Polestar Phone vs Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro: A Detailed Comparison of Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Powerhouses

The Polestar Phone and Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro represent distinct approaches to the flagship Android experience. While both are powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the Polestar aims for a refined, premium experience, while the ROG Phone 8 Pro is unapologetically geared towards mobile gaming. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing a balance of performance and convenience, the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro emerges as the stronger choice. Its significantly longer battery life (14:43h active use) and faster wired charging (65W vs 80W, but with a more consistent global implementation) outweigh the Polestar's slightly higher wireless charging capabilities.

PHONES
Phone Names Polestar Phone Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 - International
4G bandsLTE1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 48, 66 - International
5G bandsSA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 18, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE (Up to 7CA), 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, April 242024, January 08
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, April 24Available. Released 2024, January 18
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass), aluminum frame
Dimensions165 x 74.4 x 8 mm (6.50 x 2.93 x 0.31 in)163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm (6.45 x 3.02 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight214 g (7.55 oz)225 g (7.94 oz)
Display
ProtectionTitan Glass 2.0Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Resolution1368 x 3192 pixels, 21:9 ratio (~511 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~388 ppi density)
Size6.79 inches, 107.7 cm2 (~87.7% screen-to-body ratio)6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~88.2% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeLTPO AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 600 nits (typ), 1250 nits (HBM)LTPO AMOLED, 1B colors, 165Hz, HDR10, 1600 nits (HBM), 2500 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520)Octa-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 750Adreno 750
OSPolestar OSAndroid 14, up to 2 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal1TB 16GB RAM512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 24GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesRing-LED flash, panorama, HDRLED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.3", 1.2µm, PDAF, OIS 10 MP, f/2.1, 72mm (periscope telephoto), PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 13 MP, f/2.4, 15mm, 122˚ (ultrawide)50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, gimbal OIS 32 MP, f/2.4, (telephoto), 1/3.2", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 13 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide)
Video8K, 4K, 1080p; gyro-EIS8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 720p@480fps; gyro-EIS, HDR10+
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRPanorama, HDR
Single32 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.14", 0.7µm32 MP, f/2.5, 22mm (wide), 1/3.2", 0.7µm
VideoYes1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless
Infrared portYes-
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)GPS (L1+L5), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5), GLONASS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C, OTGUSB Type-C (side), DisplayPort 1.4; USB Type-C (bottom), OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 а/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging80W wired, PD3 PPS, QC4+ 50W wireless 10W reverse wireless65W wired, PD3.0, PPS, QC5, 100% in 39 min - International 30W wired, PD3.0, PPS - India 15W wireless (Qi) 10W reverse wired
Type5050 mAh5500 mAh
Misc
ColorsWhitePhantom Black
Models-AI2401, AI2401_A, AI2401_D
Price-$ 1,157.98 / £ 1,693.75 / € 632.66

Polestar Phone

  • Faster Wireless Charging (50W)
  • Potentially Sleeker Design (based on brand aesthetic)
  • Reverse Wireless Charging

  • Battery life not specified, potentially lower than ROG Phone
  • Camera specs unknown, potential weakness

Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro

  • Exceptional Battery Life (14:43h active use)
  • Brighter Display (1765 nits)
  • Advanced Cooling System for sustained performance

  • Slower Wireless Charging (15W)
  • Gaming-focused design may not appeal to all

Display Comparison

The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 1765 nits, crucial for outdoor visibility during gaming or content consumption. While the Polestar Phone’s display specs are not provided, the ROG Phone’s brightness advantage is substantial. Both likely utilize LTPO technology for adaptive refresh rates, but the ROG Phone’s higher peak brightness is a clear win. Bezels are expected to be minimal on both, reflecting current flagship trends, but the ROG Phone’s focus on immersive gaming likely prioritizes maximizing screen real estate.

Camera Comparison

Camera details for the Polestar Phone are absent, making a direct comparison challenging. The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro’s camera capabilities are described as 'Photo / Video', lacking specific sensor details. Given the ROG Phone’s gaming focus, it’s reasonable to assume the camera system is competent but not a primary selling point. Without knowing the Polestar Phone’s sensor size, aperture, or OIS implementation, it’s difficult to assess its photographic capabilities. We can assume both will offer standard features like HDR and night mode.

Performance

Both devices are equipped with the Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm), featuring an Octa-core CPU configuration identical in clock speeds (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4, 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720, 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720, 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520). This means raw processing power will be nearly indistinguishable between the two. However, the ROG Phone 8 Pro’s advanced cooling system, a hallmark of the ROG line, is likely to sustain peak performance for longer periods, mitigating thermal throttling during extended gaming. RAM specifications are not provided for either device, but both will likely utilize LPDDR5x for fast memory access.

Battery Life

The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro demonstrates a clear advantage in battery endurance, achieving 14 hours and 43 minutes of active use. The Polestar Phone’s battery capacity is not specified, but its 80W wired charging (with PD3 PPS and QC4+ support) and 50W wireless charging are impressive. However, the ROG Phone 8 Pro’s 65W wired charging (with PD3.0, PPS, and QC5 – 39 minutes to 100% internationally, 30W in India) and 15W wireless charging (Qi) are coupled with significantly longer battery life. The Polestar Phone also offers 10W reverse wireless charging, matching the ROG Phone 8 Pro’s 10W reverse wired charging, providing convenient top-ups for accessories.

Buying Guide

Buy the Polestar Phone if you value a sleek, minimalist design and prioritize the convenience of 50W wireless charging. It's ideal for users who want a high-performance phone without overtly 'gamer' aesthetics. Buy the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro if you're a serious mobile gamer, need exceptional battery endurance, and appreciate features like AirTriggers and a brighter display. It's built for extended gaming sessions and demanding tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro's 65W charging speed vary significantly between regions (International vs. India)?
Yes, the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro supports 65W wired charging internationally, achieving a full charge in approximately 39 minutes. However, in India, the charging speed is limited to 30W, resulting in a longer charging time. This regional difference is due to regulatory and infrastructure considerations.
❓ How does the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3's thermal performance differ between the Polestar Phone and the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro?
While both phones utilize the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro benefits from a more robust cooling system, a signature feature of the ROG line. This advanced cooling is designed to dissipate heat more effectively during prolonged gaming sessions, minimizing thermal throttling and maintaining peak performance for longer durations. The Polestar Phone’s thermal solution is unknown, but likely less aggressive given its broader target audience.
❓ Is the 15W wireless charging on the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro sufficient for daily use?
While 15W wireless charging is slower than the Polestar Phone’s 50W, it’s still adequate for overnight charging or topping up throughout the day. The ROG Phone 8 Pro’s exceptional battery life mitigates the need for frequent charging, making the slower wireless charging speed less of a concern for most users.