ASUS has unveiled its latest flagship gaming smartphones, the ROG Phone 8 and ROG Phone 8 Pro, at CES 2024. The new phones boast upgraded hardware and software focused on boosting gaming performance, including a dedicated AI processing unit for customized enhancements.
Key Hardware Upgrades Bring More Power
The ROG Phone 8 series is powered by Qualcomm’s newest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor built on TSMC’s 4nm process. This brings over 30% faster CPU performance and up to 45% improved graphics rendering over the previous generation.
Other hardware upgrades include LPDDR5X RAM for greater memory bandwidth, UFS 4.0 storage for faster load times, a 165Hz Samsung AMOLED display with 720Hz touch sampling rate for incredibly responsive gameplay, and ultra-fast 80W wired and 65W wireless charging.
| Specification | ROG Phone 8 | ROG Phone 8 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| RAM | 12GB / 16GB | 16GB / 18GB |
| Storage | 256GB / 512GB | 512GB / 1TB |
| Display | 6.78″ 2448×1080 165Hz AMOLED | 6.78″ 2448×1080 165Hz AMOLED |
| Rear Camera | 50MP main + 13MP ultrawide + 5MP macro | 50MP main + 13MP ultrawide + 5MP macro + 12MP 3x telephoto |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Battery | 6000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Charging Speed | 80W wired, 65W wireless | 80W wired, 65W wireless |
Intelligent Gaming Features Elevate User Experience
Going beyond hardware, ASUS has developed a host of smart software features focused on optimizing the gaming experience specifically for ROG Phone users. These include:
AI-Powered Performance Boosting
An integrated AI Processing Unit works continuously in the background to learn how users game and make intelligent adjustments to resource allocation between the CPU and GPU for optimal frame rates. It can also fine-tune touch responsiveness, network connectivity, and thermal dissipation based on usage patterns.
Adaptive Refresh Rate
The high 165Hz screen can dynamically adjust its refresh rate between 60-165Hz depending on the game state to balance performance and battery life. This means you get silky smooth framerates when needed without excess battery drain on slower-paced scenes.
AirTrigger Ultra Ultrasonic Buttons
Ultrasonic sensors allow virtual shoulder triggers and grip press buttons to be mapped, giving an ergonomic console-like experience. You can even slide a finger over a virtual D-Pad for enhanced in-game control.
Aura RGB Lighting
A rear RGB LED matrix integrated into the unique cyberpunk-inspired design allows for customizable lighting effects that react to notifications, calls, and charging status. Gamers can set static colors, animation effects, and more to show off their personal style.
Better Cameras and Battery Life Than Ever Before
While ASUS ROG Phones have traditionally focused mainly on raw gaming prowess, the ROG Phone 8 series delivers marked improvements in other areas as well including photography, battery efficiency, and overall build quality.
The phones incorporate Sony’s latest 50MP IMX989 main sensor with Optical Image Stabilization for detailed, blur-free photos even in low light conditions. A 13MP ultrawide lens provides a wider 115o field of view. The ROG Phone 8 Pro additionally has a dedicated 12MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom.
Despite having a pixel-dense 165Hz 2K display, ASUS has managed to fit an enormous 6000mAh battery. Combined with more efficient hardware and OLED panel technology, this allows over 9 hours of gaming on a single charge.
The metal and glass exterior feels more premium than before while retaining an rugged gamer aesthetic. An IP68 rating provides proper water and dust resistance as well.
Outlook Positive for Competitive Gaming Market in India
The Indian gaming phone market has seen substantial growth recently, driven by an expanding base of mobile and competitive gamers. ASUS was already the #2 gaming phone brand in 2023. With these upgrades plus localized customizations, their new ROG series looks primed to garner even higher market share.
Industry analysts expect rapid adoption amongst mobile gaming enthusiasts and amateur esports players. The phones will retail starting at INR 49,999, undercutting competing offerings from brands like Xiaomi’s Black Shark and Vivo’s iQOO.
ASUS also has an established reputation amongst mainstream audiences. Their aggressive pricing strategy should allow the ROG series to penetrate beyond niche gamer circles into the mass premium phone segment.
The ROG Phone 8 models check all the boxes in terms of top-notch processing power, immersive displays, long battery life, and intelligent gaming software features. If ASUS can ensure adequate stock supply, these phones are likely to become ubiquitous amongst mobile gaming communities in the country in the coming months.
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