Asus ROG Phone 3 Strix Review

• Overview
• Design and Build Quality
• Display
• Performance
• Software and User Interface
• Camera
• Battery Life
• Connectivity and Networking
• Additional Features
• Comparison with Other Related Phones
• Pros and Cons
• Conclusion

Overview

The Asus ROG Phone 3 Strix Edition is an absolute beast of a gaming smartphone that is sure to leave gamers drooling. With its powerful specifications and innovative features, this device takes mobile gaming to a whole new level. The 6.59-inch AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support provides an immersive gaming experience like no other. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 5G chipset and Adreno 650 GPU ensure smooth and lag-free performance. In terms of storage, it comes in three variants: 8GB RAM with 128GB internal storage, 12GB RAM with 128GB storage, and 8GB RAM with 256GB storage. The triple camera setup with a 64MP main sensor captures stunning photos and videos. The 6000mAh battery ensures long gaming sessions without worrying about running out of power. The Asus ROG Phone 3 Strix Edition is available in a sleek Black Glare color and is priced at approximately 1400 EUR.

Design and Build Quality

The Asus ROG Phone 3 Strix Edition boasts a remarkable design and build that caters to the needs of gamers. Its physical appearance exudes a sleek and modern aesthetic, with a glass front and back, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 6, and an aluminum frame. The device measures 171 x 78 x 9.9 mm, providing a comfortable grip for extended gaming sessions. One standout feature is the RGB light panel on the back, which adds a touch of flair and customization options for users.

The phone's construction is solid and durable, ensuring it can withstand the demands of intense gaming. The use of high-quality materials not only contributes to its premium feel but also enhances its longevity. The inclusion of pressure-sensitive zones and gaming triggers further enhances the phone's ergonomic design, allowing for improved control and precision during gameplay.

In terms of comfort, the Asus ROG Phone 3 Strix Edition excels with its thoughtfully designed build. Despite weighing 240g, it doesn't feel overly heavy in hand, thanks to its well-distributed weight. The placement of buttons and ports is intuitive, allowing for easy access while gaming. Additionally, the device features a large 6.59-inch AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, providing a smooth and immersive gaming experience.

Durability is a key aspect of the Asus ROG Phone 3 Strix Edition. The Corning Gorilla Glass 6 protection on the front and Gorilla Glass 3 on the back ensure resistance against scratches and accidental drops. The device also undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it can withstand the rigors of daily use, making it a reliable companion for gamers.

Overall, the Asus ROG Phone 3 Strix Edition impresses with its exceptional design and build. Its physical appearance, choice of materials, ergonomic design, comfort, durability, and construction all contribute to an outstanding gaming smartphone that meets the needs of even the most demanding gamers.

Display

The Asus ROG Phone 3 Strix Edition features a 6.59-inch AMOLED display with a screen resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels and an aspect ratio of 19.5:9. The display utilizes OLED technology, which offers deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast. With 1B colors and HDR10+ support, the screen provides impressive color accuracy and vibrancy, making it ideal for gaming and multimedia consumption.

The display also boasts a high brightness level of 650 nits, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. Furthermore, the Gorilla Glass 6 protection adds durability to the front of the device, safeguarding it against scratches and minor drops.

The Asus ROG Phone 3 Strix Edition offers a pixel density of approximately 391 pixels per inch, resulting in sharp and detailed visuals. Moreover, the display's 144Hz refresh rate enhances the overall smoothness of the user interface and gameplay, providing a more responsive and immersive experience.

This smartphone supports a wide color gamut and offers excellent viewing angles, allowing users to enjoy vibrant and accurate colors from different perspectives. Additionally, the display features an anti-reflective coating, reducing glare and improving visibility under direct sunlight.

The Asus ROG Phone 3 Strix Edition does not have a notch design, resulting in minimal bezels and a high screen-to-body ratio of approximately 79.9%. This design choice maximizes the display area, offering a more immersive viewing experience.

Users can also benefit from features like an always-on display, which allows for quick access to information without fully waking the device, and a blue light filter, which reduces eye strain during extended use. The adaptive brightness feature automatically adjusts the screen brightness based on ambient lighting conditions, providing optimal visibility while conserving battery life.

Overall, the Asus ROG Phone 3 Strix Edition's display offers a combination of impressive specifications and features that deliver an excellent visual experience for gaming and multimedia consumption.

Performance

The Asus ROG Phone 3 Strix Edition is a true gaming smartphone that offers impressive performance capabilities. Powered by the Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G chipset, this device delivers exceptional CPU benchmarks and processor performance. The octa-core processor, consisting of 1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77, 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77, and 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, ensures smooth multitasking and app loading speeds.

In terms of gaming performance, the Asus ROG Phone 3 Strix Edition excels. Its Adreno 650 GPU provides excellent graphics scores and delivers a lag-free gaming experience. The device features a 144Hz AMOLED display with HDR10+ support, ensuring stunning visuals and smooth gameplay. With its 6.59-inch size and a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 79.9%, players can immerse themselves in their favorite games.

The ROG Phone 3 Strix Edition's gaming capabilities are further enhanced by its system optimization and thermal management features. The device includes pressure-sensitive zones and gaming triggers, allowing users to customize their gaming experience. The RGB light panel on the back adds a touch of flair.

Benchmark tests and synthetic benchmarks have confirmed the device's exceptional performance. It has consistently achieved high benchmark scores, showcasing its processor and GPU efficiency. This smartphone is designed to handle demanding games and provide a smooth user experience even during intense gaming sessions.

The Asus ROG Phone 3 Strix Edition also boasts a massive 6000 mAh battery, ensuring extended gaming sessions without the need for frequent recharging. The 30W wired charging, PD3.0, and QC4 support allow for quick and efficient charging when needed. Additionally, the device offers 10W reverse wired charging, allowing users to charge other devices on the go.

Overall, the Asus ROG Phone 3 Strix Edition offers impressive performance metrics and is a top choice for gamers. Its powerful chipset, GPU benchmarks, and gaming-focused features make it a standout device in the gaming smartphone market. Whether it's for casual gaming or competitive eSports, this smartphone delivers a smooth and immersive gaming experience.

Software and User Interface

The Asus ROG Phone 3 Strix Edition runs on the Android 10 operating system with the ROG UI skin on top. This combination allows for a smooth and responsive user experience, optimized specifically for gaming. The operating system offers a range of customization options, allowing users to personalize their device according to their preferences. The ROG UI skin adds a unique touch to the interface, with a gaming-centric design and features.

In terms of pre-installed apps, the Asus ROG Phone 3 Strix Edition comes with a selection of gaming-focused applications that cater to the needs of gamers. These include the Game Genie app, which provides quick access to various gaming settings and features, and the Armoury Crate app, which allows users to customize and optimize their gaming experience. These pre-installed apps enhance the gaming capabilities of the device and offer a convenient way for users to manage their gaming settings.

One aspect worth noting is that the Asus ROG Phone 3 Strix Edition does not come with excessive bloatware, which is often a concern for many users. This means that the device does not come loaded with unnecessary apps that can take up storage space and affect the overall performance. Instead, it focuses on providing a user-friendly interface and a streamlined experience.

Overall, the software of the Asus ROG Phone 3 Strix Edition offers a user-friendly interface with gaming-centric features and customization options. The combination of the Android 10 operating system and the ROG UI skin ensures a smooth and optimized experience, tailored specifically for gaming enthusiasts. With its range of pre-installed apps, the device caters to the needs of gamers, allowing them to personalize their gaming settings and enhance their gaming experience. Additionally, the absence of excessive bloatware contributes to a streamlined and efficient user experience.

Camera

The Asus ROG Phone 3 Strix Edition boasts a powerful camera setup that allows users to capture stunning photos and videos. The main camera features a 64-megapixel sensor with an aperture of f/1.8 and a focal length of 26mm, ensuring crisp and detailed shots. The addition of a 13-megapixel ultra-wide lens with a 125˚ field of view enables users to capture expansive landscapes and group photos effortlessly. For close-up shots, the 5-megapixel macro lens comes in handy, allowing users to capture intricate details with ease.

The camera of the ROG Phone 3 Strix Edition excels in various photography scenarios. In daylight photography, its powerful sensor and lens combination deliver exceptional image quality with vibrant colors and sharpness. Whether capturing indoor or outdoor scenes, the camera accurately reproduces natural colors and preserves details. The device's wide dynamic range ensures well-balanced exposures, especially in challenging lighting conditions.

When it comes to low-light photography, the ROG Phone 3 Strix Edition performs impressively. Its large sensor size and wide aperture allow for better light sensitivity, resulting in clear and detailed shots even in dimly lit environments. The device employs advanced noise reduction techniques to minimize graininess and retain image quality in low-light situations. Additionally, the phone offers a dedicated night mode that enhances low-light sensitivity and captures stunning nightscapes with enhanced detail and reduced noise.

The camera is not limited to capturing still photos only. It also excels in video recording capabilities, supporting up to 8K resolution at 30fps and 4K at various frame rates. The ROG Phone 3 Strix Edition provides video stabilization for smooth footage, while the slow-motion and time-lapse features allow users to unleash their creativity. The device supports multiple video formats, providing flexibility for sharing and editing videos.

In conclusion, the camera of the Asus ROG Phone 3 Strix Edition delivers impressive performance in various photography scenarios, be it daylight or low-light conditions. Its high-resolution sensor, wide aperture, and advanced features ensure excellent image quality, while the video recording capabilities offer versatility for capturing memorable moments.

Battery Life

Connectivity and Networking

The Asus ROG Phone 3 Strix Edition offers a wide range of connectivity options to ensure a seamless user experience. With support for GSM, CDMA, HSPA, LTE, and 5G networks, users can enjoy fast and reliable internet connectivity wherever they go. The device also features dual SIM capability, allowing users to easily switch between two different phone numbers or data plans. In terms of wireless connectivity, the ROG Phone 3 Strix Edition supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, ensuring compatibility with the latest Wi-Fi standards and providing fast and stable internet connection. Bluetooth 5.1 is also included, enabling users to connect their devices wirelessly and enjoy high-quality audio streaming. Additionally, NFC technology is available, allowing for convenient mobile payments and contactless data transfer. The device comes with USB Type-C ports (3.1 on the side and 2.0 on the bottom), offering fast data transfer and charging speeds. For navigation purposes, the ROG Phone 3 Strix Edition supports GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, and QZSS, ensuring accurate and reliable positioning. Overall, the Asus ROG Phone 3 Strix Edition provides a wide range of connectivity options, allowing users to stay connected and enjoy all the benefits of a modern smartphone.

Additional Features

The Asus ROG Phone 3 Strix Edition comes with a range of additional features that enhance its functionality and user experience. While the device does not have a specific IP rating for water and dust resistance, it does offer a durable build with Corning Gorilla Glass 6 protection on the front and Gorilla Glass 3 on the back. This helps protect the device from scratches and minor accidental drops.

In terms of storage, the ROG Phone 3 Strix Edition does not have a microSD card slot for expandable storage. However, it offers different internal storage options, including 128GB and 256GB, allowing users to choose the variant that suits their needs.

The device does not support wireless charging or Qi wireless charging, but it does come with dual SIM functionality. This means users can have two SIM cards simultaneously, allowing them to manage personal and work contacts or use different networks for better coverage.

In addition to the standard accelerometer and gyroscope, the ROG Phone 3 Strix Edition is equipped with advanced sensors that enhance gaming experiences. These include pressure-sensitive zones and gaming triggers on the device, which allow for more precise control during gaming sessions. Overall, the Asus ROG Phone 3 Strix Edition offers a solid set of additional features that cater to the needs of gamers and technology enthusiasts alike.

Comparison with Other Related Phones

The Asus ROG Phone 3 Strix Edition is a powerful gaming smartphone that competes with other devices in the market. When comparing it to related gadgets, such as the iPhone 12 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra, the ROG Phone 3 stands out for its gaming-centric features and specifications.

In terms of specifications, the ROG Phone 3 boasts a 6.59-inch AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, providing a smooth and immersive gaming experience. This high refresh rate display is a unique feature that sets it apart from its competitors. Additionally, the phone is powered by a Snapdragon 865 5G processor and comes with up to 12GB of RAM, ensuring fast and seamless performance.

When comparing it to the iPhone 12 Pro and the Galaxy S20 Ultra, the ROG Phone 3 excels in gaming performance. It features pressure-sensitive gaming triggers and an RGB light panel on the back, enhancing the gaming experience. The device also has a large 6000mAh battery, which allows for extended gaming sessions without worrying about running out of power.

In terms of pricing, the ROG Phone 3 Strix Edition is positioned as a premium gaming smartphone, with a price of around 1400 EUR. While it may be more expensive than some other smartphones on the market, its gaming-focused features and powerful specifications make it a great value for gamers.

In the competitive landscape, the ROG Phone 3 faces competition from other gaming smartphones like the Black Shark 3 Pro and the Nubia Red Magic 5G. However, the ROG Phone 3 has a competitive advantage with its high refresh rate display and extensive gaming features. Its product differentiation lies in its focus on providing the best gaming experience possible.

Overall, the Asus ROG Phone 3 Strix Edition stands out in the market with its gaming-centric features, powerful specifications, and unique design. It offers a high value for money for gamers who prioritize performance and immersive gaming experiences.

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Asus ROG Phone 3 Strix Edition is a true gaming smartphone that offers an exceptional gaming experience. With its powerful Snapdragon 865 5G chipset, 144Hz AMOLED display, and extensive gaming features like RGB light panel and pressure-sensitive triggers, it takes mobile gaming to the next level. The phone's triple camera setup, long-lasting 6000mAh battery, and impressive audio quality further enhance the overall user experience. However, it lacks expandable storage and a headphone jack, which may disappoint some users. Considering its high price point, this phone is specifically tailored for avid gamers who prioritize superior performance and immersive gaming capabilities.