Tag: rog

Asus ROG Phone 5

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ROG Phone 5
ROG Phone 5

The Asus ROG Phone 5 is a flagship gaming smartphone from Asus, designed specifically for hardcore mobile gamers and enthusiasts. Here’s an in-depth review of the Asus ROG Phone 5:

Overview:

Launched in 2021, the Asus ROG Phone 5 is the successor to the ROG Phone 3, skipping the number 4 due to its association with bad luck in some cultures. The phone is packed with top-tier specifications, gaming-centric features, and design elements that make it stand out in the crowded smartphone market.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 11, with ROG UI on top.
  2. Display: 6.78-inch AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2448 pixels, boasting a 144Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G.
  4. Memory: Options ranging from 8/12/16 GB RAM with 128/256/512 GB UFS 3.1 internal storage.
  5. Camera: Triple rear camera setup – 64 MP primary sensor, 13 MP ultrawide lens, and a 5 MP macro sensor. The front camera is a 24 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: A massive 6000 mAh non-removable battery with 65W fast charging.
  7. Other Features: AirTrigger 5, RGB lighting, stereo speakers with Dirac HD sound, under-display fingerprint scanner, and a host of gaming accessories available separately.

Pros:

  1. Gaming Performance: With the Snapdragon 888 and up to 16GB RAM, the device offers unparalleled performance, especially for gaming.
  2. Display: The 144Hz AMOLED display ensures ultra-smooth visuals, crucial for gaming.
  3. Battery Life: The 6000 mAh battery ensures extended gaming sessions without needing a recharge.
  4. Gaming-Centric Features: AirTrigger 5, customizable RGB lighting, and a range of gaming accessories enhance the gaming experience.
  5. Audio: The stereo speakers are among the best in the industry, providing an immersive audio experience.

Cons:

  1. Size and Weight: The device is bulky and heavy, which might not be comfortable for everyone.
  2. Camera Performance: While decent, the camera isn’t on par with other non-gaming flagships in the same price range.
  3. No IP Rating: The device lacks any official water or dust resistance rating.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket and category, the Asus ROG Phone 5 faced competition from:

  • Lenovo Legion Phone Duel: Another gaming-centric phone with side-mounted pop-up camera, Snapdragon 865+, and 144Hz display.
  • Xiaomi Black Shark 4 Pro: Featuring a 144Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 888, and magnetic pop-up shoulder buttons.
  • Nubia Red Magic 6: With its 165Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 888, and built-in shoulder triggers.

Launch Date:

The Asus ROG Phone 5 was announced in March 2021.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Glitches: Some users reported occasional software bugs or inconsistencies within the ROG UI, especially with third-party apps.
  2. Thermal Management: While the device generally managed heat well, extended gaming or high-performance tasks could lead to noticeable warmth.
  3. Durability Concerns: Some early durability tests highlighted potential structural weaknesses, especially when subjected to bending.

Conclusion:

The Asus ROG Phone 5 is a dream device for mobile gamers, offering a suite of features and performance metrics tailored for gaming. From its high-refresh-rate screen to its customizable AirTriggers, it’s evident that a lot of thought went into crafting a device that caters to the needs of gamers. While it might not be the best all-rounder, especially in areas like camera performance, it excels in its niche. For those who prioritize gaming above all else, the ROG Phone 5 is hard to beat.

Asus ROG Phone II

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The Asus ROG Phone II was a standout release in the gaming smartphone category, building upon the foundation set by its predecessor. Here’s an in-depth review of the Asus ROG Phone II:

Overview:

Launched in 2019, the Asus ROG Phone II was designed with hardcore gamers in mind. It combined top-tier specifications with gaming-specific features and enhancements, aiming to provide the ultimate mobile gaming experience.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 9.0 (Pie), with the ROG UI skin, upgradable to Android 10.
  2. Display: 6.59-inch AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, boasting a 120Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855+.
  4. Memory: Options of 8/12 GB RAM with 128/256/512 GB or 1 TB UFS 3.0 internal storage.
  5. Camera: Dual rear camera setup – 48 MP primary sensor and a 13 MP ultrawide lens. A 24 MP front camera.
  6. Battery: A massive 6000 mAh battery with 30W fast charging, 10W reverse charging, and Quick Charge 4.0.
  7. Other Features: AirTriggers (ultrasonic touch sensors), customizable RGB lighting, front-facing stereo speakers, and a range of gaming accessories.

Pros:

  1. Performance: With the Snapdragon 855+ and up to 12 GB RAM, the device was a performance beast, handling even the most demanding games with ease.
  2. Display: The 120Hz AMOLED display provided a buttery-smooth gaming and browsing experience.
  3. Battery Life: The 6000 mAh battery ensured extended gaming sessions without the need for frequent recharges.
  4. Gaming Features: AirTriggers, game mode optimizations, and a range of dedicated accessories made it a true gaming phone.
  5. Cooling System: The device featured an advanced cooling system to prevent overheating during intensive gaming sessions.

Cons:

  1. Weight and Size: Due to its large battery and cooling mechanisms, the device was bulky and heavy.
  2. Camera: While decent, the camera wasn’t the best in its price range, especially when compared to non-gaming flagships.
  3. ROG UI: The user interface, while feature-rich for gamers, might not appeal to everyone, especially those seeking a more stock Android experience.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its release period, the ROG Phone II faced competition mainly from other gaming phones and flagship devices:

  • Black Shark 2 Pro: Another gaming phone with the Snapdragon 855+ and gaming-centric features.
  • OnePlus 7T Pro: Offering a 90Hz display, top-tier performance, and a more mainstream design.
  • Samsung Galaxy Note 10: A flagship with a focus on productivity and a premium design.

Launch Date:

The Asus ROG Phone II was announced in July 2019 and released in September 2019.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Bugs: Some users reported occasional software glitches, especially in early versions of the ROG UI.
  2. Accessory Availability: While the device supported a range of gaming accessories, availability was an issue in some regions.
  3. Bulkiness: The phone’s size and weight made it less pocket-friendly and harder to use one-handed compared to other flagships.

Conclusion:

The Asus ROG Phone II was a dream come true for mobile gaming enthusiasts. It pushed the boundaries of what a gaming smartphone could offer, from its high-refresh-rate screen to its massive battery. While it had its quirks and was not the best all-rounder, for those prioritizing gaming above all else, it was one of the top choices in its time.