The Asus ROG Phone 6 Pro: A Beast of a Gaming Smartphone
The Asus ROG Phone 6 Pro has arrived, and it’s not just another gaming phone — it’s a beast of a smartphone that’s ready to dominate the mobile gaming scene. Building upon the already impressive performance of the ROG Phone 5s series, this new model pushes boundaries with the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC, an upgraded cooling system, and a host of other innovative features designed to elevate your gaming experience to new heights. But is the ROG Phone 6 Pro just a minor upgrade, or does it justify the hefty price tag?
Power Unleashed: A Chip Ahead
The Asus ROG Phone 6 Pro is the first phone in India to feature the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC, a significant upgrade over its predecessor. This powerful chipset promises blazing fast speeds and smoother gameplay, along with improved power efficiency for longer gaming sessions. Asus also emphasizes the upgraded cooling system in the new model, which, combined with the optional Aero Active Cooler 6, should ensure that your phone remains cool and performing at its peak even during intense gameplay.
A Design For Champions
While the ROG Phone 6 Pro retains the massive, glass and metal design of its predecessors, Asus has refined the aesthetic and brought several key improvements. The new model boasts an IPX4 rating for splash resistance, a first for premium gaming phones, and is now slightly thinner and lighter than its predecessor. This makes the phone a little more comfortable to hold, even for extended periods.
Visual Mastery: A Screen to Conquer
The ROG Phone 6 Pro features a massive 6.78-inch AMOLED display, boasting a full-HD+ resolution, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, and a peak brightness of 800 nits. But it’s the 165Hz refresh rate and up to 720Hz touch sampling rate that truly sets it apart. These features deliver ultra-smooth scrolling, snappy response times, and a lag-free gaming experience. The display has been lauded for its vivid colors and excellent touch responsiveness, which translates to a truly immersive gaming experience.
More Than Just a Game: Software and Features
The ROG Phone 6 Pro runs Android 12, giving users the choice between Zen UI or the ROG UI skin for a more gaming-centric experience. Asus promises two OS updates and at least two years of security updates, ensuring a long lifecycle for this powerhouse. The phone also features a secondary USB Type-C port on the left side, ensuring that the charging cable doesn’t interfere with your gameplay.
The Power of Customization: Armoury Crate
The Asus Armoury Crate app is a game-changer for customizers. It allows you to fine-tune individual game settings, monitor CPU and GPU temperatures, and even tweak the AirTriggers (ultrasound buttons on the right side of the frame). The AirTriggers have been enhanced with a new "Press and Lift" gesture, enabling two actions within a game with a single gesture. This feature adds a new layer of control and customization to the gaming experience.
The Gaming Dashboard: Game Genie
The in-game dashboard, Game Genie, has also been overhauled. Now accessible with a swipe-down gesture, it allows on-the-fly manipulation of key settings like refresh rate, blocking notifications, and engaging X-Mode. This level of control gives gamers the power to optimize the phone’s performance for any game they play.
Staying Cool Under Pressure: Aero Active Cooler 6
The optional Aero Active Cooler 6 takes the ROG Phone 6 Pro’s cooling system to another level. This innovative accessory features a thermoelectric cooling system and four additional buttons (two more than its predecessor) that can be mapped within games. Asus claims that the cooler can reduce surface temperature by up to 25 degrees Celsius in "Frozen" mode, but this requires the phone to be plugged in. While the cooler is sold separately, it’s a valuable investment for those seeking the ultimate performance and thermal stability.
A Sharper View: Camera Upgrades
The cameras on the ROG Phone 6 Pro have also received a significant upgrade. The front-facing camera is a 12-megapixel Sony IMX663 sensor, while the rear camera system features a 50-megapixel Sony IMX766 primary sensor, 13-megapixel ultra-wide, and a 5-megapixel macro. While camera performance may not be the top priority for gamers, the ROG Phone 6 Pro now boasts 8K video recording and other premium features. This improvement shows that Asus isn’t neglecting any aspect of the phone’s user experience.
Powering Through: Battery and Charging
The ROG Phone 6 Pro packs a massive 6,000mAh battery, comprising two 3,000mAh cells, and supports up to 65W fast charging. However, the 65W charger is not included in the box, and Indian retail units will ship with a 30W charger. Asus assures users that any USB PD 3.0 charger with PPS (Programmable Power Supply) and the right wattage should be able to fast charge the phone at its full potential. While wireless charging is still missing, the phone’s battery life and fast charging capabilities should be enough to satisfy even the most demanding gamers.
Lasting Impression: The Verdict
The Asus ROG Phone 6 Pro is a beast of a gaming smartphone, delivering a powerful and immersive experience. The latest Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip, impressive cooling capabilities, and impressive display make it a top contender in the gaming phone market. However, the ROG Phone 6 Pro is a niche device, with a high price tag that might not be justifiable to everyone.
Ultimately, the decision of whether the ROG Phone 6 Pro is the right device for you depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you’re a hardcore gamer who demands the best performance and features and are willing to pay a premium for it, the ROG Phone 6 Pro is undoubtedly a worthy contender. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable and versatile smartphone, there are alternative options available in the market.
