The ROG Phone 7 series was globally unveiled through a digital launch event on April 13, 2023. Recently, on May 10, the series became available in our region. This latest lineup consists of two versions: the ROG Phone 7 and the ROG Phone 7 Ultimate.
Offered in two attractive colour options, Phantom Black and Storm White. It is available in two specification variants. The first variant features 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, while the second variant offers 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. These variants are priced at RM 3,599 and RM 4,299 respectively.
On the other hand, the ROG Phone 7 Ultimate version, which comes bundled with the latest AeroActive Cooler 7, is exclusively available in the Storm White color option. It does not provide any alternative configurations. The ROG Phone 7 Ultimate is priced at RM 4,999.
Our review will be based on the ROG Phone 7 Storm White 12+256GB variant that was provided to us by ASUS Malaysia.
Specifications
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen2, SM8550, Qcta-core CPUs,3.2 Ghz |
| Memory | LPDDR5X 16GB |
| Storage | UFS4.0 512GB |
| Display | 6.78″ 20.4:9 (2448 x 1080) Samsung AMOLED. Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus. Delta-E < 1 |
| Rear Camera | Main Rear Camera: Sony® flagship IMX766 50 MP image sensor – 1/1.56” large sensor size, 1 µm pixel size. F1.9 aperture, 23.8mm equivalent focal length in 35mm film camera Second Rear Camera: 13 MP, Ultrawide-angle camera, 12.5mm equivalent focal length in 35mm film camera Third Rear Camera: 5 MP, Macro |
| Front Camera | 32 MP (Uses pixel binning to output 8MP image) 29.4mm equivalent focal length in 35mm film camera |
| Audio | Speaker: Symmetrical dual front-facing speakers with Dirac HD Sound 5-magnet stereo speaker with Cirrus Logic amplifier for louder, deeper and less distorted sound effectAudio Output: Hi-Res Audio up to 384 kHz / 32-bit for 3.5mm output Qualcomm WCD9385 for Hi-Res output AudioWizard with multiple listening profiles Dirac Virtuo for Headphone™ Spatial SoundMicrophone: Tri-microphones with ASUS Noise Reduction Technology |
| Video Recording | 8K UHD (7680 x 4320) video at 24 fps for main rear camera 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) video at 30 / 60 fps for main rear camera, at 30 fps for second rear camera 1080p FHD video recording at 30 / 60 fps 720p HD video recording at 30 / 60 fps 3-axis electronic image stabilization for rear cameras Time Lapse (4K UHD video) Slow Motion video (4K at 120 fps; 1080p at 240 / 120 fps; 720p at 480 fps) |
| Wireless Technology | (802.11 be/ax/ac/a/b/g/n, 2×2 MIMO) Supports 2.4GHz/ 5GHz/ 6GHz WiFi Bluetooth® 5.3 (HFP + A2DP + AVRCP + HID + PAN + OPP), supports Qualcomm® aptX™ Adaptive and aptX™ Lossless Wi-Fi Direct NFC *WiFi 7 availability and features are dependent on regulatory limitations. |
| Navigation | NSS support GPS (L1/L5), Glonass (L1), Galileo (E1/E5a), BeiDou(B1i/B1c/B2a), QZSS (L1/L5) and NavIC |
| SIM Cards | Dual slots: Dual-SIM / Dual-Standby support Slot 1: 5G/4G/3G/2G Nano SIM card Slot 2: 5G/4G/3G/2G Nano SIM card |
| Network Standard | GSM/GPRS/EDGE; WCDMA/HSPA+/DC-HSPA+; FDD-LTE; TD-LTE; 5G Sub 6 SA/NSA Support EN-DC/NRCA(6DL+FR1, 2FR1) FR1: DL up to 4.92 Gbps / UL 0.9 Gbp LTE: DL 7CA Cat20 up to 2.0Gbps / UL 2CA Cat18 up to 211 Mbps Gigabit LTE DC-HSPA+: DL 42 Mbps / UL 5.76 Mbps 4×4 MIMO Supported 4×4 MIMO | HPUE |
| Sensor | In-display fingerprint sensor, face recognition, accelerometer, e-compass, gyroscope, proximity sensor, ambient-light sensor, ultrasonic sensors for AirTrigger and grip press |
| Battery | Equivalent 6000 mAh (typical) high-capacity battery, supports Quick Charge 5.0 and PD Charging |
| Weight and Dimension | 239g 173 x 77 x 10.3 mm (6.81 x 3.03 x 0.41 in) |
| Operating System | Android 13 |
| In the Box | USB power adapter (65-Watt) USB-C to USB-C cable Aero Case Ejector pin (SIM tray needle) Documentation (user guide, warranty card) |
Cutting Edge Hardware
The ASUS ROG Phone 7 is powered by the impressive Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (SM8850), the latest flagship SoC in the market. This powerhouse features an 8-core chipset with a blazing clock speed of up to 3200 MHz. It also houses the mighty Adreno 740 GPU, boasting Ray Tracing capabilities for stunning graphics. As we highlighted in our previous ROG Phone 6 review, Android games are often optimized to deliver exceptional performance on Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, and our benchmarks once again prove this to be true.
Staying on top of the latest hardware trends, the ROG Phone 7 is equipped with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage across all its variants. LPDDR5X is a significant upgrade, offering higher speed and improved power efficiency compared to its predecessors. Similarly, UFS 4.0 brings notable advancements in storage technology, enhancing data transfer rates, power efficiency and overall performance.
Inherited Features
The ROG Phone 7 shares a striking similarity with its predecessor, featuring an unchanged 165Hz 6.78-inch Samsung AMOLED display. Inheriting the impressive 720Hz touch sampling rate from the previous generation, the phone maintains the same level of precision and responsiveness that gamers have come to expect from the renowned ROG Phone lineup.
One more notable inherited feature, which happens to be my personal favorite across the entire ROG Phone series, is the impressive 6000mAh battery. Accompanying the phone is a 65-watt HyperCharge USB PD charger, capable of rapidly charging the battery to 100% in as little as 42 minutes (our tests yielded a range of 45 to 49 minutes).
Bypass Charging
What truly sets the battery of the ROG Phone series apart, starting from the previous generation, is the inclusion of the Bypass Charging feature. This innovative functionality intelligently pauses the charging process while you’re engaged in gaming sessions, ensuring that power is directly supplied to the system. This approach not only improves the overall battery lifespan but also significantly reduces the heat generated by the battery pack when the charger is plugged in. The end result is a more efficient and cooler charging experience, indirectly enhancing its durability and performance.
Design and Aesthetics
At first glance, the back of the ROG Phone 7 showcases a distinctive horizontal separation of design elements. The left side features a sleek and clean segment, with the illuminated RGB ROG eye stealing the spotlight, accompanied by the Republic of Gamers branding elegantly positioned in the top left corner. For those who enjoy tiny surprises, on the bottom left is where you’ll find a printed set of coordinates (25°07’29.3″N 121°28’17.3″E), which intriguingly points towards the ASUS headquarters in Taiwan. It’s a subtle nod commonly found in ROG components, adding a touch of uniqueness to the device.
On the right side of the back panel, the majority of the phone’s design theme takes center stage. Here, you’ll find the irregular hexagonal camera segment, adding an edgy and futuristic touch to the overall aesthetic. Additionally, another captivating RGB feature graces the top (center), further enhancing the visual appeal. The color and illumination pattern of both RGB features can be easily customized and personalized through the intuitive Armoury Crate software, allowing you to create a look that suits your style and mood. Furthermore, it’s worth noting that the ROG Phone 7 now carries a matte surface on its back, bidding farewell to those pesky fingerprints that can mar the device’s pristine appearance.
Buttons & IO
The right side of the phone is still home to the conveniently placed power and volume buttons. Notably, you’ll also find the two air trigger sensors, prominently marked with the distinguished ROG logo engravings located at the top and bottom of the right side.
On the left side, next to the secondary USB-C port, I noticed the presence of two small connectors. I believe these connectors are meant for audio data transmission specifically designed for the latest AeroActive Cooler 7. This version of AeroActive Cooler does not only offers additional cooling capabilities but also features a subwoofer and a 3.5mm audio jack, providing an immersive audio experience during gaming sessions.
At the bottom of the phone, there are no noticeable changes, as it continues to house the familiar USB-C port and the ever-convenient 3.5mm audio jack.
Thermal Performance
When it comes to keeping the ROG Phone 7 running at optimal performance, ASUS has upped its game with a further improved Game Cool system. According to the specifications provided, the GameCool 7 thermal system in this device is the most impressive iteration yet, promising effective cooling from every direction. I’m excited to put it to the test and see how it performs during my hands-on experience.
According to ASUS, the Game Cool system takes a three-pronged approach to tackle different gaming scenarios. First, for those shorter gaming sessions, ASUS has incorporated Boron Nitride (BN) thermal compound on one side of the CPU to minimize throttling. This means that even during intense moments, the CPU will be able to maintain its performance without any significant dips. It’s a promising feature that ensures uninterrupted gameplay for enthusiasts like myself who enjoys quick gaming sessions on the go.
For mid-length gaming sessions, ASUS has equipped the ROG Phone 7 with the newly designed ROG Rapid-Cycle vapor chamber and graphite sheets on the other side of the CPU. This combination is designed to efficiently dissipate heat, preventing any detrimental impact on performance. It’s reassuring to know that even during extended gaming sessions, the device will remain cool and deliver consistent performance, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the gaming experience without any worries.
While I’m unable to physically dismantle the review unit to personally verify these intricate details, I’m eager to share my positive hands-on experience. During my gaming sessions, I noticed that the ROG Phone 7 stayed remarkably cool, even during intensive gameplay. The seamless functioning of the Game Cool system became evident as I experienced minimal performance degradation, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted gameplay throughout. This level of cooling efficiency not only enhances the overall gaming experience but also provided me with assurance on the device’s longevity and reliability.
Media Consumption
Although the ROG Phone 7 is commonly known as a “Gaming Phone,” it offers much more than just gaming capabilities. Having had the opportunity to experience various flagship devices over the past few years, I can confidently say that the display and audio performance of the ROG Phone series has consistently impressed me, and the same holds true for the ROG Phone 7.
Audio
As a frequent user of streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney+, I often find that the audio experience on mobile devices falls short of expectations. Common issues include a lack of depth or, even worse, a single-channel output. However, with the ROG Phone 7, non-existent. Equipped with double front-facing 12 x 16 mm speakers, this device delivers impeccable audio quality.
The sound reproduction is truly exceptional, with a bass response that possesses depth and a slight weightiness. The midrange is warm and clear, allowing for an immersive listening experience, while the highs are crisp and intricately detailed.
For those who prefer using headphones, whether wired or wireless, the ROG Phone 7 has it covered as well. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack is a convenience that allows me to to connect to my favorite wired headphones without the need for additional adapters or compromises in sound quality.
Another returning feature is the Dirac Virtuo™ technology which creates a theater-like spatial sound which enhances the overall audio experience, providing depth and dimension to the soundstage.
The device also supports Qualcomm® aptX™ and aptX Lossless, guaranteeing super-low-latency and high-fidelity Bluetooth audio. This means that regardless of wired or wireless headphones, the ROG Phone 7 is capable of providing top-notch sound quality with minimal delay.
Video
When it comes to watching movies and videos, the display of the ROG Phone 7 truly left a lasting impression on me. As a movie enthusiast, I value a high-quality visual experience, and this device did not disappoint.
The moment I laid my eyes on the 6.78-inch Samsung AMOLED display, I was captivated by its brilliance. The colors appeared vibrant and rich, breathing life into every frame of the content I was watching. Whether it was a thrilling action scene or a breathtaking landscape, the display beautifully showcased the subtle details and nuances, making each moment feel more immersive and enjoyable.
The high refresh rate of 165Hz was a game-changer. The fluidity and smoothness of the visuals were simply astonishing. As I watched fast-paced action sequences, the display effortlessly kept up with the motion, eliminating any motion blur and ensuring that every movement on the screen felt incredibly crisp and clear.
One of the standout features for me was the display’s ability to handle different lighting conditions. I found myself enjoying movies both indoors and outdoors without any compromise in visual quality. Even under the bright afternoon sun, the display’s peak brightness of 1500nits ensured that the content remained visible and vibrant, allowing me to enjoy my favorite films without any distractions. Coupled with the device’s excellent aspect ratio and resolution, I was treated to a truly immersive visual journey with every film I watched.
Gaming Experience
When it comes to gaming performance, I can confidently say that the ROG Phone 7 is an absolute beast. I had the opportunity to put this device to the test across a variety of games, and the results were nothing short of impressive.
As I dived into demanding titles, the ROG Phone 7 effortlessly maxed out the frame rates, delivering an incredibly smooth and immersive gaming experience. What impressed me the most was how it managed to maintain excellent thermal performance throughout my gaming sessions. Even during intense gameplay, the phone stayed remarkably cool, thanks to its efficient cooling system. The air triggers on the device we’re exceptionally responsive as well, making them perfectly suited for competitive gaming.
To take the gaming experience to the next level, I decided to attach the AeroActive Cooler 6, and the difference was noticeable. The cooler effectively reduced the average temperatures by 5 °C, ensuring that the device stayed cool even during extended gaming sessions. It’s effectiveness allowed me to fully enjoy my gaming without any worries about overheating and thermal throttling.
Curious to see how the ROG Phone 7 performed in synthetic benchmarks, I ran UL 3D Mark’s Wild Life and Wild Life Extreme tests. The results were astounding. The phone not only achieved a maximum score in Wild Life but also recorded an overall score of 3731 to 3746, with the best score surpassing even the reported average score of the ROG Phone 7 Ultimate by 1 point. Throughout the benchmark, the device maintained a consistent temperature range in the mid 30 °C, another testament to its efficient heat management.
Camera
As someone who loves capturing moments and documenting my experiences, I had the opportunity to put the camera of the ROG Phone 7 to the test. While it may not be the device’s standout feature, I found the camera system to be reliable and capable in most situations.
The main rear camera, equipped with the Sony IMX766 50 MP image sensor, impressed me with its ability to capture detailed and vibrant photos. The large sensor size and pixel size ensured excellent light sensitivity, resulting in well-exposed images even in challenging lighting conditions. With its wide f/1.9 aperture and a focal length equivalent to 23.8mm in a 35mm film camera, the main camera produced sharp and balanced shots, showcasing the beauty of my surroundings.
One aspect that I particularly enjoyed was the inclusion of an ultrawide-angle camera. With a 13 MP resolution and a focal length equivalent to 12.5mm in a 35mm film camera, it allowed me to capture breathtaking wide-angle shots. Whether it was picturesque landscapes or group photos, the ultrawide-angle lens added a sense of depth and expansiveness to my images.
For those who appreciate the small details, the 5 MP macro camera proved to be a fun addition. It allowed me to get up close and personal with my subjects, revealing intricate textures and captivating details that are often overlooked.
On the front, the 32 MP selfie camera delivered impressive results. By utilizing pixel binning technology, it combined multiple pixels to create high-quality 8 MP images. The camera consistently produced sharp and well-exposed selfies, ensuring that I could capture my best moments with clarity.
While the camera performance of the ROG Phone 7 is not on par with dedicated flagship camera phones, it met my expectations for everyday photography. It may not excel in low-light conditions or offer the most advanced features, but it certainly performed well for my day-to-day photography needs.
What I Loved About The ROG Phone 7
- Superb battery capacity
- Great thermal performance
- Stunning display capabilities
- Impeccable audio delivery and supports major audio codecs
- 3.5mm Jack (what can I say, i’m old school)
What I Wished Was Better
- The photography capabilities while acceptable, it’s the only feature on the ROG Phone 7 that keeps it away from the “perfect” power house title.
Verdict
The gaming phone of 2023! My experience with the ROG Phone 7 has been nothing short of phenomenal. This device truly excels in all aspects, delivering top-notch gaming performance, impressive display quality, excellent audio, and a long-lasting battery.
As a passionate gamer, I was blown away by the gaming performance of the ROG Phone 7. It effortlessly handled demanding games, providing smooth gameplay with maximum frame rates. The efficient cooling system kept the device cool even during intense gaming sessions, ensuring a consistently enjoyable experience.
The stunning display of the ROG Phone 7 further enhanced my gaming and multimedia experience. The vibrant colors, sharp details, and generous screen size allowed me to fully immerse myself in the virtual worlds I explored. Whether I was watching movies or playing games, the visual quality was outstanding.
Audio capabilities of the ROG Phone 7 were equally impressive. With its powerful speakers and support for various audio technologies, the device delivered immersive sound that added depth and richness to my gaming and media consumption. It truly enhanced the overall experience.
Best of all, the 6000mAh battery of the ROG Phone 7 proved to be a reliable companion, offering long-lasting performance. Even during extended gaming sessions, the battery held up well, ensuring I could indulge in my favorite games without interruptions. The inclusion of the 65-watt HyperCharge USB PD charger provided quick charging capabilities, minimizing downtime.
While the camera performance was decent, it fell short compared to other flagship devices. However, considering the primary focus of the ROG Phone 7 on gaming, it’s a trade-off I can accept.
Overall, the ROG Phone 7 exceeded my expectations and solidified its position as a top-tier gaming phone. Its powerful performance, stunning display, immersive audio, and long-lasting battery make it a dream device for gamers like me. If you’re serious about mobile gaming and want a device that can deliver exceptional experiences, the ROG Phone 7 is undoubtedly the ultimate choice.
Final Score : 9.5/10
(if camera is not an issue for you – 10/10)
Official Link : https://rog.asus.com/my/phones/rog-phone-7/
