Asus ROG Phone 9 mobile was launched on 19th November 2024. The phone comes with a 6.78-inch touchscreen display offering a resolution of 2400x1080 pixels (FHD+). The display sports Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for protection. Asus ROG Phone 9 is powered by an octa-core Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. It comes with 16GB of RAM. The Asus ROG Phone 9 runs Android 15 and is powered by a 5800mAh non-removable battery. The Asus ROG Phone 9 supports proprietary fast charging.

The Asus ROG Phone 9, announced on November 19, 2024, and released the following day, continues the series' tradition of high-performance gaming smartphones while also aiming for broader appeal as a capable daily driver. Here's a review based on available information:

Key Positives:

• Blazing-Fast Performance: Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform, the ROG Phone 9 delivers top-tier performance for even the most demanding games and applications. The Adreno 830 GPU ensures smooth graphics rendering.
• High Refresh Rate Display: The 6.78-inch FHD+ AMOLED display boasts a variable refresh rate ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz (LTPO), with the system allowing a maximum of 165Hz and even 185Hz within the Game Genie for smoother gaming visuals. It also features a high peak brightness of 2500 nits and excellent color accuracy.
• Long-Lasting Battery: A 5800mAh battery provides excellent endurance for extended gaming sessions and daily use.
• Fast Charging: Supports 65W wired charging, allowing for quick battery top-ups. It also features 15W wireless charging and 10W reverse wired charging for added convenience.
• Gaming-Centric Features:
  • AirTriggers: Pressure-sensitive zones on the phone's edges can be customized as extra buttons for gaming.
  • Game Genie: A dedicated in-game overlay provides quick access to performance settings, notifications control, and other gaming-related tools. It now includes AI-powered game assistance for features like auto-translation and game enhancements in certain titles.
  • Advanced Cooling System: While the specific details of the cooling system might vary slightly from the Pro model, it's designed to effectively dissipate heat during intense gaming.
  • Dual USB-C Ports: Offers flexibility for charging and connecting accessories while gaming in landscape orientation.
  • 3.5mm Headphone Jack: A welcome inclusion for gamers who prefer wired audio.
• Stereo Speakers: Provide loud and clear audio for an immersive gaming and multimedia experience.
• Clean Software Option: Users can choose between Asus's ROG UI with gaming aesthetics and a more traditional stock-like Android interface.
• Improved Main Camera: The 50MP main camera utilizes a Sony Lytia 700 sensor with an upgraded gimbal stabilization system, promising improved image quality and stability.
• Water and Dust Resistance: Features an IP68 rating for protection against water and dust.
• Long Software Support: Asus promises 2 OS updates and 5 years of security updates.

Key Negatives:

• Camera System Versatility: While the main camera is improved, the other cameras (13MP ultrawide and 5MP macro) might not be as impressive as those found on some non-gaming flagship phones. The Pro model offers a telephoto lens, which is absent on the standard ROG Phone 9.
• Design Evolution: Some reviews note that the design is quite similar to the previous generation, the ROG Phone 8, and might not offer a significant visual upgrade. The AniMe Vision Mini LED display on the back has a reduced number of dots (85) compared to the Pro model (648), limiting its visual capabilities.
• No Bundled Cooler: Unlike the Pro model, the standard ROG Phone 9 does not include the AeroActive Cooler in the box.
• Under-Display Fingerprint Sensor (Optical): Similar to previous ROG Phones, it uses an optical in-display fingerprint sensor, which some users might find less convenient than ultrasonic options.

Camera Performance:

• Main: 50MP (Sony Lytia 700 sensor) with gimbal OIS, offering good detail and color accuracy. Low-light performance is decent.
• Ultrawide: 13MP, providing a wider field of view.
• Macro: 5MP, for close-up shots.
• Front: 32MP, captures decent selfies.

Overall:

The Asus ROG Phone 9 is a powerful gaming smartphone that builds upon its predecessors with the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, an improved main camera, and a refined design. It offers a fantastic gaming experience with its high refresh rate display, responsive controls, and gaming-centric features. While the camera system lacks the versatility of some competitors and the design isn't a major departure from the previous generation, its strengths in performance, battery life, and gaming make it a compelling option for mobile gamers and users looking for a high-performance smartphone with a unique flair.