If you’re looking to drop a serious chunk of cash on one of the most powerful gaming smartphones on the market, ASUS has delivered once again with the ROG Phone 9 series. Packed with cutting-edge specs, advanced cooling systems, and gamer-focused features, this phone is an absolute beast. Here’s an in-depth look at the ROG Phone 9 Pro and what makes it one of the most exciting gaming phones yet.
Pricing and Variants
The ROG Phone 9 series is not for the faint of wallet. Here’s a breakdown of the lineup:
- ROG Phone 9: Starts at €1,099.
- ROG Phone 9 Pro: €1,299.
- ROG Phone 9 Pro Edition: €1,499, bundled with the AeroActive Cooler and other extras.
Unboxing: What’s Inside?
The unboxing experience is premium, with the following items included:
- ROG Phone 9 Pro handset.
- Beefy 65W charger for fast charging.
- Rugged, tangle-proof USB Type-C to Type-C cable.
- AeroActive Cooler X Pro, complete with its own carrying case.
- Two protective covers to customize the phone’s look.
Design and Build
The ROG Phone 9 Pro’s design is a blend of subtle sophistication and gamer aesthetics. While many gaming phones go overboard with flashy elements, ASUS has opted for a more refined approach.
- Weight: At nearly 230g, it’s substantial but not overwhelming compared to other gaming phones.
- Color Options: The Pro model comes exclusively in black, while the standard model also offers white.
- Durability:
- Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front for superior scratch and drop resistance.
- A recycled aluminum frame and strengthened glass back ensure a solid build.
- IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, so you don’t have to worry about spills.
AniMe Vision Display
The AniMe Vision LED panel from last year’s model is back, and it’s better than ever.
- The Pro model now boasts 648 LEDs, nearly double the 341 LEDs of its predecessor.
- Use cases:
- Notification alerts for calls and messages.
- Custom animations during gaming or music playback.
- Fun countdowns while using the camera timer.
- Customizable animations, including the ability to create your own designs.
For added fun, ASUS introduced AniMe Play, featuring four retro-style arcade games to pass the time. While these won’t replace PUBG, they’re a neat distraction when offline.
Performance: Snapdragon 8 Elite
The ROG Phone 9 Pro is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, paired with up to 24GB of RAM on the Pro Edition model.
- Geekbench Scores: Topping 10,000 for multicore performance, this phone is among the fastest on the market.
- Real-World Gaming:
- Tested with demanding games like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty Mobile.
- Flawless performance at maxed-out graphics settings and 60 FPS, with only minor frame dips during intense action.
Cooling System
ASUS has gone all out to ensure the phone stays cool during extended gaming sessions:
- A center-mounted chipset keeps heat away from your fingers.
- Graphite sheeting and a rapid cooling conductor manage heat dissipation.
- With the AeroActive Cooler X Pro attached, the phone stays noticeably cooler even under heavy loads.
Display
The 6.78-inch AMOLED screen is a dream for gamers, offering:
- 185Hz refresh rate for ultra-smooth visuals.
- Crisp and vibrant colors that make games pop.
Software and Updates
The ROG Phone 9 Pro runs Android 15 out of the box. However, ASUS has been conservative with software support, promising:
- 2 Android OS updates (less than competitors offering up to 5 years).
- 5 years of security patches, which is decent but still lags behind the competition.
Storage
Generous storage options are available:
- Up to 1TB on the Pro models.
- Up to 512GB on the standard model.
Conclusion
The ROG Phone 9 Pro is an exceptional device for gamers, combining top-tier performance with unique features like the AniMe Vision LED panel and robust cooling systems. While it comes at a steep price, its unparalleled gaming experience and premium build quality make it a worthy investment for enthusiasts.
Whether you’re a casual gamer or a dedicated eSports fan, the ROG Phone 9 Pro ensures you’ll dominate your favorite titles in style.