Alright, let's dive deep into the trenches and dissect these two titans of the smartphone world: the Apple iPhone 13 Pro and the Asus ROG Phone 6. I've got my engineer's hat on and a keen eye for what really matters in day-to-day use. Forget marketing fluff, we're going straight for practical implications.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's the lowdown, neatly organized with a dash of real-world context:
| Feature | Apple iPhone 13 Pro | Asus ROG Phone 6 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-09-24 | 2022-07-13 | ROG Phone 6 is almost a year newer, but that does not always mean better! |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are typical candy-bar style phones. |
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.7 mm | 173 x 77 x 10.3 mm | iPhone 13 Pro is more pocketable; ROG Phone 6 is noticeably larger and bulkier. |
| Weight | 204g | 239g | iPhone 13 Pro feels lighter and more comfortable for extended use. ROG Phone 6 may feel heavy during longer sessions. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.78" | ROG Phone 6 offers a significantly larger viewing area, great for media and gaming; iPhone 13 Pro is more compact and easier to handle. |
| Resolution | 1170x2532 | 1080x2448 | iPhone 13 Pro’s display is slightly sharper due to more pixels per inch (PPI). |
| PPI | 460 | 395 | iPhone 13 Pro display will look clearer and less pixelated especially to the trained eye. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, subtle difference for the everyday user. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 165Hz | ROG Phone 6 feels smoother for gaming, scrolling, and general UI interactions; iPhone 13 Pro feels less smooth in comparison. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1200 nits | Both are bright enough for outdoor visibility, ensuring no glaring issues under sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A15 Bionic | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | A15 Bionic known for exceptional performance and efficiency; 8+ Gen 1 is powerful, though efficiency is not its main attribute. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,325,768 | 1,203,000 | iPhone 13 Pro shows slightly better overall benchmarks, but real-world differences may be marginal for casual users. |
| GPU | Apple 5-core GPU | Adreno 730 | Different architectures, both handle demanding graphics smoothly. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 3125 mAh | 6000 mAh | ROG Phone 6 offers potentially much longer battery life, crucial for gamers and heavy users. |
| Charging | 20W Fast | 65W Fast | ROG Phone 6 charges much faster, reducing time tethered to an outlet, iPhone 13 Pro charging is noticeably slower. |
| Features | 15W MagSafe, 7.5W Qi | Bypass Charging, 10W reverse | iPhone 13 Pro has wireless charging; ROG Phone 6 has bypass charging for gaming, a small but useful feature for gamers. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.5, 1/1.66" | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.56" | ROG Phone 6 captures higher-resolution images, while the iPhone excels in low-light due to the larger aperture and pixel size. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.0, 1/2.93" | ROG Phone 6 selfie camera has wider aperture for better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.8 | None | iPhone 13 Pro offers optical zoom for capturing distant subjects, ROG phone will use digital zoom which will diminish the quality of the photo. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/1.8 | 13MP, f/2.2 | iPhone 13 Pro has a slightly wider aperture on the wide-angle, better low-light performance, and a small resolution difference. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | Yes | None | iPhone 13 Pro uses ToF sensor for depth information for better portrait shots and other AR capabilities. |
| Macro Lens | None | 5MP, f/2.4 | ROG Phone 6 allows for close-up photography of small details. |
| Video | 4K 60fps, HDR | 8K 24fps, 4K 120fps | ROG Phone 6 has higher resolution video with a slight downside of 24fps, 4K at 120fps is beneficial for slow motion. |
| DxOMark | Mobile:141, Selfie: 134 | Not Tested | iPhone 13 Pro is a tried and tested mobile photography and videography champion, especially regarding selfie performance. |
| Features | OIS, Quad, Optical zoom | OIS, Triple, Digital Stabilisation | iPhone 13 Pro has optical zoom; ROG Phone 6 offers better digital stabilisation in videos. |
| Software | |||
| OS | iOS 15, Upgradable to 18 | Android 12, Upgradable to 13 | iOS offers a streamlined ecosystem; Android offers extensive customisation with some added bloat. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6, Direct, Display | Both have WiFi 6; ROG Phone 6 offers more features such as WiFi Direct, WiFi Display. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2, aptX, LDAC | ROG Phone 6 offers higher-fidelity audio through Bluetooth; iPhone 13 Pro offers less profiles for use with peripherals. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | ROG Phone 6 has support for more satellite systems, especially useful in areas with poor signals. |
| SIM | Nano + eSIM | Dual Nano SIM | iPhone 13 Pro offers eSIM flexibility; ROG Phone 6 supports 2 physical Nano SIMs. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512/1024 GB | 128/256/512 GB | iPhone 13 Pro has a 1 TB option for high capacity users; ROG phone is limited to half the amount, however, storage is fast. |
| RAM | 6GB | 8/12/16 GB | ROG Phone 6 comes with more RAM for demanding multi-tasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage so you're stuck with what you choose during purchase. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, 3 Mics | Hi-Res Audio, 4 Mics | iPhone 13 Pro offers more spatial audio; ROG Phone 6 offers Hi-Res audio, better voice capture with 4 microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic features | Fingerprint | ROG Phone 6 offers biometric fingerprint security; iPhone 13 Pro only offers basic PIN and password security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass Victus | ROG Phone 6 is more durable with Gorilla Glass Victus. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accel, Gyro, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accel, Compass, Gyro, Hall | iPhone 13 Pro includes a barometer; ROG Phone 6 includes a fingerprint scanner, a compass and a hall sensor. |
2. Key Insights
iPhone 13 Pro Strengths
- Compact and Premium Design: More pocket-friendly and feels incredibly well-built.
- Exceptional Camera: Proven performance, great low-light capabilities, and impressive video quality especially regarding selfie videography and mobile phone photography.
- Ecosystem Advantage: Seamless integration with other Apple devices and software.
- Performance: Excellent benchmark performance for everyday use.
- Feature Rich: Offers a diverse range of features for general use.
Asus ROG Phone 6 Strengths
- Gaming Focused: High refresh rate display, advanced cooling, and gaming-centric software.
- Longer Battery Life: Significantly larger battery for extended use without needing frequent recharges.
- Fast Charging: Quick top-ups with the 65W fast charger.
- Multimedia Powerhouse: High quality audio codecs and an 8K camera.
- Versatile Connectivity: Cutting edge bluetooth and multiple satellite systems.
- Fingerprint Scanner: For security and convenience.
Trade-offs
- iPhone 13 Pro: Smaller screen, less battery life, slower charging and a higher price.
- Asus ROG Phone 6: Bulkier design, not as pocketable, weaker benchmark performance and no eSIM support.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
iPhone 13 Pro
- General Users: Those who value a premium build, streamlined ecosystem, and excellent camera capabilities for everyday use.
- Content Creators: Those deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem.
- Aesthetics-Oriented Users: Those who prefer a more compact, pocketable device that is both durable and elegant.
Asus ROG Phone 6
- Hardcore Gamers: Ideal for users who want maximum performance for mobile gaming, without battery constraints.
- Power Users: Those who need the very best for multimedia, multitasking, and advanced features.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users that want to experiment with the cutting edge of smartphone tech.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you choose:
What's more important: Pocketability or screen size? If you prefer a phone that's easy to carry and handle, the iPhone 13 Pro is the obvious choice. If you want maximum immersion with a large display, the ROG Phone 6 wins out.
How important is battery life for you? If you're a heavy user, gamer, or find yourself frequently away from a charger, the ROG Phone 6's massive battery is a game changer. If you are not a heavy user, the iPhone 13 Pro will likely have you covered for the entire day.
How much do you value the ecosystem? If you're entrenched in the Apple ecosystem, the iPhone 13 Pro's seamless integration will appeal to you. If you want customisation and the ability to tinker with settings, the ROG Phone 6 will be the better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Casual User: The iPhone 13 Pro is more than capable, offering a premium experience.
- For the Serious Gamer: The ROG Phone 6's 165Hz screen, massive battery, and cooling system are unparalleled.
- For the Photographer: The iPhone 13 Pro is the more well rounded option, however, the ROG Phone 6 offers a competitive camera as well as video features, it is worth noting that the ROG phone has not been tested by DxOMark, so results can be unpredictable.
What Would I Choose?
Personally, I would lean towards the Asus ROG Phone 6. While I appreciate the iPhone's polished nature and seamless ecosystem, the ROG Phone 6 caters to my needs and what I use a phone for. It's not just about gaming. The larger screen for media consumption and reading is a huge plus for me. I value the ability to go through a day without worrying about a charger and the fast charging is just the icing on top of the cake. The extra RAM is also important for me as it will reduce the amount of app reloading, making multi-tasking a breeze. While it is more bulky, the benefits of the ROG phone are too hard to ignore.
