Asus recently unveiled its latest jewel in the ROG series, the ROG Phone 8 Pro, promising an even more immersive gaming experience. But how does it measure up to its predecessor, the ROG Phone 7 Ultimate? In this detailed comparison, we’ll explore the significant differences between these two gaming smartphones.
Sleek Design vs. Gamer Look:
The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro adopts a sleek design, clearly distinguishing itself from the ‘gamer’ aesthetic of previous models. With a textured matte glass back, almost bezel-less screen and IP68 water and dust resistance, it offers a sleeker look while retaining its gaming identity thanks to its AniMe Vision panel with 341 programmable LEDs.
The ROG Phone 7 Ultimate has the signature gamer look of the series, with bold lines, cutting-edge patterns and LED lighting. It also offers a unique feature with direct cooling via the AeroActive Cooler 7 accessory, enabling extended gaming sessions.
Evolution of the screen design
The ROG Phone 8 Pro inherits the same imposing 6.78-inch screen as its predecessor, but with a notable transformation. By reducing the top and bottom bezels, Asus has managed to shorten the device by almost 10mm, offering a more modern and streamlined aesthetic. The 32MP selfie camera is cleverly integrated into the screen, eliminating the need for thick bezels. The thinner bezels enhance the visual and aesthetic experience. Display quality is pretty impressive on both devices with a 720Hz touch sampling rate and a variable refresh rate of up to 165Hz.
The ROG Phone 8 Pro’s display is an FHD+ E6 AMOLED with a variable refresh rate from 1 to 120 Hz, and an incredible ability to go up to 165 Hz specifically for gaming. This technology offers a fluid and responsive visual experience, perfect for demanding gamers. You’ll find the same quality on the Rog Phone 7 Ultimate.
Power and performance:
The ROG Phone 8 Pro takes the lead with a more powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, up to 24GB of RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage. The announced performance gains of 30% in CPU and 25% in GPU, combined with the advanced GameCool 8 thermal system, promise an exceptional gaming experience.
With Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, the ROG Phone 7 Ultimate delivers top-notch performance. However, the distinguishing feature is direct cooling via the AeroActive Cooler 7, offering fast cooling efficiency for intensive gaming sessions. But it’s also worth noting that this cooling system has a few shortcomings, as with open ports, dust and water infiltration is much easier, hence the presence of the new AeroActive Cooler X to address this shortcoming.
Battery and autonomy:
The ROG Phone 8 Pro opts for a 5,500mAh battery, offering a smaller capacity than the ROG Phone 7 Ultimate. Asus guarantees equivalent autonomy thanks to the energy efficiency of the new chipset. The 65W fast charge ensures rapid recharging. With an impressive 6,000 mAh battery, the ROG Phone 7 Ultimate has scored points in terms of battery life. The 65W fast charging technology also ensures rapid recharging.
Improved photographic capabilities:
The ROG Phone 8 Pro’s camera system marks a significant step forward. Featuring a 50MP main camera, a 32MP 3x telephoto lens with optical stabilisation, and a 13MP ultra-wide camera, it offers a well-balanced configuration. The Gimbal 3.0 hybrid stabiliser promises stable shots, and image quality is enhanced by the wide f/1.9 aperture.
The ROG Phone 7 Ultimate features a 50 MP IMX766 main camera, a 13 MP ultra-wide unit and a 5 MP macro shooter. The 32MP front camera also delivers solid performance. While the whole package is capable of producing high-quality photos, the introduction of the 3x telephoto lens on the ROG Phone 8 Pro is a first-rate improvement.
Verdict:
The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro offers a sleek design, improved performance, and a cutting-edge gaming experience. However, fans of the ‘gamer’ look and direct cooling feature of the ROG Phone 7 Ultimate may find something to like. With prices starting at £1,099/$1,199 for the ROG Phone 8 Pro, the choice between these two smartphones depends on your aesthetic preferences, performance needs, and budget. While the ROG Phone 8 Pro redefines standards, the ROG Phone 7 Ultimate remains an attractive option for gaming enthusiasts.
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