Mobile gaming is the future. As network speeds increase, the ability to game on the move is a viable option. Furthermore, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Amazon Luna, and the late Google Stadia are proof that the concept works. However, like always, it is the hardware that holds it back. Massive games require monster mobile phones. Consequently, this gives manufacturers an enormous headache. Do they produce a top-end device that costs a bomb, or do they compromise and focus purely on the gaming aspects? Well, ASUS hasn’t compromised with its latest device. The ASUS ROG Phone 6D Ultimate or ROG Phone 6 Pro is a market leader.
This high-spec beast certainly pushes the boundaries. Yet, it’ll also test your relationship with your bank manager. Available for a whopping £1199.99, it is an eye-watering price tag. But don’t let this put you off. After all, can we really put a price on your gaming experience? Well, yes, apparently it is £1199.99! However, this to one side, let’s look at what you get when you invest in such a monstrously powerful machine.
What’s in the box of the ROG Phone 6 Pro?
- The packaging is futuristic, interesting, and unusual. The full cardboard setup ensures its recyclable, and the contents are well protected. Furthermore, it looks stylish and screams to be opened immediately.
- The ROG Phone 6 Pro is impressive to the eye. This sizeable device looks sleek and has a futuristic finish. To the rear, there is an offset triple-lens camera and a small display. Alongside this, there are 2 USB-C ports and the normal tactile buttons.
- The Aeroactive Cooler 6. This external device clamps to the phone to drive cool air into the phone. Moreover, it has a USB-C port for charging and is easy to equip.
- Clip on case. This small plastic case clips to the outside of the phone. If you use it, it adds a layer of protection while removing some of the futuristic details.
- USB-C cable and power adapter. For this review, I was sent an American version of the power adapter. Luckily, though, a UK adapter works just as well. If you purchase a UK version, the correct adapter will be included.
Technical aspects.
When I research a gaming phone, I desire three key components: a powerful processor, a massive battery, and a phenomenal screen. Fortunately, the ASUS ROG Phone 6 Pro has these and much more. Why do I desire these components? Well, I want the best gaming experience I can get. Luckily, ASUS delivers a game-changing phone that’ll change the way you play.
AMOLED screens are nothing new. However, a 6.78-inch display that delivers a whopping 165 Hz refresh rate and a 720 Hz touch-sample rate is impressive. These stats combined deliver a seamless gaming experience like no other. Accordingly, FPS titles and racing games look incredible. Furthermore, the HDR 10+ technology pushes deep and rich colours that make every photo and video pop.
A mind-blowing screen is one thing. However, it is only as good as the processor that powers the device. Powered by the MediaTek 9000+, you enjoy an unparalleled performance. This monstrous processor devours anything thrown its way, thanks to its up to 3.2GHz2 clock speed. Consequently, it is hard to put into words how impressive this phone is. No longer do you have loading issues or performance lags. Instead, you enjoy a buttery smooth device that eats any game or program for breakfast.
All that tech, but does it have the staying power?
We’ve all been there. You sit down, relax, and prepare to play your favourite game. However, disaster strikes as the battery runs out of juice! This issue fades away into significance when you use the ROG Phone 6 Pro. With an enormous 6000 mAh battery that can be charged from 0 to 100% in under an hour, you never stop playing. Alongside this, the advanced steady charging facility allows you to control the charging speed. This may seem minor, but this feature ensures that the battery life is extended no matter the phone’s daily intended use.
The battery life is key, but overheating is a major issue as well. Thankfully, this is another problem that has been dealt with admirably. The Aeroactive Cooler 6 drives cool air directly onto the phone. This keeps the core temperature down and optimises performance. Yet, this excellent piece of kit isn’t perfect. The constant fan noise is distracting and the size of the device is a little clumsy. On top of this, it impacts your phone’s microphone and can ruin any recordings you may take. But these are minor setbacks when you consider the enhanced performance.
Style.
The futuristic finish matches ASUS‘ lofty vision for mobile gaming. I adored the clean lines, the mechanical edge, and the rear display. This “gadgety” extra is totally unnecessary, but I didn’t care. With indicators for battery life and other unessential bits, it enhanced the sci-fi look. Yet, when the cooler was attached, it couldn’t be seen, and this was a shame.
The offset camera comprises a triple-lense from Sony. This enables wide-angle shots as well as up to 8k video recordings. On-screen, the images and videos looked terrific. However, I didn’t print off my efforts, so the final product is a little inconclusive. That being said, it is nice that ASUS included such a great camera that didn’t feel like an afterthought.
The size and weight of a phone are divisive. Consequently, what I love, you may hate. Therefore, for what it’s worth, I cherished both the large screen and the meaty weight of this device. Moreover, it delivers a sense of high build quality, whilst being robust and hard-wearing.
Is the ROG Phone 6 Pro worth it?
I could go on for much longer. Yet, I don’t want to dither. But I’m conscious that I haven’t mentioned the incredible DDR5 RAM, the amazing audio, and the phenomenal air trigger controls. These additional elements enhance this phone’s status as a market leader and a true powerhouse. However, does it justify that whopping price point?
The answer? Absolutely! If you love to game on the move and want to stand out from the crowd, look no further. ASUS has delivered another beasty device that will not disappoint you. Accordingly, I recommend that you buy it here!
(More information on ASUS ROG can be found here!)
