Gaming phones are renowned for their power but often lack refinement. The ROG Phone 6 stands out by combining top-tier performance with effective cooling and a wealth of accessories. Despite its high-quality performance, there are areas, such as the camera and wireless charging, where Asus could have done more. Nevertheless, its unique features make it the best gaming phone at launch.
Do You Need a Gaming Phone?
With powerful devices like the iPhone 13 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra available, the necessity of a gaming phone is debatable. Asus believes there is a market for it and the ROG Phone 6 is their latest effort to deliver a device that doubles as a high-end smartphone and a gaming console under RGB lights.
Who Is It For?
The ROG Phone 6 is specifically designed for gamers. Its design, resembling a futuristic gadget, may be polarizing-you’ll either love it or hate it. We love it for its boldness and style.
Both the ROG Phone 6 and 6 Pro feature a color screen on the back, previously exclusive to the Pro version. Additionally, the ROG Phone 6 comes in both black and white, the latter being particularly sleek with matching accessories.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent battery life
- Great selection of accessories
- Powerful performance with effective cooling
- Bold, bright and smooth screen
Cons:
- Lacks wireless charging
- Camera performance could be better for the price
- More expensive than some competitors
Overall Impression
Despite some shortcomings, the ROG Phone 6 offers excellent battery life and a rich accessory ecosystem. The camera is decent, though not exceptional and the absence of wireless charging is a drawback. Nevertheless, it remains the top gaming phone on the market.
Pricing and Availability
The ROG Phone 6 is priced from £899 for the 256GB/12GB RAM model, £999 for the 512GB/16GB RAM version and £1,199 for the Pro version with 512GB storage and 18GB RAM. US pricing is yet to be confirmed. This pricing strategy follows previous ROG Phone models, positioning it higher than many competitors but delivering a superior user experience. The phone will be available in the UK through Asus’s online store, with other regions to be announced.
Design
The ROG Phone 6 is one of the more elegant gaming phones, featuring a curved, frosted glass back and rounded metal sides. It’s comfortable to hold despite its size and weight, measuring 173 x 77 x 10.3mm and weighing 239g. The phone’s slippery finish necessitates a case and Asus includes a hard plastic shell for added grip and protection.
Protected by Gorilla Glass Victus, the ROG Phone 6 lacks IP68 water or dust resistance but is the first gaming phone with IPX4 splash-resistant certification. Available in Phantom Black and Storm White (exclusive to the Pro model), it features multiple ports, including a 3.5mm headphone jack and a second USB port on the side for accessories and landscape charging.
The back of the phone is adorned with an OLED screen, displaying notifications and battery status, adding both utility and aesthetic appeal.
Display
The ROG Phone 6 features a 6.78-inch Samsung AMOLED display with a 2448 x 1080 resolution and a 165Hz refresh rate, an upgrade from its predecessor’s 144Hz. While the resolution is low for its price, it ensures high frame rates for gaming, enhancing motion smoothness.
The screen quality is excellent, with vibrant colors and good brightness levels. In direct sunlight, high-brightness mode is necessary for visibility. The display settings offer various viewing modes and customization options.
Cameras
The ROG Phone 6 features a 50MP primary camera with a Sony IMX766 sensor, a 13MP ultra-wide camera and a 5MP macro camera. The main camera lacks optical image stabilization (OIS), which affects photo quality in certain conditions.
The primary camera delivers good photos with heavy processing, resulting in high-contrast images. Night mode is effective, automatically activating in low light. The ultra-wide and macro cameras are less impressive, with the latter being particularly weak.
The selfie camera and video recording capabilities are notable, supporting up to 8K resolution at 30fps or 4K at 120fps. Video stabilization is effective up to 4K 60fps and the Pro video mode offers granular control over settings.
Performance and Specs
Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, the ROG Phone 6 offers 256GB or 512GB of storage. Asus has taken steps to manage heat effectively, repositioning the processor and offering an optional fan accessory.
The phone handles extensive gaming sessions and 5G downloads well, maintaining manageable temperatures. Streaming games is smooth, thanks to Asus’s WiFi and cellular aggregating feature.
Software
Running Android 12 with Asus’s Zen UI, the ROG Phone 6 offers a customizable gaming-centric interface. Armory Crate and Game Genie software enhance the gaming experience, providing extensive control over game settings and accessories.
While the interface is heavily gaming-themed, users can opt for a more stock Android experience. The customization options make the ROG Phone 6 a versatile device for those willing to invest time in personalization.
Battery Life
With a 6,000mAh battery, the ROG Phone 6 offers impressive battery life, lasting about 16 hours with screen-on tasks. Using accessories significantly reduces battery life, but the 65W fast charging compensates for this.
FAQs
What is the battery capacity of the ROG Phone 6 and how long does it last?
The ROG Phone 6 has a 6,000mAh battery, which provides excellent battery life. It can last up to 16 hours of screen-on time with typical use, though intensive gaming and accessory use will reduce this duration.
Is the ROG Phone 6 water-resistant?
The ROG Phone 6 has an IPX4 splash-resistant certification, making it resistant to minor splashes. However, it does not have an IP68 rating, so it is not fully water or dust resistant.
Can I use standard Android apps on the ROG Phone 6?
Yes, the ROG Phone 6 runs on Android 12 with Asus’s Zen UI overlay, allowing you to use all standard Android apps available on the Google Play Store.
What accessories are available for the ROG Phone 6?
Asus offers a variety of accessories for the ROG Phone 6, including the AeroActive Cooling Fan, Kunai Gamepad and various cases. These accessories enhance the gaming experience and improve the phone’s cooling and usability.
How does the ROG Phone 6 handle heat management during intensive gaming sessions?
The ROG Phone 6 features advanced heat management, including repositioning the processor to the middle of the phone to keep heat away from your hands and using an optional external fan accessory. This setup helps keep the phone cooler than many competitors during intensive gaming.
Where can I purchase the ROG Phone 6 and what is its price range?
The ROG Phone 6 starts at £899 for the base model with 256GB storage and 12GB RAM. The 512GB storage with 16GB RAM model is priced at £999 and the Pro version with 512GB storage and 18GB RAM costs £1,199. Availability will be through Asus’s online store and potentially other regional retailers, with specific details to be confirmed.