Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro
Verdict
The phone excels with high performance and gaming features but has room for improvement in update support and camera quality.
Key specs
Critic consensus
“If brute performance is what you're after, the ROG Phone 9 Pro is the right choice. Aside from that, it offers long battery life, a bright AMOLED display at up to 185 Hz, the tried-and-tested AirTrigger, wireless charging and IP certification in all models. The cameras have been completely redesigned but use comparatively small sensors, which is noticeable in low light. In addition, Asus only aims to distribute two major updates, which is pretty meagre given the price range.”
“The pricey Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro Edition is the ultimate Android gaming phone, with tremendous performance, gorgeous visuals, and immersive audio in a tough and sleek package.”
“If you want nothing short of the best mobile gaming experience, we believe that the ROG Phone line is still the way to go. The ROG Phone 9 family has the most in-depth and comprehensive set of gaming features on top of excellent and, in many ways, specifically crafted hardware.”
“The ROG Phone 9 Pro and the ROG Phone 9 are not joking around. They are packed to the brim with high tech, the optimization is flawless, and they are performance and endurance champs. It has the distinct, aggressive look, but reigned in a bit so you can rock it as a daily phone without looking like you are holding a gaming console up to your ear.”
Watch before you decide
In Depth
Design
You’ll appreciate the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro’s sleek and subtle design, featuring a matte finish with a sturdy aluminum frame that resists fingerprints.
The LED AniMe Vision display on the back adds a unique touch, allowing you to customize animations and notifications, as noted by TechRadar.
With its ergonomic design and thoughtful features like the dual USB ports and tactile AirTriggers, the phone caters to both gamers and regular users alike.
Display(s)
This phone’s display hits a new high with a peak refresh rate of 185Hz, offering smoother visuals during intense gaming sessions as noted in a review from Notebookcheck.
The AMOLED screen ensures rich colors and deep blacks, making visuals pop whether you’re gaming or browsing. One reviewer at TechRadar found the display bright and vivid, which helps in various lighting situations.
The high refresh and brightness levels enhance your phone experience, ensuring clarity even in direct sunlight.
Performance
The Snapdragon 8 Elite in the ROG Phone 9 Pro pushes performance boundaries, making it a leader in both gaming and daily tasks. Reviewers agree, stating, “It holds up better when we look at the top 90% of FPS values,” ensuring even the most demanding games run smoothly.
Sporting up to 24GB of RAM and enhanced cooling, you’ll encounter less lag and fewer frame drops. Notably, the ROG Phone 9 Pro keeps its performance consistent, making those long gaming sessions seamless and enjoyable.
For casual or hardcore gamers, this phone’s performance translates into quicker load times and fluid interactions—even while multitasking. The effort ASUS put into creating this powerhouse means your gaming isn’t interrupted, allowing for longer, high-performance play.
Software & Storage
The Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro provides flexibility with its software, allowing you to choose between a gaming-optimized interface and a simpler Android layout.
With the Armoury Crate app, you can adjust your gaming experience, modify performance profiles, and launch games effortlessly. Reviews from Android Central appreciate the lack of bloatware, emphasizing the pure and fluid experience available to users.
Though rich in features, the limited update timeline means you may miss out on future enhancements past 2026, making prolonged use less optimal.
Cameras
The cameras aim to deliver solid picture quality with a 50MP main sensor and enhanced gimbal stabilization, good for daylight shoots. In a concise test, reviewers highlighted the device’s failings in bad lighting despite having AI processing that’s not on par with leading smartphone lines, as ‘Asus manages to get a lot out of the sensor, but the technical limits are clear,’ according to experts.
You’re not buying this for its shooting prowess – it’s all about gaming performance. The gimbal OIS helps somewhat in low light but doesn’t rival the top camera-focused phones. It offers decent everyday snapshots but won’t impress someone looking for a photographic powerhouse.
Battery
With its 5,800mAh capacity, the battery comfortably sustains up to two days of moderate use, giving you peace of mind and fewer charging breaks. This longer-lasting battery counters one of the main pain points many users face: frequent recharging interruptions.
Furthermore, the device supports 65W wired charging, filling the battery in under an hour, and offers 15W wireless charging for flexibility,” as noted by PCMag. This speed in recharging ensures minimized downtime and keeps you active and mobile.
Audio
On the ROG Phone 9 Pro, the audio experience impresses both gamers and everyday users. The Dirac-tuned stereo speakers deliver clear, powerful sound, enriching gaming and video experiences. A headphone jack remains, offering convenience and superior audio quality for gamers.
While the speakers can reach high volumes, having one speaker front-facing and the other side-firing may reduce the sense of immersion. ASUS acknowledges this is not ideal, so they’ve included cases with a lip directing side sound forward, enhancing audio delivery.
When making calls, the voice quality excels, suppressing most background noise, ensuring words remain clear and understandable. Experts note that in noisy environments, you might still find understanding a bit challenging. Nevertheless, for most situations, the sound quality remains good.
The Bottom Line
The standout feature of this phone is its incredible gaming performance, driven by the fast processor and adaptive cooling system. Whether you’re gaming extensively or handling everyday tasks, the device does not fail to impress with its speed and responsiveness. A highlight is the innovative LED display on the back, which adds flair and extra functionality.
The battery will comfortably last through long gaming sessions and more. Additionally, dual USB-C ports, IP ratings for water resistance, and a headphone jack offer practical use for gamers. On the downside, the cameras perform well in good lighting but struggle when conditions aren’t perfect.
Experts praise the battery life and general usability, yet common criticism revolves around the limited software support and high price point for what is offered.
What people actually want to know
How much does the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro cost?
The Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro launched at $1,499 USD. Street prices change, so see current deals.
When was the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro released?
The Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro was released on November 20, 2024.
How long does the battery last on the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro?
The Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro has a 5,800 mAh battery.
Is the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro water resistant?
The Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro carries an IP68 rating.
Note: water resistance degrades over time and manufacturer warranties typically don't cover liquid damage.
Does the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro support wireless charging?
Yes, the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro supports wireless charging. It supports up to 15W wireless charging.
Does the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro have a headphone jack?
Yes, the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro has a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Does the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro support 5G?
Yes, the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro supports 5G connectivity.
Does the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro have NFC?
Yes, the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro has NFC. You can use Google Wallet, Apple Pay, and tap-to-pair with Bluetooth accessories.
Where can I download the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro manual?
You can view and download the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro manual on our dedicated manual page.
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