The Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro Edition, priced at £1,299, is a powerhouse designed for mobile gaming. Boasting cutting-edge hardware including an ultra-fast processor and substantial memory, it offers a compelling gaming experience. Air triggers and bespoke gaming software enhance gameplay, while the included AeroActive Cooler X Pro clip-on fan tackles heat management effectively. The 65W charger replenishes the battery in under an hour. Beyond gaming, the ROG Phone 9 Pro performs admirably as a general-purpose Android device, featuring capable cameras, excellent battery life, and a robust build. However, the absence of millimetre-wave 5G support in the UK (if applicable, specify which networks), a relatively short software support window, and the premium price point are notable drawbacks. Despite these limitations, this phone represents the best Android gaming experience we've reviewed, earning it our Editors' Choice award.
Design: Sleek and Robust
The Asus ROG Phone 9 series comprises three models sharing core design and hardware features, with RAM and storage capacities differentiating them. The ROG Phone 9 (£899) offers 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, the ROG Phone 9 Pro (£1,099) boasts 16GB RAM and 512GB storage, and the top-of-the-line ROG Phone 9 Pro Edition (£1,299) features 24GB RAM and 1TB storage. All three utilise the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor.
The Pro Edition bundles the AeroActive Cooler X Pro and two protective cases: one with a central cutout for cooler integration, and the ROG Chill Case incorporating a vapour chamber for enhanced cooling. Measuring 6.45 x 3.02 x 0.35 inches (HWD) and weighing 8.01 ounces, it's identical in size to its predecessor but slightly heavier. The right edge houses clicky volume and power buttons, flanked by capacitive air triggers, clearly identifiable by their ROG branding. A USB-C 3.2 port (supporting DisplayPort/HDMI) is situated on the left edge for charging and powering the external cooler, while a second USB-C 2.0 port on the bottom edge provides data transfer and charging functionality. A SIM tray, speaker grille, and 3.5mm headphone jack complete the bottom edge.
Protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (front) and Gorilla Glass 3 (rear), with a recycled aluminium frame, the phone feels premium and durable. Its IP68 rating ensures dust and water resistance. An under-display fingerprint sensor provides reliable biometric authentication, supplemented by a less secure Face Unlock option. The ROG Phone 9 Pro Edition is available in Phantom Black.
Displays: Dual-Screen Advantage
All three ROG Phone 9 variants retain the 6.78-inch AMOLED display from the ROG Phone 8, featuring a 2,400 x 1,080-pixel resolution and a variable refresh rate of 1Hz to 165Hz, boosted to 185Hz using Asus' Game Genie software. Brightness peaks at 1,600 nits (high-brightness mode) and 2,500 nits. Image quality is exceptional, with smooth animations and excellent visibility in various lighting conditions.
The ROG Phone 9 Pro Edition distinguishes itself with a rear-mounted secondary display, Anime Vision, comprising 648 mini-LEDs. Invisible when off, it displays animations, time, battery level, and the Asus ROG eye logo, with the addition of red LEDs this year. Simple, low-resolution games are playable using the air triggers.
Performance: Exceptional Speed and Graphics
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, 24GB LPDDR5x RAM, and 1TB UFS 4.0 storage, the Pro Edition delivers exceptional performance. An improved cooling system reduces gaming temperatures by up to 12%. Benchmark scores significantly exceed its predecessor and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (if included in comparison). The AeroActive Cooler X Pro marginally improves performance further. Real-world usage showcases effortless multitasking and app switching, with demanding games like Genshin Impact running smoothly at maximum settings. The highly responsive screen, air triggers, and shoulder buttons on the cooler enhance the gaming experience.
Battery: Long-Lasting Power
The 5,800mAh battery supports 65W wired charging (with included charger) and 15W Qi 1.3 wireless charging. Battery life surpasses its predecessor and the Galaxy S24 Ultra (if compared) in our video streaming test. Charging speeds are impressive, with a 0-100% charge achieved in under an hour.
Connectivity: Robust but with Limitations
The ROG Phone 9 Pro Edition supports sub-6GHz 5G (specify network compatibility if applicable in the UK), but lacks millimetre-wave 5G. Dual SIM functionality is available, with eSIM support limited to certain regions. Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and NFC are also included. Network speed tests demonstrate strong performance.
Call Quality and Speakers: High-Fidelity Audio
Call quality is excellent, further enhanced by AI noise cancellation. The dual speakers deliver impressive audio with noticeable bass, augmented by the AeroActive Cooler X Pro's woofer (though fan noise is a factor). High-resolution audio support (wired and wireless) is included.
Cameras: Surprisingly Good
The ROG Phone 9 Pro Edition features a triple-camera system: a 50MP main camera with hybrid gimbal stabilisation, a 32MP 3x telephoto camera with OIS, and a 13MP ultra-wide camera with EIS. Image quality is good, though the detail in 12MP mode can sometimes be overly sharp. Video recording capabilities are strong, with 8K30 and 4K60 options, although stabilisation isn't as seamless as some competitors. The 32MP front camera performs adequately for selfies.
Software: Gaming-Centric Enhancements
Running Android 13 (at the time of writing), the ROG Phone 9 Pro Edition offers two years of major OS updates and five years of security patches, a shorter support period than some competitors. Armoury Crate provides a central hub for game management, system information, and performance adjustments. Game Genie overlays provide performance modes, refresh rate control, and the X Sense feature for enhanced in-game interactions. AI-powered features, including call translation and AI transcription, add extra functionality.
Verdict: A Top-Tier Gaming Phone, But at a Price
At £1,299, the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro Edition commands a significant premium. It offers a premium experience for mobile gamers, combining exceptional performance, a superb display, and immersive audio. However, the shorter software support and limited 5G support (if applicable) need to be considered. For users who prioritise gaming above all else, it remains our Editors' Choice. Those who seek a more balanced device with strong camera capabilities and a longer software lifespan may wish to consider alternatives at a lower price point.