ASUS ROG Phone 5 review: speeding

The ROG range from Asus is dedicated to video games. These three letters also mean Republic of Gamers. More than a range, a distinctive sign, three rallying letters. Even if there are other “gaming” devices, at Asus it is a real philosophy with high performance, screens dedicated to games, optimization at all levels with a software space entirely dedicated to games and a community of enthusiasts.

So how do you qualify this 2021 vintage? Note first that the fan is sold separately this year, but that in addition to the foot to hold the device in reading position, there are 2 physical triggers this year. The headphone jack is also making a comeback and the AirTriggers have been repositioned for better grip. The device has an even more versatile look than last year, although you can clearly avoid being discreet with the programmable light logo on the back of the device. The white version is particularly successful.

A device built for the game

Like last year, this ROG Phone 5 is a beautiful 238g baby. It is compatible with most of the accessories from last year, starting with the kunai. These controllers are very comfortable in the hand and allow you to play all types of titles. Once paired and slipped into the special shell (or merged like a real controller), they connect quickly. You quickly find yourself with a very large device, but you have to know what you want. The stereo sound is very good and the position of the hands does not interfere with his full expression.

Please note, the ROG Phone 5 is not waterproof. The entry ticket for the 8 GB + 128 GB version is € 799 (although it can be found exceptionally at € 507 at Banggood), the version with 12 GB + 256 GB is displayed at € 899, the version with 16 GB + 256 GB costs € 999. Less expensive by 100 € compared to last year therefore. Note that a ROG Phone 5 Ultimate with 18 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage will be released at the end of the summer.

An even bigger screen

The screen of this ROG Phone version 2021 is even larger than that of its predecessor with an AMOLED panel of 6.78 inches (17.2 cm) against 6.59 inches (16.7 cm). The resolution and definition are slightly better and the refresh rate is still 144 Hz. Asus is not overdoing it here and prefers to work with developers to ensure that more and more games are compatible with this standard.

Gaming requires, the screen is flat and has a light forehead and chin. This is necessary to place the speakers optimally and to avoid handling errors in the game. The tactile sampling rate is very good and it is felt in the game. About 300 Hz with a latency of 24 , 3 ms. The top of the basket therefore. For outdoor sessions, no problem since at maximum brightness, the beast is doing as well as the flasheships of the moment: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and OnePlus 9 Pro.

Exceptional performance

For a gaming smartphone, performance is essential. Here, Asus has of course chosen the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 with 8, 12 or 16 GB of LPDDR5 RAM. Of course, we can say that all the flagships will all ship this chip in 2021, but Asus is still doing well with the optimization and monitoring of its devices. It should be noted for example that 7 months after its release, the Asus ROG Phone 3 was still in the top 10 of the most efficient devices while the competitors leave the ranking generally after 3 months.

In game, the X mode which increases performance is very impressive. If AnTuTu no longer draws up a monthly ranking, the ROG Phone 5 was flashed here at 809,000 in the 12 GB version which is above the OnePlus 9 Pro (765,000) and the Mi 11 Ultra (807,000). To fully enjoy your device, you will need to play games that support 144 Hz mode. You will find a list of compatible titles here.

Bis repetita for the photo

We’re not going to dwell on the ROG Phone 5’s photo capabilities. Why? Because the device has the same objectives as last year. The Taiwanese firm focused on the software part to improve what was already very good in 2020. We could say that Asus is saving money and changing the modules just for the form would not have cost much more expensive, but that’s also why the entry ticket is more affordable this year. We are therefore entitled to the same trio as the one embedded in the ROG Phone 3: a 64-megapixel main lens, an ultra-wide-angle of 13 MP and a macro module of 5 MP.

When we read the tests which explain that this 2021 edition is doing less well, it makes us laugh. Even more when our colleagues compare it to a Galaxy S21. The ROG Phone 5, without being part of the top 5 of the year, is doing very well day and night. If you want to know more about the photo part, you can watch our ROG Phone 3 review.

Do you want to buy this smartphone for gaming and are worried about its photo performance? Do not worry: it will surprise you. Only problem, the same as we reported last year, the macro mode is useless. But it’s the same with the competition. We do not know where this fashion comes from, but we are in a hurry to see it disappear.

6000mAh and 65W fast charge

As you know, games are very greedy in terms of power consumption and Asus has always equipped its devices with substantial batteries. This is still the case here with this 6000 mAh battery divided into 2 cells to avoid heating and balance the mobile. For having tested the model of last year in large widths, we are generally dealing with the same performance, but there is still a big change: the fast charge which goes from 30 W to 65 W). The supplied block therefore allows a full charge in 52 minutes (from 0 to 70% in 31 minutes). This may seem like a lot for a fast charge, but you must not forget that you have to “fill” a 6000 mAh battery!

In order not to “pull” too much on the equipment, the special functions linked to the load are always there: definition of a time slot or a deadline, power limitation (10 W for the night for example), but the novelty is the charge which allows to bypass the battery when you are connected to the mains. The goal is to avoid stressing the battery for no reason. Well seen.

Our verdict:

As this is a “gaming” smartphone, the question is: should I “upgrade” my current ROG Phone in 2021? This is quite a difficult question. If you have a first or a second version, the answer “it is answered quickly” as the other would say. For ROG Phone 3 owners, it’s more complicated. The photo part has not changed, but there is now a jack, better ergonomics and a 65 W load. The accessories are also compatible. Where Asus is doing strong this year is that with its look, its performance and its autonomy, the ROG Phone 5 can be aimed at a slightly larger audience.