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Asus ROG Phone 8 vs Samsung S23 Ultra – Which will you choose?

Who comes out on top between the Asus ROG Phone 8 vs Samsung S23 Ultra?
Last Updated on February 12, 2024
Asus ROG Phone 8 and Samsung S23 Ultra
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In the world of smartphones, two powerhouses stand out: the ASUS ROG Phone 8 and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. These flagship devices are designed with gamers in mind, offering cutting-edge features and top-of-the-line specifications. In this article, we will compare these two gaming phones in terms of design, camera capabilities, performance, and more. So, let’s dive in and discover which one emerges as the ultimate gaming phone.

Interested in more Asus ROG Phone 8 content? We have a full review round-up and breakdown of the processor usage. Stay tuned for more exciting Asus ROG Phone 8 pieces.

Asus ROG Phone 8 vs Samsung S23 Ultra – Specs

Let’s take a look at the major differences in the key specs between these two smartphones. In terms of display, the Asus ROG Phone 8 features 6.78” AMOLED while the S23 Ultra has a 6.8-inch QHD AMOLED. In this smartphone comparison, particularly within the spec department, the Asus ROG Phone 8 boasts an eye-catching resume and better performance as a whole. With a refresh rate of 165Hz, storage choices of 16GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB, and a battery life of 5,500 mAh, fans can expect a high-quality performance from their mobile device.

While the Samsung S23 Ultra has a correspondingly shorter battery life, it’ll still manage a day and a half’s life out from a single charge — even always-on display-enabled. Neither model is lacking in that department. In fact, despite being behind in the specs, the S23 Ultra still has an impressive lineup of performance capabilities and features.

SpecificationsAsus ROG Phone 8Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Display6.78” AMOLED6.8-inch QHD AMOLED
Refresh rateUp to 165 Hz refresh rate1 – 120 Hz adaptive
Rear Camera50MP f/1.9 primary camera with 6-axis stabilization, Wide: 13 MP f/2.2, Telephoto: 32MP f/2.4 3x optical zoom200MP main, 12 MP ultrawide, 10MP 3x telephoto, 10MP 10x telephoto
Front Camera32MP12MP selfie
Video Recording (Rear)8K UHD video at 24 fps4K Full HD video at 60 fps
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
Brightness / Peak Brightness2500 nits1200 nits / 1750 nits
Location TechnologyGPS, Glonass, Beidou, QZSS, NavicGPS, Glonass, Beidou, Galileo, QZSS
RAM/Storageup to 16GB  256GB, 512GB, or 1TB8GB/12GB  256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Compatible w/the latest Wi-Fi 7 wireless networksYesYes
Battery Life / Size5,500 mAh4,855 mAh
Specs table for the Asus ROG Phone 8 and Samsung S23 Ultra

The Samsung S23 does boast a formidable rear camera performance, with a 200MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP 3x telephoto, and 10MP 10x telephoto. A key factor for smartphone enthusiasts wanting the best portrait video These suggest that both phones may have been designed with different all-round purposes. The Asus ROG Phone 8 is primarily a gaming smartphone – hence the higher display refresh rate and larger battery capacity. Let’s take a look at some of their unique features.

Asus ROG Phone 8 vs Samsung S23 Ultra – Performance and features

Design

When it comes to the topics of design and aesthetics, both the ASUS ROG Phone 8 and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra exude sophistication and premium construction. The ROG Phone 8 boasts a sleek, slim profile with a rigid case that exposes touch-sensitive panels on the top, mimicking the shoulder bumpers on a game controller. On the other hand, the S23 Ultra impresses with its rectangular frame, smooth finish, and an array of color options. These include phantom black, graphite lime, cream, sky blue, and lavender.

Display

In terms of display, the ROG Phone 8 features a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED screen with a resolution of 1080×2400 and a refresh rate of 165Hz. This high refresh rate provides an incredibly smooth and responsive gaming experience. 

On the other hand, the S23 Ultra sports a massive 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a resolution of 3088 x 1440 and a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz. Both displays offer excellent color reproduction and sharpness, immersing users in stunning visuals.

Camera capabilities

In terms of camera capabilities, both the ROG Phone 8 and the S23 Ultra deliver exceptional performance. The ROG Phone 8 features a quad-camera setup on the rear, including a 50MP main camera, a 32MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, a 13MP ultrawide lens, and a 32MP front-facing camera. These cameras produce stunning images with excellent detail and color accuracy. Slow motion capabilities are also present in both mobile phones.

The S23 Ultra, however, takes camera capabilities to the next level. It boasts a remarkable rear camera setup, including a jaw-dropping 200MP main camera, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and two 10MP telephoto lenses with 3x and 10x optical zoom capabilities. The S23 Ultra’s camera setup allows for incredible zoom capabilities and delivers stunning results in various lighting conditions.

Performance and power

The ROG Phone 8 is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, coupled with up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. This powerful combination ensures smooth multitasking and lag-free gaming.

On the other hand, the S23 Ultra houses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, which is specifically designed for Samsung devices. It offers excellent performance, especially when paired with the generous 8GB or 12GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage. Whether you’re gaming, streaming, or multitasking, the S23 Ultra delivers a seamless experience.

Asus ROG Phone 8 vs Samsung S23 Ultra – Price

So, which is the better value for money? Well, the ROG Phone 8 is undoubtedly a premium device, with a price tag of $1,099.99 that reflects its high-end specifications and gaming-focused features. It offers different configurations, ranging from 8GB/256GB to 12GB/1TB, catering to different budget and storage needs.

The S23 Ultra, on the other hand, comes with a higher price point at $1,199 (current lowest price), positioning it as a luxury flagship device. It offers configurations starting from 8GB/128GB and goes up to 12GB/1TB. While it may be more expensive than the ROG Phone 8, the S23 Ultra justifies its price with its exceptional camera capabilities, unique S Pen functionality, and overall powerhouse performance.

Is the Asus ROG Phone 8 better than the Samsung S23 Ultra?

The question comes down to your particular needs. The ROG Phone 8 caters specifically to gamers with its gaming-centric design and powerful specifications. On the other hand, the S23 Ultra impresses with its unique S Pen stylus, top-of-the-line camera capabilities, and versatile functionality.

Ultimately, choosing these two devices depends on individual preferences and priorities. If gaming is your primary focus and you value the dedicated gaming features, the ROG Phone 8 is an excellent choice. However, if you prioritize a versatile device with a powerful camera and unique functionality, the S23 Ultra is the ultimate flagship phone for you – which is your preference?