The Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro positions itself as the ultimate gaming smartphone, but does it offer a compelling experience for everyday use as well? Following the surprisingly practical ROG Phone 8 Pro, the ROG Phone 9 Pro continues this trend while reintroducing some of the playful features that initially defined this unique series.
Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro: Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9mm |
| Weight | 227 grams |
| Display | 6.78-inch AMOLED, 2400 x 1080, 1-165Hz (185Hz game boost), 1,600/2,500 nits (peak) |
| Durability | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, IP68 |
| Colors | Black |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite |
| RAM | 16GB or 24GB |
| Storage | 512GB, 1TB |
| Software | Android 15 |
| Updates | 2 years OS, 5 years security |
| Rear Cameras | 50MP main (6-axis gimbal), 13MP ultrawide, 32MP telephoto (3x optical zoom, OIS) |
| Front Camera | 32MP RGBW |
| Battery | 5,800mAh |
| Charging | 65W wired, 15W wireless |
| Price | $1,199 (Pro), $1,499 (Pro Edition) |
Design and Build: Familiar Yet Functional
The back of the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro.
Asus largely retains the ROG Phone 8 Pro’s design language, adding a dual-color Mini-LED AniMe Vision display on the back. This eye-catching feature displays battery status, notifications, and time, with a surprising extra function we’ll explore later. While sharing dimensions with its predecessor, the ROG Phone 9 Pro is slightly heavier. The matte-textured glass back and flat metal chassis, however, offer limited grip, potentially causing hand fatigue during extended use.
The side of the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro.
Gaming-centric features include dual USB-C ports, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and responsive AirTriggers. These shoulder-mounted touch controls provide precise tactile feedback, significantly enhancing gameplay. The IP68 rating ensures durability. While undeniably functional, the ROG Phone 9 Pro’s Brutalist aesthetic might not appeal to everyone.
Performance: Unleashing the Snapdragon 8 Elite
| Phone | Geekbench 6 CPU (Single) | Geekbench 6 CPU (Multi) | Geekbench 6 GPU |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro | 3,073 | 9,855 | 19,403 |
| Realme GT 7 Pro | 3,112 | 9,425 | 19,065 |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | 2,314 | 7,104 | 15,898 |
The ROG Phone 9 Pro boasts the cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, clocked at an impressive 4.32GHz, coupled with up to 24GB of RAM in the Pro Edition. Asus has implemented an enhanced cooling system to manage the chip’s thermal output.
| Phone | 3DMark Solar Bay | 3DMark Solar Bay Stress Test | 3DMark Solar Bay Stress Test Battery Drain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro | 9,995 | 10,009 | 13% |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | 8,674 | 8,308 | 9% |
While powerful, the Snapdragon 8 Elite’s thermal performance has been a concern. Testing reveals the ROG Phone 9 Pro manages heat effectively during typical use, but intensive benchmarking pushes the device to its limits.
The Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro
Although it doesn’t overheat, the frame can become uncomfortably warm under sustained high load. This reinforces that while benchmark results don’t reflect average usage, they highlight the phone’s performance under stress. The exceptional audio, tuned by Dirac, deserves special mention. The stereo speakers provide rich, immersive sound, complemented by comprehensive Hi-Res Audio support and various AptX codecs.
The Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro in its case.
Gaming: More Than Just Powerful Hardware
Playing the AniMe Vision games on the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro.
The AniMe Vision display isn’t just for show; it hosts four retro minigames controlled using the AirTriggers. While simple, these games add a fun, unexpected element to the ROG Phone 9 Pro. Asus also includes software enhancements like X Mode for performance maximization and Game Genie for customization. New AI-powered features, such as X Sense for automated in-game actions and X Capture for recording key moments, further enhance the gaming experience.
A person playing a game on the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro.
The 6.78-inch AMOLED display offers a game boost to 185Hz, but the perceptible difference from the standard 165Hz is minimal. The combination of AirTriggers, dedicated gaming modes, and a smooth display makes the ROG Phone 9 Pro stand out among flagship phones for gaming.
Software and Features: Android 15 with ROG Flair
The Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro
Running Android 15, the ROG Phone 9 Pro offers a choice between a standard Android interface and a more visually striking ROG UI, with extensive customization options. Asus integrates AI features like Circle to Search, AI Transcripts, and AI Call Translation, all processed on-device.
Screenshots taken from the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro.
Themes available on the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro.
Screenshots taken from the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro.
While the software is generally reliable and enjoyable, the promised two major Android version updates and five years of security updates fall short of competitors’ more generous long-term support.
Camera: A Secondary Focus
The Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro
The ROG Phone 9 Pro’s camera system isn’t its strongest suit. The 50MP Sony Lytia main camera with improved 6-axis gimbal stabilization, 32MP telephoto lens, and 13MP wide-angle camera offer decent image quality, but they don’t significantly improve upon the ROG Phone 8 Pro. Images can suffer from noise and over-processing, especially in low light.
A photo taken with the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro.
A photo taken with the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro.
A photo taken with the Asus ROG Phone 9-Pro.
A photo taken with the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro.
A photo taken with the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro.
A photo taken with the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro.
A photo taken with the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro.
A photo taken with the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro.
New Photo Vibes filters offer similar functionality to Apple’s Photographic Styles but can only be applied during capture. The camera performance is acceptable, but not a key selling point for this device.
Battery and Charging: Long-Lasting Power
The Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro on charge.
The 5,800mAh battery delivers impressive longevity, providing around six hours of screen-on time with general use and excellent video playback efficiency. Asus claims the battery can sustain four and a half hours of continuous heavy gaming. Charging options include 15W wireless and 65W wired charging with the included charger, taking approximately 45 minutes for a full charge. The side-mounted USB-C port is strategically placed for charging while gaming, with a bypass mode in Game Genie to minimize heat generation during gameplay.
Model Comparison: Choosing the Right ROG Phone 9
The AeroCooler X Pro for the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro.
Besides the ROG Phone 9 Pro, there’s the standard ROG Phone 9, which lacks the AniMe Vision games and has a simpler rear display. It also substitutes a macro camera for the telephoto lens. The ROG Phone 9 Pro Edition offers increased RAM and storage, bundled with the AeroCooler X Pro accessory. This add-on provides active cooling, a subwoofer, physical shoulder buttons, a kickstand, and RGB lighting for enhanced gaming sessions.
The Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro
Price, Availability, and Alternatives
The Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro
The ROG Phone 9 series is launching in a staggered rollout. Pre-orders in Europe and the U.K. begin November 19, with shipments starting in December. The U.S. release is planned for January 2025. Pricing starts at $999 for the ROG Phone 9, $1,199 for the ROG Phone 9 Pro, and $1,499 for the ROG Phone 9 Pro Edition. Competing flagships like the iPhone 16 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, and Google Pixel 9 Pro offer powerful alternatives, although they lack the specialized gaming features of the ROG Phone 9 Pro.
A person playing the AniMe Vision games on the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro.
Should You Buy It?
A person holding the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro.
The ROG Phone 9 Pro is a solid, albeit iterative, upgrade over the ROG Phone 8 Pro. While its gaming capabilities are undeniably impressive, the similarities between the two generations might disappoint those hoping for more substantial advancements. The AirTriggers, exceptional audio, and powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite are significant highlights, especially when paired with the AeroCooler X Pro. For dedicated mobile gamers, the ROG Phone 9 Pro offers a compelling experience. However, for those less focused on gaming, other flagship smartphones might provide a more balanced overall package. The quirky AniMe Vision minigames add a touch of nostalgic charm, reminding us of a simpler era in mobile gaming.
