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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, Manufacturer

ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro vs Nothing Phone (2)

In my testing, the ROG Phone's superior specs, including a 3x optical zoom and IP68 rating, make it a better choice for gamers and power users alike. The Nothing Phone (2) brings an iconic design with its Glyph Interface, appealing to those who value aesthetics. While you lose water resistance and optical zoom with the Nothing Phone, the 6.7" LTPO OLED display still shines at 1,600 nits, making it an attractive option for everyday use. You'll love this if you're after something unique and less bulky for daily tasks.

📱 Display: 6.78" vs 6.7"⚡ Refresh: 165 Hz vs 120 Hz🔋 Battery: 5500 mAh vs 4700 mAh

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ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro

ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro

4.7
(63)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:2 major OS updates and 4 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650)
Graphics:Adreno 750
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Nothing Phone (2)

Nothing Phone (2)

4.6
(397)Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:3 years of Android OS upgrades and 4 years of security updates (bimonthly)
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm)
Graphics:Adreno 730
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Key spec differences

Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.

Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
6.78"Winner
Nothing Phone (2)
6.7"
Refresh Rate
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
1Hz–120Hz (Adaptive); 165Hz (Gaming mode)Winner
Nothing Phone (2)
1Hz - 120Hz (LTPO Adaptive)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650)
Nothing Phone (2)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm)
RAMKey
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
16GB LPDDR5X (Pro Edition: 24GB)Winner
Nothing Phone (2)
8GB / 12GB LPDDR5
Storage
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
512GB UFS 4.0 (Pro Edition: 1TB)
Nothing Phone (2)
128GB / 256GB / 512GB UFS 3.1
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
50MP Sony IMX890, f/1.9, 6-axis Hybrid Gimbal Stabilizer 3.0
Nothing Phone (2)
50MP Sony IMX890, f/1.88, OIS, EIS, 24mm equivalent
Ultra-Wide Camera
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Free-form lens
Nothing Phone (2)
50MP Samsung JN1, f/2.2, 114-degree FOV, 4cm Macro Mode
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
5,500mAh (Dual-cell)Winner
Nothing Phone (2)
4,700mAh
Wireless Charging
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
15W Qi 1.3 Wireless Charging
Nothing Phone (2)
15W Qi Dual-coil (Full charge in 130 mins); 5W Reverse Wireless
Design2 specs
Weight
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
7.94 oz (225 g)
Nothing Phone (2)
7.09 oz (201.2 g)Winner
Dimensions
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
6.45 x 3.02 x 0.35 in (163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm)
Nothing Phone (2)
6.38 x 3.01 x 0.34 in (162.1 x 76.4 x 8.6 mm)
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.4, NFC
Nothing Phone (2)
5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
+

Full specs, pros, and cons

Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.

Comparison: ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro vs Nothing Phone (2)

ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro

ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro

4.7(63)Best Buy
Nothing Phone (2)

Nothing Phone (2)

4.6(397)Amazon
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro

ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro

Rating:4.7(63)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:2 major OS updates and 4 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650)
Graphics:Adreno 750
RAM:16GB LPDDR5X (Pro Edition: 24GB)
Storage:512GB UFS 4.0 (Pro Edition: 1TB)
Display Size:6.78"
Screen Type:Samsung E6 Flexible AMOLED, LTPO, 1,600 nits (HBM)
Resolution:2400 x 1080 (FHD+)
Refresh Rate:1Hz–120Hz (Adaptive); 165Hz (Gaming mode)
Peak Brightness:2,500 nits
Main Camera:50MP Sony IMX890, f/1.9, 6-axis Hybrid Gimbal Stabilizer 3.0
Ultra-Wide Camera:13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Free-form lens
Telephoto Camera:32MP, f/2.4, OIS, 3x Optical Zoom (Not periscope)
Optical Zoom:3x Optical
Digital Zoom:Up to 30x (Hyper Clarity AI up to 10x)
Video Recording:8K UHD @ 24fps; 4K UHD @ 30/60fps; HDR10+
Front Camera:32MP RGBW, f/2.5, 90-degree FOV (Bins to 8MP)
Battery:5,500mAh (Dual-cell)
Wired Charging:65W HyperCharge (Adapter included)
Wireless Charging:15W Qi 1.3 Wireless Charging
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.4, NFC
USB:Side: USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (DisplayPort 1.4); Bottom: USB-C 2.0
Durability:IP68 (Dust/Water Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (Front)
Dimensions:6.45 x 3.02 x 0.35 in (163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm)
Weight:7.94 oz (225 g)
Biometrics:Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock
Extras:AniMe Vision (341 Mini-LEDs on back), AirTrigger buttons, 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Dual USB-C ports

✓ Pros:

  • First ROG phone with IP68 water/dust resistance and telephoto lens
  • Incredible performance with advanced thermal management features
  • Brightest-in-class 165Hz LTPO AMOLED display (2,500 nits peak)
  • Includes 65W charger, case, and braided cable in the box
  • Retains enthusiast features: 3.5mm jack, notification LEDs, and AirTriggers

✗ Cons:

  • Software support (2 OS updates) lags behind Samsung/Google flagships
  • Battery capacity reduced (5,500mAh) compared to previous generation (6,000mAh)
  • Cameras, while improved, still trail top-tier photography flagships
  • Thermal throttling can occur earlier than previous bulky models without the cooler
  • No dedicated macro mode (uses Ultrawide) unlike previous iterations

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Nothing Phone (2)

Nothing Phone (2)

Rating:4.6(397)Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:3 years of Android OS upgrades and 4 years of security updates (bimonthly)
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm)
Graphics:Adreno 730
RAM:8GB / 12GB LPDDR5
Storage:128GB / 256GB / 512GB UFS 3.1
Display Size:6.7"
Screen Type:LTPO OLED, 1-120Hz Adaptive, 1,600 nits (Peak Pixel Brightness)
Resolution:2412 x 1080 (FHD+) at 394 ppi
Refresh Rate:1Hz - 120Hz (LTPO Adaptive)
Peak Brightness:1,600 nits (HDR Peak); 1,000 nits (Outdoor Full Screen)
Main Camera:50MP Sony IMX890, f/1.88, OIS, EIS, 24mm equivalent
Ultra-Wide Camera:50MP Samsung JN1, f/2.2, 114-degree FOV, 4cm Macro Mode
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported)
Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom:Up to 10x
Video Recording:4K @ 60fps (Main & Ultrawide); Live HDR at 4K/30fps
Front Camera:32MP Sony IMX615, f/2.45, 1080p @ 60fps
Battery:4,700mAh
Wired Charging:45W PPS (Full charge in 55 mins)
Wireless Charging:15W Qi Dual-coil (Full charge in 130 mins); 5W Reverse Wireless
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
USB:USB Type-C 2.0
Durability:IP54 (Splash, Water, and Dust Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (Front & Back)
Dimensions:6.38 x 3.01 x 0.34 in (162.1 x 76.4 x 8.6 mm)
Weight:7.09 oz (201.2 g)
Biometrics:Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock
Extras:Glyph Interface (33 addressable LED zones), Glyph Composer, Essential Notifications, Stereo Speakers

✓ Pros:

  • Iconic transparent design with functional Glyph Interface lighting
  • Excellent performance stability with Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
  • Power-efficient LTPO OLED display (1-120Hz)
  • Clean, bloatware-free software experience (Nothing OS)
  • Supports both wireless charging and reverse wireless charging

✗ Cons:

  • IP54 rating is lower than IP68 found in competitors (Pixel 7/8, Galaxy S23 FE)
  • Camera system lacks a dedicated telephoto/optical zoom lens
  • Digital zoom performance (max 10x) is weak compared to class leaders
  • Ultrawide sensor (Samsung JN1) struggles in low light compared to main sensor
  • No charger included in the box

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Which one is better?

Grab the Nothing Phone (2) if you want a lighter phone at 7.09 oz and appreciate its unique design.

Who should buy each?

Choose the ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro if: you game often and need the 165Hz display, you want a longer-lasting battery for extended use, or you take lots of photos and want 3x optical zoom.
Choose the Nothing Phone (2) if: you prefer a unique design with the Glyph Interface, you need a lighter phone for everyday carry, or you want a clean software experience without bloatware. (6.7" display, 120 Hz refresh)

Conclusion

With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

+Which has better value?

ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro excels if you value first rog phone with ip68 water/dust resistance and telephoto lens. Nothing Phone (2) is better if you prioritize iconic transparent design with functional glyph interface lighting. Pick based on your budget and daily use.

+Is this an independent review?

Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.

+Do newer models exist?

Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.

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