Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro

The Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro was officially unveiled on November 19, 2024, at a grand launch event held at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, Taiwan. The event showcased Asus’s commitment to the gaming community, featuring live gaming demos and technical presentations highlighting the phone’s unmatched features. The Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro excels in delivering a premium user experience. Gamers particularly praise its optimized ergonomics, the weight distribution and curved edges that make it comfortable to hold during extended sessions.

The Air Triggers offer tactile feedback that elevates gameplay precision. The Aero Active Cooler 9 accessory also enhances cooling and gameplay, doubling as a kickstand for watching content. The Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro redefines mobile gaming and multitasking with its advanced features and professional-grade performance. Designed with a perfect blend of gaming-centric hardware and premium smartphone functionalities, it is a testament to Asus’s dedication to innovation in the mobile industry. This flagship device offers a seamless experience for both gamers and power users, packed into a robust, visually striking design.

The ROG Phone 9 Pro boasts a sleek and durable build. The phone is encased in an elegant and durable design. Its front and back is made of glass and protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for added strength. A sturdy aluminum frame surrounds the device, providing structural integrity while maintaining a stylish appearance. Its Phantom Black color exudes sophistication, appealing to gamers and professionals alike. The phone is well-built and feels good in hand. It’s 163.8 mm long, 76.8 mm wide, and 8.9 mm thick and weighs around 227 grams. The side-mounted USB-C port improves gaming ergonomics and facilitates fast charging while gaming.

The 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display is a visual masterpiece, offering 1 billion colors, an ultra-smooth 185 Hz refresh rate, and HDR10+ support. The display can reach an impressive peak brightness of 2500 nits. This means that the screen will be clear and easy to see even in strong sunlight. Whether you’re outdoors on a bright day or in a well-lit room, the display will provide a vibrant and clear viewing experience. Its 1080 x 2400 pixels resolution and 388 PPI density deliver sharp and vibrant visuals while the Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 adds top-tier durability. Gamers will particularly appreciate the Always-On Display feature, allowing quick access to crucial information.

At its heart, the ROG Phone 9 Pro is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset; built on 3 nm architecture. This cutting-edge processor coupled with an Adreno 830 GPU delivers unrivaled gaming and multitasking performance. The octa-core CPU configuration features 2x4.32 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix L cores for peak performance and 6x3.53 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix M cores for efficiency, ensuring smooth operation across all tasks. The device comes with 16GB or 24GB of RAM and storage options of 512GB or 1TB UFS 4.0, providing ample of space and blazing-fast data access. NTFS support for external drives compensates for its lack of expandable storage, ensuring high-speed data transfer when needed.

As a gaming smartphone, the ROG Phone 9 Pro includes features that are specific to immersive gameplay. The ultrasonic Air Trigger controls offer precision in competitive games while the side-mounted USB-C port enables uninterrupted gaming during charging. The high-fidelity audio system with stereo speakers and 32-bit/384kHz Hi-Res audio elevates the gaming experience with crystal-clear sound. Additionally, the 185 Hz refresh rate and ultra-low latency touch response provide the edge that gamers need in fast-paced scenarios. Another standout feature is the triple rear camera setup. A 50MP wide-angle main sensor offers stunning detail even in low-light conditions. The 32MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and gimbal Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) ensures professional-grade results for portraits and distant objects. Moreover, the 13MP ultra-wide sensor adds creative flexibility and captures expansive landscapes and group shots.

Video recording capabilities include 8K at 30 frames per second, 4K up to 120 frames per second, and super slow motion at 720p/480fps, with gyro-EIS ensuring steady footage. The front camera is excellent for taking selfies and videos; very clear and sharp. You’ll look your best in almost every shot. In addition, the front camera has a wide field of view so that you can capture more of your surroundings in your selfies and videos. Also, the front camera is great for video conferencing, providing a clear and sharp image of your face. Whether streaming live to your followers or having a video chat with friends and family, the 32MP front camera ensures that you look your best.

Equipped with a massive 5800 mAh battery, the ROG Phone 9 Pro supports extensive usage without frequent recharges. The 65W wired fast charging ensures a full charge in just 46 minutes while 15W Qi wireless charging and 10W reverse wired charging adds even more to the convenience. This extensive battery life makes it ideal for prolonged gaming sessions and multitasking. Running Android 15 with the promise of two major updates, the ROG Phone 9 Pro ensures a future-proof software experience. Its connectivity options include Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, and support for multiple 5G bands, making it highly versatile for global use. Advanced positioning systems like GPS (L1+L5) and NavIC ensure precise navigation. Dual SIM (Nano-SIM and dual-standby) or eSIM support offers work and personal usage flexibility. The in-display fingerprint sensor ensures secure and quick access. Aluminum cooling chamber improves thermal management during intensive tasks. Moreover, Game Genie software enhances gaming controls and customization.

For non-gamers, the ROG Phone 9 Pro provides stellar performance for productivity tasks. The AMOLED display and powerful stereo speakers are perfect for streaming movies and consuming media. Meanwhile, the camera setup although secondary to gaming features, produces vibrant and detailed photos. Battery life is another highlight even with the high refresh rate, the phone lasts a whole day with mixed usage. The bypass charging feature is a game-changer for frequent gamers, eliminating unnecessary heat during playing sessions.

Pros

• The Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and advanced cooling ensure smooth and lag-free gameplay.
• 185 Hz AMOLED display delivers vibrant visuals with unmatched fluidity.
• The Air Triggers and motion controls offer a unique and customizable experience.
• The 5800 mAh battery and 65W fast charging make it perfect for heavy users.
• Its robust design makes it stand out.

Cons

• Premium pricing is a downside for non-gamers.
• At 227 grams, if feels heavy as compared to regular smartphones.
• While capable, the camera system lags behind flagship phones in the same price range.

The Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro isn’t just a smartphone but a statement of excellence in gaming and mobile technology. It excels in every department, from its cutting-edge display and stellar performance to its impressive camera system and long-lasting battery. For gamers and professionals seeking the ultimate mobile experience, the ROG Phone 9 Pro sets a new benchmark in performance and versatility. The Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro is a powerhouse designed for mobile gaming enthusiasts who demand the best. It excels in performance, display quality, and gaming-centric features. Regardless of some downsides, it remains a top choice of gamers who prioritize functionality and power. Its strengths really outweigh the drawbacks, therefore, making it a worthy investment for dedicated mobile gamers.