The Ultimate Guide to Asus ROG Phone ZS600KL Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Design and Build Quality

The Asus ROG Phone ZS600KL stands out with its striking design catered specifically towards gamers. With a glass front protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 6 and a glass back reinforced by Gorilla Glass 5, this device ensures durability alongside its aesthetic appeal. The aluminum frame enhances its sleek look and provides a robust structure. Weighing 200g, it strikes a balance between being substantial enough to feel premium while light enough for prolonged use. The dimensions of 158.8 x 76.2 x 8.3 mm make it comfortable to hold, and the dual SIM design facilitates better connectivity options for on-the-go users.

Display

The ROH Phone ZS600KL boasts a 6.0-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2160 pixels and an 18:9 aspect ratio, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks crucial for an immersive gaming experience. The screen-to-body ratio of approximately 76.8% gives a narrow bezel appearance, enhancing the visual display without unnecessary distractions. With 90Hz refresh rate and HDR support, this display ensures that users receive smooth transitions and an exquisite range of colors and contrasts, further certified by a contrast ratio of infinite (nominal) and 4.765 in sunlight.

Performance

Performance is a key highlight of the Asus ROG Phone ZS600KL, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset built on the 10nm process. This octa-core processor, with 4x2.96 GHz Kryo 385 Gold and 4x1.7 GHz Kryo 385 Silver, ensures high-speed data processing tailored for hardcore gaming needs. Equipped with an Adreno 630 GPU, users can expect high-fidelity graphics rendering and exceptional game performance. The device is equipped with 8GB of RAM, making multitasking effortless and aiding in quick app launches and smooth gameplay experiences.

Storage

Available in variants of 128GB and 512GB internal storage, the Asus ROG Phone offers ample space for installing heavy games and storing media content. However, it should be noted that there is no support for expandable memory via a card slot. Users should consider their storage needs carefully when selecting between the two models. The generous internal space aids in tightly coupled operations with the high RAM to ensure optimal performance outcomes.

Camera Capabilities

The dual-camera setup on the ROG Phone ZS600KL consists of a 12 MP wide camera and an 8 MP ultrawide lens, supported by features such as LED flash, panorama, and HDR. This allows for diverse photography capabilities from wide-angle shots to detailed capture. In terms of video, it supports up to 4K recording at both 30fps and 60fps. The selfie camera comes with an 8 MP sensor supporting panorama and HDR, recording 1080p videos at 30fps, sufficient for great selfies and video calls.

Battery Life and Charging

Powering the Asus ROG Phone is a 4000mAh non-removable Li-Ion battery that provides endurance for prolonged gaming sessions. The smartphone supports fast charging at 30W through Quick Charge 4, significantly reducing downtime by rapidly replenishing the battery. However, the battery endurance was rated at 69 hours, indicating a well-balanced usage between active and standby periods.

Audio and Sound

A notable feature of the ROG Phone ZS600KL is its stereo speaker setup that includes five-magnet speakers with an NXP 9874 smart amplifier for louder, deeper, and less distorted sound. It maintains a mean loudspeaker output with Voice, Noise, and Ring being 79dB, 77dB, and 84dB respectively. Additionally, the presence of a 3.5mm jack ensures compatibility with a wide range of audio peripherals, enhancing the gaming and multimedia experience.

Connectivity and Networking

Fully equipped with modern connectivity options, the Asus ROG Phone covers necessities with Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ad, dual-band, and Bluetooth 5.0 featuring aptX HD for better audio quality over wireless headphones. It supports multiple position technologies like GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, and QZSS which improves location accuracy. Other connectivity options include NFC compatibility for quick device pairing, FM radio, and the fast USB Type-C 3.1 support alongside an accessory connector.

User Experience and Software

Running on Android 8.1 Oreo, upgradable to Android 9.0 Pie, users receive a seamless experience with the custom ROG Gaming X UI. The interface is gamified focusing on enhancing user interaction with game-centric features and optimizations. Utility through the inbuilt Game Center app allows management of performance settings, including CPU and RAM usage, temperature readings, and more, offering a tailored gaming affair.

Additional Features

The ROH Phone ZS600KL incorporates rear-mounted fingerprint sensors, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, and other sensors, which facilitate a comprehensive user experience. The device, available in black, offers a distinct design alongside robust security features. The model numbers, Z01QD and ZS600KL, further help identify the phone's specifics for warranty and service purposes. Generally, priced at approximately 1110 EUR, it targets a niche yet earnest segment of gamers needing a high-performing gaming smartphone.

Conclusion

The Asus ROG Phone ZS600KL extends beyond a typical smartphone, bringing an immersive gaming experience through its potent hardware setup and rich, customizable software. With a dynamic design, exceptional display, and substantial audio and camera capabilities, it stands as a formidable device for serious mobile gamers. While its lack of expandable memory remains a potential drawback, its ample internal storage and significant RAM compensate adequately, ensuring sustained gaming and multitasking sessions without compromise.