The Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro is a powerhouse designed for gamers and tech enthusiasts, pushing the boundaries of mobile gaming. This device refines its predecessor's strengths while incorporating cutting-edge technology to solidify its place as one of the best gaming smartphones of 2024.
Design and Build
The ROG Phone 9 Pro features a sleek yet gamer-centric design, blending premium aesthetics with functionality. Its durable build includes Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and an aluminum frame for enhanced durability. The back panel is highlighted by the AniMe Matrix LED display, allowing users to customize visuals and notifications, giving the phone a distinct personality.
The ergonomic placement of the shoulder air triggers ensures comfortable gaming sessions, while the phone’s robust cooling mechanisms—including an improved graphite cooling sheet—prevent overheating even during extended playtimes.
Display
The phone sports a
6.78-inch AMOLED display with a jaw-dropping
185Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth gameplay. Its
2448x1080 resolution delivers sharp visuals, complemented by a peak brightness of 1,500 nits. This combination makes it ideal for both gaming and media consumption. Colors are vibrant, and the touch response is incredibly fast, offering an edge in competitive gaming.
Performance
At the core of the ROG Phone 9 Pro lies the
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, paired with up to
24GB of RAM and
1TB of UFS 4.0 storage in the Pro Edition. This configuration offers unparalleled speed and multitasking capabilities, outpacing many flagship competitors, including Apple’s A18 Pro chipset in multi-core benchmarks. Whether you’re running AAA mobile games or emulating modern consoles, this device delivers flawless performance.
The software integrates seamlessly with hardware, with Armory Crate allowing deep customization of performance profiles and inputs. The addition of Game Genie enables real-time tweaks during gameplay, muting notifications, and boosting CPU or GPU performance.
Battery and Charging
The phone packs a massive 5800mAh battery, offering exceptional endurance. In real-world tests, it sustains:
- 18+ hours of browsing,
- 12+ hours of video playback, and
- 13+ hours of gaming on a single charge.
It supports 65W wired charging and 15W wireless charging, achieving a full charge in under an hour. While fast, the charging speeds don’t surpass competitors like Xiaomi's 120W offerings.
Cameras
The ROG Phone 9 Pro improves on its predecessor’s cameras with a
50MP main sensor, a
13MP ultra-wide lens, and a
32MP telephoto lens. While photography isn't the phone’s focus, it produces respectable results under good lighting. The
16MP front camera is adequate for selfies and video calls. However, don’t expect it to rival camera-focused phones like the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Software and AI Features
Running on
Android 15, the ROG Phone 9 Pro includes a light
ROG UI overlay. It introduces
AI-powered features, such as real-time call translation, voice transcription, and semantic photo search. While these additions enhance usability, the
two-year software update promise pales in comparison to rivals like Google and Samsung, which offer up to seven years.
Gaming Enhancements
Gaming remains the ROG Phone's forte. The
X Mode optimizes system performance, while the
AeroActive Cooler X accessory enhances thermal management and adds two extra physical buttons for greater control. The
Air Triggers and haptic feedback are intuitive, creating a console-like experience on mobile.
Drawbacks
- Price: The ROG Phone 9 Pro starts at $1,199, with the Pro Edition hitting $1,499. While justified for its capabilities, the price is steep compared to non-gaming flagships.
- Limited Updates: The two-year Android update policy is underwhelming for such a premium device.
- Camera Limitations: Although improved, the camera system isn’t competitive with other flagships in this price range.
Verdict
The Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro is a dream device for gamers, offering unparalleled performance, a stellar display, and thoughtful gaming enhancements. While it comes with a hefty price tag and limited software updates, it’s a solid investment for those seeking the ultimate mobile gaming experience.
For mainstream users, however, the high price and camera limitations might make alternatives like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max more appealing.
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