What To Know
- Choosing the right gaming phone can be a daunting task, especially when faced with powerful contenders like the ASUS ROG Phone 5 and its successor, the ROG Phone 6.
- The ROG Phone 5 offers a 144Hz refresh rate, while the ROG Phone 6 takes it up a notch with a blazing-fast 165Hz refresh rate.
- The ROG Phone 5 features a triple rear camera setup with a 64MP main sensor, a 13MP ultrawide lens, and a 5MP macro lens.
Choosing the right gaming phone can be a daunting task, especially when faced with powerful contenders like the ASUS ROG Phone 5 and its successor, the ROG Phone 6. Both devices are packed with cutting-edge technology and boast impressive performance, but which one emerges as the ultimate champion in the battle for gaming supremacy?
This comprehensive guide delves deep into the key differences between the ASUS ROG Phone 5 and ROG Phone 6, helping you make an informed decision based on your gaming needs and preferences.
Design and Build: Subtle Refinements with a Familiar Feel
Both the ROG Phone 5 and ROG Phone 6 maintain the iconic ROG design language, featuring aggressive lines, bold accents, and a distinctive RGB lighting system. The ROG Phone 6 introduces a subtle design update with a more streamlined rear panel and a slightly larger camera bump. While the ROG Phone 5’s design is more angular, the ROG Phone 6 opts for a smoother, more rounded aesthetic.
In terms of build quality, both phones are built to withstand the rigors of intense gaming sessions. They feature a durable aluminum frame and a reinforced Gorilla Glass Victus display. The ROG Phone 6, however, boasts a slightly more robust construction with improved scratch resistance.
Display: A Visual Feast for the Eyes
Both the ROG Phone 5 and ROG Phone 6 boast stunning AMOLED displays with vibrant colors, deep blacks, and exceptional refresh rates. The ROG Phone 5 offers a 144Hz refresh rate, while the ROG Phone 6 takes it up a notch with a blazing-fast 165Hz refresh rate. This higher refresh rate translates to smoother gameplay and a more responsive experience, particularly in fast-paced games.
The ROG Phone 6 also introduces a new “Always-On Display” feature, which allows you to keep track of notifications and other vital information without having to wake up the phone. This is a welcome addition for gamers who want to stay connected without interrupting their gameplay.
Performance: Unleashing the Power of Snapdragon
Under the hood, both phones pack a punch with Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon processors. The ROG Phone 5 is powered by the Snapdragon 888, while the ROG Phone 6 boasts the latest Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. This newer chipset offers a significant performance boost, with improved CPU and GPU performance, leading to faster processing speeds and more demanding games running smoothly.
The ROG Phone 6 also features an upgraded cooling system with a larger vapor chamber and a redesigned fan, ensuring optimal performance even during extended gaming sessions. This improved cooling system helps prevent thermal throttling and maintains peak performance for an extended period.
Battery Life: Powering Through Marathon Gaming Sessions
Both phones offer robust battery life, capable of handling long gaming sessions without breaking a sweat. The ROG Phone 5 packs a 6,000mAh battery, while the ROG Phone 6 features a slightly smaller 6,000mAh battery. Despite the smaller battery capacity, the ROG Phone 6 boasts improved battery efficiency thanks to the more power-efficient Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset. This translates to longer battery life, even with the demanding 165Hz refresh rate.
Both phones also support fast charging, allowing you to quickly replenish the battery when needed. The ROG Phone 6 supports 65W fast charging, enabling a full charge in under an hour.
Cameras: Capturing Your Gaming Triumphs
While gaming is the primary focus of these devices, both the ROG Phone 5 and ROG Phone 6 offer capable camera systems. The ROG Phone 5 features a triple rear camera setup with a 64MP main sensor, a 13MP ultrawide lens, and a 5MP macro lens. The ROG Phone 6 upgrades the main sensor to a 50MP unit, capturing more detail and vibrant colors.
Both phones also include a front-facing camera for video calls and selfies. The ROG Phone 6 boasts a wider 12MP front-facing camera, ideal for capturing group selfies and video calls with friends.
Audio: Immersive Soundscapes for Enhanced Gameplay
Both the ROG Phone 5 and ROG Phone 6 prioritize immersive audio experiences. The ROG Phone 5 features dual front-facing speakers tuned by Dirac, delivering rich and clear sound. The ROG Phone 6 takes it up a notch with a new “AirTrigger 6” system, which utilizes ultrasonic sensors to detect finger taps on the screen’s edges. This allows for more precise and responsive controls, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.
Both phones also support 3.5mm headphone jacks and Bluetooth 5.2 for wireless audio connectivity.
The Verdict: A Powerful Upgrade for the Gaming Enthusiast
While the ROG Phone 5 remains a formidable gaming device, the ROG Phone 6 emerges as the clear winner in this head-to-head battle. Its upgraded Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, faster 165Hz refresh rate, improved cooling system, and enhanced camera system make it a compelling choice for serious gamers.
However, the ROG Phone 5 still offers excellent performance and features at a lower price point. If you’re on a budget or don’t need the latest and greatest, the ROG Phone 5 is still a solid option.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Gaming Weapon
Ultimately, the decision between the ASUS ROG Phone 5 and ROG Phone 6 boils down to your individual needs and budget. If you’re looking for the absolute best gaming experience and have the budget to match, the ROG Phone 6 is the clear choice. But if you’re on a tighter budget or don’t need the latest features, the ROG Phone 5 remains a powerful and capable gaming phone.
Information You Need to Know
Q: Which phone has better battery life?
A: The ROG Phone 6 boasts improved battery efficiency due to its more power-efficient Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, resulting in longer battery life despite its slightly smaller battery capacity.
Q: Which phone is better for mobile gaming?
A: Both phones are excellent for mobile gaming. However, the ROG Phone 6 offers a slight edge with its faster 165Hz refresh rate, improved cooling system, and more responsive controls thanks to the “AirTrigger 6” system.
Q: Is the ROG Phone 6 worth the upgrade from the ROG Phone 5?
A: If you’re looking for a significant performance boost, a faster refresh rate, and improved cooling, the ROG Phone 6 is definitely worth the upgrade. However, if you’re happy with the ROG Phone 5’s performance and features, there’s no need to rush into an upgrade.
Q: What are the major differences between the ROG Phone 5 and ROG Phone 6?
A: The ROG Phone 6 boasts a faster 165Hz refresh rate, an upgraded Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, a more robust cooling system, an improved camera system, and new “AirTrigger 6” controls.
Q: Which phone is better for casual gamers?
A: Both phones offer an excellent gaming experience. However, the ROG Phone 5 might be a better option for casual gamers who don’t need the absolute top-of-the-line performance and features. It provides a fantastic gaming experience at a more affordable price point.
