The Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro continues to establish itself as a top contender for gaming enthusiasts, though some persistent design compromises may leave hardcore gamers divided. While Asus has introduced notable enhancements, the overall experience retains some familiar limitations seen in previous models.
Design and Build
The ROG Phone 9 Pro maintains its predecessor’s design language, offering a balance between gaming aesthetics and everyday usability. The device measures 163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9mm and weighs 227g, which is large by regular standards but fairly typical for a gaming phone. The Phantom Black finish exudes a mature, understated vibe with its precision-etched, soft-touch glass back that resists fingerprints. Gamery accents remain, but Asus has thankfully abandoned the clichéd “Dare to Win” branding.
A standout feature is the AniMe Vision LED display, now upgraded from 341 to 648 LEDs. This hidden secondary screen can light up for animations, notifications, and even play simplistic games using the mappable Air Trigger controls.
While these games, such as knock-off versions of Space Invaders, are more gimmicky than practical, the feature adds a layer of customization to the device.
Asus has retained IP68 certification, ensuring water and dust resistance, a feature absent in some competing gaming phones like the Red Magic 9 Pro. The left-side USB-C port facilitates charging during gaming, while the 3.5mm headphone jack ensures latency-free audio.
However, the design’s compact bezels mean the device lacks dual front-firing speakers. While Asus attempts to address this with bundled cases that redirect audio, it’s still not a true replacement for high-quality stereo sound.
Display
The 6.78-inch AMOLED display offers a 1080 x 2400 resolution (FHD+) with vibrant colors and a peak brightness of 2,500 nits for HDR content. The panel supports a refresh rate of up to 185Hz, an upgrade from the previous generation’s 165Hz. This ultra-high refresh rate is reserved for compatible games, though the majority of mobile titles don’t yet fully utilize it.
With LTPO technology, the display dynamically adjusts refresh rates to optimize energy efficiency, and its 14 adaptive rates surpass the previous model’s capability. Gamers will appreciate the fluid visuals, but the lack of a sharper resolution may seem underwhelming considering the phone’s premium price point.
Performance
At the heart of the ROG Phone 9 Pro is the cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, coupled with LPDDR5X RAM (18GB or 24GB) and UFS 4.0 storage (512GB or 1TB). This combination ensures top-tier gaming and multitasking performance.
In benchmark tests, the phone scored an impressive 10,106 on Geekbench 6, a 40% improvement over its predecessor and even surpassing flagship competitors like the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Gaming performance is exceptional, with titles like Genshin Impact and Wreckfest running at maximum settings and a consistent 60fps. The AeroActive Cooler X Pro, a clip-on fan included with the Pro Edition, improves thermal management and adds physical shoulder buttons for an enhanced gaming experience. Sustained performance during extended sessions also sees significant improvements thanks to better cooling mechanisms.
Battery Life and Charging
One of the most gamer-friendly upgrades is the larger 5,800mAh battery, which delivers exceptional stamina. The ROG Phone 9 Pro easily handles long gaming sessions and day-to-day use without running out of power. Charging is equally efficient, with 65W fast charging and support for side-mounted USB-C charging, ensuring minimal interruptions during gaming.
Camera System
The ROG Phone 9 Pro’s cameras have received incremental upgrades. The main 1/1.56-inch sensor now features an improved gimbal stabilization system for steadier shots, especially in low light.
Night mode produces clear and sharp images without excessive brightening effects. The 32MP telephoto lens exclusive to the Pro models offers decent zoom performance, though clarity diminishes at higher magnifications.
The camera suite also includes a 13MP ultra-wide lens and the return of the 32MP selfie camera. While the overall photography capabilities are solid, they don’t match the standards of flagship devices like the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Nonetheless, for a gaming phone, it offers the best camera system currently available.
Software Experience
The software experience is a highlight, with a dual-choice UI that lets users opt for Asus’ gaming-centric theme or a more stock-like Android interface. The phone ships with Android 15, though only two major updates are promised, which is disappointing for a device at this price point.
Price and Availability
The ROG Phone 9 Pro is available in three variants:
- ROG Phone 9: Starting at $999.99 with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage.
- ROG Phone 9 Pro: Starting at $1,199.99 with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage.
- ROG Phone 9 Pro Edition: Priced at $1,499.99 with 24GB RAM, 1TB storage, and an included AeroActive Cooler X Pro.
Pre-orders are open globally, with shipping expected by mid-December. While the pricing aligns with last year’s models, it remains steep compared to alternatives like the Nubia Red Magic 9S Pro, which offers similar performance at a lower cost.
Verdict
The Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro delivers exceptional performance, excellent battery life, and an improved design that strikes a balance between gaming prowess and everyday usability. However, persistent shortcomings, such as the lack of dual front-facing speakers and limited software updates, detract from its appeal. For gamers seeking a device that doubles as a competent daily driver, this phone is a strong contender, albeit at a premium price. However, those prioritizing value might find better alternatives in the competitive gaming phone market.
