ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro Edition Review: Gaming Powerhouse

ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro Edition Review: Gaming Powerhouse

If you’re sitting on a pile of cash and are looking to invest in one of the most powerful gaming smartphones available, then the ASUS ROG Phone 9 Series is certainly worth considering. The latest iteration of ASUS’s gaming phones packs an impressive set of features, including Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, a stunning 185Hz AMOLED display, and a refined, sleek design. Let’s dive into what makes this phone a beast for gamers.

What’s in the Box?

When you unbox the ROG Phone 9 Pro, you’re met with an array of accessories designed to elevate your gaming experience. Along with the phone itself, you get a powerful 65W charger, a sturdy USB-C to USB-C cable, and the new AeroActive Cooler X Pro. ASUS even throws in a protective case and a couple of covers for you to personalize your phone.

Design and Build Quality

The ROG Phone 9 Pro may look familiar to anyone who has used its predecessors, but ASUS has toned down the bold, gamer-centric design elements to create a more refined and subtle look. Available in black, the phone is hefty at 230g, but it’s not a deal-breaker—especially when compared to other gaming smartphones. It’s built with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and a recycled aluminum frame, ensuring it feels both durable and premium. The matte finish resists fingerprints, and the phone is IP68 water and dust resistant, so a little moisture won’t ruin your fun.

AMOLED Display and LED Animations

One of the standout features of the ROG Phone 9 Pro is its 6.78-inch AMOLED display, offering vibrant colors and a dynamic 185Hz refresh rate (for supported games). While it’s not the brightest display around, it reaches up to 1,600 nits, which is sufficient for outdoor use. ASUS also brings back the signature animated LED panel on the back, which has been upgraded from the previous generation. This customizable feature now boasts 648 LEDs, which can be used for notifications, light shows, or even gaming animations.

Performance: Snapdragon 8 Elite and Cooling

Under the hood, the ROG Phone 9 Pro is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite, supported by up to 16GB of RAM in the standard version. If you’re willing to splurge, the Pro Edition comes with an eye-popping 24GB of RAM. The gaming performance is phenomenal, with titles like Genshin Impact, Call of Duty, and League of Legends running smoothly at maximum settings. The cooling system is efficient, and despite long gaming sessions, the phone remains fairly cool thanks to the dedicated heat sinks and advanced cooling techniques.

Battery Life and Charging

The ROG Phone 9 Pro is equipped with a 5,800mAh battery, offering enough power for long gaming sessions. You can expect around 4-5 hours of non-stop gaming, depending on the title. The phone supports 65W fast charging, so you can juice it up in no time. For those who prefer wired gaming, the dual USB-C ports make it easy to keep the phone plugged in without obstructing your hands. If you’re playing at night, the AeroActive Cooler X Pro, which comes bundled with the Pro Edition, can help maintain optimal temperatures.

Gaming Features and Air Triggers

The gaming experience on the ROG Phone 9 Pro is enhanced by ASUS’s Game Genie and Air Trigger technology. The customizable Air Triggers allow you to map the screen’s touch areas to specific buttons for a more tactile and responsive control system. It’s like having extra physical triggers, which are useful for games like Call of Duty and PUBG.

You also get a variety of gaming modes to choose from, including the resource-hungry X Mode for the most demanding titles. The Game Genie also allows you to block notifications, check your system stats, and tweak game settings in real-time.

Camera Capabilities

Although most gamers will focus on performance over camera specs, the ROG Phone 9 Pro does pack a solid camera setup. The primary 50MP Sony IMX 700 sensor provides sharp, detailed shots, while the 13MP ultra-wide and 32MP telephoto lenses round out the setup. The Pro model is the only version to feature the telephoto lens, and the addition of 6-axis hybrid gimbal stabilization ensures your videos are smooth, even when moving. The front camera is a 32MP shooter, good for high-quality selfies and live streaming.