ROG Phone 5 Ultimate Review begins by addressing one of the most interesting questions in the gaming community: can a 2021 flagship gaming phone still deliver top-tier performance in 2025? Many gamers who own this model or are planning to buy a second-hand unit want to know whether it holds its value, offers reliable gaming output and remains relevant in modern titles. The good news is that the ROG Phone 5 Ultimate still maintains an identity no regular smartphone can easily match. It was built with gaming-first engineering that focused on internal cooling, powerful audio, physical control enhancements and stable sustained performance. Even after multiple generations and newer chipsets, the real-world experience feels capable and impressive because ASUS designed this device for long-term gaming performance rather than short-term benchmark numbers.
Design, Build Quality and Gamer Focus
The design remains a major highlight of this model. The ROG Phone 5 Ultimate features a unique gamer aesthetic with a premium matte finish that feels smoother over time rather than outdated. The AirTrigger ultrasonic shoulder buttons continue to provide a real tactical advantage in competitive titles because they simulate physical gamepad inputs without attaching any accessory. The ergonomics are well thought out, supporting extended gaming sessions while maintaining comfortable grip and balanced weight distribution. The placement of ports is one of the smartest touches because side charging keeps your hand free while gaming horizontally, something that most modern flagships still fail to consider.
Display Quality and Visual Experience
The 144 Hz AMOLED display remains fast and fluid in 2025, enabling very responsive touch control during high-speed shooters, racing games and action RPG titles. Brightness levels remain strong enough for outdoor play, and the color performance stays accurate after years of use. Motion handling on this display feels naturally smooth with minimal ghosting or input delay. Gamers used to 60 Hz or 90 Hz displays will instantly notice the difference in motion clarity. Watching videos, browsing social media and reading are also comfortable on this panel because the display calibration was done professionally to balance contrast, sharpness and eye comfort.
Performance and Gaming Output
The processor may no longer be the newest in the market, but the real-world performance continues to surprise users. Combined with high-capacity RAM options and fast internal storage, applications open instantly and games load quickly without lag. The key performance advantage of the ROG Phone 5 Ultimate is sustained stability during prolonged gameplay. While typical flagship phones reduce performance after heating, this device maintains consistent frame rates through strong internal cooling design. Competitive gamers still enjoy advantage in titles like battle royale shooters, racing games and online multiplayer action because the phone responds quickly to inputs and provides consistently high refresh gaming performance.
Battery Efficiency and Charging
Battery life remains commendable due to the large capacity and power management features integrated into the system. The ROG Phone 5 Ultimate can still last through long gaming sessions and regular usage throughout the day. Fast charging remains convenient, topping up battery percentage in short breaks without waiting for long hours. ASUS provided software-level battery care functions that slow down battery wear over years, which is why many units in the market still deliver reliable endurance in 2025 without major degradation. Reverse charging and game-focused battery optimizations are additional qualities that help keep this phone relevant even after newer gaming devices entered the market.
Audio Performance and Immersive Sound
One area where the ROG Phone 5 Ultimate is still superior to many new devices is audio performance. The dual front-facing speakers offer a powerful and immersive sound experience with loud volume, clear separation and strong bass presence. This matters for gaming because positional audio helps detect movement direction and environmental cues more accurately. No wireless earbuds or single bottom speakers can truly replace high-quality stereo sound during competitive gameplay. Adding wired audio support is another benefit because many modern flagships removed headphone jacks, while this device kept that option available for latency-free sound.
Camera Quality and Everyday Usage
The camera system may not compete with modern flagship camera phones in ultra-low-light photography or cinematic video output, but it handles everyday shots well with decent color accuracy and enough detail for social media. For users who mainly focus on gaming, streaming and daily photography, the output is still serviceable. Software processing maintains consistent exposure and reliable autofocus that makes capturing quick moments easy. Video performance is smooth and stable for casual recording or live streaming.
Read more: Oppo K13 5G
Final Verdict: Should You Still Buy ROG Phone 5 Ultimate in 2025
In conclusion, the ROG Phone 5 Ultimate Review proves that this device holds a unique place in 2025. It is still one of the best choices if your primary need is sustained gaming performance, immersive audio, comfortable control features and reliable battery life. Even though newer gaming devices are available, the combination of refined ergonomics, display quality, AirTriggers and internal cooling makes the ROG Phone 5 Ultimate a strong competitor and an excellent purchase for gamers who value pure performance and long-term usability over the latest trend. If you want a gaming smartphone that does what it promises consistently, this model remains a smart decision in 2025.
