The ROG Phone 9 is here, and it’s not just any phone; it’s the ROG Phone 9 Pro Edition, the pinnacle of gaming smartphones. While the ROG Phone 9 and the Pro share the same performance capabilities, the Pro model stands out with its unique design and the AeroActive Cooler X Pro in the package.
Let’s delve into the details of the ROG Phone 9 Pro and explore its impressive features and performance.
The ROG Phone 9 series is powered by Qualcomm’s latest and greatest chipset, the Snapdragon 8 Elite. This chipset boasts a revolutionary Oryon CPU architecture, promising significant performance improvements across the board.
In real-world tests, the ROG Phone 9 Pro delivers exceptional performance. It consistently maintains high frame rates in demanding games like Genshin Impact, even at the highest settings. While temperatures initially spiked to around 49°C, a software update introduced thermal throttling, keeping the temperature in check at a more manageable 47°C.
The ROG Phone 9’s beefy cooler, especially when paired with the AeroActive Cooler X Pro, excels at taming the heat generated by the Snapdragon 8 Elite. This is particularly evident in demanding scenarios like extended boss fights in games like Zenless Zone Zero, where the phone maintains a stable 60fps with occasional dips to 50fps.
As for the battery life though, it did get an upgrade over the predecessor, totaling 5,800mAh. However, the addition of more LEDs and the higher power demands of the Snapdragon 8 Elite impact the battery life.
We did a total of 3 different battery life tests, and here are the results:
- With LEDs off and refresh rate set to auto: 20 hours and 38 minutes
- With LEDs on and refresh rate set to auto: 18 hours and 25 minutes
- With LEDs on and refresh rate locked to 165Hz: 14 hours and 52 minutes
The charging speed is impressive, with the included 65W USB-PD PPS charger powering the phone from 15% to 100% in around 42 minutes. However, it does get quite hot, reaching 45°C.
Luckily, the ROG Phone 9 does have the battery bypass feature – and that’s a great feature to have especially for mobile gamers who plan to grind for multiple hours at a time. Mind you, the temperature won’t really decrease, but it will be much healthier for the battery.
The ROG Phone 9 features a 6.78-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2800×1080 and a refresh rate of up to 185Hz. The screen boasts impressive brightness, reaching 1730 nits, and offers excellent color accuracy, covering 99.86% of sRGB and 98.84% of DCI-P3 color gamuts.
The ROG Phone 9 runs on Android 15 with a custom ROG UI. It offers a clean interface with minimal bloatware and includes unique features like X Sense for skipping dialogues in games and auto-loot functions. The AirTriggers, now capacitive, provide reliable controls for gaming.
ROG still has their own set of features, like the X-Sense, and those are fantastic features to have for supported games.
The ROG Phone 9 retains the same design as its predecessor, with a sleek and angular look. The Pro Edition stands out with its unique lighting effects, thanks to the increased number of LEDs in the AniMe Vision. The phone also features dual USB-C ports and an audio jack, as well as a side port for display output.
Should You Buy the ROG Phone 9?
The ROG Phone 9 is a powerful gaming smartphone with impressive performance and a unique design. However, it comes with some drawbacks, including shorter battery life compared to its predecessor and a software update policy that limits Android OS upgrades.
If you’re a hardcore gamer seeking the ultimate mobile gaming experience and are willing to accept some compromises in battery life, the ROG Phone 9 Pro is an excellent choice. For those who prioritize longer battery life and a more affordable option, the ROG Phone 9 may be a better fit.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to purchase the ROG Phone 9 depends on your individual needs and priorities. Consider your gaming habits, budget, and specific requirements when making your decision.
Where to Buy the ROG Phone 9? (Affiliate links)
The ROG Phone 9 is available for purchase through various retailers, including:
