ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro vs Apple iPhone 13
The ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro is the premium option here, offering top-tier gaming performance and an notable display. The ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro features a stunning 165Hz refresh rate compared to the iPhone 13's 60Hz. This means smoother gaming and scrolling, which is a big deal if you’re into fast-paced action or just want a better overall experience. If you're seeking flagship performance, the ROG Phone delivers in spades, while the iPhone 13 is more of a budget contender that keeps things simple but effective. Key specs: Display: 6.78" vs 6.1" and Refresh: 165 Hz vs 60 Hz.
Why compare these? The ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro (premium flagship) and Apple iPhone 13 (budget-friendly) represent different approaches to smartphones. While they may appeal to different budgets, many buyers consider both options. This 2026 comparison helps you decide if the differences justify the price gap.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | ASUS ROG | Apple iPhone |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.7★ (63 reviews) | ✓4.8★ (818 reviews) |
| Top Strength | First ROG phone with IP68 water/dust resistance and telephoto lens | Excellent build quality with Ceramic Shield and IP68 rating |
| Main Drawback | Software support (2 OS updates) lags behind Samsung/Google flagships | Stuck on 60Hz refresh rate (Competitors offer 120Hz) |
| Market Position | ✓Flagship | Budget |
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
Android
2 major OS updates and 4 years of security updates
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650)
Adreno 750
Apple iPhone 13
iOS
Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2021)
Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro vs Apple iPhone 13
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
Apple iPhone 13
| Criterion | ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro | Apple iPhone 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.7(63)Best Buy | ★4.8(818)Best Buy |
Operating System | Android | iOS |
Software Support | 2 major OS updates and 4 years of security updates | Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2021) |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650) | Apple A15 Bionic (5nm) |
Graphics | Adreno 750 | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) |
RAM | 16GB LPDDR5X (Pro Edition: 24GB) | 4GB LPDDR4X |
Storage | 512GB UFS 4.0 (Pro Edition: 1TB) | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB NVMe |
Display Size | 6.78" | 6.1" |
Screen Type | Samsung E6 Flexible AMOLED, LTPO, 1,600 nits (HBM) | Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision |
Resolution | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) | 2532 x 1170 pixels (460 ppi) |
Refresh Rate | 1Hz–120Hz (Adaptive); 165Hz (Gaming mode) | 60Hz |
Peak Brightness | 2,500 nits | 800 nits (Typical) / 1,200 nits (HDR Peak) |
Main Camera | 50MP Sony IMX890, f/1.9, 6-axis Hybrid Gimbal Stabilizer 3.0 | 12MP Wide, f/1.6, 26mm, 1.7µm, Sensor-shift OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Free-form lens | 12MP Ultrawide, f/2.4, 13mm, 120-degree FOV |
Telephoto Camera | 32MP, f/2.4, OIS, 3x Optical Zoom (Not periscope) | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | 3x Optical | 2x Optical Zoom Out (0.5x to 1x) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 30x (Hyper Clarity AI up to 10x) | Up to 5x |
Video Recording | 8K UHD @ 24fps; 4K UHD @ 30/60fps; HDR10+ | 4K @ 60fps (Dolby Vision HDR supported); Cinematic mode (1080p @ 30fps) |
Front Camera | 32MP RGBW, f/2.5, 90-degree FOV (Bins to 8MP) | 12MP TrueDepth, f/2.2, 23mm, SL 3D (Biometrics) |
Battery | 5,500mAh (Dual-cell) | 3,240mAh (approximate) |
Wired Charging | 65W HyperCharge (Adapter included) | 20W+ Fast Charging (50% in 30 min) via Lightning |
Wireless Charging | 15W Qi 1.3 Wireless Charging | 15W MagSafe Wireless / 7.5W Qi Wireless |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.4, NFC | 5G (Sub-6 GHz & mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, UWB |
USB | Side: USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (DisplayPort 1.4); Bottom: USB-C 2.0 | Lightning Connector (USB 2.0 speeds) |
Durability | IP68 (Dust/Water Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (Front) | IP68 (Maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield front |
Dimensions | 6.45 x 3.02 x 0.35 in (163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm) | 5.78 x 2.82 x 0.30 in (146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm) |
Weight | 7.94 oz (225 g) | 6.14 oz (174 g) |
Biometrics | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock | Face ID |
Extras | AniMe Vision (341 Mini-LEDs on back), AirTrigger buttons, 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Dual USB-C ports | MagSafe ecosystem support, Stereo speakers, Dual eSIM support |
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ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
Android
2 major OS updates and 4 years of security updates
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650)
Adreno 750
16GB LPDDR5X (Pro Edition: 24GB)
512GB UFS 4.0 (Pro Edition: 1TB)
Pros
- First ROG phone with IP68 water/dust resistance and telephoto lens
- Incredible performance with advanced thermal management features
Cons
- Software support (2 OS updates) lags behind Samsung/Google flagships
- Battery capacity reduced (5,500mAh) compared to previous generation (6,000mAh)
Apple iPhone 13
iOS
Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2021)
Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
4GB LPDDR4X
128GB / 256GB / 512GB NVMe
Pros
- Excellent build quality with Ceramic Shield and IP68 rating
- Strong battery life for its size (beat many Android competitors at launch)
Cons
- Stuck on 60Hz refresh rate (Competitors offer 120Hz)
- Uses proprietary Lightning port instead of universal USB-C
Which one is better?
Grab the iPhone 13 if you want a lighter device at 6.14 oz versus the ROG's 7.94 oz - it's a reliable pick for casual users.
Who should buy each?
Choose the ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro if: you game heavily and need a 165Hz display, you value a long-lasting 5,500mAh battery for all-day use, or you want advanced camera features like 3x optical zoom.
Choose the Apple iPhone 13 if: you prefer a compact 6.1" form factor, need a device that integrates well with the Apple ecosystem, or want a reliable phone with a strong software update track record.
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.8★ vs 4.7★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 818 reviews vs 63
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Premium Buyers
Higher-tier option with more premium features and build quality
→ Choose ASUS ROG
Value Seekers
Better value proposition for buyers who don't need top-tier features
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Bottom line: The Apple iPhone 13 leads with a 4.8★ rating versus 4.7★. That said, ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro could still be the right pick depending on your specific priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro or Apple iPhone 13?
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro is the better choice if you prioritize first rog phone with ip68 water/dust resistance and telephoto lens. Apple iPhone 13 wins if you value excellent build quality with ceramic shield and ip68 rating. Both are rated highly (4.7★ vs 4.8★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro and Apple iPhone 13?
Key differences: ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro offers first rog phone with ip68 water/dust resistance and telephoto lens, while Apple iPhone 13 stands out with excellent build quality with ceramic shield and ip68 rating. Consider that ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro software support (2 os updates) lags behind samsung/google flagships. Meanwhile, Apple iPhone 13 stuck on 60hz refresh rate (competitors offer 120hz). Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: January 27, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
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