While ASUS doesn't make many different smartphone models, there are still some great choices on offer. The brand now focuses on two distinct product lines, with the Zenfone series catered to mainstream users looking for a small phone with high-end hardware, and then there's the ROG Phone series that offers aggressive designs backed by the latest hardware and a host of extras. Here's what you need to know about the best ASUS phones of 2022.
ASUS makes great phones in the Zenfone and ROG Phone series
Best small phone
The Zenfone 9 is the best small Android phone you can buy right now. The phone is designed for one-handed use, but ASUS somehow managed to fit a decent-sized 4300mAh battery that lasts well over a day. The best part is that the phone is powered by the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, and has a vibrant 5.9-inch 120Hz AMOLED screen. Combine that with clean software and a good value, and the Zenfone 9 is a phenomenal option.
Gaming powerhouse
The ROG Phone 6 Pro is the ultimate gaming phone, featuring a large 6.78-inch AMOLED screen that goes up to an insane 165Hz, Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, 18GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, and a massive 6000mAh battery. The phone has a bold styling, second screen at the back that can be customized with various effects, ultrasonic triggers on the sides that you can use with in-game actions, and a side-mounted USB-C port.
The best gaming value
The ROG Phone 6 retains the best features of the ROG Phone 6 Pro, but it misses out on the second screen at the back. Otherwise, you get the same screen, same Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, same huge 6000mAh battery, and a similar design. It starts off with 8GB of RAM, and if you want a gaming phone that offers a good value, this is the obvious choice.
Best of MediaTek
The ROG Phone 6D Ultimate is nearly identical to the ROG Phone 6 Pro, but there are a few key differences. It is powered by MediaTek's latest Dimensity 9000+, and it has a vent that opens to allow cool air to flow into the chassis. It comes with ASUS's AeroActive Cooler bundled in the box, and while it isn't launching in North America, it will be available in other global markets.
Still going strong
If you're looking to save some cash, the Zenfone 8 continues to be a good overall choice. It is excellent for one-handed use, and is powered by the Snapdragon 888. You also get a high-quality screen with 120Hz refresh, clean software, and battery that lasts a day.
If you want the best ASUS phone, get the Zenfone 9
With ASUS now focusing on two distinct product lines, it doesn't make as many phones as it used to. That said, this condensed strategy is working well for the brand, and the Zenfone 9 is a fantastic overall phone. It is ideally suited for one-handed use but isn't missing out on any features you'll find on the best Android phones.
The Zenfone 9 has a 120Hz AMOLED screen, is powered by the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, and the battery lasts well over a day. ASUS also made a lot of gains on the camera front, and there's even gimbal stabilization tech — you get stellar photos and videos in any lighting scenario.
Right now, there isn't a small phone that has the same caliber of hardware and value as the Zenfone 9, and it is a truly amazing device.
If you want something a little larger, the ROG Phone 6 and ROG Phone 6 Pro deliver outstanding hardware backed by a whole suite of gaming-focused features. These phones have an aggressive styling at the back and come with a lot of useful extras, and they are among the fastest Android phones you can buy today.
