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Trying to decide between the ROG Phone 9 Pro and ROG Phone 8 Pro? You're not alone. These two gaming phones from Asus are packed with powerful specs, but there are some key differences to consider before you make your purchase.

Design: Subtle Refinements

The ROG Phone 9 Pro maintains the sleek aesthetic of its predecessor, featuring the same matte glass back and aluminum frame construction. The most noticeable design change is the enlarged LED matrix on the back panel, which now supports larger images and even mini-games. Both devices retain their gaming-focused features, including dual USB-C ports and shoulder triggers, ensuring maximum functionality during intensive gaming sessions.

Display Technology

FeatureROG Phone 9 ProROG Phone 8 ProScreen Size6.78-inch AMOLED6.78-inch AMOLEDRefresh Rate185 Hz165 HzPanel TypeSamsung AMOLEDSamsung AMOLED The ROG Phone 9 Pro pushes the boundaries with its 185 Hz refresh rate, though this maximum setting is only available through the Game Genie interface during gameplay. While impressive on paper, the practical difference between 165 Hz and 185 Hz might be negligible to most users.

Performance Leap

SpecificationROG Phone 9 ProROG Phone 8 ProProcessorSnapdragon 8 Elite (3nm)Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm)Clock Speed4.32 GHz3.3 GHzRAM Options16GB/24GB LPDDR5X16GB/24GB LPDDR5XStorage Options512GB/1TB512GB/1TB The introduction of the 3nm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor marks a significant leap in performance and efficiency. Benchmark results show notable improvements in both CPU and GPU performance, though the ROG Phone 8 Pro remains highly capable for current gaming demands.

Camera Capabilities

The ROG Phone 9 Pro introduces the Sony Lytia 700 50MP main sensor, replacing the IMX890 found in its predecessor. The upgraded gimbal system now offers 5-degree wobble compensation, up from 3 degrees. While both phones share similar camera specifications, the 9 Pro shows noticeable improvements in:

- More accurate color reproduction - Enhanced low-light performance - Better dynamic range in ultra-wide shots - Improved zoom quality at both 3x and 10x

Battery and Charging

FeatureROG Phone 9 ProROG Phone 8 ProBattery Capacity5,800 mAh5,500 mAhCharging Speed65W wired65W wiredWireless ChargingYesYes The larger battery capacity combined with the efficient 3nm processor results in improved gaming endurance, though both devices offer exceptional battery life for everyday tasks.

Verdict

While the mobile gaming landscape offers a vast array of options, finding titles that allow seamless play between Android and iOS devices can be challenging. However, there's good news for gamers looking to connect with friends across different mobile platforms. We've compiled a list of exciting multiplayer games that support cross-platform play between Android and iOS, enabling you to team up or compete regardless of your device preference.

Among Us

https://youtu.be/0YKjFoGxbec This social deduction game has taken the mobile world by storm. Players work together to complete tasks on a spaceship while trying to identify the impostors among them. With its simple yet engaging gameplay and cross-platform support across mobile, console, and PC, Among Us is perfect for group play.

Genshin Impact

https://youtu.be/__RT5pXQbaM This breathtaking open-world action RPG offers stunning visuals and an expansive world to explore. With regular content updates and a diverse cast of characters to collect, Genshin Impact provides endless entertainment for solo and cooperative play across Android and iOS devices.

Hearthstone

https://youtu.be/33WJ0eaVfnk Blizzard's digital card game continues to captivate players with its accessible yet deep strategic gameplay. Whether you're a casual player or aiming for competitive ranks, Hearthstone offers cross-platform play between mobile and PC, ensuring you can always find a match

League of Legends: Wild Rift

https://youtu.be/EfMmp-tlCfE The mobile adaptation of the popular PC MOBA brings fast-paced team battles to your smartphone. With a growing roster of champions and regular updates, Wild Rift offers an authentic League experience optimized for touchscreens, complete with cross-platform play between Android and iOS.

Mario Kart Tour

https://youtu.be/Vy0vkZoaHmA Nintendo's beloved kart racing franchise makes its mobile debut with Mario Kart Tour. Featuring classic characters, tracks, and frantic multiplayer races, this title lets Android and iOS users compete together in portrait or landscape mode.

Pokémon GO

https://youtu.be/C461fBV-J7c Niantic's augmented reality phenomenon continues to evolve, encouraging players to explore the real world while catching virtual creatures. With cross-platform support, Android and iOS users can join forces in raids, trade Pokémon, and participate in community events together.

Rocket League Sideswipe

https://youtu.be/1knKmT4N-ZY This mobile spin-off of the popular vehicular soccer game brings the core concept to smartphones with a 2.5D twist. Fast-paced matches and intuitive controls make it easy to jump in and play with friends across Android and iOS devices.

Streets of Rage 4

https://youtu.be/evEHeVYa5II The classic beat 'em up series returns with a fresh coat of paint and modern gameplay enhancements. Team up with friends on Android or iOS to take on waves of enemies in this stylish side-scrolling brawler.

Omega Strikers

https://youtu.be/C7H4MzV_ZbY This unique blend of MOBA elements and air hockey creates a fast-paced competitive experience. With cross-platform play across mobile, console, and PC, you'll always find a match, whether you prefer touch controls or a gamepad.

Teamfight Tactics

Spotify has introduced a new feature called Miniplayer, exclusively available to Premium subscribers on both macOS and Windows platforms. The Miniplayer, as its name suggests, offers a compact and unobtrusive way to control your music and podcasts. With the Miniplayer, you can easily skip tracks, adjust volume, or change playback modes without having to switch to the main Spotify window. This streamlined interface is designed to maximize convenience while minimizing disruption to your workflow.

The Miniplayer is highly flexible, capable of transforming its shape into a square, rectangle, or a sleek bar, adapting to your preferences. It seamlessly supports both music and podcasts, ensuring a balanced experience for both audio and video content. For video podcasts, the Miniplayer enters a picture-in-picture mode, complete with controls, allowing you to adjust the video player size.

Want to share posts and reels with only your closest friends on Instagram? The platform now allows you to do just that. Here's how to take advantage of Instagram's close friends feature:

What Are Close Friends on Instagram?

Close Friends is an Instagram feature that lets you share stories, posts, and reels with a select inner circle. To use it, first add desired friends to your close friends list in the app's settings.

How to Share a Post or Reel With Close Friends

1. Open the Instagram app and tap the "+" icon to create a new post or reel.

2. After selecting your media, apply any filters or adjustments. Then tap "Next."

3. Tap "Audience" and select "Close Friends" from the menu. This ensures only those friends will see your content.

4. Add a caption, location tag, etc. Then tap "Share."

The post or reel now goes out to your close friends only. A green star icon next to it confirms the limited audience.

Things to Know

The PlayStation 4 boasted an impressive game library spanning various genres. While gameplay is important, many of these titles also featured engrossing stories worth getting invested in. Here are 10 best PS4 games with standout narrative experiences.

10. Horizon Zero Dawn

https://youtu.be/wzx96gYA8ek Guerrilla Games ventured into the action RPG space with Horizon Zero Dawn and its imaginative dystopian setting. It follows Aloy, a young hunter living in a future dominated by machine creatures. With a cryptic past to uncover, Horizon Zero Dawn crafted one of gaming's most inventive sci-fi worlds.

9. The Last of Us Part II

https://youtu.be/vhII1qlcZ4E The Last of Us Part II continued Ellie's story five years after the first game. While seeking bloody revenge, she becomes embroiled in conflicts with both a religious cult and former friends. Shocking yet engrossing, The Last of Us Part II provided an unforgettable, harrowing sequel.

8. Persona 5 Royal

https://youtu.be/SKpSpvFCZRw Atlus' Persona 5 Royal has players joining a group of vigilantes in Tokyo that reform villains by night. This stylish JRPG enraptures with its sprawling story and characters thanks to its 100+ hours of content.

7. Uncharted 4: A Thief's End

https://youtu.be/hh5HV4iic1Y Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End wrapped up Nathan Drake’s treasure-hunting adventures, this time reuniting him with his long-lost brother. It was a fitting and emotional finale for the series and its Indiana Jones-esque bravado.

6. Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice

https://youtu.be/fBJ0ifVtK5c An ambitious psychological horror tale, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice follows a traumatized Celtic warriorjourneying to Helheim. Its stunning visuals and sound design absorbed players in Senua’s mental anguish.

5. Red Dead Redemption II

https://youtu.be/eaW0tYpxyp0 Rockstar’s Red Dead Redemption II was worth the long wait, letting players inhabit its slow death of the Wild West. Its story of Arthur Morgan and his outlaw gang on the run made for an immersive spaghetti Western.

4. God of War

https://youtu.be/K0u_kAWLJOA God of War saw a matured Kratos struggle with his savage past while protecting his son Atreus. Its shift to an intimate parent/child tale proved to be a welcome evolution for the series.

3. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

https://youtu.be/c0i88t0Kacs Still an RPG benchmark, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt realizes a dark fantasy epic quest to find Geralt of Rivia’s daughter. CD Projekt Red masterfully translated The Witcher novels into an open-world masterpiece.

2. God of War Ragnarök

https://youtu.be/hfJ4Km46A-0 2022’s God of War Ragnarök wraps up the Norse saga on a strong note, with Kratos and Atreus dealing with prophecized doom. Its epic scale matched with grounded character writing made for a thrilling sequel.

1. The Last of Us Remastered

The Xiaomi 14 series has been officially unveiled in China, and it looks like it will be the Android flagship series to beat in 2023. The new Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Pro come with improvements across the board, including bright displays, the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, upgraded cameras, super-fast charging, and a titanium frame option for the Pro model. While we wait to get the Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Pro in for full reviews, here is a preview of the key specs and features to expect from Xiaomi's latest flagships. We'll update this preview once we have the devices in hand and can provide more details from our hands-on testing. Xiaomi 14 Series Key Specs Xiaomi 14Xiaomi 14 ProSize, Weight152.8 x 71.5 x 8.2 mm, 188 g161.4 x 75.3 x 8.5 mm, 223 gDisplay6.36" OLED, 120Hz, 3,000 nits6.7" OLED, 120Hz, 3,000 nitsProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 3Snapdragon 8 Gen 3RAM, Storage8/256GB, 12/256GB, 12/512GB, 16/1TB LPDDR5X12/256GB, 16/512GB, 16/1TB LPDDR5XCameras50MP main (f/1.6), 50MP ultra-wide f/2.2, 50MP 3.2X telephoto f/2.0, 32MP front50MP main (f/1.42-4.0), 50MP ultra-wide f/2.2, 50MP 3.2X telephoto f/2.0, 32MP frontBattery4,610 mAh4,880 mAhCharging90W wired, 50W wireless120W wired, 50W wireless The highlights include the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, fast LPDDR5X RAM, bright 3,000 nit displays, and extremely fast charging speeds. The Pro model also introduces a variable aperture main camera and titanium frame option. We'll need to thoroughly test out these phones to see how all these specs translate to real-world performance and experience. Stay tuned for our full reviews! Xiaomi 14 Series Design The Xiaomi 14 series retains the premium design identity of the previous generation, with curved displays and backs, rectangular camera modules, and slim profiles. The Pro model introduces an eye-catching new titanium frame option. Both phones also utilize Xiaomi's new proprietary Ceramic Glass material on the front and back for added durability.

Xiaomi 14 Pro Color options include: - Xiaomi 14: Jade Green, Black, White, Pink - Xiaomi 14 Pro: Titanium, Black, White, Green

Xiaomi 14 Xiaomi 14 Series Cameras The Leica-tuned cameras on the Xiaomi 14 series bring some exciting upgrades. The main 50MP sensor on the Pro model features a variable f/1.4-f/4.0 aperture for more flexibility. The new 50MP ultrawide camera promises improved quality. The telephoto camera uses a floating lens element for better edge-to-edge sharpness. New AI tricks like eye tracking autofocus and Night OIS should also help boost photography. We look forward to putting these new camera systems through their paces.