Asus ROG Phone 9 Review: The Asus ROG Phone 9 is here, and it’s redefining what it means to be a gaming smartphone. Hot on the heels of its predecessor, the ROG Phone 8, this latest iteration packs a punch with cutting-edge hardware and features designed to elevate mobile gaming to new heights. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, the ROG Phone 9 is one of the first smartphones to feature the new Oryon CPU cores and Hexagon NPU, delivering unparalleled performance. With a starting price of $999 (now reduced to $899) and configurations going up to $1,499, this device is a premium offering for gamers who demand the best.
While the exterior design of the ROG Phone 9 doesn’t stray far from its predecessor, it’s what’s under the hood that truly sets it apart. The phone boasts a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a staggering 185Hz refresh rate and 720Hz touch sampling, ensuring buttery-smooth visuals and ultra-responsive controls. The device also features an upgraded cooling system, shoulder buttons for gaming, and a unique LED dot matrix on the back called “AniMe Vision.” Despite its gaming-centric features, the ROG Phone 9 maintains a sleek, premium build with Gorilla Glass Victus on the front and back, an aluminum frame, and IP68 water and dust resistance.
Performance-wise, the ROG Phone 9 is a beast. It outperforms even the iPhone 16 Pro Max in benchmarks, thanks to its Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and advanced cooling solutions. Whether you’re playing graphically demanding games like Wuthering Waves or multitasking between apps, this phone handles it all with ease. However, it’s not without its quirks, such as unpredictable performance in X-Mode and limited software support. Despite these minor drawbacks, the ROG Phone 9 is a powerhouse that sets a new standard for gaming smartphones.
Specifications of Asus ROG Phone 9
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Display | 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED, 185Hz refresh rate, 720Hz touch sampling |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC with Oryon CPU cores and Hexagon NPU |
RAM | 12GB / 16GB LPDDR5X |
Storage | 256GB / 512GB UFS 4.0 |
Rear Cameras | 50MP main (Sony Lytia 700), 13MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro |
Front Camera | 32MP |
Battery | 5,800mAh with 65W fast charging |
Cooling | Vapor chamber cooling with optional external cooler |
Audio | Stereo speakers, 3.5mm headphone jack |
Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, USB-C (dual ports) |
Operating System | Android 15 |
Dimensions | 6.45 x 3.02 x 0.35 inches, 227 grams |
Durability | IP68 water and dust resistance, Gorilla Glass Victus |
Price | Starting at $899 (originally $999) |
Asus ROG Phone 9 Features and Design

Display and Audio
The ROG Phone 9’s 6.78-inch AMOLED display is a gamer’s dream, offering a 185Hz refresh rate and 720Hz touch sampling for ultra-smooth visuals and lightning-fast responsiveness. The display supports HDR content, delivering vibrant colors and deep contrasts. While the bezels are slightly thicker than those on the iPhone 16 Pro Max, they’re minimal enough to overlook. The phone’s stereo speakers provide clear, punchy audio, enhancing the gaming and multimedia experience.
Gaming-Centric Features
The ROG Phone 9 is packed with features tailored for gamers. It includes pressure-sensitive shoulder buttons on the right edge, which can be mapped to in-game controls. The AniMe Vision LED dot matrix on the back adds a touch of flair, displaying notifications and animations. The dual USB-C ports allow for convenient charging while gaming, and the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack is a rare but welcome feature on a premium device.
Build Quality and Durability
Despite its gaming focus, the ROG Phone 9 doesn’t compromise on build quality. It features Gorilla Glass Victus on the front and back, an aluminum frame, and IP68-rated protection against water and dust. The phone is slightly thicker and heavier than its competitors, but this is a trade-off for its advanced cooling system and gaming features.
Performance and Gaming
The ROG Phone 9 is a performance powerhouse, thanks to its Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. It outperforms the iPhone 16 Pro Max and other flagship devices in benchmarks like Geekbench 6 and 3DMark. The phone’s X-Mode optimizes performance for gaming, though it can be unpredictable at times. In real-world gaming, the ROG Phone 9 handles demanding titles like Wuthering Waves with ease, maintaining smooth performance even after extended play sessions.
Asus ROG Phone 9 Camera Capabilities
While the ROG Phone 9 isn’t a camera-focused device, its 50MP main sensor, 13MP ultra-wide, and 5MP macro cameras deliver decent results. The main sensor captures sharp, well-lit photos with accurate colors, and the ultra-wide sensor maintains color consistency. However, the macro sensor is underwhelming, and the lack of a telephoto lens is a notable omission.
Battery Life and Connectivity
The 5,800mAh battery ensures all-day usage, even with heavy gaming. The phone supports 65W fast charging, though wireless charging is absent. Connectivity options include 5G, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.4, ensuring fast and reliable connections.
Asus ROG Phone 9 Price and Launch Date

The Asus ROG Phone 9 was launched on January 25, 2025, with a starting price of $899 (originally $999). Higher-end configurations are available for up to $1,499.
Unique Selling Points
- Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset for unmatched performance
- 185Hz AMOLED display with 720Hz touch sampling
- Gaming-centric features like shoulder buttons and AniMe Vision
- Dual USB-C ports and 3.5mm headphone jack
- IP68 rating and premium build quality
Also Read: GameSir X3 Pro Review: The Ultimate Customizable Mobile Controller with a Built-in Fan
Conclusion
The Asus ROG Phone 9 is a gaming powerhouse that delivers top-tier performance, cutting-edge display technology, and advanced cooling solutions. With the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, a blazing-fast 185Hz AMOLED display, and LPDDR5X RAM, it ensures smooth gameplay and lightning-fast response times, making it one of the best choices for mobile gaming enthusiasts.
Its AirTrigger ultrasonic shoulder buttons, customizable RGB lighting, and optimized Game Genie software further enhance the gaming experience, allowing users to fine-tune performance, visuals, and controls to suit their playstyle. The 6000mAh battery with 65W fast charging ensures extended gaming sessions without frequent interruptions, while the dual front-facing stereo speakers provide immersive audio quality.
However, the ROG Phone 9 isn’t perfect. While its gaming-centric features shine, the camera system is a weak point compared to other flagships in its price range. The software support policy—limited to two major OS updates and four years of security patches—might also disappoint users looking for long-term updates. Additionally, while X-Mode enhances performance, it can sometimes lead to thermal throttling in extreme gaming conditions, especially without additional cooling accessories.
Despite these drawbacks, the ROG Phone 9 remains one of the best gaming smartphones in 2025. It successfully caters to mobile gamers by offering unmatched gaming performance, a smooth and ultra-responsive display, and a dedicated ecosystem of gaming accessories. If you’re looking for a smartphone that prioritizes gaming above all else, the ROG Phone 9 is one of the best choices available.
As competitors like the RedMagic 10 Pro, Lenovo Legion Y90, and upcoming Black Shark models launch with similar hardware, the ROG Phone 9 will face stiff competition. However, Asus’ commitment to gaming hardware, premium build quality, and software optimizations ensures that the ROG Phone 9 remains a formidable contender in the gaming smartphone market. For those who value raw performance, immersive gaming features, and an optimized mobile gaming experience, the ROG Phone 9 is undoubtedly a worthy investment.
FAQs
1. What makes the Asus ROG Phone 9 stand out from other gaming phones?
The ROG Phone 9 stands out with its Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, 185Hz AMOLED display, and gaming-centric features like shoulder buttons and AniMe Vision. Its dual USB-C ports and 3.5mm headphone jack also set it apart.
2. How does the ROG Phone 9 perform in benchmarks?
The ROG Phone 9 outperforms flagship devices like the iPhone 16 Pro Max in benchmarks, achieving a Geekbench 6 multi-core score of 9959 and dominating 3DMark tests.
3. Is the ROG Phone 9 good for everyday use?
Yes, the ROG Phone 9 excels in everyday tasks, offering smooth performance, a vibrant display, and all-day battery life. However, its gaming-focused design may not appeal to everyone.
4. How long will the ROG Phone 9 receive software updates?
Asus has promised two major OS updates and five years of security updates, which is less than what competitors like Samsung and Google offer.
5. Does the ROG Phone 9 support wireless charging?
No, the ROG Phone 9 does not support wireless charging, but it does offer 65W fast charging via its USB-C ports.
6. How effective is the cooling system on the ROG Phone 9?
The phone’s vapor chamber cooling system is effective, but the optional external cooler doesn’t always improve performance. It primarily helps keep the device comfortable during extended gaming sessions.
7. Is the ROG Phone 9 worth its price?
At $899, the ROG Phone 9 is a premium device that delivers exceptional gaming performance. However, its limited software support and average cameras may make it less appealing to non-gamers.
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