Trying to figure out which ASUS phone is the best fit for you this year? It can be a bit tricky with all the options out there, especially with their strong lineup of gaming phones and the more everyday Zenfone series. We’ve looked at what ASUS has to offer, focusing on performance, display quality, and those special features that make each phone stand out. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer needing peak performance or someone who just wants a reliable, feature-rich smartphone, this guide should help you find the best ASUS phone for your needs.
Key Takeaways
- The ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro and 9 lead the pack for gamers with top-tier processors, high refresh rate displays, and advanced cooling. They also pack capable cameras and robust battery life.
- For a balance of gaming power and a more refined design, the ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro and 8 offer strong performance with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, improved cameras, and features like wireless charging.
- If you’re looking for a more compact and versatile option, the ASUS Zenfone 10 provides flagship performance in a smaller package, with a great camera and good battery life.
- The Zenfone 11 Ultra steps up with the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and an excellent display, making it a strong contender for those who want a powerful all-around smartphone.
- Older ROG models like the ROG Phone 7 series and 6D series still offer excellent gaming performance and features, making them a good value if you can find them at a good price.
1. ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro
Alright, let’s talk about the ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro. This thing is pretty much the king of the hill for mobile gaming right now, and honestly, it feels like it. ASUS really went all out with the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor – it’s built for serious gaming and just crushing any task you throw at it. Plus, with up to 24 GB of RAM, multitasking is a breeze, and you can even use external storage with NTFS, which is handy if you’ve got tons of game files or videos.
The display is a 6.78-inch Full HD+ LTPO AMOLED, and it’s super bright, hitting 2500 nits. It’s got that Always-on Display feature, and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 means it should hold up pretty well against scratches. The refresh rate is a buttery smooth 185 Hz, which is a nice bump up from the previous ROG Phone 8. Audio-wise, it’s got these Hi-Res certified stereo speakers, and thankfully, they kept the 3.5 mm audio jack, which is always a win for us wired headphone folks.
When it comes to cameras, it’s not just about gaming. You get a 50 MP main camera with some serious stabilization tech (Gimbal OIS), a 13 MP ultrawide, and a macro lens. What’s really cool, though, is the 3x telephoto camera – that’s not something you see on many gaming phones. Video recording can go up to 8K at 30 FPS, and it’s got HDR10+ and gyro-EIS to keep things steady. It’s got all the ports you’d expect, including two USB Type-C ports and Display Port support. The battery is a hefty 5800 mAh, and it charges up fast at 65W, plus you get 15W wireless charging and 10W reverse wired charging. The whole design is very ROG – futuristic, with glass and aluminum, and those gaming triggers and Mini-LED accents really add to the vibe. It’s a solid piece of tech if you’re serious about gaming on the go, and you can check out some other ASUS phone options if this one seems a bit much.
2. ASUS ROG Phone 9
The ASUS ROG Phone 9 is a pretty solid contender if you’re looking for a phone that can handle some serious gaming without breaking the bank compared to its Pro sibling. It packs the same powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, so you know your games are going to run smoothly. Plus, with up to 24 GB of RAM, multitasking or switching between apps is a breeze.
One of the things I really like is the display. It’s a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED screen with a super-fast 185 Hz refresh rate. Honestly, after using a higher refresh rate, going back to anything lower just feels… off. It makes everything from scrolling through social media to intense gaming look incredibly fluid. The screen is also protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which is nice because, let’s be real, accidents happen.
Here’s a quick look at some of its key specs:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite |
| RAM | Up to 24 GB |
| Display | 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED, 185 Hz refresh rate |
| Storage | Supports external storage with NTFS |
| Battery | 5800 mAh, 65W wired charging, 15W wireless charging |
| Durability | IP68 certified |
For those who still appreciate a good pair of wired headphones, you’ll be happy to know it still has a 3.5 mm audio jack. The camera setup is also quite capable, with a 50 MP main sensor that includes OIS Gimbal stabilization. It can even shoot video in 8K at 30 FPS, which is pretty impressive for a gaming-focused phone. You can find more details about its release and specs on the ASUS ROG Phone 9 page.
3. ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
So, the ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro. This phone really tries to blend serious gaming power with some everyday usability, which is a bit of a shift for the ROG line. It’s got these new AI features, which is kind of interesting. Things like AI Grabber, which can pull text from games to help you find guides, and AI Semantic Search to make finding stuff on your phone quicker. It’s a different direction, for sure.
What’s also new is wireless charging, which is a first for the ROG series. They’ve also upgraded the cameras, adding a telephoto lens and improving the main camera with gimbal stabilization. It’s still got those AirTrigger shoulder buttons that gamers love, and the overall design is pretty slick, though the front camera is now in a punch-hole, which might not be everyone’s favorite.
Key Features:
- AI-Powered Enhancements: AI Grabber, AI Wallpaper, and AI Semantic Search for a smarter user experience.
- Camera Upgrades: Includes a telephoto lens and OIS gimbal stabilization on the main camera.
- Wireless Charging: A new addition to the ROG Phone series for convenient power-ups.
- Gaming Controls: Retains the popular AirTrigger shoulder buttons for an edge in games.
It’s a solid phone if you want top-tier gaming performance but also appreciate some of the newer tech features and a slightly more refined look. Just be aware it’s a bit on the heavier side, and the punch-hole camera is a change from older models.
4. ASUS ROG Phone 8
Even without the "Pro" tag, the ASUS ROG Phone 8 is a seriously capable gaming device. It packs the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which is pretty much the top-tier chip for Android phones right now, so you know it can handle any game you throw at it. The display is an LTPO AMOLED, meaning it’s smooth and can adjust its refresh rate from 1Hz all the way up to 165Hz to save battery when you don’t need all that speed.
What really makes it a ROG phone, though, are the AirTrigger shoulder buttons. They give you that extra edge in games, feeling much like console controls. Plus, the back has this cool design with RGB lighting you can customize.
Honestly, it’s not that different from the Pro version, which is great. It even keeps the 3.5mm headphone jack, which is becoming a rare sight on flagship phones these days. You still get a main camera with gimbal stabilization, a telephoto lens for zooming, and wireless charging. If you want a premium gaming phone that’s built tough and looks good, the ROG Phone 8 is definitely worth a look. It’s a solid choice for anyone serious about mobile gaming and looking for a premium, durable design.
5. ASUS ROG Phone 7 Ultimate
The ASUS ROG Phone 7 Ultimate really leans into its gaming identity, and honestly, it does a pretty good job. It keeps that signature ROG look, which is pretty slick if you’re into that kind of thing. One of the main things that sets it apart from the regular ROG Phone 7 is the small 2-inch screen on the back. It’s a neat little addition that you don’t see on many phones.
Plus, it’s got IP54 certification, which means it can handle dust and water splashes better than some of the older ROG models. When it comes to playing games, this phone is a beast. It has a really nice AMOLED screen that refreshes at 165 Hz, making everything look super smooth. It also gets really bright, up to 1500 nits, so you can actually see what’s going on even if you’re outside.
Under the hood, it’s packing the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, which is a seriously powerful chip. You can get it with up to 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage, so there’s plenty of power and space for all your games and apps. If you’re looking for a phone that’s built for gaming and doesn’t cut corners, the ROG Phone 7 Ultimate is definitely worth a look. It’s a solid piece of tech that feels good in the hand, and the performance is just top-notch for any demanding task.
Here’s a quick rundown of some key specs:
- Display: 6.78-inch AMOLED, 165 Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
- RAM: Up to 16 GB
- Storage: Up to 512 GB
- Durability: IP54 certified
- Special Feature: 2-inch rear display
6. ASUS ROG Phone 7
The ASUS ROG Phone 7 is a solid choice if you’re after a high-performance gaming phone without quite hitting the top-tier price point of its ‘Ultimate’ sibling. It keeps that signature ROG look, and you still get that IP54 rating for decent splash resistance. Instead of a secondary screen on the back like the Ultimate model, it sports a cool illuminated ROG logo with RGB lighting. Honestly, for most people, this is probably the sweet spot.
When it comes to what really matters for gaming, like the display and the processor, the ROG Phone 7 is pretty much on par with the more expensive version. You’re looking at a 165 Hz AMOLED screen that makes everything look super smooth, and the touch sampling rate is up to 720 Hz, which means your taps register almost instantly. That’s a big deal when you’re in the middle of a fast-paced game.
Under the hood, it’s running the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, which is a powerhouse. The main difference you’ll notice compared to the Ultimate model is in the memory options. The ROG Phone 7 typically comes with either 8 GB or 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage. This configuration still handles pretty much anything you throw at it, from intense gaming sessions to everyday multitasking. Plus, it’s a bit easier on the wallet, making it a really smart pick for gamers who want great performance without breaking the bank.
7. ASUS ROG Phone 6D Ultimate
The ASUS ROG Phone 6D Ultimate really stands out with its slick design, featuring both glass on the front and back, all held together by an aluminum frame. It’s also got that IPX4 rating, meaning it can handle splashes of water without much fuss. When you look at the screen, it’s a big 6.78-inch AMOLED panel with a Full HD+ resolution, and the 165 Hz refresh rate makes everything feel super smooth, which is great for gaming or just general use. This phone packs a serious punch with its MediaTek Dimensity 9000+ chipset, built on a 4nm process, ensuring it can handle pretty much anything you throw at it. You can get it with either 12GB or 16GB of RAM, paired with 256GB of internal storage. It also supports 8K video recording at 24 fps, so your videos will look really clear, even after uploading them. It’s a solid option if you want a powerful gaming phone that looks good too. If you’re curious about other high-end phones, you might want to check out the Samsung Galaxy S7 pricing.
8. ASUS ROG Phone 6D
The ASUS ROG Phone 6D is a solid contender if you’re looking for a gaming phone that doesn’t break the bank quite as much as some of the higher-end models. It keeps that signature ROG look, you know, the one that screams ‘gamer,’ but it’s a bit more understated than some of its siblings. It’s splash-resistant, which is always a nice touch, meaning you don’t have to panic if a little water gets on it.
Under the hood, this phone packs the MediaTek Dimensity 9000+ chipset. It’s a pretty powerful chip, built on a 4nm process, so it handles games and multitasking without much fuss. You can get it with either 12GB or 16GB of RAM, which is plenty for pretty much anything you throw at it. Storage is a decent 256GB, which should be enough for most apps and games.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Chipset | MediaTek Dimensity 9000+ |
| RAM | 12GB or 16GB |
| Storage | 256GB |
| Display | 6.78-inch AMOLED, 165Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ |
| Peak Brightness | 1200 nits |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 (splash-resistant) |
The display is a 6.78-inch AMOLED panel with a super smooth 165Hz refresh rate. This makes everything look really fluid, especially when you’re gaming. It also supports HDR10+ and can get pretty bright, up to 1200 nits, so visuals pop. It’s a great option for gamers who want high performance without all the bells and whistles of the absolute top-tier models. If you’re trying to keep your phone running smoothly, checking out some tips for enhancing Android efficiency might be helpful.
9. ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra
The ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra is a pretty solid phone, especially if you’re not necessarily looking for a dedicated gaming device like the ROG series. It packs the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which is a really fast chip, so everything feels super smooth, whether you’re just browsing or playing some demanding games. You can get it with up to 16GB of RAM, which is plenty for multitasking.
It’s got this nice LTPO AMOLED screen that looks great for watching videos or just scrolling through social media. Plus, it’s IP68 rated, meaning it can handle a splash or even a quick dip in water, which is always a nice bit of reassurance. The camera system is pretty decent too, capable of shooting 8K video, which is pretty wild if you need that kind of quality. The 5500 mAh battery should get you through most of the day, and it charges up quickly with 65W wired charging – getting a full charge in under 40 minutes is pretty sweet. It also supports WiFi 7 and NFC for easy connections and payments.
However, it’s not perfect. It’s a bit on the heavier side, tipping the scales at over 200 grams, so it might feel a bit chunky in your pocket. Also, there’s no slot for a microSD card, so you’re stuck with the internal storage you buy. And if you’re someone who likes using an infrared blaster to control your TV, you won’t find one here. Still, for a phone that balances performance with a more everyday design, the Zenfone 11 Ultra is definitely worth a look, especially if you can find it at a good price on ASUS’s official site.
10. ASUS Zenfone 10
The ASUS Zenfone 10 really stands out if you’re looking for something powerful but still easy to handle. It’s not a huge phone, which is kind of refreshing these days. Seriously, it’s pretty small, measuring just 146.5 x 68.1 x 9.4 mm and weighing only 172 grams. This makes it a lot more comfortable to use with one hand compared to those massive gaming phones. Plus, it’s got that IP68 rating, meaning it can handle dust and even a quick dip in water up to 1.5 meters for about half an hour. So, you don’t have to freak out if you spill something on it or get caught in the rain.
Under the hood, this little guy packs a punch. It’s running on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, which is pretty much top-of-the-line, so expect smooth performance whether you’re gaming or just switching between apps. You can get it with up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, which is plenty for most people. The screen is a 5.9-inch AMOLED display with Full HD+ resolution. It looks really good, with bright colors and a high refresh rate of 144Hz, though that’s mostly for games. It’s protected by Gorilla Glass Victus, so it should hold up pretty well against scratches.
For photos, the Zenfone 10 has a 50MP main camera that uses a gimbal-stabilized OIS system. This is supposed to help keep your shots steady, especially in low light. There’s also a 13MP ultrawide lens for wider shots. It’s a solid camera setup for a phone this size, and it’s great for capturing everyday moments or even some content creation. If you’re tired of phones that feel like a brick in your pocket, the Zenfone 10 is definitely worth checking out. It’s a good example of how you don’t need a giant phone to get flagship performance. You can find more details on ASUS’s Zenfone lineup if you’re curious.
Finding Your Perfect ASUS Companion
So, there you have it. ASUS really does have a phone for just about everyone in 2025, whether you’re a hardcore gamer needing all the bells and whistles or someone who just wants a solid, compact device for everyday use. We looked at the powerful ROG Phone series, perfect for those who demand top performance and gaming features, and the more everyday Zenfone lineup, which still packs a punch in a smaller package. Think about what you’ll be doing most with your phone – gaming marathons, snapping photos, or just staying connected. That will help you pick the right ASUS or ROG phone to fit your life and your budget. Happy phone hunting!
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro stand out for gamers?
The ROG Phone 9 Pro is built for serious gaming with its super-fast Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and a huge 24GB of RAM. It also has a really smooth 185Hz screen and special gaming triggers to give you an edge.
Is the ASUS Zenfone 10 good for gaming if I prefer smaller phones?
Yes, the Zenfone 10 is a powerful compact phone with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, making it great for gaming. It’s small and light, but still packs a punch for mobile games.
What’s the main difference between the ROG Phone 7 and the ROG Phone 7 Ultimate?
The main difference is the ROG Phone 7 Ultimate has a small extra screen on the back for notifications and other features, while the regular ROG Phone 7 has a cool glowing ROG logo instead.
Do ASUS ROG Phones still have headphone jacks?
Yes, many ASUS ROG Phones, like the ROG Phone 8 and ROG Phone 9 series, still include the handy 3.5mm headphone jack for wired headphones.
Are ASUS phones good for taking pictures?
While ROG Phones are built for gaming, they also have good cameras. Phones like the ROG Phone 9 Pro and Zenfone 11 Ultra have high-megapixel main cameras and can record videos in sharp 8K quality.
Which ASUS phone is best if I want a balance of gaming and everyday use?
The ASUS ROG Phone 8 or 8 Pro are excellent choices. They offer top-notch gaming performance but also have improved designs and features that make them great for daily use, unlike older ROG phones that were more focused purely on gaming.
