Gaming smartphones have always been niche. But these powerful phones, which typically come with gaming features such as customisable shoulder triggers that mimic the ones on console controllers, may soon be a dying breed. Asus — the flagbearer of these devices for years — recently gave its gaming smartphone, the ROG Phone series, a makeover that focused on its non-gaming features.
Yes, the latest Asus ROG Phone 8, which we are currently putting to the test (review soon!), looks less flashy like its predecessors. For starters, the design is more restrained, though it can still turn it on when needed, thanks to a customisable Mini-LED display at the back. And the shoulder triggers are still present.
But what’s more telling is that Asus has — for the first time — included features that you’d expect from a flagship smartphone, such as IP68 water and dust resistance and a telephoto lens. In short, the ROG Phone 8 feels more like a pre…
