ASUS ROG unleashes compact and powerful gaming laptops for 2021

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced the line-up of gaming laptops for 2021 at the ROG For Those Who Dare virtual launch event at CES 2021. This new roster of ROG notebooks features a wide variety of innovations that aim to cater to both lifestyle and hardcore gamers alike.

ROG Flow X13

The ROG Flow X13 delivers powerful hardware in an ultraslim 13-inch body with up to an 8-core next-generation AMD Ryzen 9 CPU and dedicated GeForce GTX 1650 GPU. It has a slick convertible design with a 360-degree hinge that allows users to use different modes for different tasks such as from gaming to viewing, drawing, presenting, and many more. Slim and lightweight, this notebook is only 15.8mm thin and weighs only 1.3kg. Paired with a lightweight 100W USB Type-C charger, the Flow X13 redefines portability in gaming laptops and highlights how “Compact Is The New Impact”.

A key feature that the Flow X13 boasts is its external GPU dock, the ROG XG Mobile. The innovative ROG XG Mobile is a fraction of the size of external graphics alternatives yet incorporates a powerful GeForce RTX GPU, which connects directly to the CPU via a custom interface that’s faster than Thunderbolt 4. A dedicated USB 3.2 Gen 2 link feeds an I/O hub with extra connectivity, while an integrated 280W AC adapter powers both the XG Mobile and Flow X13, removing the need for users to carry an additional power brick.

Together, the Flow X13 and XG Mobile redefine what’s possible with a 13-inch device, empowering users with versatile portability while providing desktop-class gaming performance and connectivity on demand.

ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 SE

Coming off its success from last year, the new-and-improved Zephyrus Duo 15 SE is also set to make a return to the market. This beast of a gaming laptop incorporates up to the latest AMD Ryzen9 CPU and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPU. Its innovative AAS Plus cooling system features redesigned fans that help dissipate up to 165W of combined processor power. It also comes with choices between a premium 4K 120Hz panel display for uncompromising visuals, for both gaming and creative work as well as a 300Hz Full HD alternative display for esports-grade speed. The RAID storage nearly doubles throughput by connecting dual SSDs directly to the CPU.

This gaming notebook combines an upgraded 15.6-inch main display with the critically acclaimed ROG ScreenPad Plus, which provides touchscreen controls on a 14.1-inch secondary display that enhances everything from gaming and streaming to content creation, which makes it a favorite among multitaskers.

ROG Strix SCAR 15 and 17

The esports favorite ROG Strix SCAR 15 and Strix SCAR 17 is returning. The line will still feature one of the world’s fastest laptop displays, with up to 300Hz refresh rate and 3ms response while driven by powerful new GeForce RTX GPUs and next-generation Ryzen mobile CPUs. The new SCAR series also offers an optical-mechanical keyboard, delivering both rapid response and high durability.

On the Strix SCAR series, the aluminum lid is slashed with a shimmering dot matrix design created with precise electroplating. A soft-touch texture makes the palm rests comfortably smooth, and a translucent treatment on the keyboard deck shows the hardware inside. Under the body, larger rubber feet take a cue from running shoes to maximize stability and grip.

Customizable Armor Caps add a new level of personalization, allowing users to modify the chassis itself. The laptops come with Rubber Grey, Translucent Black, and Spangle Silver hinge caps that can be quickly swapped. ROG also provides the 3D printer source file to let users create completely custom caps.

For gamers who want a stylish and powerful laptop at a friendlier cost, the ROG Strix G15 and G17 are also making a come-back. Also featuring up to an AMD Ryzen 9 processor and GeForce RTX GPU backed by 32GB of memory and up to 1TB of SSD storage, the ROG Strix G15 and G17 are capable gaming machines for all kinds of gamers. The display options available are between up to a 300Hz refresh rate with 3ms response time or a super-sharp WQHD screen at 165Hz/3ms with a wider color gamut. This latest generation is made in 3 different colors: Original Black, Eclipse Grey, and Electro Punk.

TUF Dash F15

ASUS introduces the TUF Dash F15 gaming laptop, a super-slim 15-inch device that represents a more portable, lightweight, and inclusive direction for the TUF Gaming series. Powered by the latest 11th Gen Intel Tiger Lake CPU and the newest generation of GeForce RTX GPUs, the TUF Dash boasts power and value together with its new slim and stylish form factor.

Its powerful core experience is rounded out with high-end features not typically seen at accessible price points, such as a tournament-level gaming panel with up to 144Hz refresh rate, a versatile Thunderbolt 4 port, and Two-Way AI Noise Cancelation technology. Gamers can be productive longer on the go thanks to an expansive battery that nets up to 16.6 hours of video playback and Type-C charging that extends battery life from a variety of adapters and power packs. The TUF Dash F15 fits all these features in a chassis that is stylish without sacrificing the TUF Gaming series’ signature military-grade durability.

Also showcased in the event is the refresh of the best selling TUF Gaming A15 and A17 featuring new AMD CPUs and NVIDIA GPUs as well as an updated version of the award-winning ROG Zephyrus G14 featuring updated specs and refinements.

ROG Citadel XV

Also announced today is the ROG Citadel XV, a new interactive experience to showcase the latest line of cutting-edge gaming gear and technologies from ROG. The ROG Citadel XV introduces the player to the characters and stories underpinning the ROG visual universe. Players can freely explore four themed demo rooms to see the latest gear to be available in 2021.

It is the first self-made virtual experience ROG has ever created, giving audiences a closer look at the brand’s universe as well as the latest devices. During a time when in-person conventions are unavailable, ROG has drawn inspiration from games to create a new kind of event. The ROG Citadel XV is free and will be available on Steam starting on January 13.

The celebrations are not over just yet. Come end of the month, ASUS ROG Philippines will be announcing its first sets of Cezanne products to hit the market.

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vivo X80 Pro unboxing and first look

06/30/2022

vivo has finally launched its much-anticipated X80 flagship series for 2022, Successor to the already remarkable X70, this year’s devices also offer nothing short of a superior and premium experience with industry-leading camera quality and unparalleled performance.

We already spent some time with its younger sibling, the vivo X80, but this time we have our first look at the more premium variant, the vivo X80 Pro.

Unboxing

Starting with the box, vivo has chosen to continue its tradition of packaging its flagship devices in a more luxurious style. Just by looking at the package, you know you’re in for something special.

The vivo X80 Pro comes in its familiar X-series box that uses high-end materials. Housing the device is a 7×7.5-inch matte black box wrapped in a leather-like material that’s soft to the touch. The phone model is engraved in gold along with that eye-catching metallic blue ZEISS logo.

Upon opening the box, you are greeted with the device tucked in its neatly cut crevice with the brand name in more gold.

Underneath we find two more boxes with creative hieroglyph-like markings (again, in gold) symbolizing its contents. On the left, we have the leather-like hard case and the sim ejector, while the right contains the power brick, USB-C charging cable, some documents, and a pair of earphones (something we don’t see very often these days) with extra ear-tips.

Every single thing in the box feels premium and high-grade even down to its sim ejector.

First impressions and design

The device itself feels solid and heavy with its glass body and has a very comfortable grip. The materials used are obviously top quality and overall, it’s just an elegant-looking phone.

Wrapping the front of the device is a curved 2K AMOLED screen that delivers crisp and vibrant graphics and features a single punch-hole 32mp f/2.5 selfie camera.

At the bottom, we find our SIM tray, microphone, USB-C charging port, and lastly, the speaker grille.

Moving to the right, you find the power button and volume rocker which feel tactile to the touch.

Up top, we find another mic and an IR blaster. We can also find the words “Professional Photography” engraved on the device to remind you that this is no ordinary camera phone.

You will notice that the bezels are seamless and the all-aluminum chassis contributes to the overall luxury theme.

The vivo X80 Pro comes in a single color, Cosmic Black, that has a silky smooth feel paired with a textured satin-like finish embellished with the brand logo.

The camera module is the shiny centerpiece to this work of art and holds a collection of vivo’s signature ZEISS cameras in a circular arrangement. For its quad-camera setup, we have a 50-megapixel camera offering a 1/1.3-inch sensor and optical image stabilization (OIS), 48-megapixel ultrawide with laser auto-focus, 12-megapixel telephoto with optical zoom, and finally, an 8-megapixel periscope lens with 5x optical zoom.

The camera panel comes in a high gloss mirror finish which is sadly, a smudge or fingerprint magnet, but that’s just me nit-picking.

The X80 Pro’s cameras come with a T* ZEISS glass coating which reduces reflected light, therefore, eliminating glare. It amazed me how the cameras have absolutely no reflections of light at any angle even in direct, harsh light. Internal camera components are kept clear which contributes to the ultra-sharp HDR photos this phone can produce.

There is a lot to say about these cameras and it deserves an entire review of its own which is something you can look forward to here on TMC soon.

Software and interface

Powering on the device, you are immediately captivated by that 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display delivering a 10-bit color depth, HDR10+, 1500 nits peak brightness, a high 120Hz refresh rate, and 300Hz touch sampling rate as well.

With these specs, gaming and streaming on this phone are sure to be immersive and exhilarating.

Under the hood, the vivo X80 Pro is powered by the latest Qualcomm flagship processor Snapdragon 8 Gen1 working alongside the vivo V1+ chip. It’s supported by a generous 12GB RAM and 256GB of storage and ships with the company’s Android 12 skin, FunTouch12.

On top of that, the device is equipped with an Ultra Large Liquid Cooling Vapor Chamber that offers maximum cooling and heat management during heavy tasks helping the phone maintain peak performance.

A notable feature that caught my attention is the ultra-fast and rather massive fingerprint sensor area on the screen. Not only is it spacious but it’s also adjustable. It’s a simple, innovative design feature that I would personally like to see as a standard for future phones.

It also comes with an array of customizable features such as animation styles and personalized designs adding character and personality to your phone to suit your personal style.

Battery and charging

Packing a 4700mHa battery, the X80 Pro can last the whole day even with heavy use.

It comes with an 80W fast charger that claims a 100% charge in 38 minutes and also supports 50W wireless FlashCharge. This device also boasts reverse charging capabilities that allow you to use the phone to charge other devices wirelessly.

Final thoughts

Priced at PhP 59,999, the vivo X80 Pro, though pricey, will guarantee you that it’s worth your money.

The gimbaled ZEISS cameras with their superior features already sold this for me. Not to mention the excellent night mode where no other phone comes close. vivo continues to surprise us with innovative and industry-leading designs.

In my opinion, it seems like the vivo X80 Pro is the king of camera phones and has set the standard high for mobile professional photography. I’ll be putting it through its paces for a more in-depth camera review so be sure to check back soon!

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