ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro Review
The ultimate gaming smartphone with Snapdragon 8 Elite, 185Hz display, and revolutionary cooling system
Published: August 5, 2025 | By GadgetSnap Team
The ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro emerges as a formidable contender in the high-performance mobile gaming segment, setting a new benchmark for dedicated gaming smartphones. Launched globally in late 2024 and arriving in the US in early 2025, this device is engineered from the ground up to deliver an unparalleled gaming experience.
At a Glance
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform
- Display: 6.78-inch AMOLED, 185Hz refresh rate
- RAM/Storage: Up to 24GB LPDDR5X RAM, 1TB UFS4.0 storage
- Cooling: ROG GameCool 9 advanced cooling system
- Battery: 5800mAh with 65W wired and 15W wireless charging
- Camera: Triple rear (50MP main, 13MP ultrawide, 32MP telephoto), 32MP front
- Special Features: AniMe Vision display, AirTriggers, IP68 rating
Design & Aesthetics: Form Meets Function
The ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro represents a strategic evolution in design, blending premium aesthetics with robust functionality. Measuring 163.8 x 77 x 8.9mm and weighing 227g, it maintains a substantial yet balanced form factor that feels comfortable during extended gaming sessions.
Premium Build with IP68 Rating
A significant enhancement for this generation is the IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, a first for the ROG Phone series. This means the device can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes, providing peace of mind for users.
AniMe Vision Display
The signature AniMe Vision mini-LED auxiliary display on the rear features 648 programmable mini-LEDs, including newly added red LEDs for more vibrant animations. The Pro model exclusively includes AniMe Play, which brings classic pixel games to this unique secondary display.
Ergonomic Controls
The ultrasonic AirTriggers return with improved responsiveness, supporting various gestures including short and long squeezes. These can be mapped to in-game actions or everyday functions like launching apps or toggling settings.
Pros
- Premium build quality with IP68 rating
- Innovative AniMe Vision display adds personality
- Excellent ergonomics with responsive AirTriggers
- More subtle design compared to previous models
Cons
- Still quite heavy at 227g
- Offset USB-C port can be awkward with some accessories
- Punch-hole camera slightly obstructs display
Performance Prowess: Unleashing the Snapdragon 8 Elite
The ROG Phone 9 Pro is powered by the cutting-edge Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform, built on a 3nm process with a peak clock speed of 4.3GHz. This is paired with up to 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB of UFS4.0 storage for blistering performance.
Benchmark Dominance
In our testing, the ROG Phone 9 Pro delivered class-leading performance across all benchmarks:
| Benchmark | ROG Phone 9 Pro | ROG Phone 8 Pro | Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 Single-core | 3137 | 2240 | +40% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi-core | 9936 | 6960 | +43% |
| 3DMark Wild Life Extreme | 5935 (35.54 FPS) | 5207 (31.17 FPS) | +14% |
| PCMark Work 3.0 | 25733 | 22434 | +15% |
Advanced Cooling System
The ROG GameCool 9 system features a 360° SoC Cooling System Gen 3 design with high-performance thermal materials. For intensive sessions, the optional AeroActive Cooler X Pro clip-on accessory provides additional cooling and includes a subwoofer for enhanced audio.
Real-World Gaming Performance
In actual gameplay, the ROG Phone 9 Pro maintains consistently high frame rates even in demanding titles like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty: Mobile. The device supports 120fps gaming across more titles than most competitors, providing a truly fluid experience. During our stress tests, it achieved a remarkable 99.2% stability score in 3DMark’s Steel Nomad Light, though this does result in significant heat buildup.
Display & Audio: Immersive Sensory Experience
The 6.78-inch AMOLED display is a visual treat with its 185Hz refresh rate (activated via Game Genie), 120Hz LTPO adaptive refresh technology, and 2500 nits peak brightness. Protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2, it delivers both durability and stunning visuals.
Audio Excellence
The multi-magnet dual stereo speakers provide powerful, clear sound, while the retained 3.5mm headphone jack supports Hi-Res Audio up to 384 kHz/32-bit. Advanced features include:
- Dirac Virtuo for Headphone Spatial Sound
- AudioWizard with multiple listening profiles
- Tri-microphones with ASUS Noise Reduction
- OZO Audio technology for immersive recording
Camera System: Beyond the Game
While gaming is its focus, the ROG Phone 9 Pro features a capable triple-camera setup:
Main Camera
The 50MP Sony Lytia 700 sensor features a 1/1.56″ sensor size, f/1.9 aperture, and 6-axis Hybrid Gimbal Stabilizer 3.0 for exceptional stability.
Ultrawide Camera
A 13MP sensor with 120° field of view and free-form lens design minimizes distortion.
Telephoto Camera (Pro Exclusive)
The 32MP telephoto lens offers 3X optical zoom with OIS and can achieve up to 30X digital zoom using HyperClarity AI.
Verdict: The camera system represents a significant improvement over previous ROG Phones and is probably the best available on a gaming phone today. However, it still falls short of top-tier photography flagships from Apple, Samsung, or Google.
Battery Life & Charging
The 5800mAh battery provides excellent endurance:
- 4.5+ hours of heavy gaming
- 22.1 hours of video streaming
- 23.4 hours of social media use
Charging options include:
- 65W wired HyperCharge (0-100% in 46 minutes)
- 15W wireless charging (Qi 1.3 compatible)
- Bypass charging mode to reduce battery wear during gaming
Software & AI Features
Running Android 15 with ROG UI, the phone includes several gaming-focused AI features:
Gaming AI
- X Sense 3.0: Automates in-game actions like item collection
- X Capture 2.0: Automatically records gameplay highlights
- AI Grabber 2.0: Provides in-game tips and translations
- AI Noise Cancelation: Clears voice chat from background noise
Game Genie Features
The comprehensive Game Genie overlay offers:
- AirTrigger customization
- Macro creation
- Performance monitoring
- Crosshair overlay for shooters
- Scout mode for competitive advantage
Software Support
ASUS commits to 2 major Android OS updates and 5 years of security updates. While the hardware is exceptionally future-proof, the software support window is shorter than some competitors.
Price & Availability
The ROG Phone 9 Pro carries premium pricing:
| Region | Configuration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 24GB RAM / 1TB Storage | $1,599.99 |
| United Arab Emirates | 16GB RAM / 512GB Storage | AED 5,599 |
| India (imported) | 24GB RAM / 1TB Storage | ₹1,40,999 |
Availability varies by region, with official US launch on January 7, 2025. As of August 2025, it remains unofficially available in India through import channels.
Final Verdict
The ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro stands as the most powerful Android gaming phone available, delivering unmatched performance, innovative gaming features, and premium build quality. While its high price and limited software support may deter some, for serious mobile gamers who demand the absolute best, it’s in a class of its own.
Who Should Buy It?
- Hardcore mobile gamers prioritizing performance
- Tech enthusiasts who want cutting-edge hardware
- Users who value gaming-specific features like AirTriggers
Who Should Skip It?
- Casual users who don’t need gaming features
- Photography-focused users
- Budget-conscious buyers
