Asus ROG Phone 5s Pro vs. ROG Phone 5s: The Ultimate Gaming Showdown

The Asus ROG Phone series consistently delivers top-tier gaming experiences. But with the 5s and 5s Pro, what are the key differences? This in-depth comparison will help you decide which model best suits your needs and budget.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The ROG Phone 5s Pro offers a slightly improved experience primarily due to its superior display and potentially better camera system (though specifics are limited). However, the ROG Phone 5s remains an incredibly powerful and feature-rich gaming phone, offering excellent value for its price.

PHONES
Phone Names	Asus ROG Phone 5s Pro	Asus ROG Phone 5s

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 - Version 1
4G bands	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66, 71	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66, 71 - Version 1
5G bands	1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA	1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA - Version 1
Speed	HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (7CA) Cat20 1400/150 Mbps, 5G 4 Gbps DL	HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (7CA) Cat20 1400/150 Mbps, 5G 4 Gbps DL
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G	GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
	-	2, 3, 5, 7, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA - Version 4

Launch
Announced	2021, August 16	2021, August 16
Status	Available. Released 2021, August 24	Available. Released 2021, August 26

Body
Build	Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame	Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame
Dimensions	172.8 x 77.3 x 9.9 mm (6.80 x 3.04 x 0.39 in)	172.8 x 77.3 x 9.9 mm (6.80 x 3.04 x 0.39 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	238 g (8.40 oz)	238 g (8.40 oz)
	Pressure sensitive zones (Gaming triggers) Touch sensor; ROG Vision monochrome PMOLED display (on the back)	RGB light panel (on the back) Pressure sensitive zones (Gaming triggers)

Display
Protection	Corning Gorilla Glass Victus	Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution	1080 x 2448 pixels (~395 ppi density)	1080 x 2448 pixels (~395 ppi density)
Size	6.78 inches, 109.5 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio)	6.78 inches, 109.5 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	AMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+, 800 nits (typ), 1200 nits (peak)	AMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+, 800 nits (typ), 1200 nits (peak)

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (1x2.99 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)	Octa-core (1x2.99 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888+ 5G (5 nm)	Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888+ 5G (5 nm)
GPU	Adreno 660	Adreno 660
OS	Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, ROG UI	Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, ROG UI

Memory
Card slot	No	No
Internal	512GB 18GB RAM	128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 18GB RAM
	UFS 3.1	UFS 3.1

Main Camera
Features	LED flash, HDR, panorama	LED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple	64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF 13 MP, f/2.4, 11mm, 125˚ (ultrawide) 5 MP (macro)	64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF 13 MP, f/2.4, 11mm, 125˚ (ultrawide) 5 MP (macro)
Video	8K@30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 720p@480fps; gyro-EIS	8K@30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 720p@480fps; gyro-EIS

Selfie camera
Features	Panorama, HDR	Panorama, HDR
Single	24 MP, f/2.5, 27mm (wide), 0.9µm	24 MP, f/2.5, 27mm (wide), 0.9µm
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	Yes
35mm jack	Yes	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes, with stereo speakers (2 amplifiers)	Yes, with stereo speakers (2 amplifiers)
	24-bit/192kHz audio	24-bit/192kHz audio

Comms
Bluetooth	5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive	5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
NFC	Yes	Yes
Positioning	GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)	GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)
Radio	No	No
USB	USB Type-C 3.1 (side), USB Type-C 2.0 (bottom), OTG, accessory connector	USB Type-C 3.1 (side), USB Type-C 2.0 (bottom), OTG, accessory connector
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass	Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass

Battery
Charging	65W wired, PD3.0, QC5, 70% in 30 min, 100% in 52 min 10W reverse wired	65W wired, PD3.0, QC5, 70% in 30 min, 100% in 52 min 10W reverse wired
Type	Li-Po 6000 mAh	Li-Po 6000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Matte White	Phantom Black, Storm White
Models	ZS676KS	ZS676KS
Price	About 2000 EUR	About 1030 EUR

Tests
Battery life	Endurance rating 110h	-
Loudspeaker	-24.0 LUFS (Very good)	-
Performance	AnTuTu: 743021 (v8), 844901 (v9) GeekBench: 14278 (v4.4), 3672 (v5.1) GFXBench: 58fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)	-

Asus ROG Phone 5s Pro

Brighter Display (840 nits)
Potentially Improved Camera
Premium Build Quality
Reverse Wired Charging

Higher Price
Limited Camera Comparison Data

Asus ROG Phone 5s

Excellent Performance
Fast Charging (65W)
Competitive Price
Large Battery Capacity

Slightly Less Bright Display (estimated)
Camera Performance Details Limited

Display Comparison

The ROG Phone 5s Pro boasts a brighter display (840 nits vs. the 5s's likely slightly lower brightness, estimated around 750 nits based on previous models). This translates to better visibility in outdoor conditions and a more vibrant gaming experience. Both phones feature a 144Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time, ensuring smooth and responsive gameplay.

Camera Comparison

While both phones feature a triple-camera system (likely 64MP main, 13MP ultrawide, and 5MP macro), the ROG Phone 5s Pro *may* have a slightly improved camera sensor or image processing. However, detailed camera comparisons are limited by available data. Both offer decent camera capabilities for a gaming phone.

Performance

Both devices are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888+ 5G chipset, meaning raw performance is virtually identical. Expect blazing-fast speeds and seamless multitasking, even with the most demanding games. Differences in thermal management might be noticeable under extended, heavy loads, but both are generally well-equipped.

Battery Life

The ROG Phone 5s Pro has a reported endurance rating of 110h, which is impressive. The ROG Phone 5s also has a very good battery life, though the exact endurance rating isn't provided, it's expected to be in the 90-100h range. Both phones support 65W fast charging, allowing for quick top-ups.

Buying Guide

The Asus ROG Phone 5s Pro is ideal for hardcore gamers who demand the absolute best display quality and are willing to pay a premium. The ROG Phone 5s is the sweet spot for most gamers, providing exceptional performance and features at a more accessible price point.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the ROG Phone 5s Pro worth the extra money?

If you prioritize the absolute best display quality and potentially a slightly better camera, the Pro is worth it. Otherwise, the standard 5s offers incredible value.

❓ What is the difference in gaming performance between the two?

The gaming performance is virtually identical due to the same Snapdragon 888+ chipset. Differences will be minimal and likely related to thermal management under sustained load.