The Asus ROG Phone 8 was a big leap forward for the gaming phone series. It introduced features like an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance and a telephoto camera for improved versatility. All that made the lineup feel more like the regular flagships. But let’s be honest: gaming is still the core focus for the lineup. The new Asus ROG Phone 9 series aims to deliver even more powerful performance and immersive gaming experiences.
Asus ROG Phone 9 Series Aims to Deliver Top-notch Performance
The Asus ROG Phone 9 and 9 Pro are equipped with the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. This chipset is paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage on the standard model. The Pro model takes things further with up to 24GB of RAM and 1TB of storage.
Compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 found in the previous ROG Phone 8 series, the 8 Elite offers a significant performance boost. Asus claims a 45% improvement in CPU performance, a 40% faster GPU, and a 40% faster NPU.
To keep these powerful components cool, Asus has upgraded the cooling system with a 57% larger graphite sheet. This helps maintain lower temperatures, especially during intense gaming sessions. The active cooler has also been improved, and it’s more than just a cooling solution. As always, Asus offers a wide range of accessories to further enhance the gaming experience.
Camera and Display
Both the ROG Phone 9 and 9 Pro share a 50MP main camera with six-axis gimbal OIS and a 13MP ultrawide lens. However, the Pro model differentiates itself with a 32MP 3x telephoto camera, while the standard model opts for a 5MP macro lens. For selfies and video calls, both phones feature a 32MP RGBW front-facing camera.
Asus has introduced a new feature called Photo Vibe, which offers a variety of photography styles. These styles include Rich and Warm, Soft and Warm, Vivid Cold, and Gentle Cold. Additionally, the Air Triggers can be used as shutter buttons for a unique photography experience.
The Pro model takes the customization a step further with 648 mini LED lights on the back. These lights can be used to play simple games like Brick Smasher, Snake Venture, Aero Invaders, and Speedy Run. The standard model, while not as flashy, still offers customizable backlighting for notifications and other visual effects.
Battery Life and Charging
The Asus ROG Phone 9 and 9 Pro are equipped with a 5,800mAh battery, which is 300mAh larger than the previous generation. This increased capacity promises extended battery life, especially during intense gaming sessions. Asus claims that the battery can last up to 4.5 hours of heavy gaming. Furthermore, the battery is designed to retain at least 80% of its original capacity after 1,000 charge cycles, ensuring long-term performance.
Charging is handled by a 65W USB-C adapter, which can fully charge the battery in approximately 46 minutes. Wireless charging is also supported at 15W.
Availability and Pricing of Asus ROG Phone 9 Series
The Asus ROG Phone 9 and 9 Pro are now available for pre-order. The devices will start shipping in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and mainland China tomorrow. European markets, including the UK, will see shipments commence in December. The US launch is scheduled for January 2025, with more details to be announced later. Other regions will follow suit at a later date. The standard will start at $999, while the Pro will start at $1,199.
