these features, the phone maintains optimal performance even during long gaming marathons.
5. Gaming Features: Built for the Pros
Armoury Crate & Game Genie
The ROG Phone 8 Pro comes with ASUS’s Armoury Crate app, which allows users to customize performance profiles, control RGB lighting, and monitor system stats.
Game Genie provides real-time performance monitoring, FPS boosting, and in-game controls such as macros, screen recording, and touch mapping.
AirTriggers 8.0
The ultrasonic AirTriggers on the edges of the phone provide customizable touch-sensitive buttons. These can be mapped to in-game controls, giving players a console-like experience.
X-Mode
Activating X-Mode optimizes CPU and GPU performance, enhances network connectivity, and minimizes background processes for a smooth gaming experience.
AI-Assisted Gaming Enhancements
• AI Frame Rate Boost: Keeps FPS stable in demanding games
• AI Motion Control: Allows players to execute in-game actions using motion gestures
6. Battery Life & Charging
Massive Battery Capacity
The phone houses a 6000mAh dual-cell battery, ensuring all-day usage even with heavy gaming.
Fast Charging & Reverse Charging
• 65W wired fast charging (0-100% in 40 minutes)
• 15W wireless charging
• 10W reverse charging to power other devices
ASUS has also introduced Battery Bypass Mode, which allows the phone to run on direct power while gaming, reducing heat generation and preserving battery lifespan.
7. Camera Performance: More Than Just a Gaming Phone
Triple Camera Setup
While gaming phones are not typically known for their cameras, the ROG Phone 8 Pro makes significant improvements with a flagship-level camera system:
• 50MP Sony IMX890 main sensor (OIS, f/1.9)
• 13MP ultra-wide camera (120-degree FOV)
• 32MP telephoto camera (3x optical zoom)
The 32MP front camera ensures sharp selfies and high-quality video calls.
Camera Features
• 4K 120FPS & 8K 30FPS video recording
• AI scene detection & night mode
• Ultra Steady video stabilization
Though not its primary focus, the ROG Phone 8 Pro’s camera is competitive with flagship devices like the Samsung Galaxy S24 and iPhone 15 Pro.
8. Software & UI
ROG UI & Android 14
The phone runs Android 14 with ROG UI, offering a clean yet customizable experience. Users can switch between ROG UI (gamer-focused interface) and Zen UI (stock Android-like interface).
Software Updates
ASUS promises 4 years of major Android updates and 5 years of security updates, ensuring long-term support.
9. Connectivity & Audio
Next-Gen Connectivity
• 5G support for ultra-fast mobile internet
• Wi-Fi 7 with low-latency gaming mode
• Bluetooth 5.3 for seamless audio connections
Audio Excellence
• Dual front-facing stereo speakers with Dirac tuning
• 3.5mm headphone jack (a rarity in flagship phones)
• Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound for hi-res audio
The quad-mic setup with AI noise cancellation ensures crystal-clear communication during gaming and calls.
10. Pricing & Availability
Price Range
The ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro is priced around:
• $1,199 for 16GB RAM + 512GB storage
• $1,399 for 24GB RAM + 512GB storage (Ultimate Edition)
Availability
The phone is available globally, with sales starting in key markets like the US, Europe, and Asia.
Final Verdict: Is the ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro Worth It?
Pros:
✅ Best-in-class gaming performance
✅ Stunning AMOLED 165Hz display
✅ Superior cooling system
✅ Customizable gaming features (AirTriggers, X-Mode, AI enhancements)
✅ Long battery life with fast charging
✅ Improved camera quality
Cons:
❌ Expensive compared to regular flagships
❌ No expandable storage
❌ Bulkier than standard smartphones
Who Should Buy It?
• Hardcore mobile gamers
• Content creators needing top-tier performance
• Power users who demand high-end specs