As the sole company offering robust, dedicated gaming phones, Asus introduces the ROG Phone 7 series, showcasing its ongoing commitment to enhancements, even as competitors lag behind. There are 2 versions series, the standard and Ultimate version along with the option to purchase the AeroActive Cooler 7. Despite a familiar formula, the Ultimate variant stands out with additional RAM, storage, a PMOLED display, and an innovative cooling vent.
Both versions share core specifications, tipping the scales at 239g, comparable to flagship phones like the iPhone 14 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. The 10.4mm thickness, while reasonable, may not be as comfortable for day-to-day use. The 6.78-inch screens boast a 1080×2448-pixel resolution, 165Hz maximum refresh rate, and 720Hz maximum touch sampling rate. New features include a 1500nit peak brightness and auto HDR conversion.
Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, the Asus ROG Phone 7 series offers the latest Adreno 740 GPU. The standard model includes 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB of UFS 4.0 storage, while the Ultimate version packs 16GB and 512GB respectively. Equipped with two 3000mAh battery units, the phones support 65W USB-PD fast charging, although a 30W charger is included. Wi-Fi 7 ensures robust connectivity, and both models feature Gorilla Glass Victus on the front and Gorilla Glass 3 on the back. The IP54 rating applies to both, except when the Ultimate’s cooling vent is open.
An innovative cooling vent on the Ultimate model facilitates the AeroActive Cooler 7’s physical interaction with the phone’s cooling system, reducing the rear panel temperature by up to 25 percent. Additional features of the attachment include RGB LEDs, a subwoofer, and four physical trigger buttons.
Distinguishing the Asus ROG Phone 7 is its gamer-centric design, prioritizing elements such as front-firing speakers and effective cooling. AirTrigger sensors on the frame act as physical controls for gaming, and a second USB Type-C port enables charging during gameplay. Software enhancements allow users to program AirTriggers, create macros, apply game-specific UI themes, choose performance presets, and fine-tune graphics and hardware parameters. Vibration mapping and automatic clip recording further enhance the gaming experience.
Despite a competitive edge in gaming, the Asus ROG Phone 7’s camera capabilities may not match those of premium Android phones. The main 50-megapixel camera, 13-megapixel ultra-wide, 8-megapixel macro, and 32-megapixel front camera provide basic functionality.
Ultimately, the ROG Phone 7 series caters to a niche audience valuing gaming performance above all. While its pricing aligns with premium flagship devices, it remains a justifiable investment for avid gamers seeking dedicated gaming features and enhancements.