Mobile gaming is bigger than ever. From casual gamers to professional eSports players, everyone wants a high-performance device that can handle graphics-intensive games. The Asus ROG Phone 9 claims to be the most powerful gaming phone ever.
This review takes an in-depth look at the Asus ROG Phone 9, covering:
✔ Unboxing & first impressions
✔ Build quality & design
✔ Display & refresh rate
✔ Performance & gaming benchmarks
✔ Battery life & fast charging
✔ Cooling system efficiency
✔ Camera quality & photography capabilities
✔ Software, UI, and gaming features
✔ Connectivity, audio, and accessories
✔ Pricing, best deals & final verdict
Unboxing the Asus ROG Phone 9: What’s Inside the Box?
Let’s dive deep into the ROG Phone 9 and see if it’s the best gaming phone in 2024.
Unboxing a gaming phone is always exciting. Asus has a reputation for premium packaging and gaming accessories. Here’s what you get inside the Asus ROG Phone 9 box:
Box Contents:
📦 Asus ROG Phone 9 – The beast itself!
⚡ 65W Fast Charger – Rapid charging for non-stop gaming.
🔌 USB-C to USB-C Cable – High-speed data transfer and charging.
❄️ AeroActive Cooler 9 (in select models) – External cooling fan for better thermal control.
📄 Sim Ejector Tool & Documentation – Standard manuals and warranty details.
From the moment you hold the phone, you can tell this is no ordinary device. It has a rugged, gaming-centric look with RGB lighting, a bold design, and premium materials.
Design and Build Quality: Premium & Gamer-Friendly
The Asus ROG Phone 9 is designed specifically for serious gamers. Everything about it screams power, durability, and gaming aesthetics.
Materials & Durability
- Aluminum frame & Gorilla Glass Victus – Strong, scratch-resistant, and premium.
- Textured back panel – Improves grip during long gaming sessions.
- RGB ROG Logo & Customizable LEDs – Sync with in-game events and notifications.
- Weight: 239 grams – Heavier than regular phones, but justified due to cooling systems & battery.
Gaming-Centric Design
- AirTriggers 8.0 – Shoulder buttons that simulate a game controller experience.
- Dual USB-C Ports – Allows charging while playing in landscape mode.
- 3.5mm Headphone Jack – Unlike most flagships, ROG Phone 9 keeps this for wired audio lovers.
- AeroActive Cooler Port – A dedicated slot for attaching the external cooling fan.
🛠️ Verdict: The Asus ROG Phone 9 is built like a tank, but its weight might be too much for casual users. For gamers, however, it’s perfectly optimized.
Display and Refresh Rate: The Smoothest Mobile Gaming Experience?
A gaming phone lives or dies by its display. The ROG Phone 9 boasts one of the best screens in any smartphone.
Display Specifications:
📱 Size: 6.78-inch AMOLED Panel
🖥️ Resolution: 2448 x 1080 pixels (Full HD+)
⚡ Refresh Rate: 165Hz (adjustable to 60Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz, and 144Hz)
⏳ Response Time: 1ms (ultra-fast for gaming)
🌈 HDR10+ & 1500 nits Brightness – Vivid colors, deep blacks, and high contrast.
🛡️ Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Gaming Experience on the Display
- 165Hz refresh rate makes everything buttery smooth.
- 1ms touch response ensures zero input lag.
- HDR10+ support brings richer colors and improved contrast.
- Game Mode optimizations automatically adjust brightness & contrast for better visibility in dark gaming environments.
🎮 Verdict: If you want the smoothest mobile gaming experience, this 165Hz AMOLED panel is unmatched.
Performance and Hardware: The Fastest Gaming Phone Yet?
The ROG Phone 9 is powered by the latest hardware designed for maximum performance.
Under the Hood:
⚙️ Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) – Fastest Android chipset.
🎮 GPU: Adreno 750 – Delivers PC-like gaming graphics.
🔧 RAM: Up to 16GB LPDDR5X – Multitasking without lag.
💾 Storage: Up to 1TB UFS 4.0 – Super-fast game loading times.
Gaming Benchmarks:
🏆 PUBG Mobile (Ultra Settings): 120FPS, no frame drops.
🏆 Call of Duty Mobile (Max Settings): 165FPS, ultra-smooth gameplay.
🏆 Genshin Impact (Highest Settings): 90FPS, zero lag even in intense battles.
🏆 Asphalt 9: Blazing fast performance with stunning visuals.
🚀 Verdict: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Adreno 750 combo makes this phone an absolute powerhouse.
Cooling System: Can It Handle Intense Gaming Sessions?
Heat is a major issue in gaming phones, but Asus has addressed it brilliantly.
Cooling Features:
❄️ GameCool 7 Technology – Advanced vapor chamber cooling.
❄️ Graphene Heat Dissipation Layers – Distributes heat evenly.
❄️ AeroActive Cooler 9 – External cooling fan drops temps by up to 10°C.
🔥 Verdict: No overheating, even after hours of gaming.
Battery Life & Charging Speed: How Long Does It Last?
🔋 6000mAh Dual-Cell Battery – Huge capacity for extended gaming.
⚡ 65W Fast Charging – 0 to 100% in 40 minutes.
🔁 Reverse Charging (10W) – Charge other devices on the go.
🎮 Verdict: The best battery life in any gaming phone.
Camera Quality: Can It Compete with Flagships?
📸 50MP Main Camera – Great details, fast autofocus.
📸 13MP Ultra-Wide Lens – Wide shots for landscapes.
🤳 32MP Selfie Camera – Good for gaming streamers.
🎥 8K Video Recording – Ultra-high-definition videos.
📷 Verdict: Not as good as iPhones or Samsungs, but great for a gaming phone.
Should You Buy the Asus ROG Phone 9?
✅ Pros: Unmatched gaming performance, stunning display, incredible battery, and top-tier cooling.
❌ Cons: Heavy build, average camera, premium price.
🏆 Verdict: If you want the ultimate gaming phone, the Asus ROG Phone 9 is the best choice in 2024. 🚀🎮🔥