Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate:
| Dimensions: | 173 x 77 x 10.3mm |
| Weight: | 239 grams |
| Display: | 6.78-inch OLED, HDR10+ |
| Chipset: | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| RAM: | 16GB |
| Storage: | 512GB |
| OS: | Android 13 |
| Cameras: | 50MP + 13MP + 5MP |
| Front Camera: | 32MP |
| Battery: | 6,000mAh |
| Charging: | 65W (wired) |
| Colors: | Storm White |
ROG Phone 7:
The Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate stands as the epitome of speed among Android devices, offering an extensive array of performance customization options that surpass the needs of any user. In the realm of gaming, it effortlessly outpaces its competitors in every crucial aspect. Sporting a display that outstrips the frame rates of all games, coupled with an ample battery and exclusive features, its premium price tag finds justification.
From the moment you unbox it, every facet of this phone caters to gamers. While its design retains similarities to its predecessor, newcomers to the ROG line will find it a delightful departure. Its aggressive styling resembles that of a spaceship, accentuated by lines and detailing. Additionally, its rear boasts a 2-inch OLED display capable of flashing select animations, broadcasting your gaming sessions to the world.
Specification:
The ROG Phone 7 Ultimate represents the pinnacle of the already impressive Asus ROG Phone 7, featuring a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, a staggering 16GB of RAM, and a generous half-terabyte of storage. Equipped with the latest UFS 4.0 storage and cutting-edge Wi-Fi 6e and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, it even offers two USB-C ports, one of which supports DisplayPort for video output.
While the base model shares some specifications with the Ultimate, the latter offers additional perks. Notably, it includes the rear 2-inch OLED display and comes bundled with the Aero Active Cooler attachment, a unique combination of subwoofer and fan designed to direct airflow into a dedicated port on the back.
Gaming:
However, if gaming isn’t your primary focus, the Ultimate ROG Phone may not be your best fit. Tailored for running graphically intensive multiplayer games, it excels at pushing the boundaries of gaming performance rather than productivity or photography. Despite the Galaxy S23 Ultra offering similar gaming performance, the ROG Phone 7’s customization options set it apart, allowing users to fine-tune every aspect of their gaming experience.
Yet, the plethora of customization options may seem overwhelming to some users, and the software isn’t without its flaws. Occasionally, it may crash at inopportune moments during gameplay or inadvertently divert attention away from the game. In such instances, the intrusive software becomes a hindrance that needs addressing.
External cooling:
The ROG Phone 7 Ultimate isn’t just about speed; it also introduces an external cooling fan capable of directing airflow into the phone, all while maintaining its sleek and moderately splash-proof design. This fan is quite a spectacle, featuring LED lights typically associated with gaming peripherals. Moreover, it incorporates a genuine subwoofer, significantly enhancing the audio experience – perfect for those looking to make a statement on public transport.
This phone isn’t tailored for everyone, much like a Ferrari isn’t suited for all drivers. It lacks exceptional cameras, seamless multitasking, or a dedicated AI assistant. If these features are on your checklist, opting for an all-rounder like the Galaxy S23 Ultra, which even comes at a lower price point, might be more appropriate.
The Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate caters to individuals who prioritize top-tier gaming performance and want to showcase it to the world. For hardcore mobile gamers, this device delivers unparalleled satisfaction, although excuses about hardware shortcomings during losses become obsolete.
Pricing:
Pricing-wise, the Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate ranks among the most expensive non-foldable phones on the market. However, the real question isn’t whether it justifies its price tag, but rather if there’s anything more cost-effective that can offer superior performance. If indeed this device stands as the pinnacle of gaming phones, Asus holds the liberty to set its price based on bragging rights alone.
A viable comparison would be the Nubia Red Magic 8S Pro, a more recent release than the ROG Phone 7. This device, priced at $799 / £709 / AU$xxx for a model with identical storage and RAM, along with added gamer-centric lighting effects, even boasts an overclocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor matching the speed of the Galaxy S23’s customized Snapdragon variant. So, is there any rationale behind investing significantly more in the $999 / £999 / AU$1,799 ROG Phone 7, let alone its Ultimate edition?
Advantages:
Opting for the Ultimate variant offers several advantages. It features a faster and brighter display, reaching up to 165Hz, surpassing the standard 120Hz found in other flagship devices. With two USB ports, cord interference during gameplay becomes a thing of the past, and the capability to output video to an external display adds versatility.
Furthermore, it boasts impressive audio enhancements, with additional reinforcement from the Aero Active cooler. For those who prefer playing or watching content without headphones at high volume, the supplementary subwoofer delivers a significant boost. Additionally, its innovative cooling mechanism, blowing air directly into the phone, sets it apart from competitors, a feature unmatched by any other device on the market.
LED display on the rear:
Do these additional features suffice? I’m somewhat disheartened to observe a faster processor already present in a competitor’s gaming phone. Unlike gaming PCs, gaming phones lack upgradability, necessitating the inclusion of top-tier components from the outset, lest they swiftly become surpassed. While Asus may struggle to further differentiate the ROG Phone 7 Ultimate based on hardware alone, its unique accessories and supplementary LED display on the rear set it apart enough to establish itself as the most distinctive phone available.
The real inquiry isn’t whether this phone justifies its price, but rather if any other phone offers comparable gaming enhancements – and the answer is negative. While it comes close, I hesitate to label the ROG Phone 7 as a great value proposition, but it undeniably fulfills its gaming promises.
For those seeking savings on this device and other computing technology from the manufacturer, visiting our page featuring the latest Asus coupon codes is always an option.
Spec comparison:
In a meticulous spec-by-spec comparison, the Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate emerges as a powerhouse, matching or surpassing nearly all contenders in terms of all-around gaming performance specifications. The marginally newer Red Magic 8S Pro boasts a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor marginally quicker, albeit with only a 5% higher clock speed on its primary processing core. Additionally, Nubia asserts a faster touch sampling rate than the ROG Phone 7 for its touch display and shoulder bumpers; however, the disparity is negligible, and I encountered no issues with the ROG Phone 7 Ultimate.
Camera department:
Where Asus economizes is in the camera department. Although equipped with three rear lenses and a selfie camera, they fail to impress. Utilizing mid-range, outdated sensors, the device offers solely ultra-wide or wide options, lacking a zoom lens. This decision appears somewhat surprising, particularly considering that the remainder of the smartphone industry places paramount importance on camera performance. However, Asus evidently believes that gamers prioritize other aspects over camera capabilities.
If you’re acquainted with Asus gaming laptops, the design of this gaming phone won’t seem out of the ordinary. While some phones and laptops subtly hint at their gaming capabilities, the Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate isn’t one to shy away. Every aspect of this phone proudly proclaims its gaming focus.
Right off the bat, there’s a 2-inch OLED display on the back that boldly lights up with ‘Game Start’ whenever you kick off a gaming session, alongside other preset messages it can flash. Additionally, there’s a conspicuous port on the side that only unlocks when you attach the Aero Active Cooler. It’s not concealed; in fact, it’s painted black to contrast against the ‘Storm White’ finish of the phone, unmistakably catering to gamers.
Furthermore:
Furthermore, there are intricate lines and details etched in, giving it a futuristic vibe as if it’s a piece of technology that time-traveled from the future. It’s not subtle, but somehow, it all comes together harmoniously. Unlike some of the flashiest gaming laptops, it doesn’t scream garishness.
The white hue is a blend of tones and finishes, complemented by captivating electric blue accents. These accents adorn various parts, such as a ring encircling the main camera, the SIM card tray slot, and even a hint of the letter ‘R’ in ‘ROG’ painted on the back, as if the acronym were originally blue but got painted over at the last minute.
While the power button boasts a blue accent, the volume rocker remains plain black. The power button doubles as a shortcut to open the camera with a double-press, though it doesn’t activate Google Assistant by default, leading to the habit of mistakenly attempting to command the phone with voice prompts.
Battery:
The ROG Phone 7 is bulkier compared to most smartphones, attributed to its sizable battery. However, there are phones with equally large batteries that manage to stay slimmer and lighter. Yet, none feature an external fan opening like this one, requiring extra space for airflow. Despite its thickness, it still achieves an impressive IP54 rating, making it mostly dustproof and resilient to splashes or rain, albeit not suitable for submersion.
The display on the Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate is truly remarkable, perhaps even excessive for current mobile gaming standards. With a refresh rate of up to 165Hz, it sounds incredibly fast, but few games or applications operate at such speeds, aside from perhaps the phone’s own interface.
Stunning on this display:
Games like Call of Duty Mobile appear stunning on this display, effortlessly handling the game’s Super Resolution experimental mode. However, the frame rate typically peaks just above 60fps, nowhere near the screen’s full potential. Even in GFX Bench benchmark tests, the highest recorded frame rate was 144fps, surpassing what a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra or a Red Magic 8S Pro could achieve, yet still not fully utilized in everyday scenarios.
Undoubtedly, the ROG Phone 7 Ultimate outshines the Galaxy S23 Ultra as a gaming device, but the latter boasts a significantly superior display, except for its refresh rate. It’s brighter, sharper (with a higher pixel density), higher in resolution, and more robust. While Asus employs Gorilla Glass Vectus, known for its strength, the S23 Ultra utilizes Gorilla Glass Vectus 2, touted by Corning to withstand drops onto concrete.
Nevertheless, gamers understand that pushing more pixels doesn’t necessarily translate to better gaming experience. Despite the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s impressive screen, it tends to stutter during gameplay, whereas the ROG Phone 7 Ultimate offers buttery smooth performance. When it comes to gaming, the superior display of the S23 Ultra might not be as appreciated as the blazing performance of the ROG Phone 7 Ultimate.
Camera performance:
Moving on to the camera performance, the Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate falls short. With no zoom lens and subpar image quality, it fails to meet the standards set by competitors in its price range. However, it’s somewhat expected, akin to not expecting ample trunk space in a Ferrari; sacrifices are made in the pursuit of speed.
Unlike a Ferrari, where shedding weight enhances speed, the ROG Phone 7 could have improved its camera without compromising its other features. Being a bulky phone with ample room inside, a better camera sensor could have been accommodated. However, the ROG Phone 7 Ultimate’s pricing places it above most camera phones in the market, with options offering better performance at a lower cost.
Compared to slightly cheaper alternatives like the S23 Ultra, photos taken with the ROG Phone 7 appear blurry, washed out, and lacking in detail. Its narrower aperture limits light intake and keeps too much of the scene in focus, hindering the capture of desired blurred background effects or bokeh. Additionally, the camera struggles with low-light photography and fails to deliver on features like astrophotography or moon shots.
Selfies from the ROG Phone 7 Ultimate are also disappointing, appearing blurry, and the front camera produces mirror-image selfies, an inconvenience not present in most other smartphones. In comparison, the Galaxy S23 Ultra stands out as the closest competitor in price and offers superior camera performance, making it the preferred choice among top-tier camera phones.
Software:
Software interference and glitches were a significant issue when I initially reviewed the ROG Phone 7 upon its launch. These software troubles, causing disruptions and hindrances during gaming sessions, led to frustrating losses in crucial matches. Certain features would malfunction or untimely requests would disrupt gameplay, nearly leading to holding a grudge against the device.
However, subsequent software updates have brought about a refreshing change. Over the past month, I’ve experienced no such difficulties with the phone. Games ran smoothly without glitches, and matches were not compromised. Overall, both gaming performance and general functionality remained largely stable.
Despite this improvement, the software experience remains somewhat intrusive and peculiar. Occasional bugs persist, and messages are sometimes duplicated. The interface feels cluttered with unnecessary extras vying for attention. Additionally, triggering certain features or accidentally altering settings is too easy, leading to inadvertent disruptions during gameplay.
Moreover, the lack of extensive customization options for the home screen is disappointing. While there are wallpapers and themes available, the absence of interesting widgets or innovative software additions limits the device’s appeal compared to other Android smartphones. Even manufacturers adopting a more minimalist approach include basic widgets, unlike Asus, which predominantly focuses on gaming software and themes.
Furthermore, just before publication, my Aero Active Cooler ceased functioning altogether. Every attempt to connect it prompts the phone to repeatedly update the firmware with no resolution, rendering the accessory unusable. Although I anticipate a future software update addressing this issue, for now, the premier accessory remains inactive.
In terms of performance, the Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate truly shines. It stands as one of the fastest phones available, not just in benchmark tests but also in real-world usage. Even when compared to top-performing devices, the ROG Phone 7 maintains exceptional graphics and frame rates consistently, exhibiting minimal stuttering or lag during gameplay.
Battery life:
Battery life is another strong suit of the ROG Phone 7 Ultimate, thanks to its substantial 6,000mAh battery. Lasting through hours of intense gaming and regular usage, the phone offers ample endurance to power through a full day. Its various power management modes cater to different usage scenarios, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
In summary, while the ROG Phone 7 Ultimate excels in performance and battery life, software issues and limited customization options detract from its overall appeal. However, for avid gamers seeking unparalleled gaming performance and endurance, it remains a compelling choice.
“HOW I TESTED THE ASUS ROG PHONE 7 ULTIMATE”
Throughout the duration of composing this review, I utilized the Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate as my primary device for both professional and personal purposes over a span of One month. While I endeavored to explore the phone’s functionalities in various aspects, it’s fair to say that gaming dominated my usage pattern significantly.
In my exploration, I engaged in typical activities one would expect from a smartphone user: capturing photos, engaging in messaging, making calls, and utilizing productivity tools. However, gaming remained a central focus throughout my experience.
As part of our standard testing protocol, we subjected the phone to rigorous benchmarking using established benchmarking software like GFX Benchmark, Phone Tester Pro, and Geek bench, among others. Additionally, we conducted internal testing to evaluate the device’s performance and battery life. Accessing developer options on Android phones provided valuable insights into the device’s performance directly from the device itself.
Pros:
Remarkable speed, outperforms competitors in benchmarks
Outstanding display offers faster performance than expected
Large battery ensures extended gaming sessions
Cons:
Poor software extras frequently disrupt user experience
Incomplete water resistance
Subpar cameras, unlike other phones in this price range
