ASUS + REPUBLIC OF GAMERS (ROG) + ANDROID SMARTPHONE
ASUS at Computex 2018 introduces a gaming smartphone like no other. From a custom (and exclusive) Snapdragon 845 to gaming accessories that only ROG can come up with, this device sure draws a lot of attention from the mobile gaming community.
Let's go straight to the specs:
Exclusive Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor : clocked at 2.96GHz
Qualcomm Adreno 630 graphics chip
6.0" | 18:9 AMOLED Screen (2160x1080)
90Hz screen refresh rate - same with the Razer Gaming Phone
Graphics supports HDR content
8GB RAM / 128 or 512GB UFS 2.1 Storage options
supports GPS, aGPS, Glonass, BeiDou
802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ad 2x2 MIMO
Wi-Fi Direct and WiGig 802.11ad wireless display support
Bluetooth 5.0 and NFC
Bottom Ports: USB-C supports USB 2.0, fast charging (20W), Direct Charge 3.5mm headphone jack (YES a headphone jack)
Side Ports: Custom USB-C supports USB 3.1 Gen 1, DP 1.4, fast charging (15W) ASUS HyperCharge direct charging
Dual front-facing stereo speakers with smart amplifier 24-bit/192KHz Hi-Res Audio DTS Headphone:X 7.1 virtual surround-sound Qualcomm aptX High-definition Bluetooth® wireless audio
Battery: 4000mAh
Looking at the above set of specs simply says that everyone who gets the ASUS ROG Phone, gets a nifty fast device with the latest tech for a gaming experience smartphone device. Speed and performance just like how ROG does it.
So what are the features of the ROG phone?
Aside for the speed and gaming capabilities, the phone is powered by Google's Android OS. This means you have a phone/PC in your pocket anytime, anywhere. Users who will be getting the device will definitely enjoy viewing the screen. Not only does the phone have an AMOLED display with 18:9 ratio, the display provides HDR quality viewing experience as well. Add 2 stereo speakers with smart amplifiers and watch your favorite movies and shows without the need for your headphones/earphones (except for noisy and earphones only environments).
The phone also has a dual camera setup.We have a regular 12mp lens and a wide angle 120º 8mp lens. We can probably expect the same AI capabilities given the same hardware and software as its Zenfone 5 siblings.
ASUS develops and introduces their "X mode". What this does is it works like a gaming mode option which is present in other smartphones. Difference is it overclocks the CPU for the best performance and it limits background processes as well as boosts network connectivity especially for online games. Users simply squeeze the sides (somewhat similar to that of HTC) to enable/disable the X mode.
Playing games require processing power and the more power is produced, heat is sure to follow. ASUS embeded a copper heat spreader and 3D vapor chamber for faster heat transfer from the processor to the body of the device and if this is still not enough or you want the phone to cool down faster, ASUS has included their AeroActive Cooler in the box. This AeroActive Cooler blows air over the back of the device to further reduce device heat build up.
ASUS and ROG also introduces side I/O ports. Aside for the regular ports found at the bottom, the side ports enables the phone to be docked in landscape orientation and provide more connectivity options using The Mobile Desktop Dock . The side-mounted port also supports Gigabit Ethernet over Type-C, plus HDMI and USB. Get additional features such as a 4K monitor, Gigabit Ethernet, 5.1-channel speakers, and a stack of USB peripherals.
Battery: We now have 4000mAh of juice for gaming and everyday tasks. When charging, get 60% in approximately 33 minutes and about 85% battery juice in about an hour.
High Speed UFS 2.1 storage makes sure you don't run out of space on your ROG phones.
Quick Impressions:
Price is something to watch out for. Probably starting at Php 4x,xxx and up
Definitely a first for mobile gamers and ROG
Accessories availability could be a possible concern
Very nice design and overall functionality including the bundled cooling system.
Front-facing Stereo speakers
Very clever side I/O ports
Images from ASUS/ROG