Tag: Rgb lights

  • Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro

    The ROG Phone 8 Pro launched in India in January 2024 at Rs 99,999 for 16 GB plus 512 GB. Asus redesigned the series to look and feel more like a normal flagship, slimming the body, adding IP68 water resistance for the first time on a ROG phone and introducing a camera gimbal, while keeping the gamer-focused AniMe Vision mini-LED panel on the back.

    The 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED runs at up to 165Hz in games and drops to 1Hz when idle. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is the fastest Android chip of its generation, supported by effective cooling, AirTrigger ultrasonic shoulder buttons and an optional AeroActive Cooler accessory. Asus kept a 3.5 mm headphone jack, a rarity among 2024 flagships.

    The camera system improved substantially, with a 50 MP gimbal-stabilised main sensor, a 13 MP ultrawide and a 32 MP 3x telephoto. The 5500 mAh battery delivers excellent endurance with 65W wired and 15W wireless charging. Against the Galaxy S24 Ultra and iQOO 12, it is the clear choice for serious mobile gamers, though its cameras are not quite class-leading.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 99,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.78-inch, LTPO AMOLED, 165Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 3
    RAM16 GB / 24 GB
    Storage512 GB / 1 TB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main (gimbal) + 13 MP ultrawide + 32 MP 3x telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5500 mAh
    Charging65W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14, ROG UI
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackYes
    Weight225 g
    ColoursPhantom Black

    What we like

    • Top-tier gaming performance and cooling
    • 165Hz LTPO display
    • IP68 and headphone jack together
    • Excellent battery life

    What could be better

    • Very expensive
    • Cameras good but not class-leading
    • Heavy at around 225 g

    Who should buy it

    Serious mobile gamers who want the fastest, best-cooled Android phone with a headphone jack.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (January 2024). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • iQOO 13

    The iQOO 13 launched in India in December 2024 with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite, keeping iQOO's tradition of being among the first to ship the newest chip. It also addressed past criticisms by adding IP68 and IP69 protection and a larger battery. Rivals included the OnePlus 13, Realme GT 7 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S24.

    The 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED display offers 2K resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate, with excellent brightness. Snapdragon 8 Elite delivers top-tier performance, and iQOO's Q2 gaming chip adds frame interpolation and upscaling. An RGB light ring around the camera module adds flair. Funtouch OS 15 on Android 15 came with a promise of four Android updates and five years of security patches.

    The camera setup has three 50 MP sensors: a main with OIS, an ultrawide and a 2x telephoto, offering consistent results. Zoom is weaker than the iQOO 12's periscope, though portrait shots are pleasant. The 6,000 mAh battery with 120W charging provides outstanding endurance and quick top-ups. Against the OnePlus 13, it was cheaper and more gaming-focused, while OnePlus offered wireless charging and better cameras.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 54,999 (base variant)
    India launchDecember 2024
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.82-inch, AMOLED, LTPO, 144Hz, 1440 x 3168
    ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite
    RAM12 GB / 16 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main with OIS + 50 MP ultrawide + 50 MP 2x telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery6000 mAh
    Charging120W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 15, Funtouch OS 15
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68, IP69
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursLegend, Nardo Grey

    What we like

    • Snapdragon 8 Elite performance
    • 2K 144Hz LTPO display
    • 6,000 mAh battery with 120W charging
    • IP68 and IP69 ratings

    What could be better

    • No wireless charging
    • 2x telephoto is a step back from the iQOO 12
    • Some bloatware

    Who should buy it

    Gamers and power users who want the fastest chip and great battery life at a lower flagship price.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (December 2024). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.