I recently got my hands on the Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate and let me tell you, this gaming smartphone is a force to be reckoned with. From the moment I held it, I felt the power emanating from its high-end hardware. With a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage, this phone is a beast. And that's not all - it also boasts a 6.78-inch 165 Hz display and a huge 6000 mAh battery.
One of the coolest things about the ROG Phone 7 Ultimate is the included external fan. Not only does it connect seamlessly via USB-C, but it also has four additional control buttons for maximum control. And speaking of control, the display's touch sampling rate is 720 Hz, ensuring that every tap and swipe registers accurately and quickly.
As someone who loves to play games on the go, I've tried out quite a few gaming phones. But the Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate stands out as one of the best. It's clear that Asus has put a lot of thought and effort into creating a device that truly meets the needs of gamers. And the result is a phone that is not only powerful, but also incredibly fun to use.
Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate Specifications
- Release date: 2023, April 13
- Colors: Storm White
- Dimensions: 173 x 77 x 10.3 mm.
- Weight: 239 g.
- Screen: 6.78" in, 1080 x 2448, AMOLED
- Camera : Triple, 50MP
- Chipset: Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
- CPU: Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
- Memory: 512GB 16GB RAM
- Battery: 6000, Li-Po, non-removable
- Network: GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G
- Operating system: Android 13, upgradable to Android 14
- Sensors: Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
If you are curious to find out all the details before reading the full review, visit the page for Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate Specs, where you will find even the smallest detail about the phone.
Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate Design
As soon as I laid eyes on the Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate, I knew it was a gaming smartphone. The rear PMOLED display is what sets it apart from the standard version. I like the fact that I can customize what the tiny display shows through the Armory Crate app, which also manages all the gaming profiles. With around 60 animations to choose from, there's something for every action, such as X mode, game launch, new notifications or incoming calls.
The colour of the case is another thing that sets the ROG Phone 7 Ultimate apart from the standard variant. The matte white back cover is slightly different, with the top half of the back cover being a lighter white. I appreciate the fact that there are absolutely no fingerprints on it and it feels great in my hands.
The build quality is top notch and I could tell that the phone was made to last. Despite its size, which is the same as the ROG Phone 6 Pro, it doesn't lend itself to any attempts to be warped or dented. The display-to-surface ratio could have been better, but the slightly thicker screen bezel on the short sides effectively prevents miswriting when holding the phone in landscape mode. The back cover is protected by Gorilla Glass 3, and the display is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus. Although the smartphone is not waterproof, it is IP54 certified and thus protected from dust and water splashes.
As for the gaming aesthetic, I was expecting not to like it, but it actually feels complete. The two-tone white on the back with the ROG branding feels like it was well thought out, and the blue accents on the power button, camera lens, and SIM card tray add extra color. There are two USB-C ports, one on the left and one on the bottom, and even a headphone jack. However, the bottom USB-C port is off-center, making it difficult for third-party controllers that require a standard centered USB-C port to work with the phone.
Flipping the phone over, you'll see the gaming aesthetic that Asus is known for. The white glass casing and screen, which displays two-tone animations, may strike some as nondescript, but I was able to appreciate it. The metal cover, which barely wobbles when touched, houses the attachable fan and camera button. I liked that the camera doesn't stick out too much, allowing the phone to stand pretty steady considering how slippery the phone is without a case.
Overall, the Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate is a well-made gaming smartphone with an attractive design that I didn't expect to like. It felt heavy in my pocket, but the build quality more than makes up for that. The two-tone animations on the rear PMOLED display and the light gaming aesthetic enhanced my gaming experience. The only drawback was the off-center USB-C port located at the bottom, making it difficult to use third-party controllers. But with Bluetooth controllers, the Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate is an excellent choice for mobile gamers.
Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate Camera
When it comes to camera capabilities, the Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate certainly doesn't disappoint. As someone who loves taking pictures, I appreciate the use of the Sony IMX766 sensor in its 50 MP main camera. In daylight, this smartphone takes high-quality photos with great dynamics, natural-looking colors, and sharpness. Even at low zoom levels, the results are impressive. While the camera struggles at high zoom and in low-light situations, it still outperforms many non-gamer smartphones.
However, the ultra-wide angle camera lags behind the main camera with its 13 MP resolution. While it's sufficient for snapshots, the photos lack detail and look pixelated upon closer inspection. The macro camera boasts an impressive 8 MP resolution, but visible noise in images is a serious problem, even in well-lit conditions.
On the other hand, the front camera with Omnivision OV32 image sensor is quite decent. It captures natural-looking selfies with ease and supports video recording up to Full HD at 30fps. Overall, the Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate's camera setup is a notable improvement over its predecessors.
While the camera capabilities of this smartphone may not be its main focus, I am impressed with what it has to offer. The slight hardware improvements allow for sharper and better quality photos. Additionally, the camera software now includes features like light trail mode, making it easier to capture more artistic photos. When it comes to other gaming phone competitors, the Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate's cameras are a significant step forward.
Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate Display
I have to say that the display on the Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate is truly remarkable. The 6.78-inch AMOLED panel with 2448 x 1080 pixels resolution and HDR10+ technology support looks stunning. What I like about this display is the fact that it has a variable refresh rate that can be set to 165, 144, 120, 90 or 60 Hz.
Another point worth mentioning is the thick bezels at the top and bottom that make the phone more comfortable to hold during long gaming sessions. The PMOLED colour bar screen on the back adds an extra cool factor to the phone and can be turned off to save power.
As for the sound, the dual front speakers are the best I've ever heard in a phone. They provide a full-bodied and booming sound that immerses you further into the gaming experience.
Overall, I really think the display on the Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate is one of the best displays I've ever used in a phone. The high refresh rate, low touch latency and excellent brightness reserves make gaming on this phone an absolute joy. If I had to make an observation, I'd say the 20.4:9 aspect ratio isn't ideal for most games. Still, that's a small price to pay for such a remarkable display.
Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate Performance
I have to say that the performance of the Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate is really impressive. Thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and 16 GB of LPDDR5X RAM, this phone can handle just about anything I throw at it without breaking a sweat. Gaming on this device is an absolute pleasure, without any lag or slowdown even in graphically demanding titles like Call of Duty Mobile and Genshin Impact.
I especially appreciate the Game Genie software that comes with the phone. Not only does it allow me to turn off notifications while playing, but it also allows me to customize performance settings for each game. The AirTrigger buttons are also a nice touch, especially for games like PUBG Mobile where precise input is essential.
I also like the AeroActive Cooler 7 accessory that comes bundled with the phone. While most users may find it unnecessary, I find it extremely useful during extended gaming sessions. Not only does it keep the phone cool, but it also adds physical buttons on the shoulder that can be programmed for specific in-game actions.
Overall, the Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate is a truly powerful device. Its performance surpasses even that of the already excellent ROG Phone 6 Pro and can stand up against other high-end smartphones like the Galaxy S23 Ultra and OnePlus 11. For anyone looking for the best gaming phone, this is definitely one to consider.
Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate Battery
When it comes to battery life, I have to say that I am impressed with the Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate. With its 6000 mAh battery and frugal power consumption, I never felt like I was lacking power even when I was using power-hungry games for most of the day.
In fact, I was able to use the phone for about two days regularly, even when the screen was set to its highest refresh rate of 165 Hz. And when I needed to charge, the included 65W fast charger made quick work of it, restoring the battery to full capacity in just about an hour.
Of course, if you use the phone for gaming with the fan accessory, you'll drain the battery faster and need to recharge in the middle of the day. But even then, I found that the battery life is maintained quite well compared to other devices on the market.
Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate Software
As someone who loves mobile gaming, I was immediately drawn to the software features of the Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate. The phone runs Android 13 and features the unique ROG UI that provides enhanced gaming features. I especially appreciate the X Mode that is integrated into the UI and the ability to configure my smartphone's components, such as AirTrigger, using apps like Game Genie and Armory Crate.
The level of control that the Armory Crate app offers is truly impressive. I can monitor CPU and GPU temperatures, see memory and storage usage, change operating modes, and even adjust Arm Trigger settings. The app is a great way to access games and ensure they run smoothly.
What's more, Asus promises two OS updates for the ROG Phone 7 Ultimate, which means I can get updates until 2027. This longevity is important to me as it ensures that I'll continue to enjoy the latest software features for years to come.
The ability to switch between the ROG UI and Zen UI is a great solution as it allows me to customize the phone to my liking. I appreciate the gamer aesthetic of the ROG UI, but sometimes I prefer a more polished look. The ability to mix and match styles from both interfaces is a great way to customize the phone.
Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate Price
As someone who loves gaming and wants to get the best experience possible, I was obviously excited to try out the Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate. However, I have to admit that when I saw the £1199/€1399 price tag, I was a little hesitant. This is definitely the most expensive gaming phone on the market and I had to consider whether it was worth the investment.
The phone is lightning fast and the graphics are stunning. I especially appreciate the large 6.78-inch AMOLED display, which makes it feel like I'm playing on a console.
It's also important to note that while the price may seem high compared to other smartphones, it's actually on par with some of the other flagship phones on the market. For example, the iPhone 14 Pro Max costs the same but only has 128GB of memory, while the Galaxy S23 Ultra costs £50 more and gives you 256GB.
Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate Conclusion
In conclusion, I can confidently say that the Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate is worth the investment for any gaming enthusiast looking for a high-performance device. This phone is the ultimate gaming phone, with features that set it apart from other smartphones on the market. The attachable fan and subwoofer are accessories that change the gaming experience while keeping the device cool. Additionally, the ultrasonic sensors and AMOLED display are top-notch, contributing to an extremely smooth and responsive user experience.
Of course, the price is a major factor, with the phone costing around 1500 USD. Additionally, the camera and lack of wireless charging are minor drawbacks compared to other high-end smartphones. However, the Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate's top-notch specs, superior display, and battery life make it a solid investment for any serious mobile gamer.
If you're looking for a phone with top-notch specs, excellent battery life, and customization options, then the Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate is definitely worth considering. While it may not be the cheapest option, it is the most powerful gaming smartphone that delivers the ultimate gaming experience.
Pros:
- Very good performance
- Unique design
- Gaming accessories
- Great front speakers
- Quality display
- Headphone jack
Minuses:
- Heavy and bulky phone
- Hard to operate with one hand
- High price
Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate video review
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is based on our team's personal experience with the Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate and third-party sources. While every effort has been made to provide accurate and reliable information, readers should keep in mind that this is a subjective assessment. The writing of this article was not paid for or sponsored by Asus.
