The global smartphone market might be losing another member, as ASUS shockingly confirmed this week that it doesn't plan to launch new smartphones in 2026.

The last ASUS ROG Phone model released in late 2024, with the company only releasing the ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra in early 2025. Although ASUS isn't throwing in the towel on smartphones entirely, the brand's official statements suggest that in a best-case scenario, it'll be another 12 months before we see another ASUS phone.

The news came to light after a DigiTimes report claimed ASUS would cease launching new Android phones after Dec. 31, 2025. The company stopped short of confirming its smartphone business is gone for good, but in a rare move, it said there are "currently" no plans for new models this year.

Regardless of what happens in the long run, I'm going to miss ASUS phones. Models like the ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro and earlier Zenfone generations broke from the norm in ways few others did. At the same time, the high price of ASUS smartphones, meager software support, and limited availability made them noncompetitive outside of niche circles. Here's what we know about the state of ASUS' smartphone division, how we may have gotten here, and what I hope comes next.

ASUS won't make new Zenfone or ROG Phone models this year

The DigiTimes report cites Taiwanese smartphone distributors who became unable to acquire ASUS phones through usual channels, and further alleged that their available information suggested the company's mobile operations would only continue through the end of December 2025.

The publication contacted ASUS, which said it "clearly communicated to telecom channels that its smartphone operations will continue and that maintenance, software upgrades, and warranty services for all existing products will not be affected."

Then, there's the catch — ASUS also told DigiTimes that it "currently has no plans to introduce new smartphone models in 2026." At the same time, the company doubled down on the fact that it would "maintain its current operating model." It's fairly uncommon for a smartphone manufacturer to go an entire year without releasing new models, though.

If ASUS remains firm in its estimation that it will not release a new phone in 2026, it'll go more than two years (26 months, to be exact) without an ASUS ROG Phone series refresh, at the very least. Assuming January 2027 would be the earliest ASUS could launch upgraded smartphones, we'd also go nearly two years without a new Zenfone.

In a best-case scenario based on the available information, both of ASUS' flagship smartphone lineups would have effectively skipped two generations. That is, if we take ASUS' word that its smartphone operations are not nearing an end.

ASUS claims it isn't done in the smartphone market, but I'm skeptical

Taking what is effectively a two-year hiatus from releasing smartphones feels tough for a company to come back from. While the brand's statement claims smartphone operations will continue, it doesn't explicitly state that new models will be released beyond 2026. Instead, ASUS' comments to DigiTimes focuses on things like "comprehensive after-sales support" that includes "warranty coverage and software updates."

In other words, ASUS wants customers to know that the company isn't going to abandon them — software support promises and warranty coverage will be honored. In fact, the company shipped major software updates to recent models as recently as November 2025. That's when Android 16 arrived for the ROG Phone 9, ROG Phone 9 Pro, and the Zenfone 12 Ultra.

It's certainly possible that ASUS bounces back stronger than ever in 2027, but it's also possible that the company is slowly shuttering its smartphone business. Growth in a competitive space is hard to achieve without flashy new offerings, and the problems ASUS faced — which may have included limited regional and cellular carrier availability — will likely still be problems post-2026.

The loss of ASUS phones, temporary or permanent, is disappointing

I can't say I'm completely stunned by this decision, because I've found some of ASUS' smartphone decisions over the past few years to be perplexing.

The biggest one was the choice to convert the Zenfone line from a unique set of small flagship phones to "Ultra" variants in larger form factors. The ASUS Zenfone 10 was the last 5.9-inch phone with premium hardware and few compromises. Now, the Zenfone 12 Ultra has a 6.78-inch screen and little differentiating characteristics to separate it from every other flagship.

Another questionable move was going all-in on the $1,000+ sector of the smartphone market. More specifically, chasing high-end flagship sales without providing a premium experience to match the price point. Phones costing that much with only two guaranteed Android OS upgrades are nearly dead-on-arrival when Samsung and Google are offering seven.

Still, ASUS deserves praise for having the courage to try new things, even if it didn't always see them through. It made small phones at a time when every other brand had left them behind. Similarly, it put multiple USB-C ports on ROG Phone models for years, helping the lineup develop an identity as a gaming-focused Android phone for power users.

I hope this isn't the end of ASUS phones, because if it isn't trying crazy things, who will? As someone who asked for more dual USB-C port phones in 2026, the loss of a new ROG Phone means my yearly wishlist is off to a bad start.

What you need to know

• Asus and Xreal are showing off the ROG Xreal R1 AR gaming glasses, which are low-latency FHD display glasses purpose-built for gaming handhelds, PCs, and consoles.
• The ROG Xreal R1 AR gaming glasses support plug-and-play USB-C connection with the ROG Ally, and wide compatibility with HDMI and DisplayPort devices using the ROG Control Dock.
• The glasses can project a 171-inch virtual display at up to 240Hz refresh rates with merely a 2ms motion-to-photon latency.

Gaming handhelds and smart display glasses are the perfect companions. PC gaming handhelds (and Android gaming devices, too) provide power and portability, while display glasses let you view your games on a virtual big screen looking straight ahead for ergonomics. Lenovo showed off this concept with the Legion Glasses Gen 2, but now, Asus and Xreal are partnering to take gaming display glasses to the next level at CES 2026.

They're called the ROG XREAL R1 AR, and these display glasses use 240Hz micro-OLED 1080p displays. Asus and Xreal says these are the first gaming glasses to ever meet these specifications. For comparison, the Legion Glasses Gen 2 max out at 120Hz, while the ROG XREAL R1 can supply a refresh rate twice as fast. The glasses can project a 171-inch virtual screen from about 13 feet away, with a 57-degree field-of-view.

The glasses come with an ROG Control Dock to manage compatibility with a variety of device types, from gaming PCs and handhelds to consoles or Android phones. Of course, the gaming glasses are optimized for Asus' own lineup of handhelds, including the ROG Ally and ROG Ally X. The included dock supports DisplayPort 1.4 and two HDMI 2.0 ports with easy multi-device switching.

The glasses use USB-C to connect directly to mobile devices, including the Asus ROG Ally. The company says the experience is "plug-and-play" with "zero setup required" for the ROG Ally. The glasses include a spatial coprocessing X1 chip that is used to manage screen sizes, perceived distance, and more with a single button press.

The ROG Xreal R1 weighs only 91 grams for portability, and the electrochromatic lenses can tint situationally.

Bose is handling the audio here, with "precision-tuned spatial sound." In all, Asus, Xreal, and Bose have contributed to the ROG Xreal R1, and this could very well become the biggest XR collaboration of 2026.

We're still waiting to learn a bit more about the ROG Xreal R1. It's expected to ship globally in the first half of this year, but concrete pricing and available details are to-be-announced. Additionally, it's unclear whether prescription inserts will be supported.

What you need to know

• Android 16 is rolling out for two of Asus' flagship phones, the ROG Phone 9 and Zenfone 12 Ultra.
• The update, which is around 1GB in size, includes various bug fixes and feature improvements.
• The update is rolling out gradually in batches for all supported models.

Asus is updating two of its flagship Android phones, the ROG Phone 9 and Zenfone 12 Ultra, to Android 16. The two devices launched with Android 15 in late 2024 and early 2025, respectively, and were some of the final major flagships still waiting to get an upgrade. Google released the Android 16 in June 2025, and said it spent time working with third-party OEMs beforehand to help deliver future Android upgrades quickly.

After a five-month-long wait, Asus ROG Phone 9 and Zenfone 12 Ultra users are starting to receive the Android 16 update. It comes with a version number of 36.0810.1810.43 for both phones, and each update should be around 1GB in size. The Asus ROG Phone 9 update includes more fixes and improvements, per the release notes, which makes sense considering it's the older device.

Asus warns users that some third-party apps aren't compatible with Android 16 yet, and recommends they back up their device before applying the update. It also explains the Android 16 update is rolling out in batches, based on device serial number, so it might take a few days for all Asus ROG Phone 9 and Zenfone 12 Ultra users to receive it.

Asus ROG Phone 9 update changelog

• Please back up your data before upgrading to Android 16.
• Upgraded system to Android 16.
• Adjusted the system navigation settings. The Predictive Back animation can be triggered by either the back gesture or long-pressing the back button.
• Added a power button option in the advanced setting, allowing users to configure quick access to the digital assistant by long-pressing the power button.
• Added the skip countdown button to the screen recording feature.
• In About Phone > Status setting, users can long-press the IMEI or Serial number field to copy the content.
• Fix the issue of occasional no sound during calls with bluetooth headsets.
• Some 3rd-party apps are not compatible with Android 16 yet.
• Updated game profiles for the following games: Arena of Valor (TW), Arena of Valor (US), Garena® Delta Force (TW) (Cooler X Pro), Delta Force (WW) (Cooler X Pro), Genshin Impact (WW), Free Fire (WW), KartRider Rush+ (WW), Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (WW).
• Updated AirTrigger profiles in ROG Instant Master for the following games: NEW STATE: NEW ERA OF BR (WW), Brawl Stars (WW), Genshin Impact (WW), Black Desert Mobile (WW), GODDESS OF VICTORY: NIKKE (TW) (Cooler X Pro), GODDESS OF VICTORY: NIKKE (WW) (Cooler X Pro), Racing Master (SEA)(Cooler X Pro), Need for Speed Mobile (TW).
• Updated Macro profiles in ROG Instant Master for the following games: Arena of Valor (TW), Arena of Valor (US), Zenless Zone Zero (WW), Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (WW), Genshin Impact (WW), Honor of Kings (WW), League of Legends: Wild Rift (TW), League of Legends: Wild Rift (US).

Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra update changelog

• Please back up your data before upgrading to Android 16.
• Upgraded system to Android 16.
• Adjusted the system navigation settings. The Predictive Back animation can be triggered by either the back gesture or long-pressing the back button.
• Added the skip countdown button to the screen recording feature.
• In About Phone > Status setting, users can long-press the IMEI or Serial number field to copy the content.
• Some 3rd-party apps are not compatible with Android 16 yet.

Asus ROG Phone 9 and Zenfone 12 Ultra users can manually check for the update by opening the Settings app, navigating to the System page, and tapping System updates. You can also learn how to manually flash the Android 16 update onto your Asus phone here.

What you need to know

• Asus announced the launch of its CX14 and CX15 Chromebooks and Chromebook Plus models.
• The Chromebook Plus versions deliver built-in Google AI features, 12 months of Google One AI Premium for its 14-inch and 15.6-inch FHD display laptops.
• Asus highlights the ability for consumers to remove the bottom cover, meaning you can reach its components with ease in case of issues.
• The company states its laptops will walk the affordability line; however, its exact pricing was not stated.

Asus is here for springtime with a couple of new Chromebooks and Chromebook Plus additions that walk the affordable line.

In a press release, the Taiwanese company announced the new Asus Chromebook Plus CX14 and CX15. The CX15 series is the larger of the duo of laptops coming from the Asus kitchen, as it sports a 15.6-inch FHD display with 300nits of peak brightness and the Intel Core 3 N355​ CPU. Asus states this screen offers a "wide-viewing-angle" with an 87% screen-to-body ratio for a more immersive and full experience.

The post also highlights the laptop's 180-degree hinge. This will let consumers flip their CX15 laptop into more "versatile" positions alongside the available touchscreen option.

What's more, Asus draws attention to the wealth of Google AI features present in its CX15 Chromebook Plus model. Not only will users find tools to help with creativity and productivity, but the company highlights 12 months of Google One AI Premium "at no extra cost" when purchasing the device. Users gain Gemini Advanced, 2TB of Cloud storage, and more.

If you're taking video calls, the CX15 Chromebook Plus delivers AI-powered features to enhance your camera's clarity and reduce your audio's background noise.

Asus Chromebook Plus

Asus is pushing the idea of a tough, affordable Chromebook Plus with the CX15. The model has been met with MIL-STD-810H US military-grade standard certification, meaning it can take some bumps. Moreover, the laptop has been outfitted with a redesigned bottom cover. Now, with four screws implemented, consumers can disassemble the bottom of the laptop to reach its components easily if there's an issue.

Consumers can quickly hook up a secondary (external) monitor using the laptop's HDMI port.

Asus CX14, CX15 Chromebook

Meanwhile, we have the Asus CX14 Chromebook Plus, which mirrors the capabilities of the CX15 version. One of its main differences is that it offers a slightly smaller 14-inch FHD display, but users continue to receive the same built-in Google AI features and more.

The company offers base CX14 and CX15 Chromebooks with a 14-inch and 15.6-inch FHD display, respectively. It doesn't appear that the base models offer Google's AI built-in, so users will have to look at the Chromebook Plus offerings instead. The same military-grade toughness and removable bottom cover are featured on the base CX14 and CX15 laptops, too.

Asus states its laptops are available in seven chic colors: Quiet Blue, Fabric Blue, Pure Grey, Misty Grey, Misty Green, Cream Pink, and Rock Grey. However, there are three different finishes users can choose, depending on which model they've purchased.

The press release did not state the exact pricing of the latest Asus Chromebooks and Chromebook Plus models; however, it highlights their "affordable" tag. More information should become available soon.

This is Android Central's News Weekly, your go-to source for a concise roundup of the week's most significant tech stories. This is where we delve into the top headlines that provide the latest developments and innovations contributing to the digital landscape.

This week we got a glimpse of how Alphabet faired this quarter, Zenfone 12 Ultra launches, Nothing teased yet another part of its Phone 3a, Huawei's trifold phone and Meta gets into AI wearables while its Vice President of VR steps down.

Alphabet's Q4 report

Read more here.

Alphabet announced its Q4 results this week, and it looks like it had a 12% revenue increase year-over-year to $96.47 billion in Q4 2024. This brought the company's total revenue for the year to $350 billion, a 14% increase year-over-year.

Google Service's revenues increased by 10% to $84.1 billion in the quarter, which the company attributed to the "strong momentum across Google Search & other and YouTube ads."

Looking ahead into the year, the company’s CEO, Sundar Pichai, said in the earnings statement that the quarter was strong "driven by our leadership in AI and the momentum across the business."

"We are building, testing, and launching products and models faster than ever, and making significant progress in computing and driving efficiency," Pichai said.

This year's statement was very AI-focused, underscoring the launch of DeepSeek, which has turned the tables for many such companies developing AI.

"The reason we are so excited about the AI opportunity is we know we can drive extraordinary use cases because the cost of actually using it is going to keep coming down, which will make more use cases feasible. And that's the opportunity space, you know, it's as big as it comes. And that's why you're seeing us invest to meet that moment," Pichai noted during the earnings call.

ASUS launches Zenfone 12 Ultra

Read more here.

ASUS launched its newest Zenfone 12 Ultra. That comes packed with "prioritized simplicity, elegance, and beauty," according to the company.

On the display front, it consists of a 6.78-inch FHD Plus screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, and users can bump this up to 144Hz while gaming for titles like Honkai: Star Rail or Zenless Zone Zero.

When it comes to the phone's cameras, it has a 50MP Sony Lytia 500 primary lens with 2x lossless zoom, a 13MP ultrawide lens, and a 32MP telephoto sensor with "built-in" OIS (optical image stabilization). On the front, it gets a selfie camera at 32MP with a 90-degree FOV (field of view).

At the core, the Zenfone 12 Ultra comes with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite, just like the Samsung Galaxy S25 series. The device also comes packed with AI tools like AI Tracking for subject detection in videos, AI Portrait Video 2.0 during 4K recordings for "precision tracking," and AI Voice Clarity.

Zenfone 12 Ultra is available in three colors: Sage Green, Ebony Black, and Sakura White. This phone is only available in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Europe at €1,099 (~$1,143).

First look at Nothing 3a's camera

Read more here.

Nothing seems to be playing its cards right leading up to its new flagship launch that is set for March 4. This week, Nothing posted an official teaser image of the side of the Phone 3a that was glowing white. The only tagline by the company reads, "Your second memory, one click away."

This left many speculating on X if Nothing has teased a physical camera button for the Phone 3a — much like what we get to see in the iPhone 16 series. This would let users place the phone in landscape or portrait mode and press the side-mounted button instead of tapping the display.

If this were true, Nothing's Phone 3a would likely be the first ever Android phone to feature a camera button that could potentially allow users to control and swap between camera modes by slowly swiping along the button or pressing to snap a photo.

Huawei leaps on the multi-fold game

Read more here.

Recently, Huawei posted an "innovative product launch" teaser on X, which left people to wonder if the company's first multi-fold phone is arriving in global markets outside of China. The Chinese OEM said, "Be part of the extraordinary as we unveil the ultimate." The final part, "the ultimate," seemingly refers to the Mate XT, also known as the Mate XT Ultimate Design.

Additionally, the post features a teaser image that looks like the Z-Shape. Aside from users speculating it could be the Mate XT in its X thread, the company has only responded with "Stay tuned!"

In September 2024, Huawei launched the world's first multi-fold phone, which, when fully unfolded, the device features a tablet-like 10.2-inch display. The interesting thing about this phone is that users can use it in different "modes" or "states." Using a singular screen will give you a phone-style 6.4-inch OLED display while unfolding an additional screen provides a 7.9-inch experience.

At its maximum, the Mate XT is said to utilize the company's "golden ratio" of 16:11 in 3K resolution.

Meta's chase for the Metaverse

Read more here.

Meta's Andrew Bosworth says 2025 is the 'make-or-break' year for the Metaverse. In a leaked internal memo, Bosworth hinted at the Reality Labs’ work in mixed reality will either be game-changing or a potential "legendary misadventure."

Bosworth adds that Meta is sticking with the metaverse, including Horizon Worlds, through 2025, although the company will have to "need to drive sales, retention, and engagement across the board but especially in MR." Reality Labs, Meta's VR division, has taken several billions in funding, but it hasn't yet lived up to its word of making it big in the VR world. Reality Labs also added nearly $5 billion in losses last quarter,

In other news, Meta's VP of VR and mixed reality (MR) has quit the company. Mark Rabkin has had the title of VP of VR/MR since the Oculus Quest 2 launched in 2020.

In a letter shared on Facebook, Rabkin describes his time at Meta as a "foundational, formative experience." Rabkin said he's leaving due to family health struggles at home, noting that he'll be taking some time off work rather before moving to a different position inside the company.

Rabkin has worked on many major projects from the ground up, like the Meta Quest headsets, over the past six years, including the transition from Oculus to Meta branding, creating record revenues of over 1 billion dollars last quarter alone. And played a major role in the Meta Quest 3S launch. According to Rabkin, Ryan Cairns, who formerly led Portal and Meta for Work initiatives, will now be filling his shows. Cairns is expected to assume the full title of VP of VR/MR at the beginning of March and will report to Vishal Shah, who will remain VP of Metaverse.

More stories this week

Those are some of the biggest stories from this week. Meanwhile, here are some other stories that are worth catching up on:

• Galaxy Z Fold 7 tipped to be just an upscaled version of Z Fold Special Edition
• Google Messages seems nearly ready for its promised 911 RCS support
• Samsung's new Galaxy Buds 3 Pro control widget now takes up more space
• The Galaxy S24 Ultra just broke new ground for Android flagships
• Another One UI 7 beta will sadly delay Samsung's Galaxy S24 stable rollout
• Android smartwatches should soon get better charging options
• The Pixel Weather app just got a handy update for unit measurements
• Google warns Android users of a zero-day software exploit causing instability
• Galaxy S25 Ultra's durability test showcases its stronger build and fake camera rings
• Google Pixel 9a tipped to come with freebies like YouTube Premium and more

ASUS was onto a good thing with the Zenfone 9 and Zenfone 10. The Taiwanese manufacturer stood out by delivering small phones with the best possible hardware, and they were genuinely enjoyable to use. While I usually prefer larger phones, I'll agree that both the Zenfone 9 and Zenfone 10 offered something that was sorely lacking.

That's why it was puzzling to see ASUS switch tack with last year's Zenfone 11 Ultra, reverting to a slab of a phone that was basically a rebadged version of its gaming device. The strategy didn't make much sense to me; in choosing to go back to a bigger phone, the brand lost the distinctiveness that made earlier models notable, and the device as a whole wasn't anywhere as good as the Zenfone 10.

Annoyingly, the Zenfone 12 Ultra doesn't do anything to rectify the situation this year — you get roughly the same design as the Zenfone 11 Ultra, and barring iterative updates, there isn't anything new. I was holding out on ASUS going back to a smaller design this time around, but that isn't the case.

While I still like the combination of hardware and software, the Zenfone 12 Ultra just doesn't do enough to distinguish itself against Chinese rivals that have much better camera systems, and ASUS's lackluster software update policy ultimately makes the device a non-starter.

ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra: Pricing and availability

ASUS unveiled the Zenfone 12 Ultra on February 6, and the device is launching in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Europe initially. The phone will be sold in a single 16GB/512GB variant outside Taiwan, and it will cost €1,099 ($1,141). To incentivize the launch, ASUS is discounting the device by €100 until February 28, so buyers will be able to pick it up at €999 ($1,037).

ASUS doesn't have definite plans to launch the Zenfone 12 Ultra in the U.S. or U.K. at the moment, and I'll add an update if that situation changes. It is possible we might see the device debut in North America at a later point — that has been the case in previous years — but it isn't a given at this point.

ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra: Design

I managed to break the Zenfone 12 Ultra after just three days of use, so that's as good a place to start as any. The device slid out of my pocket and hit the floor, and even though the distance was just over two feet, the angle of impact — along an edge — meant that it picked up a spiderweb of cracks originating at the back.

Let's talk about the protection — or lack thereof. The Zenfone 12 Ultra has a glass back with Gorilla Glass 3, and while the protective layer does a great job against scratches, it doesn't do much against tumbles (as evidenced with my unit). Most phones I use these days come with Gorilla Glass Victus or Victus 2, and they have much better resilience against tumbles.

Brands like Vivo and Honor are using their own glass protective layers on their latest phones, and after extended use involving a half-dozen drops, I didn't notice any damage on the X200 Pro or Magic 7 Pro. In fact, phones are generally resilient enough that I don't use a case with any of the devices I test outside of the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Pixel 9 Pro XL.

I guess the acute angle of impact probably contributed to the glass breaking, and it made using the phone all the more annoying as I had to put it in a case. Another point of contention is that because ASUS doesn't sell the Zenfone 12 Ultra in as many regions as it used to, there's no way to reliably get the rear glass changed — ASUS has no plans to launch the phone in India.

Annoyingly, there aren't many accessories either. I tend to prefer ultra-thin cases as they don't add too much heft to the phone, but most case brands aren't releasing accessories for the device, so your choices are very limited in this regard. ASUS bundled a bulky Rhinoshield case with the phone, and that's the one I had to go with.

The design of the phone itself isn't particularly noteworthy. You basically get a plain glass back with a rectangular camera island, and the design is largely forgettable. There isn't any defining feature to the phone, and it just doesn't look like a flagship that costs over $1,000.

There's an aluminum mid-frame, and ASUS says it's using 100% recycled aluminum this time, which is good to see. The Ebony Black variant doesn't stand out, but you can get the phone in Sakura White and Sage Green, with the green model the best of the lot.

Because the phone uses the same foundation as ASUS's gaming-oriented devices, the USB-C port is located to the side. This is inconvenient if you're trying to slot the phone into a mobile controller like the GameSir G8 Galileo, or charge the device when it's on a phone stand.

While the Zenfone 12 Ultra is lighter than last year at 220g, it is bulkier and taller than most other phones I used recently. Honestly, ASUS should have stuck with the flamboyant styling and bright hues that made the Zenfone 9 and 10 so distinctive — I used budget phones that have better character.

ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra: Display

ASUS isn't making any changes to the panel this year, so the Zenfone 12 Ultra comes with the same 6.78-inch Samsung AMOLED panel as its predecessor. It uses LTPO tech to dynamically adjust refresh between 1Hz to 120Hz, and it goes up to 144Hz in select games.

The 2400 x 1080 resolution is unchanged as well, as is the max brightness of 2500 nits when viewing HDR content. While the Vivo X200 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Magic 7 Pro get brighter in regular use, there are no inherent issues with the Zenfone 12 Ultra in this regard — the panel is readable under harsh sunlight.

ASUS knows how to calibrate the panels on its phones, and the Zenfone 12 Ultra has great colors out of the box, and you get a good amount of customizability when it comes to adjusting the color balance. The bezels are just as thin as last year, and it makes using the device just that little bit more exciting. Also, the optical fingerprint sensor is located in the ideal position, and I had no problems accessing it.

You even get a 3.5mm jack, with ASUS being the only brand to still offer the feature on a high-end phone. It's not just the inclusion of the analog jack either; ASUS put in a lot of work to deliver great audio, and the collaboration with Dirac genuinely makes a difference.

Thankfully, the screen is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2, and the only thing I'll say about it is that ASUS should have used the same coating at the back too. Gaming or consuming content on the device is highly enjoyable, and other than the limited selection of always-on styles, I don't have any problems with the panel on the phone.

ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra: Hardware and battery

ASUS clearly knows how to make phones with top-notch hardware, and the Zenfone 12 Ultra is a true powerhouse. Similar to its predecessors, the device comes with the latest Qualcomm silicon, and it is about the fastest mobile chipset available today — it even outshines the A18 in single-core workloads.

I got the 16GB/512GB variant of the device, and this is the variant that ASUS is rolling out globally. ASUS did a fantastic job setting up the phone, and it absolutely flies — this is the fastest phone I used in 2025. There are no slowdowns, no glitches or stutters, and the phone does a terrific job in demanding games. It has stricter thermal limitations than the ROG Phone 9 Pro, and honestly, that's a good thing; the phone doesn't get absurdly hot, but it still manages to deliver stable framerates.

It shouldn't be astonishing that the Zenfone 12 Ultra posted the highest scores in the likes of Geekbench 6. A higher thermal limit than most other devices in this category — it went up to 46 degrees in 3DMark's Steel Nomad stress test — combined with great optimization gives the phone a distinct advantage, and even though it isn't branded as such, this is basically one of the best Android gaming phones you can get today.

There are plenty of cool additions as well; ASUS has a back tap gesture that's inherently customizable, and interestingly, the gesture works even with a bulky case. ASUS also leverages the entire Qualcomm suite of options, so you get the AptX HD and AptX Lossless codecs as standard.

I didn't run into any issues with connectivity — either in the house or outside — and other than the vibration motor lacking granularity, there are no problems whatsoever with the hardware. ASUS continues to excel in this area, and if you want a powerful phone designed for gaming, you'll love what the Zenfone 12 Ultra has to offer.

Coming to the battery side of things, the phone gets the same 5500mAh battery as last year. It's split into dual 2750mAh units, and uses the standard USB PD 65W protocol to charge, so you can use any PD charger with ease. This is relevant, because ASUS no longer bundles a charger in the box. I'm annoyed that other Android brands are starting to follow Samsung and Google, and I don't see why ASUS couldn't just bundle the charger with the package.

Anyway, the phone lasts a day without any problems, and there's no anxiety whatsoever with regards to the battery running out before the end of the day — even with heavy use. It takes 44 minutes to charge the battery using a 65W PD charger, and while it isn't the longest-lasting device I tested in 2025 — that's the Vivo X200 Pro — it easily lasts a day, and that's good enough.

ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra: Cameras

ASUS went with a 50MP main camera that features Sony's Lytia-700 imaging module, and you get a 32MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, and a 13MP wide-angle lens. Alongside the new main camera, ASUS tweaked the gimbal stabilization system to allow the device to take even better videos. Outside of that, there are no differences to the Zenfone 11 Ultra — ASUS is using the same lenses on the auxiliary cameras as last year.

The camera interface hasn't changed from last year, but there's a document scanning option now, and an easier way to trigger a timer. You get the usual AI-assisted shooting modes, and they do a decent enough job ensuring the subject is always in focus. The new gimbal stabilization tech is better than last year, and you see a noticeable difference when you move around whilst taking videos.

However, video quality itself isn't the best, and the Zenfone 12 Ultra doesn't come anywhere close to its rivals in this area. Annoyingly, 4K60 video is limited to the main camera, so you can't use the mode with the auxiliary sensors. This severely inhibits the versatility of the cameras, and honestly, if you plan on taking a lot of videos, I'd suggest getting the Vivo X200 Pro instead.

Coming to photos, the Zenfone 12 Ultra has good dynamic range and color accuracy in daylight shots, and foliage is rendered accurately without any aggressive artifacting. It has issues focusing at times, and it doesn't do anywhere as well as the Pixel 9 Pro XL or Honor Magic 7 Pro at taking photos of fast-moving subjects.

The auxiliary lenses are decent enough, but yet again, they don't have the same level of detail or color fidelity as other high-end phones, and this is noticeable in low-light imagery. The main camera, however, does a much better job in challenging situations than previous years, and I have no qualms about that sensor.

I seem to say this every year, but the Zenfone 12 Ultra has the best camera package ASUS delivered to date. However, it isn't anywhere as good as what other Chinese brands are offering at the moment. If you don't intend to use the cameras too much and instead want a powerful phone that also takes passable photos, the Zenfone 12 Ultra is still a good choice. But if you want best-in-class imaging modules and camera tuning, you'll need to get the X200 Pro or the Find X8 Pro.

ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra: Software

ASUS has one of the best software interfaces of any Android phone today. There isn't a vanilla UI as such with Android these days, but the Taiwanese brand did a great job balancing minimal styling with extensive customizability, and using the interface evokes fond memories of OxygenOS 9.5.

The interface is optimized incredibly well, and it has better fluidity than just about any other phone today — including the OnePlus 13, Vivo X200 Pro, Honor Magic 7 Pro, and the Pixel 9 Pro XL. It's just a delight to use the UI, and I'm a fan of the customizability on offer; you can endlessly tweak gestures, styling of the volume slider and notification pane, power menu, call screen, and so much more.

Basically, ASUS put in the work in rolling out utilities you'll actually end up using, and that alone makes ZenUI stand out. The phone runs Android 15 out of the box, and like every other manufacturer, ASUS is doubling down on AI. Thankfully, ASUS clearly delineates between cloud and on-device AI, so if you don't want your data going to a server, you can just choose to use the built-in language models.

There's good news on that front, with ASUS noting that the Zenfone 12 Ultra uses Meta's Llama 3 8B language model to power on-device AI summarization. You also get real-time translation and semantic search — where it searches metadata to pull up useful info — and both of these are run entirely on-device. AI-assisted transcribing, document summaries, and article summaries use a combination of cloud and on-device AI, and all of these features do a good enough job in regular use.

Look, I'm not the biggest fan of AI features, and my usage of most of these utilities extends to testing them out for the review. But I do so with all phones that cross my desk, and I'll admit that ASUS does a better job in this regard than most manufacturers. I still think Google has the definite edge when it comes to phone-based AI utilities, but ASUS is doing all the right things.

Talking about doing the right thing, the one area where ASUS needs to be better is software updates. The Zenfone 12 Ultra will get just two Android platform updates and five years of security updates, and that just isn't enough. Even budget phones now routinely offer three updates — like Nothing's Phone 2a — so there's no excuse for a device that costs over $1,000 to get two platform updates in 2025.

This has always been a sore point with ASUS's devices in the past, and I assumed the brand would change its stance in 2025 — that just isn't the case.

ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra: The alternatives

If you need a high-end phone in 2025, you should consider getting the OnePlus 13. OnePlus nailed the basics this time, with the device featuring a design that's better to hold and use. The blue leather model in particular looks striking, and after nearly a month of use, I didn't see any issues with durability or build quality.

The cameras are outstanding, and the hardware is among the best you can get today. While it doesn't match the Zenfone 12 Ultra at gaming, that's about the only negative I can think of. The battery lasts a day and a half, it doesn't take as long to charge, and the software is optimized incredibly well. In short, the OnePlus 13 is the new yardstick, and coming in at $899, it doesn't cost as much as ASUS's offering.

If you don't need the best cameras, Nubia's Z70 Ultra is a decent alternative. It also has terrific hardware, and while the software isn't anywhere as good as the Zenfone 12 Ultra, it has a relatively clean UI and is optimized very well. And at $729, it is a much better value.

ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra: Should you buy it?

You should buy this if:

• You want the best hardware package
• You need clean software without any bloat
• You want terrific battery life

You shouldn't buy this if:

• You need long-term Android updates
• You want the best cameras
• You need a phone with a stylish design

I tend to like ASUS's phones for one simple reason: the software is tuned to my tastes. The clean interface along with extensive customizability and great optimization leads to an experience that's enjoyable, and it is a genuine differentiator. Of course, the hardware plays a big part in this as well, and ASUS has once again delivered one of the strongest hardware packages around.

But that's the thing — while I like using the phone quite a bit, I wouldn't recommend it. Given that the Zenfone 12 Ultra is a high-end device, I'll have to judge it against other flagships, and it just doesn't measure up in a lot of areas; the cameras don't come close to the X200 Pro, Honor Magic 7 Pro, or the Pixel 9 Pro XL, the design isn't distinctive enough, and ASUS's middling software update policy is infuriating.

It's not that the Zenfone 12 Ultra is a bad phone — far from it — but it is going up against strong rivals, and I can't help but feel that it just isn't good enough for what it costs. These shortcomings would have been excusable on a $500 phone, but the Zenfone 12 Ultra costs more than double that, and in this category, even minor flaws become deal-breakers — which is exactly the case here.

What you need to know

• ASUS has debuted the Zenfone 12 Ultra, a launch that's occurred a little earlier than its predecessor in 2024.
• The phone features a 6.7-inch FHD Plus screen with a max 144 Hz refresh rate for games, a 50MP primary lens, and the Snapdragon 8 Elite.
• ASUS also highlighted a host of on-device AI tools for recording videos, removing unsightly objects from photos, voice clarity, and more.
• The Zenfone 12 Ultra is available for Taiwan, Hong Kong, and European markets; there's no word on a U.S. or UK release.

Following the launch of the ASUS ROG Phone 9 FE, the company is dropping its newest Zenfone.

ASUS has announced the launch of the Zenfone 12 Ultra. At first glance, the latest device looks similar to the company's 11 Ultra from last March. This year, ASUS states that it has "prioritized simplicity, elegance, and beauty." The 12 Ultra has adopted a Zen-aesthetic with softer colors with its available designs. ASUS has also utilized recycled products to craft the phone, like its 22% recycled glass screen and 100% recycled aluminum frame.

Flipping over to the screen, users get a 6.78-inch FHD Plus screen with a 120Hz refresh rate for standard scrolling/browsing. Consumers can bump this up to 144Hz during gaming to ensure those frames in Honkai: Star Rail or Zenless Zone Zero stay fresh.

The back of the device features a rectangular camera array, consisting of a 50MP Sony Lytia 500 2x lossless primary lens, a 13MP ultrawide lens, and a 32MP telephoto sensor with "built-in" OIS (optical image stabilization). The punch-hole selfie camera arrives at 32MP with a 90-degree FOV (field of view).

The Zenfone 12 Ultra utilizes a 6-axis Hybrid Gimbal Stabilizer 4.0, which should aid users with anti-shake and "real-time FOV adjustments."

Performance-wise, the Zenfone 12 Ultra leverages Qualcomm's supercharged Snapdragon 8 Elite. ASUS states this SoC is joined by the Adreno 830 GPU.

The latest device launch features a healthy array of on-device AI features for potential Zenfone 12 Ultra consumers. The press release states users will find tools like AI Tracking for subject detection in videos, AI Portrait Video 2.0 during 4K recordings for "precision tracking," and AI Voice Clarity.

Similar to what you'd find on a Google Pixel 9, ASUS has brought in AI Magic Fill, a tool that lets users remove objects from photos. There's also a way to use its generative AI to "perfectly fill the photo." Additionally, AI Unblur comes in to help spruce up those shots that you need to rush to take.

The phone's 5,500mAh battery with 65W HyperCharge and 15W wireless charging capabilities will help keep users scrolling. Internally, users can purchase the Zenfone 12 Ultra with up to 16GB RAM and up to 512GB of storage.

ASUS states the Zenfone 12 Ultra is available in three colors: Sage Green, Ebony Black, and Sakura White. Unfortunately, the company has not said when or if this device will arrive in the U.S. For now, folks in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Europe will see this for €1,099 (~$1,143).

As previously stated, ASUS also just wrapped up the launch of the ROG Phone 9 FE. Like the flagship Phone 9 series, the recent FE and the newest Zenfone 12 Ultra all feature similar hardware specs that consumers may enjoy.

What you need to know

• ASUS debuted its budget ROG Phone 9 FE in Taiwan today (Feb 5).
• The device features similar specs to its flagship siblings, like a 6.7-inch FHD Plus screen, a 50MP primary lens, but it contains the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
• The device is on sale in Taiwan for THB 29,999, which is roughly $894.
• There's no telling if or when the Phone 9 FE could drop in the U.S.; however, the Phone 9 and Phone 9 Pro arrived in January.

ASUS is finally debuting its highly anticipated budget smartphone, but its release — for now — seems limited.

The Taiwanese OEM revealed the third model to its recent flagship series, the ASUS ROG Phone 9 FE, today (Feb 5) overseas (via Android Treasure). According to the publication, the device debuted in Taiwan with a 6.7-inch FHD+ display with a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz. This can reportedly be boosted to a whopping 185Hz refresh rate for gaming.

The back of the device hosts the Phone 9 FE's triple camera array. Leading it off is a 50MP primary lens with OIS (optical image stabilization), a 13MP ultrawide lens, and a 5MP macro lens.

Interestingly, ASUS seems to have continued to support its new LED dot matrix on the back panel. However, its slightly watered down as the company delivers 85 programmable dots, instead of 648 like its Pro model.

The front of the ROG Phone 9 FE features a centered, punch-hole selfie camera at 32MP.

Regarding its internal specs, ASUS states the Phone 9 FE sports the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, which was likely done to help keep costs low. The device also grabs a slightly lower capacity battery than the Phone 9 Pro at 5,500mAh. ASUS states it retains the 65W fast charging capabilities in addition to 15W Qi 1.3 wireless charging strength.

Consumers in Taiwan will find the device available with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.

With the launch, ASUS states users can purchase the ROG Phone 9 FE for THB 29,999 (~$894). There's no word on whether consumers in other countries will see the device.

ASUS briefly glanced over the Phone 9 FE's feature; however, they very closely mirror what you'd find on the Phone 9 and 9 Pro. Its launch details highlight Game Cool 8, an internal structure designed to help wick heat off of the SoC when gaming for longer periods — and on higher graphics. The company then reiterates "X-Mode," which is designed to help gamers "unlock the limits of gaming."

Moreover, it seems that the budget version features ASUS' AI features to help users game, like X Sense, X Capture, and AI Grabber. Each of these is designed to help people record highlights, hunt down gaming tips, and more.

The Phone 9 FE also contains AirTriggers to help you control what you're uniquely doing on your device. These triggers can even help you play retro games on the back of the panel using its mini-LEDs.

While there's no telling when — or if — the U.S. will see this budget phone, the flagship duo arrived early in January. Consumers can find the phones for $999 and $1,199, respectively.

What you need to know

• Another discovery involves the rumored ASUS ROG Phone 9 "FE" in a pair of certification listings overseas.
• The device has apparently surfaced in Malaysia and Thailand, with rumors pointing — once again — to a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 decision.
• The "FE" phone reportedly grabbed Wi-Fi Alliance certification in November as it was tested with Android 14.

A recent discovery might tell us a little more about the upcoming, Samsung-like "fan edition" phone from ASUS.

The latest ROG Phone 9 "FE" discovery surfaces courtesy of 91Mobiles from the SIRIM certification database (via GSMArena). More exciting specifications like its features, display, and cameras are reportedly still unknown. However, the publication claims the device could feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC.

This chip theory allegedly stems from the model number in the Phone 9 FE's files. According to data from a Malaysian and Thailand listing, the device is codenamed "ASUS_AI2401_N." The publication then ties this number to the one used for the Phone 8 series: "AI2501C." The series dropped at the beginning of January 2024 with the SD 8 Gen 3, which leads to the recent assumptions that the company's Phone 9 FE could contain the same.

The chip did wonders to help phones in 2024 with on-device AI capabilities, a push ASUS made with its Phone 8 and Phone 9 series.

Additionally, there's some speculation that the device could see a launch in the southeast Asia region "soon."

Rumors of an ASUS ROG Phone 9 FE cropped up last November when the device allegedly showed up in a Wi-Fi Alliance listing. The certification database stated the phone was being tested with Android 14; however, others theorize it could see Android 15 by the time it's in our hands. Wi-Fi 6 connectivity is expected. Moreover, that listing is what originally put the idea of a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 swap in our minds — and the latest rumors double down on it.

For context, the flagship Phone 9 and Phone 9 Pro debuted in November 2024 with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC. That chip drastically improved the power and efficiency of the company's chips with the new Oryon CPU cores. More importantly, the chip has consistently been reported to be more costly due to its vast improvements.

If ASUS is interested in going down a similar "fan edition" or FE route as Samsung, then dropping its chip to one from a generation prior could help. An FE tag screams affordability, but a change in the chipset won't get this done alone. The main flagship duo offers a 6.7-inch display and a triple camera array; however, the base Phone 9 starts at $999. It also features a 50MP primary lens, a 13MP ultrawide lens, and a 5MP macro camera instead of a telephoto.

So, perhaps ASUS will look at toning down its on-device AI gaming features or its cooling capabilities (but hopefully not). A launch date hasn't been narrowed down yet, so we'll just have to keep waiting.

What you need to know

• The ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra is set to make its debut on February 6.
• The phone will feature advanced 4K video capabilities, ensuring a sharp focus on the subject throughout filming.
• Expected specs include the Snapdragon 8 Elite, a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display, up to 512GB storage, and 16GB of RAM.

ASUS has officially announced the upcoming Zenfone 12 Ultra, a flagship that’s not following the compact phone trend.

The company revealed the news on X (formerly Twitter) that the Zenfone 12 Ultra will launch on February 6. That’s a bit earlier than last year’s Zenfone 11 Ultra, which came out in March, so it looks like ASUS is pushing up its release schedule.

ASUS' launch announcement comes with a sneak peek at its advanced videography features. A teaser image shows off a feature for 4K video, ensuring the subject stays sharp and clear no matter how the shot moves.

After ditching the compact design for the larger Zenfone 11 Ultra in 2024, ASUS seems set to stick with this strategy in 2025. There’s no sign of a smaller Zenfone 12 model, with all the buzz and official teasers pointing to the Zenfone 12 Ultra as the main flagship phone.

Back in August 2024, reports surfaced that ASUS started working on the Zenfone 12 Ultra after it showed up in the IMEI database. There’s been talk that the Zenfone 12 Ultra might share some features with the ROG Phone 9 series, suggesting ASUS could be blending some of its top-tier tech across its flagship devices.

In November, a Bluetooth SIG listing revealed a device with the same model number as the ROG Phone 9 series, sparking rumors that it could be the much-anticipated Zenfone 12 Ultra.

As for specs, the Zenfone 12 Ultra is expected to pack a punch with the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, a huge 5,800mAh battery, and a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display. It’ll supposedly have IP68 dust and water resistance for durability, up to 512GB of storage, and 16GB of RAM.

ASUS also teased the role of AI in the Zenfone 12 Ultra, declaring on X, "Zenfone 12 Ultra unlocks the power of AI, so get ready to step into a new era of mobile photography excellence!"

What you need to know

• Asus today made the ROG Phone 9 and Phone 9 Pro available for purchase in the U.S.
• The base-model ROG Phone 9 starts at $999.99, while the ROG Phone 9 Pro starts at $1,199.
• You can save $100 on the base ROG Phone 9 if you buy it from Asus' online store, for a limited time.

The Asus ROG Phone 9 and Phone 9 Pro were some of the first smartphones to debut in 2024 with Qualcomm's new Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, but only the global versions. Now, the U.S. models of the ROG Phone 9 and Phone 9 Pro are available for purchase from Asus' website and Amazon.

Although other Snapdragon 8 Elite phones have been announced since the ROG Phone 9 series debuted globally in November 2024, Asus' gaming phones are still arguably the most powerful Android phones you can buy. If you're looking for other phone with Qualcomm's top chip, you'll need to look to the just-announced OnePlus 13 and likely the eventual Samsung Galaxy S25 series.

The base-model Asus ROG Phone 9 starts at $999.99 with 12GB RAM and 256GB of storage. It ships with Android 15 and ROG UI, but will only get two years of platform updates. The Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro starts at $1,199.99 and includes 16GB RAM and 512GB of storage. The top-tier Phone 9 Pro configuration includes 24GB RAM and 1TB storage for a whopping $1,499.

Amazon stock is limited and only has limited configurations available, meanwhile, Asus is offering $100 off the ROG Phone 9 for a limited time on its own online store.

In our review, we called the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro "ultimate bragging rights." That about sums up this gaming-centric smartphone. It's a flashy powerhouse built for raw performance, and it's nice to see it come to U.S. buyers at last.

What you need to know

• Rumors claim ASUS is developing an "ROG Phone 9 FE" with the potential for slight changes in specs to reduce its cost.
• The device was spotted grabbing Wi-Fi Alliance certification and it is supposedly being tested with Android 14.
• Additional rumors claim the phone will utilize the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC.
• The ROG Phone 9 series debuted on November 19 with a $999 starting price.

We're still unpacking the latest ASUS flagship launch, but rumors have surfaced about a quick potential budget addition.

Discovered by 91Mobiles, the post states a device with model number ASUS_AI2401_N could arrive as an ASUS "ROG Phone 9 FE." It states that this is the second time a device with this model number has surfaced, following another listing. That time, the GSMA database seemingly confirmed the ROG Phone 9 FE moniker.

The publication spotted the device rolling through the Wi-Fi Alliance databse. Of course, this listing is over connectivity certification; however, it seems ASUS is "testing" the device with Android 14.

Speculation suggests this will likely flow through its early stages before (ideally) jumping to the latest Android 15 OS.

The Alliance database listing summarized the device's certified connections, such as Wi-Fi 6, Direct, Enhanced Open, Miracast, and more. It adds the supported frequencies include 6GHz, 5GHz, and 2.4GHz.

There's not much speculation about which markets could see this supposed ROG Phone 9 "FE." The publication claims that, due to its recent Wi-Fi Alliance appearance, the device could launch "imminently." It's worth remembering that we're coming off the flagship 9 series launch.

The idea of an "FE" device pushes one thought: affordability. The ROG Phone 9 and Phone 9 Pro debuted on November 19 with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite. The Pro model features a 6.7-inch FHD+ panel with up to 165Hz refresh rate, but that can be pushed further to 185Hz. Similar to the 8 Pro, the newest series boasts the customizable dot matrix rear panel.

More importantly, the series starts at $999 for the base Phone 9 model before climbing toward $1,199 for the Pro variant.

It's unclear how low ASUS could drop a supposed "FE" phone. The publication suggests the phone could rock last year's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC. This could be a conscious decision to try and reduce its price, but other changes are still unknown.

Speaking of last year, the publication highlights how similar in model number the "Phone 9 FE" is to the ROG Phone 8 Pro. That phone was still pricey when it launched; however, ASUS could use the device as a base before fleshing out the FE phone.

What you need to know

• ASUS launched its ROG Phone 9 series today and the duo features Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC.
• Its design remains close to the Phone 8 series, with the unique dot matrix rear panel and a new cooling accessory, the Chill Case.
• The ROG Phone 9 Pro will be available for $1,199 while the base model starts at $999.

The next generation of gaming phones is here from ASUS as its latest flagship duo debuts.

As ASUS launches the ROG Phone 9 series, it kicks things off by highlighting the Pro model. Appearance-wise, the device remains similar to the Phone 8 Pro. Users will find a 6.7-inch FHD+ panel with up to 165Hz refresh rate. However, ASUS says users can push its fresh rate even further, up to 185Hz, through the "Game Genie." Protecting the Phone 9 Pro's display is Corning's Gorilla Glass Victus 2.

The back of the device sees more of the same as ASUS continues to feature AniMe Vision. The company revealed the change from its LED lighting with the 8 Pro. For a second time, users are treated to a dot matrix on its rear panel, which acts like a secondary screen. ASUS states this matrix offers 648 programmable mini-LEDs for animations and interactions.

ASUS detailed the continuation of the phone's squarish triple camera array. The company states the Phone 9 Pro features a 50MP Lytia 700 Sony sensor with lossless 2x zoom and OIS (optical image stabilization). The main camera is joined by a 13MP ultrawide lens and a 32MP telephoto sensor.

The front selfie camera enters at 32MP.

At the heart of the ROG Phone 9 Pro are those AI veins alongside Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite and Android 15. The SoC provides the device with a 4.30GHz, Octa-core processor alongside the Adreno 830 GPU. For AI, ASUS states the Phone 9 Pro features its X Sense, X Capture, and AI Grabber. These three tools combined can assist gamers with recording highlights while gaming, finding tips, and "tracking enemy spawns."

The device features even more on-device AI for daily tasks, such as AI Call Translator, Transcript, Wallpaper, Noise Cancellation, and "Sematic Search."

With such power, ASUS highlights the Phone 9 Pro's cooling systems in place. The device reportedly uses a graphite sheet to increase heat dissipation by roughly 57%. This is said to have improved the phone's cooling abilities by ~12%. However, users can opt to purchase additional cooling accessories like the AeroActive Cooler X Pro or the new ROG Chill Case.

Those interested can check out Android Central's full review of the ROG Phone 9 Pro, including how it fairs performance and battery-wise.

The ROG Phone 9 Pro will be available soon for $1,199 in white and Phantom Black.

The duo of this new gaming phone series is the base ASUS Phone 9. Most of the base model remains close to the Pro variant; however, a major difference is with its cameras. The base Phone 9 features the same 50MP primary lens and a 13MP ultrawide lens. The telephoto sensor is replaced with a 5MP macro camera.

Users will be able to purchase the ROG Phone 9 in white and Phantom Black for $999 in the U.S.

ASUS clearly knows how to make a great gaming phone, and the Taiwanese manufacturer has dominated this category in the last eight years. This time around, the brand changed up its strategy with the ROG Phone 8 Pro, overhauling the design to make the device look a little mainstream without too much overt styling.

That seems to have made a difference, with ASUS noting that the ROG Phone 8 saw a 15% increase in sales during its initial six months of availability compared to the ROG Phone 7. Interestingly, the brand stated that the Pro model drove the bulk of sales (66%), a threefold increase over the ROG Phone 7 Ultimate. Although these phones don't sell in the same volume as last year's Galaxy S24, there is a growing demand for phones that deliver the absolute best performance, and ASUS is ideally positioned to capitalize on this demand.

With the ROG Phone 9, ASUS is continuing that momentum while delivering timely upgrades. The phone shares a similar foundation with its predecessor — the design is nearly identical — but it features Qualcomm's latest silicon, a new 50MP camera at the back that captures significantly better photos, and a larger 5800mAh battery.

The rest of the features are the same, which is a good thing; there wasn't much wrong with the ROG Phone 8 Pro to begin with. The result is that the ROG Phone 9 Pro is the best gaming phone you can buy today, but it goes beyond that — this is a great all-rounder if you want clean software and the best performance available today.

ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro: Pricing and availability

ASUS unveiled the ROG Phone 9 series on November 19, and the phones are now available for purchase. There are two models in the series — the ROG Phone 9 Pro and the regular ROG Phone 9 — and the main difference is that the Pro model has a 32MP 3x telephoto lens this time, and you get an Anime Vision panel at the back with higher LED density.

Both phones are available in various storage configurations, and the 16GB/512GB variant of the ROG Phone 9 Pro costs $1,199 in the U.S. and €1,299 in most European countries. There's a higher-end model dubbed the ROG Phone 9 Pro Edition, and this comes with 24GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, and you get more accessories bundled, including two phone cases and the AeroActive X Cooler Pro attachment. This variant costs $1,499/€1,499.

ASUS is introducing a 12GB/512GB model in Europe, priced at €1,149. This configuration isn't launching in the U.S., and although ASUS didn't share any additional information, it should make its way to other global markets. The regular ROG Phone 9 is available with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, and it costs $999 in the U.S. and €1,099 in most Western markets.

Regarding availability, the ROG Phone 9 series went on sale in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and mainland China starting November 20. Both phones made their way to the U.S. in January 2025 and other global markets in Q1 2025.

ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro: Design

• The design isn't as flamboyant as previous iterations.
• You still get a good in-hand feel and ideal weight distribution.
• The secondary Anime Vision panel at the back is just plain cool.

ASUS didn't change the design to a noticeable degree with the ROG Phone 9, with the device continuing with the same overall aesthetic as the Phone 8 Pro. That means you get a giant slab of a phone with a glass back and a silky crystalized nano-texture, and a few etched lines that highlight the device's gaming roots.

The camera island is identical as well, but there's now a distinctive red line that runs just beneath it, giving the device a little visual flair. The ROG Phone 9 Pro has flat sides with beveled edges that make it comfortable to hold and use, and as always, ASUS nailed the weight distribution. While the ROG Phone 9 Pro is big and bulky — it weighs 227g — you don't feel the heft that much. The regular ROG Phone 9 comes in Storm White and Phantom Black variants, but the Pro model is limited to the black version.

While ASUS toned down the design flair, there are a few things that differentiate the ROG Phone 9 Pro from regular phones. The obvious feature is Anime Vision, a secondary panel at the back that's made up of LEDs. This time, ASUS added a second panel at the back of the regular model as well, albeit with 85 LEDs versus 648 LEDs on the Pro model. The panel is unquestionably cool, and it comes with white and red LEDs on the Pro variant.

What I like the best is that you can actually play games on the back panel, with ASUS recreating facsimiles of classic titles. You use the ultrasonic AirTriggers to control the action, and if you grew up playing these kinds of games (like I did), it's plenty of fun — I'll admit that I wasted entirely too much time playing the four bundled games. Because of the limited nature of the LEDs on the standard model, this Anime Play feature is limited to the ROG Phone 9 Pro.

Like previous years, the screen at the back is extensively customizable, and you can add your own text, images, and just about anything at the back. There's also an ROG Together option that unlocks additional visuals when two ROG Phone 9 units come into contact, and it's pretty cool.

There are other niceties; the ultrasonic AirTriggers continue to be great, and while they're useful during gaming, it's the customizability in day-to-day tasks that makes the feature stand out in my own usage. You can use short and long squeezes gestures with the AirTriggers to launch Gemini, toggle the flashlight, enable DND, launch the camera, and so much more.

The rest of the design is pretty standard; you get the power and volume buttons on the right, and they have good tactility. The USB-C port is at the bottom, and like previous years, it sits to the left, with the SIM card tray located in the middle. The 3.5mm jack is thankfully intact, and the onboard sound continues to be excellent. ASUS notes that eSIM is only available in Taiwan and Japan, and while the feature will come to other countries, that will only be with the next model.

Notably, the side-mounted USB-C port is retained, and this is how the brand's AeroActive cooling solution connects to the device. You get IP68 dust and water resistance as well; you don't usually get ingress protection with gaming phones, so it's good to see ASUS offer this.

ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro: Screen

• With 165Hz, there's a clear difference against other Android phones.
• The AMOLED panel gets bright, and is great for multimedia as well as gaming.

ASUS is sticking to the same 6.78-inch Samsung AMOLED panel that debuted on the ROG Phone 8, and it goes up to 2500 nits maximum and 1600 nits in HBM mode. You get Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection as standard.

Similar to the best Android phones, the panel gets LTPO tech to dynamically adjust the refresh according to on-screen content, and it makes a noticeable difference. What gives the device a distinct edge is that it has 165Hz refresh rate instead of the usual 120Hz on most devices, and the result is that the ROG Phone 9 Pro feels unmistakably fluid even next to the likes of the Vivo X100 Ultra and Pixel 9 Pro XL.

When it comes to onboard audio, you get what is arguably one of the best packages available today. The ROG Phone 9 Pro retains the 3.5mm jack, and the internal DAC is decent enough that you don't need a standalone unit if you want to use IEMs with the phone. There's also AptX Lossless and the entire suite of Qualcomm's codecs, and the onboard sound is once again tuned by Dirac, and it is noticeably better than most devices.

As you'd imagine, picture quality is terrific, and the phone comes alive during gaming. Colors are vibrant and saturated, and you get a decent eye protection mode that shifts to warmer hues at night. There's a 185Hz mode as well, but that's limited to games and can be unlocked within Game Genie.

I had no issues playing games or streaming content on the ROG Phone 9 Pro; the phone handled HDR content well, and there were no issues with brightness levels even under harsh sunlight. While the panel itself hasn't changed, it still has a lot going for it, and it absolutely delivers at gaming.

ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro: Performance

• This is one of the fastest phones of 2025.
• ASUS has extensive customizability with Armoury Crate.
• There's no throttling, but the device gets hot with extended gaming.

I get to use a lot of phones over the course of a year, and while most phones share the same Qualcomm hardware these days, no manufacturer does as good a job optimizing the hardware as ASUS. Both models in the ROG Phone 9 series feature Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite, and it is a powerhouse that's on a whole new level.

Clearly, Qualcomm made a lot of tweaks with this generation, and even though the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is plenty fast in its own right, you get huge gains on the Elite. Obviously, the difference is more noticeable when running synthetic workloads, with both the ROG Phone 9 Pro and the standard model posting the highest scores out of any phone I tested.

There's absolutely no lag or stutter in the two weeks I used either device, and if anything, the interface is the most fluid — ASUS knows what it's doing in this regard. What's interesting is that ASUS once again has a higher thermal threshold than other brands, and as a result, the ROG Phone 9 Pro went up to a scorching 52 degrees Celsius during 3DMark's Steel Nomad Light stress test with X Mode enabled.

The standard model got even hotter at 53 degrees, and at that point, both devices were so hot that it wasn't possible to touch the mid-frame, much less use the phones in-hand.

The side effect of unrestricted thermals is that the ROG Phone 9 Pro achieves a nearly flawless 99.2% score in the demanding 3DMark stress test; however, as you cannot hold the device, the scores are merely for bragging rights. Also, this isn't anything new — earlier ASUS gaming devices also got just as hot.

Thankfully, this isn't as big an issue in day-to-day gaming sessions; while the device still gets hot — more so than other high-end phones — it doesn't get to a point where it's unbearable to hold, and if you switch to the Dynamic mode, you get much better thermal efficiency.

What all of this means is that in real-world use, the ROG Phone 9 Pro is the best device if you care about mobile gaming. I got much better framerates in demanding titles, even with extended gaming sessions, and there was no lag whatsoever. ASUS deserves credit for allowing 120fps gaming across a multitude of titles — much more so than any other brand.

While the ultrasonic AirTriggers aren't new, they provide an additional dimension of immersion in most games, and they're easy to set up and use. You get LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage on both devices, with the standard model going up to 16GB/512GB and the Pro model hitting 24GB/1TB — this is the variant I'm using.

One of the reasons I like using ASUS devices is that the manufacturer uses the full suite of features that Qualcomm has to offer — this isn't the case with most brands. As such, you get great connectivity and all the AptX codecs. I didn't see any issues whatsoever with connectivity or while making calls, and the device excels at the basics. The vibration motor is better this time around, and it has better feedback in regular use.

Overall, the ROG Phone 9 Pro is the fastest phone money can buy today, and while other devices powered by the same hardware are set to launch imminently, they'll be thermally constrained.

ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro: Accessories

• ASUS continues to offer an extensive accessory ecosystem.
• The new AeroActive Cooler X Pro does a fantastic job with active cooling.

ASUS always rolled out exciting accessories with its gaming phones, and that's no different with the ROG Phone 9 Pro. The high-end model comes with the new AeroActive Cooler X Pro bundled in the package, making a huge difference while gaming. The key difference between the Cooler X Pro and the standard Cooler X is that it now features a built-in subwoofer, delivering significantly improved sound with enhanced low-end detail.

You get a 3.5mm out and USB-C port at the bottom, and there's customizable RGB lighting — obviously. There's a bigger fan this time around, and it does a great job ensuring the phone doesn't get too hot. And to round out the features, you get a kickstand as well.

The cooler is rather bulky, but it makes a difference during extended gaming sessions, and that's when you'll actually need it. The device doesn't get anywhere as hot in regular use or short gaming bursts, and if you enable Dynamic mode, you shouldn't see any issues with thermal management.

ASUS has the Tessen mobile controller as well, and it is a regular mobile gaming controller that can be used with any phone — just like GameSir's Galileo G8 Plus. I haven't used the controller as much, but it is decent enough in its own right, and I like that it has a foldable design.

ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro: Battery

• While it doesn't have silicon-carbon tech, the battery lasts all day.
• It charges at 65W — same as previous years.

ASUS is increasing the battery size with this generation, and the ROG Phone 9 Pro comes with a 5800mAh battery — 300mAh bigger than its predecessor. You get the same 65W charging tech over the USB PD standard, and there is a charger bundled in the package with both phones.

I got over a day's worth of use consistently with the device, even with heavy use, but it doesn't last a day and a half like some devices I used this year. That said, the phone is the most powerful I've used to date, so the fact that it actually lasts an entire day is a big deal in and of itself.

ASUS offers scheduled charging, steady charging — where the phone charges at a slower wattage — and charging limit as standard, and these features aren't new either. With a charging limit, you can set the battery to not charge beyond 80% or 90%, extending its longevity.

While some brands are going with silicon-carbon tech in 2025, ASUS is using the traditional dual-cell system. However, you get additional features to extend battery longevity, and that makes a difference.

ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro: Cameras

• The camera is much better this time.
• You also get a decent 3x optical zoom module.

Imaging has always been an afterthought on gaming phones, but ASUS is looking to change that narrative. The ROG Phone 9 Pro features an upgraded 50MP Sony IMX890 camera module, which performs significantly better than the one featured in the ROG Phone 8 Pro.

The phone features a 32MP zoom lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS, as well as a 13MP wide-angle lens with autofocus. ASUS does a great job with its 6-axis gimbal stabilization technology, and when combined with the new camera sensor, there is a noticeable difference compared to previous generations.

A notable addition this time is Photo Vibe, which enables you to select a specific tonal balance for your shots. There are four choices available — Gentle Cool, Vivid Cool, Soft & Warm, and Rich & Warm — and the colors change quite drastically between modes.

Physical shutter controls are cool again — mostly because of the iPhone 16 Pro Max — and while I didn't get much use out of the button, other phones are getting in on the action. ASUS is utilizing the right-mounted AirTrigger as a shutter button, allowing you to take photos.

Shots taken in daylight have a good amount of detail and white balance, and there are no issues in general. The tuning algorithm tends to be a bit aggressive with smoothing details like foliage, but outside of that, you get detailed shots. Like the ROG Phone 8 Pro, the wide-angle lens is strictly average, and it doesn't quite manage to deliver the same color balance as the main lens. The issue is even more evident in low-light scenarios, and you get visible noise.

While it isn't as effortless to shoot as other flagships, you get decent shots in challenging situations out of the ROG Phone 9 Pro. The main camera is good enough this time that you don't feel constrained in this area, and there are noticeable gains over previous years.

That said, the phone is still at the same level as a mid-ranger in this regard, and it doesn't quite measure up to the camera-focused devices available today. If you see yourself taking a lot of photos, you should just wait until the Vivo X200 Pro or Find X8 launch globally, but if you just need usable cameras that deliver good enough shots, the ROG Phone 9 Pro gets the job done.

ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro: Software

• ASUS once again manages to deliver a clean software that's fluid and doesn't have any bloatware.
• The biggest issue is that the device will get just two platform updates.

The ROG Phone 9 Pro runs Android 15 out of the box, and as is the case with every single phone, you get a suite of AI features. There's AI-assisted call translation, notes transcribing, image generation, and semantic search, and what's interesting is that they're all powered on-device — no data is sent to the cloud. The only service that relies on a signal is Circle to Search, but that's a given anyway.

ASUS has an AI-assisted utility dubbed X Sense 3.0 that allows you to automate mundane tasks in games, including collecting loot and upgrading skills. There's also AI-backed noise isolation, which does a decent job.

While not reliant on machine learning, the volume splitter option allows you to adjust the volume level of an individual game, making it particularly handy if you're multitasking or using picture-in-picture.

I have no issues with the software of the ROG Phone 9 Pro in daily use. The interface is as close to vanilla Android as you'll get on any device, and that alone is worthy of celebration these days. ASUS did a magnificent job (as always) tailoring the software to take advantage of the powerful hardware, and the UI is smooth on a level you just don't get with other phones.

There's also extensive customizability, and a back tap gesture is available, allowing you to pull down the notification shade or toggle the flashlight without interacting with the phone. In short, there's a lot to like about the interface itself, and it's great to see ASUS continue to offer a clean UI without any bloatware.

Software updates continue to be a point of contention, and while the ROG Phone 9 Pro will get five years of security updates, it will only pick up two platform updates. As I've said several times in these reviews, two updates just aren't adequate any longer, and with budget phones like the Nothing Phone 2a getting three updates, it doesn't make sense that a $1,499 device is limited to two Android OS updates, particularly when Google is starting to roll out these updates sooner.

ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro: The alternatives

The ROG Phone 8 Pro is still a great choice, and with the introduction of the ROG Phone 9 Pro, the older device should get decent discounts. You don't get the absolute best hardware or the biggest battery, but the phone is just as performant in demanding games, and you get the same software.

If you need better cameras, the OnePlus 12 is a good alternative as well. The phone takes better shots, and you still get powerful hardware that's great for gaming. The software isn't anywhere as good, though, and the interface has overt styling. The upside is that the device is much more affordable.

ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro: Should you buy it?

You should buy this if:

• You want the best gaming phone money can buy
• You need meaningful software extras and a clean UI
• You want a fluidic interface with 165Hz refresh
• You need great battery life
• You want a 3.5mm jack

You shouldn't buy this if:

• You need a phone that'll get long-term software updates
• You want great cameras

ASUS continues to excel at optimizing software, and the ROG Phone 9 Pro is as fluid as any device I've used recently. Of course, the 165Hz panel also makes a difference in this regard, as does the upgraded Qualcomm hardware. The new 50MP camera at the back is also great, and while it won't challenge the Vivo X200 Ultra or Find X8 Ultra, it's significantly better than its predecessors, which is a notable achievement.

I also appreciate what ASUS does with the software; the interface itself is clean and doesn't have any bloatware, and the brand knows what it's doing in terms of optimization, so you get a fluid UI. You don't miss out on anything either — the phone has a 3.5mm jack, IP68 ingress protection, reliable 65W charging over USB PD and 15W wireless charging, and a terrific 165Hz AMOLED panel.

In short, this is one of the best hardware and software packages you can get today, and if you're interested in mobile gaming, there really isn't a better device. Even if you don't play many games on your phone, the ROG Phone 9 Pro has a lot going for it, and the improvements to the cameras make it a well-rounded device. However, like previous years, the fact that you just get two Android OS updates continues to be a deal-breaker, and ASUS really needs to do better.

There are better phones in the market, but if you need the one with the best performance, the ROG Phone 9 Pro is the one to get — if you don't mind the middling update guarantee.

What you need to know

• ASUS has confirmed the ROG Phone 9 is making its debut on November 19, finally putting an end to months of leaks and speculation.
• With the new Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, the ROG Phone 9 could potentially set records as one of the fastest Android phones out there.
• ASUS also teased a glimpse of the ROG Phone 9's unique design, featuring iconic LED lighting and a focus on enhanced gaming performance, hinted at by the tagline “AI on, game on.”

ASUS has confirmed that the ROG Phone 9 is on its way. After months of leaks and rumors, the gaming giant is ready to introduce its new flagship phone powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite mobile platform.

The Taiwanese company sent out invites on Monday, but the big news for the ROG Phone 9 series is really just the launch date—November 19. With the new chipset, this phone could break speed records and be some of the fastest Android phones we’ve seen.

ASUS' announcement puts the ROG Phone 9 in line to be one of the first smartphones to rock Qualcomm's latest processor, likely setting a new bar for performance next year.

Adding to the hype around Qualcomm’s new flagship SoC, Xiaomi just confirmed that the Xiaomi 15 will be running on it too.

ASUS not only confirmed the launch date but also gave us a sneak peek at the ROG Phone 9, showing off its unique design and major gaming upgrades. It still rocks the iconic LED lighting, and the "AI on, game on" tagline suggests even more AI tech to boost your gaming.

The ROG Phone 8 Pro showcased ASUS' take on AI in gaming, highlighting useful features like text recognition. But with new advancements like Google’s Circle to Search, its successor could dive into even more creative AI applications.

While we’re still waiting on the specifics for the AI features and other specs, previous leaks have hinted that the ROG Phone 9 could come with 24GB of RAM, 1TB of storage, and 65W wired charging.

Going by earlier leaks, the next-generation gaming phone is set for a big display upgrade. ASUS says it's aiming to provide an unbeatable gaming experience, zeroing in on immersion and lag-free performance.

Additionally, the Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, with its second-gen Oryon CPU and upgraded Adreno GPU, is built to deliver the top-notch gaming performance that the ROG Phone series is famous for.

What you need to know

• ASUS announced the start of its Android 15 Preview Program recruitment period.
• ROG Phone 8 users can get in on the beta and await further instructions from ASUS if they've been selected for testing.
• Android 15 launched on Oct. 15 for Pixels, bringing stronger user security/privacy features and multitasking capabilities.

Following the launch of Android 15 on Pixel devices, ASUS is opening the doors to its beta program for its recent gaming phone.

The Taiwanese company highlighted the start of its Android 15 Preview Program in a ZenTalk post. ASUS states users with an ROG Phone 8 can start enrolling in the test for the next major Android OS. The post adds that users can experience the next release at its "first stage" and report any bugs discovered throughout the test.

To sign up, ASUS states users must head into their Settings > System > System Updates > Gear Icon (top right). Users can tap on "Enroll in Android Preview Program" and agree to the privacy policy's terms. The post states users are required to sign up for an ASUS member account and fill out the necessary application form.

The Preview Program is in the recruitment stage, which is why the application form exists. ASUS states that you can always opt out of the program while recruiting is active.

If you've been selected to join, the company will send an email. This email will likely contain further instructions that testers must know before joining the program. More importantly, if you do get in, everything in the Preview Program is confidential. ASUS states testers cannot post anything online about what they've seen.

Those willing to share and discuss can do so via a new ZenTalk board, the ASUS forums, which will become available to selected users.

Android 15 is this week's highlight as Google announced its arrival for Pixel users. The latest OS release isn't quite as flashy as some might've hoped; however, Google has implemented several enhancements below the surface. A highlight of the update is its strong emphasis on user security and safety. Android 15 brings in one-touch passkeys and advanced theft protection.

Among these safety features is "Private Spaces," a secluded area on your device where users can safeguard apps with sensitive information. Additionally, theft protection features enter via "Theft Detection Lock," "Remote Lock," and "Offline Lock."

It remains to be seen what features ASUS has planned for its ROG Phone 8 users once the recruitment period is over. What's clear is that interested parties should sign up as soon as possible before the spots fill up.

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Chromebook laptops are fantastic devices if you need good battery life and use mostly web apps. ASUS launched the Chromebook Flip CM5 back in 2021, and this AMD Ryzen-powered laptop gets a sweet $230 off during Prime Day. 

This particular spec has 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, and comes in an aluminum chassis. Typically a $530 laptop, you can get it for just $299.99 with this Prime Day Chromebook deal. 

•  Amazon Prime Day 2024 — early deals and FAQ

✅Recommended if: You need a powerful Chromebook; you need dual-functionality of a tablet; you need rugged build and plenty of ports.

❌Skip this deal if: You need to run non-Android apps; you need the familiarity of Windows. 

Chromebooks can be great alternatives to Windows laptops, at least that's what our Senior Editor, Andrew Myrick believes. Originally positioned as a low-cost option for students, you can now find premium Chromebooks that cost as much as expensive Windows laptops. The ASUS Chromebook Flip CM5 is one such option that tries to be two devices in one. The 360 degree hinge allows the display to fold all the way back, turning it into a tablet. The 15.6-inch Full-HD display supports touch input and is compatible with the best USI styluses. 

It's powered by the AMD Ryzen 3 3250C processor and comes with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of eMMC storage. ASUS promises up to 10 hours of battery life, and the laptop is even MIL-STD-810H certification for durability. There's plenty of connectivity too like a two USB-C 3.2 ports, HDMI 1.4, and a microSD card slot. ASUS' unique ErgoLift design lifts the bottom of the laptop upwards when the lid is open, for better air circulation. 

Buying one of the best Chromebooks is still a good option if your work mostly involves using web apps or a browser. Google is also regularly updating ChromeOS, so you should be up to date always. There are plenty of great deals to choose from this Prime Day that are sure to save you a lot of money. We've got all the best ones covered, so don't forget to keep checking in for the latest updates. 

What you need to know

• Meta Horizon OS is an open-source VR software system designed for third-party VR headsets.
• ASUS ROG will make a "all-new performance gaming headset" running Meta Horizon OS, while Lenovo will make a productivity headset.
• Meta and Microsoft are teaming up on a "limited-edition Meta Quest, inspired by Xbox."
• Meta is going all-in on its own software after failing to partner with Google to bring Android apps to Quest headsets.

Meta Quest is going open-source. Meta Horizon OS, the rebranded name for the spatial software behind the Quest 3, is being lent out to partners like ASUS Republic of Gamers, Lenovo, and Xbox to make their own spin-off versions of VR headsets with Quest games and apps.

Meta will share popular Quest features like inside-out tracking, passthrough and room scanning for mixed reality, and the Meta Quest Store of hundreds of Quest games — now renamed the "Meta Horizon Store."

Mark Zuckerberg, who announced the news on Instagram, called this an update to the "metaverse" and said Meta is "partnering" with the brands above for their new headsets.

After Meta and Google failed to come to terms about bringing Android to Quest headsets, Meta is essentially trying to become Android, with Quest headsets as the stock Pixels of the VR world and other brands taking on specific niches like power gaming or productivity.

Meta's blog post announcement explains that ASUS ROG, for instance, will make an "all-new performance gaming headset." Just as the ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro is the fastest Android phone on the market, the unnamed ASUS Quest spin-off could be the fastest VR headset for gaming, with access to both Quest games and Air Link for PC VR. 

"With Meta Horizon OS, ASUS and Republic of Gamers will build the gaming headset of the next generation," says ASUS co-CEO S.Y. Hsu.

Lenovo, which helped Meta design the hardware for the Oculus Rift S, will make its own "mixed reality devices for productivity, learning, and entertainment." This would presumably compete with the Apple Vision Pro and have similar features to the upcoming Quest Pro 2.

The splashiest news is that Meta and Xbox are making a "limited-edition Meta Quest, inspired by Xbox." We assume it'll make Xbox Cloud Gaming the default app so you can stream Xbox games right away, but we don't know what other Xbox-themed features or console UI changes will come to the headset. We've asked Meta for more information and will update if we hear back.

Aside from offering the same Quest games, software, and UI, these headsets will use the same Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 (or XR2+) as the Meta Quest 3. So whatever Meta's partners call their headsets, they will be Quest 3 spin-offs in most respects. 

Meta, which has historically struggled to get app developers to buy into the Quest ecosystem, is using the Meta Horizon OS rebrand to tempt mobile developers onto the platform. 

"We're also developing a new spatial app framework that helps mobile developers create mixed reality experiences. Developers will be able to use the tools they’re already familiar with to bring their mobile apps to Meta Horizon OS," the post reads.

We'll have to wait and see whether the Meta Horizon OS rebranding pays off, and if they can successfully supplant Android XR as the ecosystem of choice for VR hardware makers. 

How will this succeed where Google Daydream failed

In early March, I talked about how Google abandoned VR years ago in my weekly ThVRsday column. Daydream was supposed to be the first major standalone VR operating system, as it was built on Android to help companies easily implement it into their own VR hardware. Like Android, it offered a unified app store and a basic set of capabilities to make VR development easier.

However, a problem happened just three years after its announcement: Google abandoned it. Google is infamous for abandoning products, and while it sometimes makes sense, few companies have a products and services graveyard as big as Google. The KilledByGoogle website proves that.

Ironically, the year Google killed off Daydream was the same year Meta launched the original Oculus Quest. As we now know, Meta's strategy of launching standalone headsets and shifting its focus was the right move.

If Meta has done anything right over the past 10 years since it acquired the Oculus brand, it's supporting its hardware. While dedicated Rift hardware is no longer supported — most of it launched at least half a decade ago now anyway — Quest hardware has been supported in ways that even smartphones would be jealous of.

Every single month, Meta delivers a new software update that brings new features to its headsets and even sometimes upgrades them. Not only that, but the original Oculus Quest is only just now being sent out to pasture five years after its release. That substantial because the Quest 2 sold at least 20x the number of headsets of the original Quest, yet, Meta kept supporting and updating it throughout that time.

What's not immediately clear is how well third parties will keep their headsets updated. Will this be similar to Android, where companies are responsible for their own headset updates? Or will this be more like Windows, where Microsoft updates the OS and the hardware has separate drivers?

Android Central has contacted Meta for answers to these questions and more, but they did not get back to us in time for publication. We will update the article once we have more information.

If nothing, Meta's penchant for keeping its OS regularly and quickly updated bodes well for the future of third-party headsets from companies like Lenovo, ASUS ROG, and Microsoft Xbox.

Plus, it looks like Meta has listened to feedback and is working on fixing its app store. The company says it's "beginning the process of removing the barriers between the Meta Horizon Store and App Lab." Currently, the Meta Horizon Store is tightly curated but offers no explanation for why some apps make it to the "real" store while others are stuck in "App Lab limbo."

Meta says that App Lab titles will receive a dedicated section on the Meta Horizon Store on all Meta Horizon OS-powered devices. This has the potential to address the biggest issue with the Quest's struggles with VR developers, but it doesn't quite solve Meta's lack of 2D apps.

The Apple Vision Pro famously launched with hundreds of thousands of iOS apps available on day one. Meanwhile, only a few dozen 2D apps exist on the Meta Horizon Store.

While Meta and Google continue to bicker about Google Play Store access, Meta says its new initiative will help developers bring spatial apps to the platform. Developers "will be able to use the tools they're already familiar with to bring their mobile apps to Meta Horizon OS." Meta says it's trying to work with Google to bring the Play Store to the Meta Horizon platform, but so far, talks have fallen through.

Meanwhile, Google is expected to unveil Android XR at Google I/O 2024 in mid-May, powering the upcoming Samsung XR headset along with headsets from other partners. Android XR will ship with the Google Play Store, although it's not clear yet how Google plans to adapt existing 2D apps into "spatial apps," as they're called.

It won't be long now until we find out who does it better, but one thing is clear: competition is good for everyone, and the XR industry is about to see a massive influx of competing headsets and operating systems in a way we haven't seen since Apple redefined the smartphone experience.

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 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 available right now.

ASUS makes great phones in the Zenfone and ROG Phone series

• Back to the top ^

If you want the best ASUS phone, get the Zenfone 11 Ultra

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 11 Ultra is a great overall product that nails the basics. It isn't a small phone like its predecessors, but it has the right balance between hardware optimization and clean software, and the larger size allows it to stand out. 

Of course, if you need a small phone, the Zenfone 10 is still the best small phone you can get today. Right now, there isn't another device that has the same caliber of hardware as the Zenfone 10 in such a small size, and that alone makes it worthy of consideration. 

If you want something aimed at gaming, the ROG Phone 8 Pro delivers outstanding hardware backed by a whole suite of gaming-focused features. The phone isn't as aggressive when it comes to styling, and that is a smart move by ASUS as it allows the device to be much more palatable by a mainstream audience. That said, you don't miss out on any of the gaming extras, and it is a real joy to use. 

What you need to know

• ASUS reveals the Zenfone 11 Ultra, which immediately displays its departure from last year's launch as it features a larger 6.7-inch LTPO screen.
• The device contains Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, internally, and a triple camera array with a 50MP primary lens, 13MP ultra-wide lens, and a 32MP telephoto lens.
• The ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra is available today (Mar. 14), starting at $899.

ASUS is launching its latest Zenfone 11 Ultra today (Mar. 14), which breaks the series' typical small form factor for a larger overall experience.

As detailed by ASUS, the Zenfone 11 Ultra takes a whole new approach as it features a 6.7-inch LTPO display. This is a notable departure from the Zenfone 10's 5.9-inch display. The 11 Ultra's screen is protected by a layer of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and can reach a maximum refresh rate of 144Hz for gaming purposes. Naturally, ASUS states the device can reach a refresh rate max of 122Hz while scrolling across the web and in apps.

Internally, ASUS has outfitted the Zenfone 11 Ultra with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC. The Taiwanese company states the chip clocks in at 3.3GHz and is paired with the Adreno 750 GPU.

The 11 Ultra's chassis is based on the gaming-focused ROG Phone 8 but offers a few changes. ASUS states that consumers will find glossy and matte finish options for the device's minimalistic rear panel.

Changes continue with the 11 Ultra's rear triple camera array. Instead of featuring two (rather large) lenses like the Zenfone 10, the lenses are housed in a rounded corner square container. The primary lens utilizes a Sony IMX980 50MP lens featuring Gimbal Stabilizer 3.0, 6-Axis Hybrid, and 2x lossless zoom.

This is accompanied by a 13MP ultra-wide lens with a 120-degree FOV (field of view) and a 32MP telephoto lens with 3x zoom. The 11 Ultra's front-facing selfie camera sits at 32MP. ASUS states it's upgraded the selfie camera with a 90-degree FOV to help users get everyone in the photo in one take.

AI has worked its way onto the Zenfone 11 Ultra to aid its camera and for on-device tasks. The company adds its AI software can assist users in searching for specific "events, times, locations, and objects" in their photos. Additionally, AI provides noise-cancellation capabilities while on a call. The phone's camera benefits from "Portrait Video," which is said to piggyback off an AI algorithm that helps provide a "natural" depth of field effect.

A few features are arriving with the Zenfone 11 Ultra in beta, such as AI Call Translator, AI Transcript for the phone's recorder app, and AI Wallpaper.

A 5,500mAh battery keeps your Zenfone 11 Ultra going. ASUS states the battery supports its HyperCharge for 65W fast-charging capabilities, alongside Qi 1.3 wireless charging.

Consumers will find the device available with up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. The Zenfone 11 Ultra is available to purchase today (Mar. 14) with an $899 starting price. What's more, consumers will find the device in four colorways: Skyline Blue, Eternal Black, Misty Grey, and Desert Sand.

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ASUS pivoted to making small phones two years ago, and that strategy worked out pretty well for the brand. At a time when other brands started focusing on bigger devices, the Zenfone series served as the de facto choice for those who wanted a small phone with high-end hardware. 

But the brand still has a sizeable userbase that wants a large phone, and it's now catering to those users with the introduction of the Zenfone 11 Ultra — which has a 6.78-inch screen while retaining the best features of previous Zenfone devices.

What it doesn't have is any design similarity to the Zenfone 10 or Zenfone 9; if anything, the phone looks nearly identical to the ROG Phone 8, and the USB-C port at the bottom isn't centered. Clearly, ASUS is using the same foundation for both phones, and I don't have a problem with that.

While ASUS hasn't confirmed the existence of a smaller Zenfone, the naming convention suggests we should see a standard Zenfone 11 model that's based on a smaller chassis — similar to the last two years. Considering the launch window of the Zenfone 11 Ultra, we should see the regular model debut sometime in the summer.

The Zenfone 11 Ultra shares the same great feature-set as its predecessors, but it has the same foibles: the phone will only get two platform updates, and that is nowhere close to being enough in 2024. However, there's a distinct lack of Android phones with clean software and good customizability, and the Zenfone 11 Ultra slots into that segment with effortless ease.

ASUS is also betting big on AI, and the Zenfone 11 Ultra has a slate of useful features that make a difference. I used the Zenfone 11 Ultra as my daily driver for two weeks, and here's what I think of the device.

ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra: Pricing and availability

ASUS unveiled the Zenfone 11 Ultra on March 14, and the phone is now up for pre-order in select global markets. The base model has 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, and ASUS is also rolling out a 16GB/512GB version.

The 12GB/256GB model will be available for $899 in the U.S., €999 in most European countries, and £869 in the U.K. ASUS isn't launching the 16GB/512GB model in the U.S. at the moment, but it will debut at €1,099 in Europe and £949 in the U.K.

ASUS has pre-order offers running from March 14 to April 14 that bring the cost of the 12GB/256GB model down to €899 in Europe and £819 in the U.K., and the 16GB/512GB to €999 and £869. ASUS will sell the device via its website as well as Amazon, and local partners in select regions.

ASUS isn't discounting the device in the U.S., but will bundle its Cetra earbuds with all pre-orders. The Zenfone 11 Ultra will be sold via ASUS's website in the U.S., and the brand's regional partner Mobile Advance will sell the device on Amazon.

ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra: Design

ASUS is switching things up with the Zenfone 11 Ultra, and the matte texture with oversized cameras that were a chief design characteristic of the last two years is making way for a cleaner look. The Zenfone 11 Ultra instead has a silky finish at the back, and the design is based on ASUS's anniversary logo monogram.

The minimal design looks good, but it doesn't quite have the same great in-hand feel as the Zenfone 9 or Zenfone 10. The phone is available in four color variants — white, black, blue, and peach — but the color is limited to the back, with the sides decked out in black on all four models.

The camera module is also in the same black hue across all color variants, and it makes the device look decidedly budget. Most flagship phones have elegant designs with standout colors, and I can't help but feel that the Zenfone 11 Ultra comes across as plain. ASUS should have matched the sides to the colors at the back, and used a design that has a bit more character; as it stands, the camera island at the back is purely functional with no thought given to aesthetics.

Given just how similar the phone is to the ROG Phone 8, ASUS wanted to reuse the same foundation without making too many changes. This saves a ton of costs during manufacturing, so I understand the brand's reason for doing so. However, the ROG Phone 8 has a distinct visual identity, and the Zenfone 11 Ultra misses out in that area.

While the design doesn't really stand out, ASUS is using high-quality materials throughout. The mid-frame is made out of recycled aluminum, the back curves slightly as it meets the sides, so you can easily hold the device, and even though this is a tall and heavy phone, ASUS nailed the weight distribution.

The camera island is positioned in such a way that there's no wobble when using the device on a table. ASUS always offered a 3.5mm jack on its Zenfone series, and the Zenfone 11 Ultra doesn't miss out in this area — you get the analog jack at the bottom.

Because the phone is a rebadged ROG Phone 8, the USB-C port isn't centered; it sits to the left at the bottom, with the SIM card tray moved to the middle. The reason for this is so that the charging cable doesn't get in the way when you're playing a game while charging the phone, but it just looks weird on the Zenfone 11 Ultra.

Also, there's no way to charge the device easily if you're like me and use a phone stand. ASUS should have paid more attention to these design considerations, because as it stands, the Zenfone 11 Ultra doesn't have much in the way of differentiation.

But you still get IP68 dust and water resistance, and the pane of glass at the back is protected by a layer of Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The Zenfone 11 Ultra is good to hold and use, but the phone is positioned against flagships, and it just doesn't have the flair that's needed in this category. Basically, ASUS went from making the best small phone to a device that doesn't quite have a distinct visual identity. 

ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra: Display

ASUS says it got a lot of feedback over the last two years from Zenfone users that wanted a larger device, so the Zenfone 11 Ultra is catered to meet those needs. The phone has a 6.78-inch AMOLED panel, and it gets all the extras you'd want in 2024: it has 120Hz refresh, the screen goes up to 2,500 nits in HDR content, and 1,600 nits in HBM mode. While those figures aren't as high as the Magic 6 Pro, the Zenfone 11 Ultra manages to get just as bright in daily use scenarios, and that's what ultimately matters.

The phone has LTPO tech as well, with the panel going down to 1Hz when viewing static content. ASUS tends to calibrate its panels on the cooler side, and that is the case with the Zenfone 11 Ultra as well. That said, you can easily change the color balance via the settings; there are four modes available, and you can use the Customized option to tweak colors to your liking.

You can set the screen refresh to Auto mode, or manually switch between 60Hz and 120Hz. There's a gaming mode that pushes the screen refresh to 144Hz, but there's no way to manually enable it, and it only activates in select titles.

The bezels are noticeably thinner than the Zenfone 10, and the selfie camera cutout is centered. ASUS always delivered good stereo sound on its phones, and the Zenfone 11 Ultra has powerful stereo speakers that are among the loudest in this category.

You also get a 3.5mm jack, Dirac's Virtuo tuning in the AudioWizard control panel that makes a legitimate difference when playing games or streaming content — there's even a 10-band parametric EQ. ASUS is one of very few brands that offers the full AptX suite of audio codecs, so if you're using a pair of wireless earbuds, there's a good chance that you'll be able to stream high-res music.

ASUS has its usual game turbo engine here, and it is among the best you'll find on any phone. A new addition this year is Video Genie, which is designed to minimize distractions when you're watching a video. You get the option to mute calls and notifications while a video is playing, and it is a nifty feature.

To round things off, you get an always-on mode, but the clock styles are fairly limited, and you don't get much in the way of customizability. Other than that, the Zenfone 11 Ultra ticks all the right boxes; the screen is large and vibrant, you get a lot of useful extras, and it is a delight to use for gaming and playing videos.

ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra: Hardware

ASUS knows what it's doing when it comes to the hardware, and the Zenfone 11 Ultra has zero issues in this particular area. The device is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, and you get 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB of UFS 4.0 storage as standard. There's also a 16GB/512GB model if you need more storage, but there isn't a 1TB version.

Just like ASUS's gaming phones, there are no slowdowns whatsoever in daily use, and the Zenfone 11 Ultra is one of the fastest phones you can buy at the moment. ASUS did a terrific job optimizing the hardware with ZenUI, and it is fluid like no other device in this segment. However, I noticed a few instances where apps crashed at launch, but by and large, there are no problems in daily use.

The Zenfone 11 Ultra is terrific at gaming as well, and it delivers stable framerates in demanding titles with no issues. ASUS isn't throttling the chipset this time, so it tends to overheat during extended gaming sessions, but not to a point where it gets uncomfortable.

But in the Solar Bay stress test, the device got so hot that I wasn't able to hold it. It went up to 58 degrees, and that is second only to the Nubia Z60 Ultra, which hit 60 degrees. Most 2024 phones I tested didn't go beyond 44 degrees, and while the Zenfone 11 Ultra gets noticeably hotter than its rivals, it doesn't go anywhere close to that 58-degree mark in regular use. Although it gets hot, there is no noticeable throttling while gaming, and the stability score of 77.1% in Solar Bay is one of the highest of any device. 

There isn't anything missing on the connectivity front, with the Zenfone 11 Ultra featuring a modem that has Bluetooth 5.4, Wi-Fi 7, global Sub-6 5G bands, NFC, and dual-band GPS. ASUS did a good job with the haptic engine as well, and you get granular feedback while using the keyboard and navigating the interface.

Barring a few glitches that have been addressed in the latest software build, I didn't see any issues with the Zenfone 11 Ultra — ASUS once again delivered one of the best hardware packages in the segment. 

ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra: Battery life

ASUS took full advantage of the increased real estate, and fitted a 5500mAh battery inside the Zenfone 11 Ultra. The result is that the phone lasts up to two days with medium use, and I got a day and a half even with heavy use. Battery anxiety is largely nonexistent in 2024, but the Zenfone 11 Ultra has a distinct edge over its rivals, delivering at least an hour of additional screen-on-time.

The phone uses the standard USB PD 3.0 charging protocol, and charges at 65W. You even get wireless charging here, going up to 15W over the Qi 1.3 standard. But what's annoying is that there is no charger in the box; ASUS is emulating Samsung in this regard, and you'll need to buy a USB PD charger to use with the Zenfone 11 Ultra if you don't have one. This is a real shame considering the bundled ASUS chargers were particularly good at charging a variety of other products.

ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra: Cameras

ASUS has steadily refined its cameras over the last two years, and the Zenfone 11 Ultra builds on this with a versatile package that includes three lenses. The main camera is a 50MP Sony IMX90 with a 6-axis gimbal stabilization system. The gimbal stabilizer makes a ton of difference when shooting videos, and I'm glad that ASUS retained it this time around. While the IMX890 is showing its age, ASUS says it went with the module as it was easy to integrate with the gimbal stabilizer.

There's also a 13MP wide-angle lens with 120-degree field of view, and a new addition is a 32MP telephoto lens with OIS that does 3x optical zoom. The lens goes up to 30x digitally, but in my usage, I found that it delivered usable shots up to 5x. Up front, you'll find a 32MP module with 90-degree FoV that uses 4-to-1 pixel binning to deliver 8MP shots.

The Zenfone 11 Ultra takes stellar photos in daylight scenarios, with resultant shots offering great dynamic range and color accuracy. The camera tuning skews toward accurate color rendition, and while there is aggressive smoothening when it comes to foliage, the camera holds its own against other flagships.

The wide-angle lens is quite decent too, and it manages to deliver photos with the same color balance as the main lens. I was excited to try out the 3x zoom lens, and while it does a good job most of the time, there's still some work that needs to be done to tune the sensor.

You get detailed images in low-light scenarios as well, and ASUS was definitely able to eke the most out of the Sony sensor. There's some fringing at times and you miss out on details, but on the whole, the main camera is great in low-light situations. It takes a second to save photos to the gallery, but other than that, there isn't a lot that's wrong.

The auxiliary lenses are strictly average in challenging scenarios, and they just don't measure up to what other flagships offer. Another area where ASUS misses out is taking photos of fast-moving objects; it just isn't anywhere as good as the Pixels or the Find X7 Ultra in these situations.

The cameras are the best of any Zenfone I used thus far, and ASUS got a lot of things right in this area. That said, other brands raised the bar considerably in 2024, with the Honor Magic 6 Pro and Find X7 Ultra delivering huge gains. The Zenfone 11 Ultra just doesn't measure up against those devices, and it isn't on par with the Pixel 8 Pro or Galaxy S24 Ultra in this regard.

ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra: Software

I tested the Zenfone 11 Ultra with the 34.1420.1420.226 build, and this is the retail version that will be available on consumer devices. ASUS mentions that the build will be available as a day-one OTA update, so if you don't see all the software features out of the box, you'll need to update your phone.

The Zenfone 11 Ultra runs the latest iteration of ZenUI on Android 14, and ASUS is doing a great job with its UI efforts. The interface itself is clean and doesn't have any bloatware, and you can't say that about most phones in this segment — the Pixel 8 Pro is the only other device that comes to mind.

What I like with ZenUI is that it gives you plenty of customizability across the board. The notification pane has three styles: ASUS Optimized is the usual option that switches to the older Android system, you can choose Stock Android that has large tiles similar to what you get on a Pixel, and there's a new mode that splits the notification pane in two — with toggles on one side, and notifications on the other.

The UI itself is fluid, and there are no issues in daily use. But the only issue is that ASUS is aggressive with memory management, and I had issues with push notifications at times. This was a problem last year as well, and while there is a setting to disable battery optimization individually, that doesn't do much.

ASUS is rolling out a suite of AI features with the device, and these include AI Call Translator, AI Transcript, AI Wallpaper, and AI Noise Cancellation. AI Call Translator is baked into the ASUS phone dialer, and it delivers real-time translations when you're talking to someone in another language.

You also get the ability to create unique backgrounds on the fly, but the feature I like the most is AI Transcript. It transcribes audio — when using the built-in sound recorder — and it does a brilliant job. I normally use a standalone recorder when conducting interviews, but I decided to just take the Zenfone 11 Ultra when talking to Nothing's co-founder, and it did a great job picking up audio and transcribing it.

ASUS says the recorder works in eight languages, and transcribing is done on-device — no data is sent to the cloud. There's a nifty summary mode that basically summaries the contents of the audio, and this feature relies on the cloud. ASUS introduced Semantic Search debuted on the Zenfone 10, and the feature is available here as well. It uses metadata and contextual information to surface images in the gallery and pull up relevant sub-menus in the settings.

ZenUI now has Phone Link built-in, and ASUS has its own GlideX control panel that lets you use your phone with your Windows machine. The Taiwanese manufacturer is also introducing Qualcomm Seamless; the feature isn't available just yet, but will go live later in the year, and it lets you seamlessly switch between your phone and Windows machine.

The main issue with ZenUI is software updates, or lack thereof. ASUS guarantees two Android platform updates with the Zenfone 11 Ultra, and four years of security updates. There's just no way this is adequate on a phone that costs $899 in 2024, and it severely limits the device.

ASUS maintains that it has limited engineering resources and it cannot deliver more than two updates, but there are brands like Nothing that have fewer resources but still guarantee three updates on budget phones like the Phone (2a), so ASUS doesn't have an excuse in this area. With Google and Samsung now offering seven updates and the rest of the field guaranteeing four platform updates, the Zenfone 11 Ultra is woefully behind.

ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra: The alternatives

The Pixel 8 Pro is the obvious alternative to the Zenfone 11 Ultra, with Google also offering a clean interface that doesn't have any bloatware. The Pixel 8 Pro isn't as powerful, nor does it last as long. However, you get a much better camera system, seven years of software updates, and the design looks much better. As a flagship, the Pixel 8 Pro just has much more to offer.

If you want to maximize value, the OnePlus 12 is a good choice to consider. The software isn't anywhere as good as what you get on the Zenfone 11 Ultra, but you get powerful hardware, a gorgeous design, stellar battery life, and versatile cameras that take terrific photos.

ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra: Should you buy it?

You should buy this if: 

• You want a large phone with terrific hardware
• You need a phone with the best battery life
• You want clean software with plenty of useful features

You shouldn't buy this if:

• You need long-term Android updates
• You want flagship cameras
• You need a charger in the box

When you're paying $899 for a phone, you want the absolute best that's available. To its credit, ASUS got a lot right with the Zenfone 11 Ultra; the phone is one of the fastest around, the battery lasts longer than just about any other phone I used in 2024, and the clean software is a delight to use. You even get a few AI features that are actually meaningful, and ZenUI continues to be one of my favorite Android skins.

The cameras take better photos than previous ASUS phones as well, and it's good to see ASUS make good strides in this area. That said, they're still not quite on the same level as other flagships. The Pixel 8 Pro, Honor Magic 6 Pro, and even the OnePlus 12 outmatch the Zenfone 11 Ultra in most scenarios, and ASUS needs to do more if it wants to hold its own against other flagships.

But the biggest issue with the Zenfone 11 Ultra is that it will just get two software updates. That's not enough for a budget phone, much less a device that costs $899. Every other phone in this segment gives you at least twice as many updates, and while the Zenfone 11 Ultra clearly has a lot to offer, the pitiful update policy is ultimately a deal-breaker.

What you need to know

• ASUS put out a teaser for the next generation of Zenfone this week, but it isn't for the compact phone we know and love.
• The company is teasing a Zenfone 11 Ultra, which will include a larger screen and better battery life. 
• The cryptic teaser doesn't include many details, but sets a launch date for March 14 at 8 a.m. ET. 

Rumors surrounding the future of the ASUS Zenfone line, which includes one of the few compact flagship phones left, dated back to last summer. Now, a cryptic teaser from ASUS previews the next generation of Zenfone, and it isn't another small phone. The company is instead promoting the Zenfone 11 Ultra with a larger screen and bigger battery. 

ASUS has launched a new event page on its website for the Zenfone 11 Ultra's official announcement. It's slated for March 14 at 8 a.m. ET, and this is where we will likely learn more about the Zenfone 11 Ultra. We don't know the exact screen size of the Zenfone 11 Ultra yet, but the "expand your vision" and "ultra size" taglines strongly hint at a bigger footprint than the Zenfone 10.

The market for small phones is rapidly shrinking, or in other words, what the market considers "small" is growing. With that said, ASUS offered perhaps the best compact phone of 2023 with the Zenfone 10 and its 5.9-inch display. Unlike phones of similar sizes, the Zenfone 10 actually had the specs of a flagship phone. 

For reference, the iPhone 15 has a 6.1-inch screen, the Samsung Galaxy S24 has a 6.2-inch screen, and the Google Pixel 8 also has a 6.2-inch screen. Since displays are measured diagonally, the difference of two or three inches is a big one as it relates to the in-hand feel. 

That's what led to rumors of a potential discontinuation of the Zenfone line coming to light last year. The public discourse became so intense that ASUS put out an official statement in August 2023. 

"We would like to address the rumor that ASUS Zenfone 10 will be the last generation of the series and the ASUS Zenfone product line will be shut down," the company said. "This is not true."

As such, ASUS is not ending the Zenfone line. However, if the Zenfone 11 Ultra is the only Zenfone device to debut this year, the identity of the brand will be effectively changed. There's obviously still a chance that ASUS will release a "regular-sized" Zenfone. However, all that's guaranteed right now is that ASUS will unveil an enlarged Zenfone 11 Ultra next month.

What you need to know

• ASUS' next compact flagship phone reaches Google Play Console.
• The listing confirms the Zenfone 11 moniker alongside some exciting specs.
• It includes a Qualcomm Snapdragon Gen 3 SoC, 16GB RAM, and Android 14.

The Zenfone 10 from Asus is considered one of the best compact Android smartphones. Yet, despite rumors of its discontinuation, which the company later trashed, a new leak indicates the device's presence.

As spotted by 91Mobiles, the Asus Zenfone 11, bearing the ASUS_AI2401_D model number, has reached the Google Play Console. It confirms the device's existence alongside a sneak peek and key specs about the company's upcoming compact flagship.

The listing showcases the Zenfone 11's front display panel with a centered punch-hole selfie camera, which is slightly unusual for the company. For example, its predecessors, Zenfone 10 and Zenfone 9 came with a punch hole cutout placed on the top left corner of the screen. Also, the resolution is expected to be 1080p, as in the previous iteration.

The Google Play Console listing further confirms that the device will run on Android 14 out of the box. It will likely feature at least 16GB of RAM and a Qualcomm chip underneath. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3's model number, SM8650, as seen on the most recent OnePlus 12, is mentioned for the SoC.

But as 91mobiles notes, the Adreno 830 GPU listed on the console listing is not the same as the Adreno 750 GPU found in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Thus, per 91mobiles, the chip indicated could potentially be the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, the upcoming successor to the 8 Gen 3. However, as this is an early Google Play Console spotting, there's a possibility of inaccuracy; thus, we advise you to treat this information cautiously. 

It isn't the first time Zenfone 11 has been spotted in the wild. Last week, an alleged ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra was listed on an Indonesian certification authority — spotted by Mukul Sharma, aka @stufflistings on X (via Notebookcheck) bearing AI2401_H, slightly different from the aforementioned model name.

These citings indicate that Asus is far from discounting the Zenfone series; instead, it is likely on the verge of bringing multiple models. As we are already one month down this year, expect more evidence to unfold about the Zenfone 11 series over the next few months.

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What you need to know

• ASUS launches the ROG Phone 8 and 8 Pro with the latter featuring a new AniMe Vision dot matrix lighting array that is fully customizable.
• The series is smaller, lighter, and thinner than the ROG 7 series from 2023, as well as a newly revamped square-ish triple camera housing.
• The ROG Phone 8 Pro is available for $1,199 while its base Phone 8 sibling can be grabbed for $1,099.

ASUS is starting the year off with an ode to gamers as it launches the ROG Phone 8 and 8 Pro.

The ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro kicks things off as the company details its "biggest revamp in its long history." The Phone 8 Pro has received a 17% reduction in size when compared to the ROG Phone 7. Additionally, ASUS states the device is 15% thinner and 9% lighter, as well. Despite the size change, the Phone 8 Pro features a 6.7-inch FHD+ display with a maximum 165Hz refresh rate. The device also supports HDR10.

Powering the device's gaming potential is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, which has been given a 30% boost in CPU power and a 25% speed increase for its graphical performance.

With the ROG Phone 8 Pro focused on gaming, ASUS has taken strides to help alleviate heat buildup with its "revolutionary" thermal structure. The GameCool 8 structure is said to increase thermal efficiency by 22%. Taking it further, consumers can attach the AeroActive Cooler X, a cooling pack that pops onto the back of the device.

With its strong fan bringing in cool air for the back of the phone, ASUS estimates it can help cool things down by another 20%. The Cooler X pack features two physical buttons for gamers to utilize.

The rear of the ROG Phone 8 Pro has also gained a revamped lighting array. The device now features AniMe Vision, a set of 341 programmable LEDs that users can customize with personalized animations and more. When not in use, ASUS states its lights are completely hidden, only visible when you turn them on.

Furthermore, the Phone 8 Pro's camera array places its triple lens inside a square-ish housing, quite different from the horizontal container on its predecessor. Consumers will find a 50MP primary lens with Gimbal OIS (optical image stabilization) and a lossless 2x zoom mode. There's a 13MP ultra-wide lens and a 32MP 3x optical zoom lens, as well.

The front-facing punch-hole selfie camera arrives at 32MP with an ultrawide 90-degree FoV for capturing group shots. ASUS adds that users can utilize its 1x zoom or scale down to 0.7x.

The Taiwanese OEM packs a bit of AI into the Phone 8 Pro as its cameras benefit from "AI Object Sense." This is stated to help the cameras optimize contrast and saturation separately for a more "vivid" experience.

ASUS' AI software extends to X Capture, which automatically records highlights for users if they've hit a triple kill or something else worthy. Moreover, AI Grabber recognizes keywords in a game's dialogue so you can copy it and search for more information about where to farm a specific object in Genshin Impact or Honkai: Star Rail.

The Phone 8 Pro features a 5,500mAh battery with 65W wired fast charging and 15W wireless charging. ASUS estimates the device can charge from zero to 100% in 39 minutes. In terms of sound, the Pro model features Dirac Virtuo for spatial audio crafted for those wearing wired, Bluetooth, or USB-C headphones.

Consumers will find two different RAM/internal storage options: 16/512GB and 24/1TB. The ROG Phone 8 Pro is available in Phantom Black and will hit the market for $1,199.99 and $1,499.99, respectively.

The base ROG Phone 8 model features slight differences when compared to its Pro sibling. This phone still features the same 6.7-inch FHD+ display with a maximum 165Hz refresh rate. The device has also been slimmed down like the Pro model while also becoming 9% lighter than the base Phone 7 from 2023.

However, things differ in its design as the Phone 8 features Aura RGB Lighting. The company states users can customize the ROG Fearless Eye logo with a variety of solid colors and pre-made lighting patterns. 

What's interesting is that the basic model features the same battery power as the pro model 5,500mAh, so the users can get the same battery life on both devices.

The ROG Phone 8 is available in two different RAM/internal storage options: 12/256GB and 16/256GB for both its Rebel Grey and Phantom Black colorways. Consumers can find the ROG Phone 8 listed for $1,099.99.

What you need to know

• Several renders have leaked, allegedly showcasing a slight change for the ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro's rear LED lights.
• The device appears to contain dot LEDs, which may be programmable by the user once the device launches.
• The front of the phone remains the same as its base Phone 8 sibling.
• ASUS is preparing to reveal the ROG Phone 8 series on January 8 during CES 2024 in Las Vegas.

Mobile gamers are eagerly awaiting for ASUS' upcoming flagship series, and its Pro model is supposedly receiving a few changes.

Alleged renders obtained by MySmartPrice suggest the ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro will feature a slightly different rear lighting array as opposed to the Phone 8. The leaked renderings show several dot LEDs, in the shape of the ROG logo, that push the 8 Pro in the direction of other, more expensive ASUS devices.

With these LEDs, users would be able to program the dot pattern lights to suit various needs. The changes expected still remain unknown, but it's certainly a different path Asus has taken, when we look back on previous iterations.

A different,  square-ish camera house array is also spotted on the rear, containing a triple camera lens setup.

According to the images, the device supposedly features a large, flat display with thin bezels. A power button can be spotted beneath a long volume rocker on the right side of the device. Additionally, consumers may find the phone's SIM card slot and headphone jack alongside its USB-C charging port at the bottom.

Most of what ASUS is cooking up for the front of the device on the Phone 8 Pro was previewed in December as the company showcased its base model on Weibo. The Taiwanese OEM made a note of its departure from featuring rather thick bezels on the top and bottom of its mobile gaming phone and bringing in a punch-hole selfie camera, as a result.

Aside from that, a massive ASUS ROG Phone 8 series leak in December last year spilled much of what consumers may expect during its launch. Both devices will benefit from Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, which the company teased itself, alongside a rumored 24GB of RAM for the Pro model. The ROG Phone 8 will feature a simple 6.7-inch FHD+ display, strengthened by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2.

However, the Pro variant takes its 6.7-inch display up a notch by featuring HDR 10 support and up to 165Hz refresh rate.

ASUS hinted that the reveal of the ROG Phone 8 series will take place on January 8 during CES 2024 in Las Vegas. The devices will launch in China on January 16, meaning we'll have to wait and see when those on a global scale can expect to see it.

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Before the calendar flipped into 2024, Intel made a splash as it announced its all-new Core Ultra lineup of processors. Joining in on the fun was ASUS, which announced the first Chromebook to be powered by one of these AI-focused chips on the ExpertBook CX54 Chromebook Plus.

As soon as you start reading through the different configurations that are expected to be made available, it's apparent that ASUS is setting a high bar to start the year. While the company hasn't shared any pricing or availability details, the team over at Chrome Unboxed published a hands-on video with the upcoming Chromebook. 

You won't find any performance metrics, but the video gives everyone an idea of what to expect from a design perspective. The design is pretty similar to the ASUS Chromebook CX9 with a hinge that lifts the keyboard into a more ergonomic position  once opened.

One of the points that Robby continued to drive home throughout the video, is that ASUS nailed the design. And users can breathe a sigh of relief as the new CX54 Chromebook Plus also seems to tackle the most common issue of excessive flex in many of the best Chromebooks.

Another big benefit of this upcoming Chromebook is the port selection, as you'll get dual USB-A ports, a full-size HDMI port, dual USB-C (Thunderbolt 4) ports, a microSD card slot, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a Kensington Lock. Chances are, you'll need one of these locks to connect to a docking station unless you have multiple monitors.

As we stated in the announcement piece, this looks like a direct competitor to the HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook. The two major differences between these premium Chromebooks are in the lower display brightness (500 nits vs. 1200 nits), and ASUS' decision to forego a haptic trackpad in favor of a more traditional solution.

With CES 2024 around the corner, we're hoping that ASUS will reveal pricing and availability information soon. Until then, we're keeping our fingers crossed and hope to get our hands on the new ExpertBook CX54 Chromebook Plus and see how it stacks up.

What you need to know

• ASUS started rolling out its Android 14 update for all Zenfone 10 owners, though the software's arrival could take a few days to appear.
• The update revamps several apps present on the Zenfone 10 and also includes a new set of "Photo and Video" permissions for extra security.
• The Taiwanese company remains committed to its small Zenfone series as it refuted rumors in August about its cancellation.

ASUS is bringing its Android 14 to Zenfone 10 owners, packed with a few system-wide improvements.

The Taiwanese company alerted Zenfone 10 owners that the Android 14 update rollout has begun (via YTechB), stating that users should begin seeing firmware version 34.1004.0204.65 at a 1.3GB download size. The post adds those awaiting the update should expect to wait a few days as the server pushes the FOTA notification.

Aside from Android 14, the update also includes a fix that improved speakerphone call echo problems Zenfone 10 owners have experienced.

The update supports a new set of "Photos and Video" permissions and a system photo picker. This is more of a security effort as it lets users control what data apps have access to. Optimizations for Bluetooth headset disconnections, including noise issues, have also rolled in.

Several more additions and changes, according to its changelog, are as follows:

• Revamped Mobile Manager, Contacts, Phone, Emergency Dialer, File Manager, Calculator, Clock, Gallery, Weather, Sound recorder, Settings, Phone Clone, Local backup, Launcher, and so on.
• Support the color and brightness customization of the clock widget on the lock screen.
• Adjusted the display method of battery usage to view app usage in segments.
• Fixed the ASUS customized power menu lacking restart and shutdown options

ASUS warns users that they should back up their data before downloading and installing Android 14. Moreover, certain third-party apps are not yet supported in the new software. Your Zenfone 10 should automatically grab the over-the-air (OTA) update; however, you can manually check to see its availability by heading into Settings > System > System Update.

The update is rolling out in batches, which is why the company states it could take a few days before you see it. Ensure that your Zenfone 10 is rocking the latest firmware version, 33.0220.0220.101, before proceeding.

ASUS launched the Zenfone 10 back in July as its latest entry into the world of small Android phones, with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC to boot. There were rumors in August that ASUS would likely move away from its Zenfone series; however, the company quickly refuted that rumor. The Taiwanese brand remains committed to its small phone series, and we can likely look forward to a 2024 follow-up.

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It has been a particularly great year for Android phones; we got insane cameras from Xiaomi and Vivo, Google went all-in on AI, OnePlus finally launched a foldable, and Samsung still managed to outsell everyone else by having a larger marketing budget and availability in pretty much all countries.

With 2024 just around the corner, there's a lot to be excited about. We already know a decent amount about key launches like the OnePlus 12 and Xiaomi 14, and with the Galaxy S24 series debuting imminently, Q1 2024 is going to be a busy time in the industry. Having used just about all the phones released in 2023, here's what I want to see from Android brands in 2024.

Samsung

With the Galaxy S24 series slated to launch in January, we don't have to wait long to see if Samsung rolls out any meaningful upgrades or if it's going to be business as usual. What I'm more interested in is the Galaxy A55; it hasn't gotten an overhaul in a few years, and I want Samsung to introduce updated camera modules and a new design next year.

While leaked renders suggest Samsung is going to continue with a similar design aesthetic, the A55 should get slightly faster internals thanks to the Exynos 1480. It could even offer an AMD-based GPU, and that should make things much more interesting in the mid-range segment. And as I'm making requests, I'd really like to see a better wide-angle lens on the back of the mid-range Galaxy A series.

But the biggest change needs to be around charging tech; yes, I understand that Samsung may be reticent to do so, but the brand already offers 45W charging on the S23 Plus and S23 Ultra, and it can easily bring that over to the rest of its portfolio. Samsung also needs to address PWM sensitivity; most manufacturers now offer displays with PWM dimming so that they're easier on the eyes, but Samsung hasn't done much in this segment — you won't find any Samsung devices in our best phones for PWM sensitivity list.

While Samsung is in a dominant position with its foldables, the hardware is nowhere as good as what Chinese manufacturers are doing at the moment. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 felt like an inferior product to all the Chinese foldables I used this year, and the only reason it's outselling everything else is because the other manufacturers don't have a foothold in North America. Samsung needs to do much better with its 2024 foldables, and it can start by adding a wider cover screen to the Z Fold 6.

Google

Google leaned heavily on AI with the Pixel 8 series, and to its credit, it actually delivered useful features that make a difference — Video Boost and Audio Magic Eraser are my favorite features on the Pixel 8 Pro. I want Google to go even further in 2024 with these features and create the ultimate AI-enabled devices. 

Also, I'd like to see some of these AI features show up on the Pixel 8a in 2024; the mid-range segment is where Google truly shines, and I want to see the brand continue to build on the Pixel 7a's strengths.

Like Samsung, Google is too conservative when it comes to charging tech, and I'd like to see that change in 2024. I'm not saying Google should start offering 100W charging on its devices, but if it can manage to go up to 65W over the USB PD 3.0 standard, that would make the Pixels that much more alluring.

More than anything else, Google needs to sort out availability. Its products are still limited to just a dozen countries, and that needs to change if the brand wants to be seen as a serious player in the hardware segment. Honestly, I just want Google to release the next-gen Pixel Fold in India — is that too much to ask?

Xiaomi

Xiaomi had a stellar year on the back of devices like the Redmi Note 12 Pro and Xiaomi 13 Ultra, and I'm excited to see how the brand's reimagined software holds up with the Xiaomi 14 series.

For a while, it looked like Xiaomi would be able to measure up to Samsung in global markets, but that excitement leveled off this year. While the brand continues to do well in the budget and mid-range categories, it still doesn't quite have the same sort of cachet in the high-end segment as Samsung and Google — and this is in spite of the Xiaomi 13 Ultra having the best overall camera package you can get today.

The biggest issue with Xiaomi is its lackadaisical attitude when it comes to launching its marquee products outside China. The Xiaomi 13 Ultra launched globally, but it is only available in a limited set of countries, and Xiaomi's biggest overseas markets missed out on the device. Unlike Google, Xiaomi has the distribution network to release its phones globally, so I'm not really sure what's preventing the brand from doing so. It also needs to bring its foldables outside China if it wants to go up against Samsung and Honor.

OnePlus/OPPO

I was going to suggest that OnePlus release its R series devices globally, but the company has just confirmed that it is doing just that with the OnePlus 12R, so it clearly knows what I want. The move makes a lot of sense; the OnePlus 11R delivers the best features of the OnePlus 11 — including the same primary camera — but it is much more affordable, making it the obvious choice for those looking to maximize value. I didn't understand why the device was limited to India, but I'm glad to see the 12R is going global — it has the makings of a terrific mid-ranger.

Obviously, the standout device of the year has to be the OnePlus Open, and the manufacturer did a terrific job with the foldable. While I may have been a bit harsh in my review, OnePlus did a good job sorting out the software issues a few weeks after launch, and the foldable is faultless now.

OnePlus will also be looking to continue its momentum into 2024. The OnePlus 12 is launching globally on January 23, and it is packing considerable upgrades — both on the camera and charging side of things. I want to see decent upgrades with the Nord portfolio as well, including bringing the Nord numbered series to North America. While the Nord N30 is aimed at the budget segment, it has far too many shortcomings, and the Nord 4 should get a global release next year.

Things were a little different with OPPO this year, with the brand exiting several global markets. It also didn't launch its best phone of the year — the Find X6 Pro — outside China, and that's a letdown, considering how good the cameras are on the device. It doesn't look like OPPO will change its strategy going into 2024, and the Find X7 could be limited to its home country. In global regions, the brand is instead focusing on its foldables and the mid-range Reno portfolio.

For 2024, I want to see a OnePlus flip phone that's based on the Find N3 Flip. It should be relatively straightforward to achieve as the Find N3 Flip already has all the requisite ingredients — an alert slider, ColorOS, legacy OxygenOS features, and a gorgeous design. Launching the device under the OnePlus label allows OPPO access to a significantly wider audience, and it can go up against Samsung in North America.

Honor

Honestly, I didn't think Honor would do as good a job with foldables; the Magic V2 is one of the best phones I used this year, and a lot of that is down to the unbelievably thin design. Honor is also doing a lot of good things in the mid-range segment, and the Honor 90 is a terrific phone with a gorgeous design.

While I have no issues with Honor's hardware, the software needs an overhaul — MagicOS 7.1 still feels too similar to EMUI, and a cleaner design with less bloatware would go a long way in making Honor's phones stand out.

My biggest source of frustration with Honor is that it takes too long to release its devices. I wrote about the Magic V2 three months ago, and when Honor launched the device at IFA, I thought sales would kick off immediately. But that wasn't the case, and the device is now slated to be available in Q1 2024, and that's just too late — Honor really needs to do better in this area in 2024.

ASUS

I've been bugging ASUS for the last two years to release a larger version of the Zenfone. The Zenfone 10 is the best small Android phone you can get, with ASUS somehow managing to cram all the features you'll find in a flagship into a small chassis.

While ASUS says it won't release a larger model in the Zenfone series, the upcoming ROG Phone 8 could just be that device; leaks point to a design that's much more mainstream, and that should allow the device to cater to a wider audience. I like what ASUS is doing with its phone strategy, and the only thing I'd like the brand to change is to make its phones available in more countries — I feel like that's a common refrain with most brands.

Vivo

Just like Xiaomi, Vivo had a good year. It rolled out exciting camera tech on devices like the X90 Pro, cleaned up its software efforts, and continued its momentum in key markets. Its 2024 flagship, the X100 Pro, is already selling in a few regions (review out very soon), and it may just be one of the best camera packages that we'll see next year.

The one thing Vivo needs to change is its launch schedule. The brand still has a tendency to flood the market with new products that are barely different from their predecessors. The V27 series launched back in March, and in less than six months, Vivo debuted the V29 and V29 Pro, with the only difference being increased storage, a new wide-angle lens, and slight tweaks to charging tech.

Nothing

Nothing had a good year on the back of the Phone (2), and the brand made good on its promise of delivering software updates faster. While I didn't talk as much about the device (I've got a long-term review coming soon), it is a decent overall option — if you like the design.

Looking forward to 2024, Nothing needs to focus on the imaging side of things. While the Phone (2) has a better camera than its predecessor, it still doesn't measure up to the best phones in this category, and that needs to be addressed. And while Nothing OS 2.0 has a unique design (much like the phone), it also has plenty of bugs, and I'm waiting to see if these are finally addressed with the Android 14 update.

Motorola

Motorola had a better-than-expected year thanks to the launch of some rather compelling phones. The Motorola Edge Plus (2023) gave us a proper phone to compete with the top Pixel and Galaxy devices, the Razr Plus is a spectacular flip phone with the best cover screen implementation we've seen, and the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) is perhaps one of the best bang-for-your-buck midrange phones in North America. And that's just talking hardware; Motorola has also upped its software game a bit with better update promises for its flagship phones.

Sure, Motorola may have been voted as the most improved Android brand of 2023, but there are still ways the company can improve going into 2024. Software is a big part of that, and the company has started this annoying habit with its midrange devices where it will install annoying ad-like bloatware that's harder than it should be to get rid of. And while Motorola's software promise has improved with flagship devices, it still falls behind with its cheaper phones, which is a shame when Samsung's upgrade promise extends across its lineup.

Motorola also has to be much quicker and more communicative regarding its major update plans. Companies such as Samsung, Xiaomi, Nothing, and even Sony have all started rolling out Android 14, while Motorola has been radio-silent on the matter. What's the point of offering better software promises when we're waiting longer than everyone else to get these promised updates?

What you need to know

• ASUS has announced the first Chromebook to be powered by Intel's Core Ultra 7 processor. 
• The ExpertBook CX54 Chromebook Plus promises double the performance of the competition. 
• It features a 14-inch touchscreen display, and is capable of connecting with up to three 4K external monitors. 

As it turns out, we don't need to wait until CES 2024 to learn about what new Chromebooks will be hitting the market next year. ASUS has beaten everyone to the punch by announcing the ExpertBook CX54 Chromebook Plus, and by the looks of it, HP finally has a bit of competition at the top end of the market. 

This new Chromebook was announced alongside the new Intel Core Ultra lineup of processors, which aim to promise a "no-compromise premium mobile experience." With the CX54 Chromebook Plus, ASUS is set to offer four different CPU configurations, along with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and up to a 512GB PCIe 4.0 SSD. 

Other features of the ExpertBook CX54 Chromebook Plus include all of the latest AI-powered enhancements and features found in ChromeOS. This includes things like being able to enjoy better video call quality, using Magic Eraser in Google Photos, and accessing the web version of Photoshop.

As for the screen, ASUS relies on a 14-inch (optional) touchscreen display with a 2560 x 1600 resolution. What has us excited about this screen is that ASUS claims it is capable of reaching 500 nits. It still falls short of the 1,200 nits of brightness that the HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook is capable of, but it is quite a bit better than a lot of the other Chromebook Plus models out there.

The design itself is what you would expect from ASUS' ExpertBook line, meaning that it meets the US MIL-STD 810H standards while being made from an "all-metal chassis that's crafted from recycled aluminum." This equates to one of the more premium Chromebooks without worrying about carrying a tank, as it weighs just under 3 pounds (1.3kg/2.87 lbs).

Lastly, the Expertbook CX54 Chromebook Plus has all of the ports that you could want in a Chromebook. This includes dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, a full-size HDMI 2.1 port, dual USB-A ports, and a microSD card slot. But ASUS states that you'll be able to connect up to three 4K displays to this Chromebook at the same time, all without needing to rely on a docking station.

Unfortunately, ASUS stopped short of revealing pricing and availability for the ExpertBook CX54 Chromebook Plus. We're also hoping that this won't just be limited to the Enterprise segment. 

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As 2023 comes to an end, we at Android Central are taking a look back at some of our favorite moments of the year. Whether it's tech-related or just some of our favorite moments and things from life, these are the things we want to highlight that have shaped or influenced our year in a positive or interesting way.

This was quite a significant year for me, and a big part of that had to do with the fact that I became managing editor for Android Central. This year was also filled with plenty of travel, new experiences, and a lot of personal and professional growth. To say that 2023 exceeded my expectations is a bit of an understatement, and while there were many challenges, there were also plenty of moments that I really enjoyed this year.

Here are some of my most significant moments and the things that really stood out to me this year:

Traveling

I'm not someone who has had much opportunity to travel. I started writing for Android Central toward the end of 2020, and it would be a while before people would really start traveling again. This year was the first time I got to travel for work, starting with the Motorola Razr Plus launch in New York City, and I'm fortunate to have traveled to a few other places and met so many of my colleagues for the first time. To say that I'm grateful is an understatement.

And I didn't just travel for work. I went back to San Diego (where I'm from) for Comic-Con (more on that, later), checked out a few states over the summer for a little vacation, and I'll be popping over to Hawaii with some college friends to celebrate New Year's. I've done more traveling this year than I'm used to, and it's both exhausting and incredibly fun!

I got to play with flip phones

This was the first year that I got to play with foldable phones. It started with the Razr Plus, but I also got to review the Galaxy Z Flip 5, OPPO Find N3 Flip, and the affordable Razr "Minus." I've always been a fan of the idea of the modern flip phone, and companies really showed up and showed out this year.

Which was my favorite? Well, when comparing the Razr Plus to the Galaxy Z Flip 5, I found that while the Galaxy is the more powerful model, I just prefer the experience of the Razr. That said, the Find N3 Flip has an impressive camera system, while the Motorola Razr "Minus" is the cheapest foldable option you can find in North America. There's something for everyone if you're looking for a flip phone, and I can't wait to see what 2024 brings!

Meeting one of my favorite singers

Over the past few years, I've become a huge fan of retro wave/synthwave. I first became aware of the genre in 2021 after hearing a song from The Midnight (who I saw live in 2022), and I've become obsessed ever since. Ollie Wride is another artist whom I absolutely love, and during his tour this year, I got to see him perform live and meet him in person!

It's been months, and I'm still freaking out! This man has an incredible voice and such an electrifying stage presence. He's also incredibly nice, and you can tell he really appreciates his fans. I also just love that he dances like no one's watching, something I should probably do more.

If you're not familiar with retro wave or synthwave, you should definitely check out Ollie Wride. The music has a very 80s feel but with a modern take, and it's simply phenomenal. Definitely listen to "Running in the Night," "Back to Life," and "Wild Ones," to name a few. You should also check out songs from The Midnight, such as "Jason," "Days of Thunder," and "Deep Blue." You're welcome.

Finally got a new laptop

I've been rocking a pretty old Surface Pro (2017) for more than a few years now. It was decent when I first got it, but it really started showing its age recently. Not to mention, the touch screen was busted, and editing videos was an absolute chore. I knew I needed to get a new computer, but it was always so hard to choose a good one for my needs that was within my price range.

Finally, after years of back and forth, I finally settled on the ASUS Zenbook Pro 14 OLED, which I bought during Black Friday weekend. I cannot tell you how good it feels to have a laptop that can run Windows 11, do basic tasks without freezing up, and allow me to edit videos with Premiere Pro. The 2.8K OLED display is gorgeous, the laptop has all the ports I need, there's plenty of horsepower, and the trackpad has a built-in dial that's quite helpful for editing. And all this was surprisingly more affordable than other similar options.

Meeting my family 

While I was doing all that traveling over the summer, I visited Chicago, Wisconsin, and Missouri. The final stop on the summer tour was for a family reunion, where I met my dad's side of the family for the first time. I wasn't sure what to expect, but they turned out to be loud, rambunctious, fun, loving, and incredibly welcoming. We danced, we laughed, we drank, and I got to really bond with my uncles, aunts, cousins, and grandfather.

It was also a chance for me to spend time with my father. We're fairly close, but we hadn't seen each other in person in 13 years. Altogether, it was all incredibly overwhelming, but I hadn't felt such a sense of family in a long time, and I couldn't have been happier.

Some awesome games

This was a fantastic year for video games. I have a PS5, and while I don't play a ton of games, the few I have played through have been phenomenal.

I was cautiously optimistic about Hogwarts Legacy since there was so much hype (and controversy) around the game. However, the game turned out to be just as good as I had hoped, maybe even better. It's a shame it wasn't nominated for anything at The Game Awards. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor was a great follow-up, and Spider-Man 2 was even more fun than its predecessors, which says a lot.

Of course, there were so many other good games this year that I haven't had a chance to play yet. There's always 2024, although there will also be plenty of other games to play.

San Diego Comic-Con

I used to go to San Diego Comic-Con just about every year, but the pandemic sort of messed up my Comic-Con plans for the past few years. It was great to get back to it over the summer, although it was a little different. With the writers and actors on strike, there weren't really any big names or panels to look forward to, so the exhibit hall was busier than usual. That said, it's always fun to go to, and it's something my mum and I enjoy together.

It's not easy to get tickets to SDCC, but if you ever get the opportunity, I would highly recommend it. It's a fun opportunity to get one-of-a-kind merch, check out exclusive content on movies, shows, and video games before others, and possibly even see your favorite celebrities. Plus, the cosplaying is superb, and I really want to dress up one year.

Wear OS is finally having a moment

I've talked about my excitement for the Snapdragon W5 Plus chip before, but that was right after the chip was launched. Now that it's finally available in smartwatches, we've been able to see what it's capable of, and it hasn't disappointed. The TicWatch Pro 5 has proven to be quite capable, and the Pixel Watch 2 is a big improvement on the original. Honestly, the fact that Google even switched from an Exynos chip to the Snapdragon is a big deal for Wear OS and Qualcomm, and I can't wait for other companies like Fossil to launch their own devices with the chip.

Not only are we seeing better chips for Wear OS smartwatches, but Google is actually giving Wear OS more attention. Apps are getting better, the software is snappier, and we're seeing more capabilities arrive. With all this attention, it looks like companies are finally getting on board with it. Xiaomi launched a new watch, and it's rumored that OnePlus could have a watch in development. Thus, I have a feeling 2024 is going to be a big year for Wear OS, and I can't wait to see what smartphone OEMs besides Samsung do with it.

Confronting my thalassophobia

Something I hadn't really talked about much until this year is my thalassophobia. Basically, I'm afraid of large bodies of water, such as lakes and oceans. It sucked as a kid living in San Diego, a city that was all about the beaches. I would cry every time my family would try to get me in the water, content with just playing in the sand. This year, since I knew I would be in Hawaii for New Year's, I figured I would work on trying to get over this fear.

So, this year, I've joined my friends a couple of times at a lake north of Seattle. It's a pretty large lake, big enough that even thinking about it makes me anxious. However, with my friends by my side, I've managed to actually go into the water, at least waist deep. Any further made me nervous, but this was already the deepest I had ever gone into any natural body of water (pools are fine with me). I even took a kayak into the middle of the lake, which made me incredibly nervous.

Baby steps, but I count that as progress.

Becoming a social butterfly

It may come as a surprise to many, even people who have known me for a while, but I'm actually pretty introverted, and I'm a huge homebody. But that's something I've been trying to change lately, especially after being holed up during the pandemic, and it was my goal to both travel and go out more often this year. As I mentioned at the top of this article, I got to do more traveling this year than I have before, but what surprised me most was just how much I've changed. Even my friends and family have noticed the personality shift.

Sure, I still prefer to stay home and rewatch my favorite shows like Fringe and The Nanny, but throughout the year, I've noticed that I'm much more willing to go out and spend time with friends, go on adventures, check out shows, and experience new things. I'm constantly telling myself, "I don't know who this person is, but I like him!" I'm truly pleased about the person I'm turning into, and I can't wait to see what comes in 2024.

What you need to know

• ASUS is planning to release an ROG Phone 8 and ROG Phone 8 Pro next year, and a spec and design leak just revealed more information on the phones.
• The ROG Phone 8 and Phone 8 Pro feature a flatter design on the rails, with chamfered edges leading into the display. Notably, the back display is gone on the new phones.
• Both phones will get the boost to Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 platform, and improved cameras.

ASUS is gearing up to release new smartphones in its ROG Phone lineup next year, and a massive leak from WindowsReport gives us our best look at them yet. The exclusive includes full images and specs and paints a nearly complete picture of the rumored ROG Phone 8 and ROG Phone 8 Pro. 

With these smartphones, ASUS will improve the specs to make the ROG Phone 8 series an even better smartphone for mobile gaming. That includes a pretty significant memory upgrade, with the ROG Phone 8 Pro reportedly supporting a configuration that includes up to 24GB of LPDDR5X memory. Both phones will also get the boost with Qualcomm's new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 platform, which has some impressive benchmarking scores.

But on the other hand, ASUS is also toning down the design of the ROG Phone 8 series. This is presumably part of an effort to make the ROG Phone 8 and 8 Pro appeal to a wider audience, expanding beyond "Republic of Gamers" enthusiasts. The new design cuts out the rear display, a staple of previous models like the ROG Phone 7 Ultimate. Plus, the sides are mostly flat with slightly chamfered edges, following the design of the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Another upgrade is found in the rear camera system, which is apparently using an IMX890 50MP main sensor from Sony. There's also a 13MP ultra-wide camera, and this is presumably the same sensor in the ROG Phone 7 Ultimate. But ASUS is swapping out the 5MP macro sensor on the ROG Phone 7 Ultimate for a telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. These upgrades are only rumored for the ROG Phone 8 Pro, though, as the leak doesn't cover the ROG Phone 8 cameras.

Here are the full specs from WindowsReport, plus the current ROG Phone 7 Ultimate specifications for comparison:

Despite some improvements for more casual users, there will still be some gamer-focused elements to the ROG Phone 8 Pro. Accessories are still a big part of the experience, like the AeroActive Cooler X, which can slot into a DEVILCASE Guardian case with a removable backplate. 

We don't have to wait much longer for official confirmation of these specs since ASUS will announce both phones at CES 2023. Aside from that, we still don't have an idea of what pricing for these phones could look like. After that, it'll be released as both global and China-only variants.

What you need to know

• ASUS states the next ROG Phone 8 series will make an appearance on January 8 at CES in Las Vegas.
• The company has started to tease a larger display for the flagship as it gets rid of the thick bezels surrounding the device.
• ASUS has also highlighted work done with its "brand new camera system," which users can participate in a vote for.

ASUS is ramping up its teaser engine for the next ROG Phone, giving insight into when we can expect it and more. The Taiwanese company posted on X that the ROG Phone 8 series will be revealed on January 8 at CES 2024 in Las Vegas (via GSMArena). Another standout post stems from its Weibo post, which reveals the phone's launch date for China on January 16, while showing off changes to the display.

The accompanying teaser video shows a model standing in the frame of the previous ROG Phone 7 Ultimate before expanding the screen and shrinking its bezels. Thus, consumers can expect a much more immersive screen from ASUS' flagship next year alongside a punch-hole selfie camera. Past generations of the ROG Phone have featured thick bezels on the top and bottom of the display, consuming much of its screen.

Gaming phones aren't particularly known for their impressive imaging chops, but the company has also started drip-feeding new ventures for the ROG Phone 8 cameras, stating on X that "it goes #BeyondGaming with a brand new camera system". ASUS is encouraging consumers to vote in its blind test, comparing photos taken from other phones in the industry, as well as its upcoming device. Users partaking can win an ROG Phone 8, and those who voted were treated to a set of new device renders.

This new, clear glimpse at the ROG Phone 8 in black and gray showcases its new square-ish camera array and back panel. It looks like ASUS is taking a much cleaner route with the back of its device, getting away from the futuristic look it's done prior. Moreover, it looks like we can still expect some RGB lighting as the Republic of Gamer logo appears to shine.

ASUS teasing more to come with its cameras is new as cameras were seemingly not a high priority for previous models. The ROG Phone 7 Ultimate used the same 50MP primary lens that the ROG Phone 6 used the year before. The brand did refine its tuning to improve shots taken in a variety of situations, but these changes were minimal steps instead of leaps.

We started receiving teasers about some likely changes for the ROG Phone series moving forward almost a week ago. It was then we got a shadowy look at its new thick-looking housing array for its triple lenses. Moreover, GSMArena adds the device may arrive with Android 14 out of the box, with rumors suggesting 65W fast charging as a potential specification.

Additionally, it's been officially stated that the ROG Phone 8 and 8 Pro will benefit from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 when it launches.

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What you need to know

• ASUS posted a teaser for the ROG Phone 8 stating it's "coming soon," alongside a glimpse at its rear panel change.
• The Phone 8 series sports a new square-ish triple lens camera housing, diverting from the previous series' horizontal array.
• ASUS teased the Phone 8 will contain the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for increased boosts in performance, efficiency, and graphical potential.

ASUS has started teasing its upcoming flagship phone with a subtle change over its predecessor.

The Taiwanese company posted a photo on X of the ROG Phone 8 with the tagline "Coming soon." This is enough for excitement, but the accompanying picture of the device in the background shows a change to its camera housing. It looks like the ROG Phone 8 will swap from the horizontal camera array on the ROG Phone 7 and 7 Ultimate in favor of a more condensed, square-ish housing.

The photo displays the device's larger primary sensor and two other lenses nestled vertically on the right-most side of the rather thick-looking housing. Beneath the assumed primary lens is the LED flash, as well.

Moreover, the rear panel of this particular phone is quite plain, with the words "Republic of Gamers" written cleanly in its center. ASUS is likely treating us to an early view of the base ROG Phone 8, as it's likely there will be two variants. Furthering this is Android Authority's keen eye for the ROG Phone 8 and Phone 8 Pro passing through the Bluetooth SIG certification.

It looks like both devices will arrive with Bluetooth 5.4 support.

In terms of power, the company teased Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC will power its upcoming gaming-focused phone. ASUS may look to utilize the chip's 30% additional performance, 20% improved efficiency, and 25% graphical boost to further its ROG Phone 8 series.

There's no hiding Qualcomm's efforts at packing as much AI prowess into the SD 8 Gen 3 this year. Software like this would (ideally) boost ASUS' next series, as the Phone 7 series contained quite a bit of AI for capturing a user's gaming highlights to post on social media and the like.

For when we can expect it, that's still unclear. Seeing as the company's teaser surfaced quite early, it spurred speculation that it could arrive earlier in 2024. For context, the ROG Phone 7 series launched around mid-April 2023. With that, we'll have to keep a close eye on ASUS to see just how soon "soon" is.

What you need to know

• An alleged ASUS ROG Phone 8 promotional photo has leaked, with the imagery teasing the existence of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset.
• The early promo leak may signify the company's interest in releasing its gaming-focused device a little earlier in 2024.
• The ROG Phone 7 had features utilizing AI to help the gaming experience, and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 was built with a strong focus on generative AI.

Early signs about the ASUS ROG Phone might've spilled, and it could mean an earlier launch is in order.

X leaker Abhishek Yadav posted what appears to be a leaked promotional image for the assumed ASUS ROG Phone 8 (via Android Authority). The photo is prominently teasing the existence of the recently launched Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, which Yadav claims the upcoming flagship phone will contain.

It's worth remembering that the ROG Phone 7 launched earlier this year in April, and there is some running speculation that the company is interested in spreading out its yearly releases. It should be noted that ASUS followed its mobile gaming-focused device up with the launch of the Zenfone 10 only three months later.

Since leaked promotional material has seemingly surfaced now, ASUS might look to bump up the reveal of its next gaming phone in 2024 to give itself some breathing room.

Additionally, ASUS included some AI-based help on the ROG Phone 7 with the likes of X Capture. The device would piggyback off this technology to capture short clips similar to those found in-game achievements on a traditional console.

Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 was built with a strong focus on generative AI, and it only makes sense that ASUS would look to utilize its potential. During its Summit in Hawaii, the company stated the chip can offer "30% more performance and 20% better efficiency." More importantly, its GPU performs 25% better and is equally as efficient.

The chip can also reduce a phone's power consumption by an additional 10%. Considering how ASUS continues to push its ROG Phone toward gaming fluidity in terms of graphics and frame rate, the SD 8 Gen 3 should bring some meaningful improvements alongside any other goodies it has planned.

It's not clear how early ASUS will look to launch the ROG Phone 8 — or if there are plans to do such a thing. For now, we can take the leaked imagery with a side of caution.

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Update (Aug 28, 10:20 pm ET): By issuing a press release, Asus has put an end to speculations claiming that it doesn't intend to discontinue production of the Zenfone series.

What you need to know

• Zenfone 10 could be the last premium offering from ASUS under the Zenfone moniker.
• As part of bigger layoffs, ASUS is said to be dissolving the Zenfone team.
• The Taiwanese report further hints the company's primary focus would be on ROG phones.

ASUS has reached an ideal position in the industry when it comes to making unique smartphones, and while the recent Zenfone 9 and Zenfone 10 are great examples, they may soon be among the last of their kind. These aren't just top-tier phones but are very compact, making them stand out among the ever-growing flagships. Unfortunately, the era of small phones is in jeopardy if a new report is to be believed.

The report from a Taiwanese media outlet, TechNews (via NotebookCheck), suggests that ASUS is on the verge of killing the future Zenfones and dissolving its associated team in favor of its gaming mobile handset, the ROG Phone.

TechNews further mentions that the move is part of bigger layoffs that happened internally in ASUS for the PC department, and subsequently, the Zenfone team merging into the ROG team is a part of the company's team restructure, says a person familiar with the matter to the news outlet.

Nonetheless, the news may be disappointing for Zenfone fans and those who enjoy compact phones because they enable easy one-hand use and high-end features in a compact package. Additionally, the handset still has a 3.5mm headphone jack, which many of the best Android devices don't. Our Harish Jonnaladda resonates the same in his latest Zenfone 10 review.

Android Central has reached out to ASUS to confirm the reports and will update this article if/when we hear back.

As the NotebookCheck points out, the recent bootloader removal from the Zenfone 9 and Zenfone 10 was possibly the first sign of the eventual dissolution of the team. However, the company later confirmed to us that the removal of the bootloader wasn't intentional and it would come back momentarily. Since the unit is reportedly under restructuring at this point, the deduction is understandable.

Update

After a Taiwanese media outlet claimed that Asus was gearing up to kill the Zenfone series, as mentioned in the original article above, the company released a statement refuting the claims.

"We would like to address the rumor that ASUS Zenfone 10 will be the last generation of the series and the ASUS Zenfone product line will be shut down. This is not true, " the statement reads.

Asus further mentions that it is committed to its smartphone business and customers and will continue producing its two primary smartphone series: the ROG and Zenfone. Additionally, it also teased its 2024 product lineups, which would presumably include the Zenfone 11.

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What you need to know

• New rumors suggest ASUS has utilized Samsung's 200MP camera sensor for its Zenfone 10.
• Consumers may also find RAM/internal storage configurations of 8/256GB and 16/512GB.
• The Zenfone 10 may provide an upgraded 5,000mAh battery, which is a welcome capacity boost from its predecessor's 4,300mAh.

The launch of the ASUS Zenfone 10 is fast approaching, but more details about the phone have surfaced ahead of the big day regarding its camera setup.

Information obtained by the German publication WinFuture suggests that the ASUS Zenfone 10 may utilize Samsung's 200MP main sensor technology present on the Galaxy S23 Ultra. To round out its dual camera array is an alleged 8MP ultra-wide lens. If true, this would give four times the resolution of its predecessor, which featured a 50MP main lens.

It looks as though ASUS will continue to provide a compact 5.9-inch display, but the Zenfone 10 is rumored to arrive strengthened by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 mobile platform. Furthermore, consumers may find RAM/internal storage configurations of 8/256GB and 16/512GB.

As far as its battery goes, ASUS' next compact phone is rumored to sport a 5,000mAh battery. This is a bit larger than the 4,300mAh battery featured inside its predecessor, the Zenfone 9, so hopefully, this should provide a nice boost in battery life.

WinFuture provided some fairly decent early looks at the Zenfone 10. Additional images and colorways can be viewed on their post.

The images are pretty much in line with what we've seen in previous leaks ahead of the Zenfone 10's launch date. That earlier leak even gave us a look at some additional colorways while revealing that the device will be nearly identical to its predecessor with its rounded corners and dual camera array placement on its rear panel. The only apparent change is the Zenfone 10's slightly slimmer chin at the bottom of its front panel (which is good to see).

An accidental leak in late May by ASUS spoiled the starting price for the new compact phone. Tucked away in the Taiwanese OEM's website fine print, the Zenfone 10 will apparently start at $749 for its base model. This would essentially keep the pricing close to the starting price of the 8GB/256GB Zenfone 9 configuration.

ASUS also recently kickstarted its promotional campaign for the new device. The company will reveal the Zenfone 10 in full on June 29, which is less than a week from now at the time of writing. The teaser the company provided on Instagram curiously shows a charging dock in the photo alongside several other elements. The company has already confirmed that the phone will support wireless charging, a feature the ZenFone 9 lacked.

ASUS also included a gimbal in the photo, likely referencing the phone's improved stabilization.

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What you need to know

• The ASUS Zenfone 10 launch is set for June 29.
• Ahead of the unveiling, the leaked official renders showcase new colorways.
• The next flagship should look almost identical to the Zenfone 9.

The Zenfone 10 is the next anticipated flagship from ASUS that is set to unveil on June 29. Ahead of the launch, accurate renders of the device are now out, courtesy of Evan Blass.

In his recent tweet, Blass shared interesting renders of the Zenfone 10, showing off its alleged design next to the colorways it is likely to ship with. Firstly, they indicate the compact design from the Zenfone 9 is to stay with the upcoming Zenfone 10, something ASUS has already confirmed. This means we're set to get another small Android phone, which some fans may celebrate as more phones continue to increase in size.

Sticking to the compact factor should make the Zenfone 10 unique, similar to its predecessor. On the whole, the device looks similar to the previous model (except for a slightly smaller chin on the front) with similar placements of the cameras both in the front and on the rear. 

The images shared by Blass also hint at new colorways, well, at least a new sea green next to bright red and other darker color options that we witnessed in the Zenfone 9.

The device will have squared-off edges and rounded corners. Both volume rockers and power buttons reside on the right side of the Zenfone 10, and the latter will likely act as a fingerprint sensor for authentication as well.

Meanwhile, the official launch teaser, which came a week ago, has confirmed the launch date and some highlights to expect from the Zenfone 10.

Per the Zenfone 10 launch page, the phone will feature a number of improvements over the Zenfone 9, such as a six-axis "Hybrid Gimbal Stabilizer 2.0" to keep things steady while recording videos. Aside from the compact design and new colorways, the phone will also be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and feature wireless charging, something the Zenfone 9 didn't have. The display will remain the same size at 5.9 inches.

Speaking of earlier leaks, ASUS accidentally revealed the price of the Zenfone 10 in May, with a retail price set at a respectable $749. The price was leaked through a website set up by ASUS for a blind camera test for the upcoming handset.

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What you need to know

• Asus has confirmed that it will launch the next Zenfone on June 29.
• The Zenfone 10 will look slightly different from its predecessor at least in terms of the front panel, with a thinner chin.
• Asus' forthcoming handset is expected to have flagship-level specs, including a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset.

Asus' next Zenfone model is just around the corner, as the company has just teased the Zenfone 10 and confirmed its launch date.

According to an Instagram post from Asus Taiwan, the next-generation phone will make its debut on June 29 at 9 p.m. local time (9 a.m. ET). The post doesn't shy away from revealing the handset's front design in all its glory, showing off a thinner chin than its predecessor. Meanwhile, the selfie snapper's position in the top-left corner is the same as before.

Asus also teases a few features coming with the Zenfone 10 that are not available on the current model. One of the most notable elements of the teaser is a charging dock, which may allude to wireless charging capabilities. For what it's worth, the Asus Zenfone 9 did not support wireless charging, so the inclusion of the feature on the next model is a step forward for the company.

The image also shows a gimbal, suggesting improvements in the camera's image stabilization. The Zenfone 9 was equipped with a 6-axis "Hybrid Gimbal Stabilizer" to eliminate blur when shooting or recording videos. Any upgrade in this area will undoubtedly challenge the leading Android camera phones.

Asus' teaser surfaced just a few days after the company inadvertently revealed the Zenfone 10's price. Some fine print on an Asus website for a blind camera test disclosed that the handset would start at $749.

The Zenfone 9 earned accolades last year for being compact while offering flagship-level specs, such as a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC. In the words of our own Harish Jonnalagadda, the phone's "diminutive design makes it ideal for one-handed use, and it has the same caliber of hardware as $1,000 flagships."

It remains unclear whether the Zenfone 10 will follow the same route, but it's pretty safe to assume that it will offer a compact design like last year's model. Previous rumors claimed that a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor would be ticking inside the phone.

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What you need to know

• Asus has inadvertently revealed the Zenfone 10's price ahead of its official launch.
• The retail price of the phone has been revealed via a website set up by Asus for a blind camera test.
• According to the website's fine print, the Zenfone 10 will start at $749 for the base variant.

Asus has accidentally dropped hints about the price of its next-generation flagship phone a few months before its expected release, and the device is likely to be priced at $749 for the base variant.

The price was disclosed via a website that Asus launched for the blind camera test of the Zenfone 10. The website allows anyone to vote on a series of photos, and the results will help refine the Zenfone 10's shooters in an effort to give many of the best Android camera phones a run for their money. Once the phone is released, three participants will be chosen at random to win a Zenfone 10.

Fortunately, the website's terms and conditions revealed the approximate retail value of the phone, as spotted by Wichaya Poka. According to a screenshot shared by Poka with Android Authority, the Zenfone 10 will start at $749.

The leaked retail price for the Zenfone 10 could be for its base model. For what it's worth, the Zenfone 9 starts at $699, which gets you 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. While last year's model is also available in 8GB/256GB configuration for $749, Android Authority notes that phones dished out as rewards are typically base models, so it's a safe bet that the Zenfone 10 will start at $749.

On the other hand, the leaked price provides no information about the phone's upcoming memory configuration, leaving it unclear whether there will be a price increase over the previous model. Earlier leaks indicated that the Zenfone 10 would have 16GB of RAM and up to 512GB of storage.

It remains to be seen what features and specifications the new phone will offer, but if it can deliver a high-quality experience at a lower price, it could be a big hit with consumers.

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What you need to know

• AMD announces new Ryzen and Athlon series processors.
• These new processors will power next-gen Chromebooks.
• The first devices are likely to be released by Asus and Dell in the second quarter.

AMD is bringing a new portfolio of processors under its Ryzen series and Athlon series, and they're going to power upcoming Chromebooks later this year.

The chipset maker has announced its latest innovations, the Ryzen and Athlon 7020 C-series, which promise clock speeds of up to 4.3GHz and are built on the company's popular "Zen 2" architecture. The AMD Ryzen and Athlon 7020 C-Series CPUs are meant to run faster and longer when compared to previous ChromeOS processors.

They are further aided by MD RDNA 2 integrated graphics, which are said to be "engineered to deliver fast and responsive performance for modern productivity, video conferencing, learning apps, and streaming applications," AMD added in an announcement blog post.

The processors are built on a 6nm process, of which two Ryzen models comprising Ryzen 5 7520C and Ryzen 3 7320C, promise clock speeds of up to 4.3GHz and 4.1GHz, respectively. Both these models are accompanied by AMD Radeon 610M integrated GPUs.

Likewise, other AMD Athlon series include Athlon Gold 7220C and Athlon Silver 7120C processors with assured clock speeds of 3.7GHz and 3.5GHz, respectively. These chipsets are also aided by AMD Radeon 610M integrated GPUs.

These GPUs are designed to support up to three external 4K monitors for high-resolution streaming and gaming.

These new processors also promise significant improvements when it comes to battery life. The Athlon 7120 C-Series are said to achieve at least 19.5 hours of battery life, whereas the Ryzen 3 7320C chipset promises up to 17 hours of battery.

Both models further support high-speed storage like LPDDR5 RAM. Additionally, they have Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 support for connectivity.

"We've been impressed with the combination of raw power and efficiency AMD has brought to a variety of Chromebooks," said John Solomon, vice president and general manager of ChromeOS at Google. "We're excited for AMD's 7020 C-Series processors to continue that excellent track record. As the number of apps, new features, and hardware on ChromeOS continues to grow, we count on AMD's chips to provide our users a smooth and reliable experience, all while keeping their data and privacy safe."

OEM makers like Asus and Dell are said to be the first to incorporate these new processors from AMD for their upcoming Chromebooks. These Chromebooks will start arriving for consumers in Q2 2023, meaning we can expect them relatively soon.

Asus says it will release Ryzen 7020 C-Series-powered laptops in the coming months. The company is further planning to release its ASUS Chromebook CM34 Flip to take on the best Chromebooks available in the market.

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What you need to know

• ASUS launches the ROG Phone 7 and 7 Ultimate with graphical improvements consisting of ray tracing for better surface reflections, X Sense, X Capture, and more.
• The AeroActive 7 cooler has been improved with larger fan blades and higher back pressure to cool the phone's surface.
• The ROG Phone 7 series has launched in Europe and Taiwan, and a release date for the U.S. has not been given yet.

ASUS is looking for its "no-compromise" gaming phones to continue pushing the envelope on what mobile gaming via smartphone can mean for gamers. The company launched the new ROG Phone 7 and 7 Ultimate in Taiwan during its "For Those Who Dare" event. The ROG Phone 7 Ultimate is outfitted with a 6.7-inch, 165Hz Samsung AMOLED display with a 720Hz touch-sampling rate. 

The ROG Phone 7 Ultimate has been given the power of ROG Vision, a unique color matrix on the back of the device. These colors are triggered whenever the phone is charging, a call is received, X Mode is activated, and other instances.

The device utilizes Qualcomm's latest 3.2GHz Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. ASUS states this new mobile platform makes the ROG Phone 7 series 15% faster and 15% more power-efficient over the previous ROG Phone 6 series. Power efficiency is taken a step further through the GameCool 7 thermal system, which cools the phone's CPU from all directions. Different thermal compounds and vapor chambers are activated if you're gaming on the 7 Ultimate in short or medium bursts.

However, if you're trying to grind your way through a ranked session of League of Legends: Wild Rift, that's when the ROG Phone 7 Ultimate's AeroActive Cooler 7 attachment comes into play. This accessory provides a constant flow of cool air on your phone's CPU module from the outside to boost performance and reduce battery strain. Additionally, if the AeroActive Portal is turned on, the device's thermal efficiency can increase by 20%.

A cooler phone will surely aid the Phone 7 Ultimate's 6,000mAh battery, which supports 65W fast charging.

ASUS did remember that this gaming machine is also a phone and provided consumers with a rear triple camera array consisting of a 50MP main sensor, 13MP ultra-wide angled lens, and a 5MP macro lens. The front-facing selfie camera comes in at 32MP.

In terms of audio, the ROG Phone 7 Ultimate delivers twin front-firing 12 x 16 mm speakers that have been upgraded to produce 50% more effective sound. When paired with the AeroActive 7 Cooler attachment, the 7 Ultimate utilizes the accessory's built-in sub-woofer, which takes bass up by around 77%. The device's 3.5mm headphone jack uses Dirac Virtuo, creating a theater-like spatial audio experience.

Software enhancements such as X Sense help gamers stay on their toes by alerting them to onscreen events. The X Capture feature uses AI technology to automatically capture TikTok-worthy clips to share with friends, much like what you'll find on gaming consoles like the PS5 when unlocking achievements.

The AirTrigger ultrasonic controls are featured here, much like the ASUS ROG Phone 6 Pro, to give gamers a wider range of mobility and input. These triggers give a more console-like experience and also offer Gyroscope Aiming and haptic feedback.

With the device launching in Taiwan and Europe first, it can be purchased with up to 16GB of RAM and up to 512GB of internal storage. The phone supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, as well. Additionally, the ROG Phone 7 Ultimate is only available in the Storm White colorway for €1,399.

The base ROG Phone 7 remains quite similar to its Ultimate partner but with a couple of differences, such as the lack of ROG Vision support. However, like the Ultimate, the ROG Phone 7 supports hardware-accelerate ray tracing for games that support such a graphical setting. This means gamers can enjoy hyper-realistic reflections, making it feel like they're using a well-built gaming PC.

You'll also find improved cooling and support for Snapdragon Sound, which enables super-low-latency, high-fidelity Bluetooth audio. This audio feature will work with anything the user is listening to and should provide quite an enjoyable experience.

As the ROG Phone 7 launches in Taiwan and the EU with its higher-end duo, the base device can be purchased in Phantom Black and Storm White for €999. At the moment, ASUS has not stated when the new ROG Phone 7 series will launch in other regions, but we do expect it to, much like its previous iterations.

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What you need to know

• Alleged renders of the Asus ROG Phone 7 Pro leak online.
• They imply a familiar-looking design as the predecessor model.
• The leak comes ahead of the launch, which is slated for April 14.

ROG Phone 7 is a much-anticipated smartphone for gaming enthusiasts. Last month, Asus confirmed the launch date, which is slated for April 14. While the launch is happening late next week, new renders indicate how the device will look in addition to the accessories that will likely launch alongside it.

The fresh leak comes from tipster Evan Blass who has shared some renders of the alleged ROG Phone 7. On the design front, the renders imply a familiar-looking device similar to the predecessor ROG Phone 6 Pro. That goes for the rear design as well as rounded corners.

In addition, Blass also showcased accessories attached to the alleged ROG Phone 7, including Aero Active Cooler, a bumper case, and a screen protector. Further, alongside the design, the device will likely feature a triple camera setup next to an LED flash on the rear. Like the predecessor models, the tiny gaming-centric screen on the back is likely to also stay on the ROG Phone 7 Pro model.

ROG Phones are always considered top picks for best gaming phones, and the upcoming ROG Phone 7 models will likely be no exception. Based on the earlier benchmark leaks, the ROG Phone 7 and ROG Phone 7D are likely to be powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, the latest and greatest flagship processor from Qualcomm.

The benchmark leak further revealed some parameters of the alleged handset, which include a 165Hz refresh rate OLED display, again similar to its predecessor. Per previous reports and with these new renders, the ROG Phone 7 Pro might be a significant upgrade from the ROG Phone 6 and 6 Pro models in terms of performance.

The ROG Phone 7 series launch is slated for April 14 in New York at 8 am ET, with simultaneous launches in Taipei and Berlin.

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What you need to know

• Asus has revealed when it will announce its next flagship phone.
• The Asus ROG Phone 7 will see the light of day on April 13.
• Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC will most likely power the next-generation handset.

The audacious experiment of bringing gaming features to mobile devices has gained traction among OEMs and evolved into a full-fledged trend led by brands such as Asus. The Taiwanese tech giant has now confirmed when it will unveil its next flagship phone.

Asus is set to take the wraps off the ROG Phone 7 on April 13, according to the company. The timing is remarkably a bit earlier than last year's launch for the ROG Phone 6, which arrived in July.

Little is known about the ROG Phone 7, but if previous leaks are any indication, it could be powered by Qualcomm's latest and greatest mobile processor, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.

Earlier this month, the phone was spotted on benchmarking platform Geekbench alongside its 7D sibling. Asus' ROG Phones are a mainstay in our top picks for the best gaming phones, and the ROG Phone 7 will likely continue in that vein. The Geekbench listing revealed a few key specs of the handset, including an AMOLED screen with a refresh rate of up to 165Hz, similar to its predecessor.

Like the previous lineup, we may also see three models in the ROG Phone 7 series. This means that on top of the regular and ROG Phone 7D models, an Ultimate model may also be in the works.

However, one of Asus' weaknesses is its limited software updates. The company's offerings, including its ROG Phone line, are currently receiving two major OS upgrades. Here's hoping that Asus will follow in the footsteps of Google, Samsung, Oppo, and OnePlus in providing longer software support.

Asus' teaser for the ROG Phone 7 announcement indicates that a simultaneous event will take place in Taipei, Berlin, and New York at 8:00 AM ET.

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What you need to know

• Asus' next flagship smartphones have made appearances on Geekbench.
• The Asus ROG Phone 7 and 7D will apparently be powered by Qualcomm's latest and greatest mobile processor.
• Similar to last year's lineup, a third model, dubbed the ROG Phone 7D Ultimate, may also be in the works.

Asus' ROG Phone line exists usually to wipe the floor with games available on Android, matched with hardware performance that stacks up against the competition. The ROG Phone 6 series is a classic example, and its successor could continue in that vein, thanks in large part to Qualcomm's most recent and greatest chipset.

Two variants of the rumored Asus ROG Phone 7 series, equipped with Qualcomm's 4nm-based Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, have been spotted on Geekbench. In addition to the processor, the listing reveals a few key potential specs of the ROG Phone 7 and 7D, including Android 13 out of the box and up to 16GB of RAM (via MySmartPrice).

According to the benchmarking test results spotted by the outlet, the ROG Phone 7D garnered 2012 and 5697 points in the single and multi-core tests, respectively. Meanwhile, in the single-core and multi-core tests, the regular model scored 2022 and 5719, respectively.

Unfortunately, these are the only usual pieces of information that can be obtained from a Geekbench listing. Having said that, previous rumors have given us a good idea of what else the phones have up their sleeves to challenge today's best Android phones. According to previous leaks, the upcoming devices will have an AMOLED screen with a refresh rate of up to 165Hz, similar to the ROG Phone 6 series.

Like last year's lineup, there could also be three models in the ROG Phone 7 series. In addition to the regular and ROG Phone 7D models, an Ultimate model may be in the pipeline.

We do not yet have an ETA for all three variants. However, if Asus sticks to its previous release schedule, the standard model could arrive in the summer, while the rest of the lineup could make their debut in the fall of this year.

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What you need to know

• ASUS ROG Phone 6 and 6 Pro begin receiving Android 13.
• With version 33.0610.2810.72, users will gain a new ROG UI design, revamped File Manager, Data Transfer, Local backup, and more.
• The ROG Phone 6D and 6D Ultimate are also receiving the Android 13 update.

ASUS is sticking true to its Android 13 rollout plan as last summer's release begins receiving the new software.

As the Taiwanese OEM begins rolling out Android 13 for the ROG Phone 6 and 6 Pro, its full patch notes were posted on the ZenTalk community forum. Both devices were given a Q1 2023 release window for the latest Android software, and with us being just a week from March, it's finally arriving. Owners of either phone should begin downloading version 33.0610.2810.72, which contains Android 13, alongside many improvements and changes.

While the primary highlight of this new update is the Android 13 software, ASUS is introducing a new ROG UI design for both phones. Bundled with the patch is a revamped Mobile Manager, Phone, Emergency Dialer, File Manager, Clock, Gallery, Data Transfer, Local backup, and more.

ASUS has also included an adjustment to the vibration and haptic strength setting of the ROG Phone 6 and 6 Pro. Display and font size settings have also been retooled.

The company does provide some instructions for getting set up with the latest software. If your phone has not automatically received the update, users can manually check by heading into your Settings > System > System updates. Keep in mind that ASUS does recommend backing up your device before installing the latest patch, just in case.

In addition, the ROG Phone 6D and 6D Ultimate have also started receiving the Android 13 patch, as well. Consumers will find version 33.0404.1203.63 available to be downloaded as the patch makes its rounds. Many of the additions mentioned in its changelog are widely the same as the ROG Phone 6 and 6 Pro. However, ASUS mentions the 6D and 6D Ultimate will be receiving the January 2023 security patch along with this download.

ASUS has been pretty good with keeping true to its Android 13 rollout schedule. Both the Zenfone 9 and Zenfone 8 received their updates right on time in December and January, respectively, and the most recent four devices have now received theirs.

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Phones, tablets, PCs, and smart home tech is a lot of fun but all of it needs great Wi-Fi to work its very best. It can be tempting to do nothing and stick with the disappointing one-size-fits-all solution provided by your service provider but as your needs (and speeds) continue to climb as you add more tech to your life, you'll want a Wi-Fi system that can keep up.

Rather than putting an RGB monster with eight antennas in your living room, you can get a clean-looking, high-performing mesh Wi-Fi system that performs just as well in day-to-day use.

I'm going to start with a little tech explanation to help you understand the numbers the products plaster all over their headlines. First and foremost is the speed rating. This is two letters and a number such as AX3000. The letters stand for the generation of tech being used with AX referring to Wi-Fi 6 and AC referring to Wi-Fi 5. Faster is obviously better but there's a point of diminishing returns and it's probably a lot lower than you think. Wi-Fi 6 (AX) is beneficial to gamers and those looking for top download speeds on modern devices.

One last thing to remember about mesh Wi-Fi speeds is that they need to share their connection between your devices and the connection to the other mesh nodes. For this reason, you'll often want to skew your choice a little higher than you would with a single standalone router.

Unless you plan to upgrade your internet speed, you should pick a router that fits the speed of your plan. Check your bill to see how fast your connection should be. Your provider may list it in slightly different units but just keep in mind that 1000Kbps is roughly equal to 1Mbps and 1000Mbps is roughly equal to 1Gbps. I'll be using Mbps in these recommendations.

Internet speeds 400Mbps or lower

Unless you're working from home or are a gamer, you might not need internet speeds over 500Mbps at all. For these people, an AC1200 mesh kit like the Deco S4 could be the perfect fit. It's a Wi-Fi 5 kit meaning that it uses an older generation of Wi-Fi but it should still have more than enough power for anything from social media apps to 4K video streaming.

There are some other strong picks in this category such as Google Wifi and Nest Wifi which also have some Cyber Monday discounts available. Google Wifi has nearly identical hardware specifications to the Deco S4 but some people will prefer to use Google's software, especially if they already have 

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Internet speeds 500Mbps+

Each of these three mesh kits should technically be able to deliver gigabit speeds but from my testing, I found they often fell a little short of that mark in a congested area. That's not to say these won't work with a gigabit connection, but you may be leaving performance on the table with these mesh kits.

The Gryphon Tower is a bit of an outlier here as a Wi-Fi 5 mesh but it's a tri-band system with a dedicated 1.7Gbps backhaul to connect the mesh. That leaves an 867Mbps band for devices. If you're interested in Gryphon's parental control and security features but don't want to splurge on the Wi-Fi 6 model, the Tower is still a good pick.

TP-Link Deco X55 and eero 6+ are very similar in terms of hardware with an AX3000 connection featuring 160MHz support. That boosts the 5GHz band to 2402Mbps leaving plenty of room for a fast internet connection and the device you're using. In my eero 6+ review, I found the performance to be very strong and to provide great performance for the price.

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Internet speeds 1000Mbps (gigabit)

A fast internet connection is only half of the story. A mesh kit needs to be able to form a strong connection between all of the nodes in the kit to work properly. With slower connections, there's more than enough headroom to keep up the speed but at gigabit speeds, these routers are limited by physics and congestion. There are multiple channels for these routers to use but as time has progressed, they've grown more crowded, especially somewhere like an apartment building.

These mesh routers are all tri-band which gives these mesh systems a little extra headroom to keep up with your connection. As I saw in my Gryphon AX review and my Deco XE75 review, each of these mesh kits can deliver the majority of your gigabit connection speed, even in a congested area.

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Internet speeds 1000Mbps+

Multiple fiber and cable internet providers are upgrading their equipment to enable internet speeds over 1000Mbps. While many routers have speeds over 1000Mbps, they need to have a multi-gigabit Ethernet port around the back to hook up to your modem. Each of these routers has a 2.5GbE port for up to a 2.5Gbps connection. If you've been thinking about upgrading your connection but don't have the hardware, these are some strong picks without breaking the bank. As I saw in my TP-Link Deco X90 review, this mesh kit clears this with standard Wi-Fi 6 and does a great job.

In my eero Pro 6E review, I wasn't thrilled by the lack of controls but found the over performance and reliability to be high. My main issue was the inability to use the 6GHz band as I pleased with most devices preferring 5GHz. This won't be a problem for most users. It's also worth noting very similar 6GHz performance with the Nest Wifi Pro.

The ZenWiFi ET8 faired a bit better thanks to ASUS allowing you to completely customize how your bands are configured. This allowed me to actually test and use the 6GHz band on this Wi-Fi 6E kit, which is important given that the ET8 reserves a massive 4804Mbps of its total 6600Mbps for 6GHz. The 1201Mbps connection at 5GHz should have plenty of speed for gigabit speeds if you use the 6GHz band for backhaul.

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Whether you’re buying the latest RTX 4090 GPU, a maxed-out Mac Studio, or even a Galaxy S22 Ultra, you’re going to see some diminishing returns on the money you spend. While these products are measurably superior to their cheaper alternatives, you have to wonder when you’ll be able to use the full power of these devices. For the most part, we just want to make sure we have plenty of headroom to eliminate, without a shadow of a doubt, any room for a slowdown. That is, we don’t want to spend a second waiting on tech to catch up.

The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000 feels like it exists to be the fastest gaming router money can buy and for the most part, it is. There’s nothing wrong with being the fastest, but this halo product simply doesn’t make sense for most people. Even a large family will struggle to saturate this router with several 4K streams, downloads, and browsing. You need to be the sort of person that already has terabytes of data on your NAS, and it needs to be something more substantial than some anime MKVs to justify a 10Gb Ethernet port. That being said, the ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000 is without a doubt, one of the fastest and most capable routers I’ve ever had the pleasure to use.

ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000 review: Price and Availability

The ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000 is a massive $700 to buy and has been available since early summer 2022. Even so, it’s price competitive with other quad-band Wi-Fi 6E solutions and when you consider it has dual-10GbE ports, it’s a solid value. This router is available in the U.S. from retailers like Amazon, Newegg, B&H, and Micro Center.

The router was packed primarily in cardboard though ASUS used plenty of foam to hold the router secure. Each of the eight antennas also had a sleeve of single-use plastic out of the box. This is more landfill than I like to see in my packaging and I would like to see ASUS follow the lead of some brands like eero that have started using more recyclable packaging. However, environmental concerns don’t impact the performance of the router and will not be considered for the final review score.

ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000 review: What I like

There is so much about this router to love once you’ve finally gotten over the sticker shock and cracked open the box. Half of the top of the router is dedicated to venting while the other half is an RGB-lit mirrored surface with the ROG logo in it. Compared to other ROG LED light shows, this is definitely one of the flashiest though it quickly grew on me and helped to remind me of the pure power under the surface of this router.

That power starts with two 10Gbps Ethernet (GbE) ports in addition to the 2.5GbE WAN port, and four gigabit ports. It has a quad-band Wi-Fi 6E wireless setup with a single 2.4GHz band at 1148Mbps, two 5GHz bands at 4804Mbps each, and a 6GHz band at 4804Mbps. To keep it simple, this router is set up to handle more traffic than the vast majority of households can throw at it and can easily handle multiple streaming connections at once. 

Coverage throughout the house was generally strong with plenty of speed indoors and a 2.4GHz signal outdoors for any smart home tech you may have outside. Sticking with indoor tests, however, I was more than satisfied with my speeds and never had any reason to complain about reliability.

To understand the day-to-day performance, I performed several internet speed tests in different parts of the house. I tested the ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000 on my fiber home internet connection from a local provider. My average speeds tend to land in the upper 800Mbps range with upload speeds around 600Mbps during the day. For context, a 4K video stream will use well under 50Mbps.

Speeds on 2.4GHz won’t get much faster than this on any router and are more than quick enough for the smart home devices and outdoor music streaming we usually use this lower frequency for. Most of our daily traffic will be on one of the 5GHz bands.

Both of these bands performed admirably with similar speeds on most devices. The extra speed on the Zenfone 8 is thanks to the Wi-Fi chip which not only can access 6Ghz Wi-Fi but can connect to 160Mhz 5GHz Wi-Fi. This essentially doubles the link speed of the connection compared to the Galaxy S20+ allowing the phone to stick much closer to my full internet connection speed. I was a bit surprised to see how well the Wi-Fi 5 LG G8 kept up but it’s likely due to the lack of wireless congestion at my home.

The 6GHz speeds should be close to 5GHz in my fairly uncongested neighborhood and they were.

One thing to remember about 6GHz Wi-Fi is that it must run at a lower power level than 5GHz. That means that signal starts to fall off much more quickly as you move away from the router. This Wi-Fi signal will do much worse passing through walls as shown by the much lower speeds in the bedroom testing location.

Software is another one of ASUS’ strengths with easy setup in the ASUS Router app or in a web browser. During the setup procedure, you’ll be asked if you want to enable Smart Connect. This feature combines all of the router’s Wi-Fi bands under a single name and lets the router choose the band that makes the most sense for your device. This is the setting most people should be using unless they want granular control over which devices are on which band. You can also configure it to make the 2.4GHz band separate which can be helpful with some of the dumber smart home devices that don’t support 5GHz Wi-Fi.

Apart from the jaw-dropping hardware, one of the ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000’s best features is the software ASUS bundles in. AiProtection to start includes extra web security, intrusion protections, and malicious site blocking. Powered by Trend Micro, AiProtection is available for free with your ASUS router. Some other brands like Netgear, TP-Link, eero, and Gryphon ask you to pay a recurring subscription for their full feature set.

AiProtection also includes a robust set of parental controls. You can create profiles for each member of your family so you can specify a specific set of rules for each. You can block sites and set up time schedules for each profile so you can restrict the web for the kids without blocking anything for the adults.

One of my favorite ASUS tricks is AiMesh. While mesh systems have gotten very popular, the mesh-in-a-box solutions from brands like Orbi, Deco, and eero all have something in common– restrictive simplicity. These brands have pulled access to the most advanced settings and some like Orbi only allow mesh expansion with a handful of approved satellites. ASUS bucks this trend and makes it look easy with AiMesh.

AiMesh allows you to create a mesh network with just about an ASUS router including ZenWiFi models like the Wi-Fi 6E model I loved in my ZenWiFi ET8 review. This expansion option lets the gamer in the family get all of the ports and optimizations they want while the rest of the family can enjoy reliable streaming and browsing on a mesh. If you are building a mesh, something with Wi-Fi 6E will work best, like the ZenWiFi ET8, though just about any ASUS router will work fine.

Finally, I feel like I commend ASUS on its advanced settings nearly every time I review one of its routers but it’s something I really appreciate. The ASUS Router app gives you easy access to basic settings and is perfect for less savvy users but if you connect through a web browser, there isn’t much about ASUSWRT that you can’t customize. It’s a breath of fresh air for those of us that like to fine-tune our networks.

ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000 review: What I don't like

While its price tag is right in line with what you would expect from this tier of router, there’s no denying that it’s way too expensive for most people. Even if you can afford it, there’s a good chance you don’t need all of the power on offer here.

If you’re interested in this router for the 10GbE switch, there are a couple of things to watch out for. While I lack the equipment to test the 10Gbps, some users are reporting in customer reviews that in order to get the full speed, you’ll need to disable AiProtection. If you’ve got a fast NAS you’re trying to get connected to, you may have to give up some of the software features to get full access to your Ethernet speeds. At least on this software version.

Another thing I don’t love is just how huge this router is. I get it, there needs to be cooling and you need space for the eight massive antennas, but that doesn’t change the fact that you’ll be dedicating some serious space to this router. This router is like building a full tower ATX PC when most people could really do all they need on a Chromebook.

Luckily ASUS hasn’t held back on the presentation with a massive mirrored surface. In my case, the mirror is second to none when it comes to catching dust and cat hair. The embedded LED lights only help to accentuate the dust. I think it looks great with the ROG logo etched into it, but it’s something I would have to clean more than I’d like. It also doesn’t help that the RGB lighting isn’t as advanced as I’d like. The lights simply don’t change color as smoothly as I’d like to keep the router on full display.

ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000 review: The competition

The biggest competition for the ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000 reads a lot like a list of the best Wi-Fi 6E routers. A good chunk of these routers are swapping one of their 5GHz bands for a 6GHz one which makes sense on the surface, but when you remember that most of the wireless devices we'll use for the next couple of years don't have Wi-Fi 6E, it doesn't quite make sense for enthusiasts. Quad-band routers give you the best of Wi-Fi 6 plus Wi-Fi 6E so you don't have to give up a thing when you move from one of the best Wi-Fi 6 routers to a Wi-Fi 6E model.

One of the first routers to come to mind is the Netgear Orbi RBKE963 mesh kit. This kit has the same AXE16000 connection speed as the ROG but it dedicates one of its 5GHz band entirely to the mesh connection. While it's extremely fast, my Orbi RBKE963 review found that the speeds didn't quite hold up to a gigabit connection in a congested apartment building. Even so, it has 10GbE and could be an excellent pick for someone looking for top speeds over a large estate.

TP-Link has tried its hand at quad-band Wi-Fi 6E with the TP-Link Archer AXE300 and in many ways, it's the more complete package. TP-Link has dual 10Gbps wired networking as well though one of its ports can be either gigabit or SFP+. SFP+ is a connector that can be used with a fiber connection making it a better pick for someone that already has a high-speed fiber network built out. Admittedly, this is rare but possible in a new home build if the owner wanted to be as futureproof as possible. Other than that, it also has a quad-band AXE16000 connection and comes in at $100 less.

If you want Wi-Fi 6E with all of the other ROG features intact but don't want to spend quite as much money, the ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000 is an excellent choice. It drops one of the 5GHz bands but still has plenty of capacity even for a large family. It also has RGB but with a simple light-up logo, its light show is a bit more subdued. I like the way it looks more than the bigger model but you do give up 10GbE in favor of 2.5GbE. Still, my ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000 review found it to be one of the fastest routers you can get. At least until this AXE16000 model was released.

ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000 review: Should you buy it?

You should buy it if...

• You want the absolute fastest Wi-Fi speeds in a home router.
• You have 10Gbps networking at home.
• You have a high-speed SSD-based NAS.
• You simply want the best router money will buy.

You should skip it if...

• You don't need the speed.
• You don't have $700 burning a hole in your pocket.
• You don't have any multi-gig devices or a multi-gig internet connection.

In this review, I've done my best to capture the beauty of this router in pictures but the fact of the matter is that photographing a mirror isn't the easiest thing to get right. This router is beautiful in person and I'm again reminded of how nice the ZenWiFi Pro ET12 was to look at. I'm not saying a router needs to be pretty but when you spend so much money on something, it's nice if it looks every bit as ridiculous sitting in your home as it does on your credit card statement.

The ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000 is every bit of what ASUS promises and it has been rock solid and reliable since I hooked it up. While its light show had become a bit of a joke in my home, no one complained once about the speed or reliability of their network connection. This is in a home that has fully moved to IPTV as well. I played games like Halo Infinite online and downloaded huge 50+GB games without issue.

The ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000 from ASUS is expensive but it almost feels worth it when you tally up everything you get. When you remember there are no monthly fees to be found, plenty of advanced settings to tweak, and a simple app-based interface for those that want simplicity, the hefty price tag starts to feel a bit more reasonable.

What you need to know

• Google is partnering with Chromebook and accessory makers to bring gaming Chromebooks to market.
• The focus of these Chromebooks will be on cloud gaming, as opposed to native gaming.
• ChromeOS is also gaining the ability to search for games directly from the launcher, with a catch.

Over the past couple of years, we have seen Google push the limits of what ChromeOS can offer. Gone are the days when the best Chromebooks are "limited" to being dedicated classroom devices. Now, if you look around at the market, you'll be greeted with different options that rival even some of the best Windows laptops. But until fairly recently, Windows laptops had an edge over Chromebooks for those who wanted to play games other than what was available on the Play Store.

Today, Google has announced its new Chromebook initiative, as it is partnering with Acer, Lenovo, and ASUS for a trio of gaming Chromebooks. All three of these Chromebooks have a little bit of something different to offer, while all are equipped with the necessary hardware to transform your productivity machine into a portable cloud gaming machine.

The three different Chromebooks being announced alongside Google's overarching announcement are the Acer Chromebook 516 GE, Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming Chromebook, and the ASUS Chromebook Vibe CX55 Flip. Instead of just telling users to install PWAs for their favorite cloud gaming services, Google has taken a few extra steps this time. In fact, Google has ensured that each of these gaming Chromebooks is capable of providing "console-class input latency of under 85ms" along with being able to "consistently deliver a smooth, responsive gaming experience with 120 frames per second."

Google's most recent announcement goes beyond Chromebooks and dives deeper into the world of cloud gaming. The company has also partnered with the likes of Microsoft for Xbox Cloud Gaming (Game Pass), Amazon Luna, and even NVIDIA GeForce NOW. And the partnership with NVIDIA is particularly interesting and enticing given that owners of any three of the aforementioned gaming Chromebooks will be able to enjoy some of the best AAA titles right on their Chromebook using the GeForce NOW 3080 tier.

NVIDIA also brings support for up to 1600p resolution displays, 120 frames per second, and "120Hz+ high-resolution displays." When everything is said and done, combining these three cloud streaming services will give you access to more than 1,500 of the best PC and console games, right from your Chromebook. Plus, these new Chromebooks will include a three-month free trial for both Amazon Luna+ and the GeForce NOW 3080 tier.

The fun doesn't stop there, as Google is also making it easier than ever to find your favorite games from any of the cloud gaming services. Simply click the Everything button on your Chromebook, start typing the title of the game, and fire it up in the available cloud gaming service, all right from the launcher search. Unfortunately, this functionality will be limited to the trio of new Chromebooks announced today. It's unclear whether the ability to search for games using the Everything button will make its way to older hardware.

Last, but certainly not least, Google is working with accessory makers as part of the Works with Chromebook program. By partnering with the likes of HyperX, SteelSeries, Corsair, and others, you'll be able to enjoy some of the best gaming peripherals to pair with your all-new gaming Chromebook.

It won't be long before you can finally make the most out of gaming on your Chromebook, especially once native Steam on Chromebooks leaves its "Alpha" state. You can truly transform the way you play games, without needing to worry about an increasing electric bill when using a traditional gaming PC.

Update (Sept 9, 4:05 pm ET): The ASUS ROG Phone 6 is now available for preorder in the U.S.

What you need to know

• ASUS announced its latest ROG Phone 6 and ROG Phone 6 Pro gaming phones.
• The phones utilize the recently announced Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset.
• The company has improved its cooling features, including a new external cooling fan.
• The ASUS Phone ROG 6 starts at €999 and the ROG Phone 6 Pro will be available for €1,299.

 A new sleek and powerful technological phone is making its presence known. ASUS has announced its new ROG Phone 6 and ROG Phone 6 Pro phones as of the early morning of July 5th. These two brand-new phones have just raised the bar for everything gaming phones try to stand for.

As you can see in our ASUS ROG Phone 6 Pro review, this phone is putting on a masterclass when it comes to mobile gaming. The era's just begun with this new phone, and ASUS is looking strong heading forward. While both the ROG Phone 6 and ROG Phone 6 Pro feature RGB backings, the ROG 6 Pro takes things to an entirely new level. The Pro version includes a unique "ROG Vision secondary display" on its back. While the ROG Phone 6 comes in black and white, the ROG Phone 6 Pro only comes in white.

As we unravel this beauty of a gaming phone, ASUS will have you know that their new phones are utilizing Qualcomm Snapdragon's latest Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC. These phones are clocked in at 3.2GHz in CPU power, and RAM can go up to 18GB. Keeping the lights on is a massive 6,000mAh, and both of these new ASUS ROG phones will, of course, run Android 12 out of the box.

Here is where some of the information gets a bit more interesting. Since phones usually suffer from very hot temperatures while running mobile games, ASUS and its latest edition of the ROG Phone series hope to make that a thing of the past. The company announced today the lengths they've gone to improve the cooling abilities of these new phones, one of which is its new "360-degree Cooling Technology." ASUS says that this new feature can reduce the CPU's heat by up to 10 degrees Celcius.

 That isn't the extent of the ROG Phone 6 Pro's cooling abilities. ASUS also showed off its new "AeroActive Cooler 6." This new cooling pack helps to chill your phone during those long gaming sessions and gives you some added hand support/comfort while playing. With this new pack, ASUS is projecting it can reduce the phone's temperature by as much as 25 degrees Celcius.

In terms of functionality support, as you're playing the game, ASUS has brought back its "AirTrigger" feature in a big way. The new "AirTrigger 6" upgrades the touch buttons on the sides of the phone, which include a multitude of ways to utilize them while gaming. On the other side of that, the AeroActive Cooler 6 can also be used in place of those side touch buttons if that is more to the player's comfort.

Just because you're a gamer doesn't mean you don't like taking pictures. Whether it's for your food or your pet, you should know you'll be doing so with Sony's 50MP IMX766 as its main camera, alongside two additional sensors.

If you're looking to grab either of these phones, do know that the base ROG Phone 6 sports 12GB/256GB and starts at €999. The phone can then be upgraded further to 16GB/512GB. The ASUS ROG 6 Pro has a single configuration with 18GB/512GB coming in at €1,299. The phones will launch in Europe before arriving globally later.

Update

With the ASUS ROG Phone 6 and 6 Pro announced in early July, the phones are now available for preorder in the U.S. on retail sites like Amazon and Newegg. However, the devices have apparently already sold out on the ASUS website. You can click "Notify Me," so when the device is back in stock, you'll be one of the first to know.

Meanwhile, leaker Evan Blass (via 91Mobiles) has provided first looks at a potential "Batman Edition" for the ROG Phone 6. The rumored Dark Knight-esque phone is gritty, much like the caped crusader. Speculations suggest that resemblance more tied to Batman may be reserved for the phone's software, with Batman-styled themes for the phone instead of radically customizing the exterior shell of the ROG Phone 6 to match.

It seems likely the phone will launch alongside the upcoming ROG Phone 6D.

Gone are the days when you would look for a Chromebook, only to see the high-end models max out with a base-line Intel chip. These have served the industry well, as the budget options remain some of the most popular models for schools and those who want a basic laptop.

But as Intel's processors continue to get more and more powerful, we've been seeing new Chromebooks released with the same amount of power as their Windows counterparts. And that brings us to the ASUS Chromebook CX9, which is one of the first truly powerful Chromebooks to hit the scene.

ASUS Chromebook CX9: Price and availability

ASUS first announced the Chromebook CX9 at CES 2021, before it made its official debut in June 2021. This was one of the first Chromebooks to launch with Intel's most powerful 11th Gen processors, complete with up to 16GB of RAM and up to a 512GB NVMe SSD for storage. It's also one of the few Chromebooks available that sport multiple Thunderbolt 4 ports, where many others continue relying on traditional USB-C for data and power.

The base model Chromebook CX9 with an Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor and 8GB of RAM retails for $749.99. This price goes up incrementally based on the configuration you are looking for, maxing out with the Intel Core i7-1165G7, 16GB of RAM, and a UHD (3840x2160) display for $1249.99.

ASUS Chromebook CX9: What you'll like

Putting things plainly, until I got my hands on the HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook earlier this year, the ASUS Chromebook CX9 was the most powerful Chromebook that I had ever used. ASUS really swung for the fences when it comes to the spec sheet, offering the best processing power that money can buy for an 11th Gen Intel device.

But there's much more that goes into what makes the CX9 one of the more unique Chromebooks out there, besides just being a powerful beast. For one, you'll be able to get work done and play your favorite titles, as the CX9 is on the shortlist for the Steam Alpha program. Being able to fire up some of my favorite Steam games on a Chromebook, natively, still blows my mind, and there were only a couple of times when I really needed to tinker with the graphics settings. I wouldn't put that onus on ASUS though, as Steam Alpha's not yet ready for primetime, and there's still plenty of work to do.

Speaking of getting work done, I'm a sucker for a good typing experience, even when I can't bring one of my mechanical keyboards with me. Thankfully, the Chromebook CX9 doesn't disappoint in this area, as there's plenty of separation between the keys, despite the extremely compact design. And the key travel is so pleasant that the CX9 offers a bit of a reprieve when my fingers are tired from using a mechanical keyboard.

With a 14-inch display, the Chromebook CX9 offers plenty of screen real estate for getting work done, even when working with multiple windows. It's USI-compatible, but we'll touch more on that later on. Instead, I'd like to point out how absolutely stunning the UHD display looks. Unlike some of the other best Chromebooks out there, the CX9 is actually usable when outside, and it gets even better when I'm sitting on my couch or at the desk.

This brings me to another unique aspect of the CX9 with its hinge. ASUS is working with some magic here, as the hinge mechanism lifts the keyboard deck off of the table, putting it at the perfect angle to type on. It's a bit odd when sitting on the couch, as I have a tendency of moving around, which raises or lowers the angle itself. But ASUS really nailed it if you're concerned with ergonomics when typing for long periods of time. I'm really hoping that the successor of the CX9 uses this hinge mechanism, and maybe we'll see other Chromebook makers do something similar.

In the unit that I've been testing, the CX9 is powered by the Intel Core i7-1165G7, with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of NVMe storage. I've also added Linux to my workflow, as the Play Store version of my favorite application, Obsidian, just doesn't look great or work as seamlessly. And as I mentioned before, there are a few Steam games on deck, just for those times when I want to mess around and kill some time.

Even with multiple tabs open, Linux apps open, and switching back and forth between different desktops, the CX9 has never hiccupped. At least, not due to any fault of its own. There were one or two instances of when the CX9 would randomly reboot, but that's because I had forgotten to update ChromeOS to the latest version.

And while I'm someone who takes extra precautions with their devices, I've never had to put the MIL-STD 810H rating to the test. The only time I've even dropped the CX9 was from about a foot from the ground, and it fell flat onto the carpet. ASUS' Chromebook didn't even skip a beat, didn't turn the screen off, and allowed me to pick it up and keep working.

ASUS Chromebook CX9: What you won't like

By in large, it's pretty apparent that I've had some good experiences with the Chromebook CX9, but not everything is roses and daisies in ASUS land. 

For one, the bottom-firing speakers, even with the unique hinge mechanism, are just not good. I understand that there wasn't much room on the keyboard deck to put speakers, but I really wish Chromebook manufacturers would figure something out. What's the point of using the Chromebook as a laptop if my legs are going to muffle the sound coming out anyways?

But something that's even worse than the speakers, for me at least, is the battery life. I know the CX9, with all of its processing power and the UHD display, isn't going to last for very long. But I'm barely able to get five hours out of this thing before I'm reaching for a charger. And that's just going through my regular and traditional workflow. Playing games, let alone AAA titles, is going to drain the battery quickly, so I'm not even accounting for my gaming sessions here.

With pretty much every other Chromebook that I've reviewed, I've been able to go sit on the couch in the evening with 100%, leave the Chromebook on the coffee table when I go to bed, and come back to at least some battery left in the morning. Nope. Not with the CX9. 

It's been an issue since the beginning, and is the only Chromebook that has reintroduced my fear of running out of battery when I'm away from a charger. If ASUS does end up releasing a successor powered by 12th Gen chips, hopefully, the battery life is improved, but we'll just have to wait and see.

Something else that I found myself frustrated about was the 180-degree limitation with the display. I'm not really sure who's going to be using this completely flattened out, let alone who has enough desk or table space to do so. Throw in the fact that the CX9 is compatible with the best USI stylus pens, and it's just an awkward combination. Sure, it's nice to be able to sign a document on the screen, but those hoping for some type of tablet mode will need to look elsewhere.

And while the decision to implement the digital numpad on the trackpad is nifty, it's often forgotten about. I've only used it a handful of times, as I just simply forget that it's there. Yes, there's an icon on the trackpad letting you know where to tap and hold to activate it, but I'm a touch typist, therefore removing the potential reminder from appearing. It's pretty cool, but it's not very practical.

ASUS Chromebook CX9: The competition

At this point in the cycle, we're seeing more and more 12th Gen Intel Chromebooks being released. The closest competition at the high-end for the Chromebook CX9 is easily the HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook. HP not only offers a truly convertible design, but includes a magnetic USI stylus, a keyboard that is divine, and its incredible haptic trackpad. But the problem with HP's offering is its price, as even the base model starts at $1,149, giving ASUS about a $400 advantage.

From there, you have to look at Acer and its new-ish Chromebook Spin 714. You can't spec out the Spin 714 with a 12th Gen Core i7, but the Core i5 model that's available from Best Buy also comes with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. This retails for $729, although, we're already seeing sales for it that knock $100 off. The Spin 714 is not only newer, but it also sports a convertible design, and even features a built-in USI pen that can be easily stored right at the bottom of the keyboard.

ASUS Chromebook CX9: Should you buy it?

You should buy this if...

• You want a MIL-STD rated Chromebook.
• You plan on playing around with Steam Alpha.
• You want an enjoyable and unique typing experience.
• You don't have a big budget to work with.

You shouldn't buy this if...

• You want the latest and most powerful Chromebook.
• You need long-lasting battery life.
• You're on a budget.

The truth is that the Chromebook CX9, even with it being available for more than a year, still kind of stands alone from the pack. ASUS got a lot of things right with its flagship Chromebook, and it's making us hope that a successor is on the way. But the CX9 is also an indication of a larger "problem," and that's you don't really need all of this processing power.

Chromebooks are popular because they are (mostly) cheap and still get the job done, whereas similarly-priced Windows laptops just can't keep up. And while we're really excited about the prospects of Steam Alpha, by the time the program is out of its Alpha phase, there will likely be something else that's more affordable with the same amount of power.

Should you buy the Chromebook CX9? Probably not, unless you really want one of the most powerful Chromebooks out there, and don't want to sell a kidney to get the Elite Dragonfly. The CX9 has almost everything you could want in a laptop, save for the convertible design. If you do pick this up for yourself, just make sure you grab a powerful portable charger so you don't unexpectedly run out of juice.