# ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro Review: The Ultimate Gaming Dynamo
The ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro stands as the newest version in ASUS’s well-established series of gaming smartphones, further pushing the limits of mobile capabilities. Although it isn’t a groundbreaking shift from its predecessor, the ROG Phone 8 Pro, it fine-tunes and upgrades several vital aspects, securing its position among the finest gaming phones currently on the market. Below is a thorough examination of the ROG Phone 9 Pro’s specifications, advantages, disadvantages, and whether it warrants your expenditure.
## **Android Central Verdict**
**Rating: 4/5 Stars**
The ROG Phone 9 Pro maintains a similar design to the ROG Phone 8 Pro, yet it introduces considerable enhancements in performance, battery longevity, and camera effectiveness. Equipped with Qualcomm’s state-of-the-art Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, this phone offers unparalleled gaming capabilities, positioning it as an ideal pick for mobile gaming enthusiasts. The 165Hz AMOLED display, larger battery capacity, and streamlined software interface further enhance the overall user experience. Nonetheless, the limited software updates and premium pricing may dissuade some potential buyers.
### **Pros:**
– **Unrivaled gaming performance** courtesy of the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset.
– **Striking design** showcasing the distinctive Anime Vision secondary panel.
– **Lively 165Hz AMOLED display** enabling fluid visuals.
– **Upgraded camera system** with a revamped 50MP main sensor.
– **User-friendly software** free from bloatware.
– **Massive 5800mAh battery** supporting 65W USB PD and 15W wireless charging.
– **3.5mm headphone jack** catering to audio enthusiasts.
– **IP68-rated water and dust resistance** for enhanced durability.
### **Cons:**
– **Restricted to two platform updates**, falling short of industry norms.
– **High cost**, particularly for those not focused on gaming.
– **Cameras still lag behind** other premium smartphones.
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## **Pricing and Availability**
ASUS introduced the ROG Phone 9 series on November 19, 2024, and the devices are currently available for pre-order. The ROG Phone 9 Pro is priced at $1,199 in the U.S. and €1,299 in Europe for the variant with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage. There’s a premium model available with 24GB RAM and 1TB storage, bundled with additional accessories, retailing at $1,499/€1,499. The ROG Phone 9 series is set to launch in the U.S. in January 2025, with broader availability anticipated in Q1 2025.
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## **Design**
The ROG Phone 9 Pro preserves the eye-catching, gamer-oriented style of its predecessors, with some modifications. It showcases a glass back featuring a smooth crystalized nano-texture, engraved lines, and a distinctive red highlight below the camera module. The Anime Vision secondary panel on the back comprises 648 LEDs, lending a unique aesthetic while enabling users to show custom animations or engage in mini-games.
Despite its substantial size and 227g weight, the device boasts a well-balanced feel and is comfortable to hold. ASUS has also kept the 3.5mm headphone jack—a rarity in contemporary smartphones—and integrated IP68 water and dust resistance, enhancing the phone’s durability.
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## **Screen**
The ROG Phone 9 Pro comes with a 6.78-inch Samsung AMOLED display featuring a 165Hz refresh rate, placing it among the smoothest displays available. The screen supports HDR10+ and can achieve a peak brightness of 2500 nits, ensuring great visibility even under bright conditions. It is safeguarded by Gorilla Glass Victus 2, enhancing its resistance to scratches and impacts.
The 165Hz refresh rate, coupled with the device’s robust hardware, guarantees a seamless experience whether you’re gaming or browsing social media. The phone also offers a 185Hz mode for select titles, further elevating the gaming experience.
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## **Performance**
Fueled by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, the ROG Phone 9 Pro provides remarkable performance in all respects. In benchmark tests, this smartphone consistently surpasses its rivals, making it the fastest device on the market. Its thermal management system enables it to sustain high performance levels even during prolonged gaming, though it can become noticeably hot under severe strain.
The device offers LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage, facilitating rapid app loading and smooth multitasking. ASUS has also fine-tuned the software to leverage the hardware’s capabilities, resulting in an intuitive and responsive user experience.
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## **Accessories**
ASUS continues to provide a variety of accessories for its ROG Phone lineup, and the ROG Phone 9 Pro follows suit. The high-end model is packaged with the AeroActive Cooler X Pro, which includes a built-in subwoofer for enhancing audio output.
