When it comes to gaming phones, the understanding is that it should come with a good processor (the latest is possible) and higher RAM complement. The ASUS ROG phone seemed to have all that covered until a new variant popped up recently at TENAA.
According to Slash Gear, a phone bearing the model ASUS Z01QD appeared at the TENAA site. While it looked fairly similar to the one most saw at COMPUTEX 2018 back in June, there are now certain iterations on the mystery handset.
The device still shows the same overclocked Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 SoC but will now be supported by different RAM and ROM options. To be made available are 4 GB, 6 GB and 8 GB RAM options and either a 128 or 512 GB internal storage compliment. The device spotted will reportedly come with a 3850 mAh battery, a bit lower than the originally spotted one at COMPUTEX 2018 which was 4,000 mAh, Gizmo China said.
There is no official starting price for the ASUS ROG Phone although rumors are swirling on possibly seeing the base model, likely the 4 GB RAM, at only $600. If so, the next one could be pegged at $900 and so on. Seeing how this is a gaming phone, that could be acceptable. However, there are now people wondering if a 4 GB RAM can deliver the satisfactory performance needed for gaming or even watching streaming videos.
The potential surfacing of the 4GB RAM may be tied up to Asus’ answer to folks concerned about the price. There are other ways to improve performance such as new cooling systems that could cover for the downgraded RAM although situations differ. In all, prices are dictated by the specs that a device would carry and perhaps one of the reasons why the sudden presence of RAM options came to be.
Aside from the chipset, memory, and storage, the device now also comes with a single 8 MP camera. It was originally a dual-camera setup but the change could very well figure prominently at the recomputed suggested retail price.
Confirming all these speculations remain to be seen although critics feel that the game-centric phone design, as well as the gaming accessories that can eventually be hooked up to it, may also factor in. Looking beyond that, it remains to be seen if such would alter anything or even raise issues in terms of compatibility and/or performance.
The spotting at TENAA is something but nothing official has come out. There is also no anticipated release date. Hence, the best most can do now is wait and see on when Asus is ready to lift the covers on the ASUS ROG phone.
