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.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro

Nothing Phone (2)
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.
Expand
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

Nothing Phone (2)
| Criterion | ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro | Nothing Phone (2) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.7(63)Best Buy | ★4.6(397)Amazon |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 2 major OS updates and 4 years of security updates | 3 years of Android OS upgrades and 4 years of security updates (bimonthly) |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm) |
Graphics | Adreno 750 | Adreno 730 |
RAM | 16GB LPDDR5X (Pro Edition: 24GB) | 8GB / 12GB LPDDR5 |
Storage | 512GB UFS 4.0 (Pro Edition: 1TB) | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB UFS 3.1 |
Display Size | 6.78" | 6.7" |
Screen Type | Samsung E6 Flexible AMOLED, LTPO, 1,600 nits (HBM) | LTPO OLED, 1-120Hz Adaptive, 1,600 nits (Peak Pixel Brightness) |
Resolution | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) | 2412 x 1080 (FHD+) at 394 ppi |
Refresh Rate | 1Hz–120Hz (Adaptive); 165Hz (Gaming mode) | 1Hz - 120Hz (LTPO Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 2,500 nits | 1,600 nits (HDR Peak); 1,000 nits (Outdoor Full Screen) |
Main Camera | 50MP Sony IMX890, f/1.9, 6-axis Hybrid Gimbal Stabilizer 3.0 | 50MP Sony IMX890, f/1.88, OIS, EIS, 24mm equivalent |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Free-form lens | 50MP Samsung JN1, f/2.2, 114-degree FOV, 4cm Macro Mode |
Telephoto Camera | 32MP, f/2.4, OIS, 3x Optical Zoom (Not periscope) | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | 3x Optical | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 30x (Hyper Clarity AI up to 10x) | Up to 10x |
Video Recording | 8K UHD @ 24fps; 4K UHD @ 30/60fps; HDR10+ | 4K @ 60fps (Main & Ultrawide); Live HDR at 4K/30fps |
Front Camera | 32MP RGBW, f/2.5, 90-degree FOV (Bins to 8MP) | 32MP Sony IMX615, f/2.45, 1080p @ 60fps |
Battery | 5,500mAh (Dual-cell) | 4,700mAh |
Wired Charging | 65W HyperCharge (Adapter included) | 45W PPS (Full charge in 55 mins) |
Wireless Charging | 15W Qi 1.3 Wireless Charging | 15W Qi Dual-coil (Full charge in 130 mins); 5W Reverse Wireless |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.4, NFC | 5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC |
USB | Side: USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (DisplayPort 1.4); Bottom: USB-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
Durability | IP68 (Dust/Water Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (Front) | IP54 (Splash, Water, and Dust Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (Front & Back) |
Dimensions | 6.45 x 3.02 x 0.35 in (163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm) | 6.38 x 3.01 x 0.34 in (162.1 x 76.4 x 8.6 mm) |
Weight | 7.94 oz (225 g) | 7.09 oz (201.2 g) |
Biometrics | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock | 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 | Glyph Interface (33 addressable LED zones), Glyph Composer, Essential Notifications, Stereo Speakers |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |

ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
✓ 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.

Nothing Phone (2)
✓ 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.
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.
Affiliate disclosure
PageBen uses Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports independent content for US shoppers.
