Asus has evolved its ROG Phone series with the introduction of the ROG Phone 9, moving away from a purely gaming aesthetic to include features like advanced photography. The lineup offers three models with customizable AniMe Vision displays, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and enhanced cooling. Improvements in audio, battery life, and gaming controls are notable, and the phones are set to be released in early 2025, with various configurations and pricing options available.
The Evolution of the ROG Phone Series
Asus has taken a bold step forward with the ROG Phone 8, and the results are impressive. The company has shifted its design philosophy away from an overtly “gamer” aesthetic, instead prioritizing features that are frequently neglected in gaming smartphones, such as high-quality photography. This strategic pivot aims to create a powerful smartphone that excels in gaming while being practical for daily tasks. The outcome has been a notable increase in sales when compared to the ROG Phone 7. Continuing along this trajectory, Asus is refining its offerings with the introduction of the ROG Phone 9, addressing previous critiques. Here’s what you need to know about this latest release.
Innovative Customization with AniMe Vision
The ROG Phone 9 lineup features three distinct models: the ROG Phone 9, ROG Phone 9 Pro, and the ROG Phone 9 Pro Edition, each showcasing the unique AniMe Vision rear display powered by programmable mini-LEDs. The standard model is equipped with 85 mini-LEDs that showcase simple animations, while the Pro and Pro Edition elevate the experience with 648 mini-LEDs, offering extensive customization options for visuals and animations. Asus has even introduced fun mini-games reminiscent of classics like Space Invaders to enhance user engagement.
All three models are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, coupled with the advanced ROG GameCool 9 cooling system. This setup ensures that the ROG Phone 9 can handle demanding flagship games like Genshin Impact and Honkai Star Rail with ease. Additionally, AI-enhanced features such as X Sense 3.0 and AI Noise Cancellation significantly improve the overall gaming experience by streamlining gameplay and enhancing communication during multiplayer sessions.
Staying true to its gaming roots, the ROG Phone 9 series includes AirTrigger controls for enhanced gameplay on-the-go. These touch-sensitive controls, paired with the ROG accessory ecosystem—such as the AeroActive Cooler X Pro and the ROG Tessen mobile controller—transform these smartphones into portable gaming consoles.
In terms of audio, Asus has addressed previous shortcomings by introducing the Audio Redirect feature, which channels sound forward for improved clarity. Additionally, the AeroActive Cooler X Pro integrates a subwoofer for richer bass. Battery life has also seen an upgrade, with a 5800 mAh capacity compared to the 5500 mAh of the ROG Phone 8. With these enhancements, users can expect 4 to 5 hours of intensive gaming or between 23 to 30 hours for standard usage like browsing and social media. We look forward to testing this new iteration soon.
Pricing and Availability
Here’s a breakdown of the pricing and release timelines for the ROG Phone 9 models:
- ROG Phone 9: 12 GB RAM and 256 GB storage, starting at €1,099.99 including tax, available in Phantom Black and Storm White, launching mid-January 2025.
- ROG Phone 9 Pro: 16 GB RAM and 512 GB storage, priced at €1,299.99 including tax, available in Phantom Black, from mid-December 2024.
- ROG Phone 9 Pro Edition: 24 GB RAM and 1 TB storage, retailing for €1,499.99 including tax, exclusively available on the ASUS eShop and bundled with the AeroActive Cooler X Pro.
Technical Specifications at a Glance
- Display: 6.78-inch flexible AMOLED, FHD+ resolution, refresh rate up to 185 Hz (adaptive LTPO technology from 1 to 120 Hz) with a peak brightness of 2500 nits.
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite on a 3 nm architecture, paired with a next-gen Adreno GPU.
- Cooling: ROG GameCool 9 system featuring 360° cooling, including the AeroActive Cooler X Pro fan.
- Battery: 5,800 mAh, supporting 65 W wired HyperCharge and 15 W Qi-certified wireless charging. A “bypass” mode for battery conservation during prolonged gaming sessions.
- Cameras:
- Rear: Triple sensor system including a 50 MP main camera with hybrid stabilization, a 13 MP ultra-wide, and a telephoto or macro lens on the standard model.
- Front: 32 MP camera with RGBW technology for vibrant selfies.
- Connectivity: WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, 5G, NFC, GPS, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack.
- Dimensions and Weight: 163.8 x 77.02 x 8.9 mm, weighing 227 g.