What you have to know
- Reports suggest that ASUS is developing an “ROG Phone 9 FE”, a possible budget-friendly variant of its flagship gaming smartphone, potentially featuring minor specification tweaks to achieve a lower price point.
- The device has reportedly secured Wi-Fi Alliance certification and is expected to be tested with Android 14.
- Rumors are intensifying that the forthcoming device will leverage the powerful capabilities of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 system-on-chip.
- The ROG Phone 9 series made its debut on November 19, launching at an initial price of $999.
Rumors of an impending budget-friendly addition to the ASUS family are emerging just as we’re still unpacking the details of their latest flagship launch?
Discovered by sources, the rumor suggests that a device with model number ASUS AI2401 N might be released as an “ASUS ROG Phone 9 FE”. This marks the second instance where a device with this model number has been spotted, following previous sightings. As it appears to be a done deal, the GSMA database now officially verifies the ROG Telephone 9 FE designation.
The publication noticed a system rolling out through the Wi-Fi Alliance database. Despite the initial focus on itemizing connectivity certifications, ASUS seems to be quietly testing the waters with Android 14.
The hypothesis implies a predicted pace of development, suggesting that the new system may initially circulate through its early stages before potentially moving to a newer operating system.
The alliance database itemizes a summary of licensed connections, including Wi-Fi 6, Direct, Enhanced Open, and Miracast, amongst others. The device supports frequencies that encompass 6GHz, 5GHz, and 2.4GHz.
A few hypotheses have been proposed about which markets might receive the supposed ROG Telephone 9 “FE.” The publication suggests that the device’s current Wi-Fi Alliance certification could indicate its imminent release, particularly given the recent flagship 9 series debut.
The notion of an “FE” system undoubtedly raises concerns about accessibility and budget-friendliness. The device launched on November 19, featuring Qualcomm’s cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. The professional mannequin features a 6.7-inch FHD+ display with a maximum refresh rate of 165Hz, which can be boosted up to 185Hz. Like its predecessor, the latest model features a versatile and adjustable dot matrix display on its rear panel, offering users greater control over their viewing experience.
The pivotal point is that the range commences at a crucial $999 for the entry-level Telephone 9 model before incrementally rising to $1,199 for the Professional edition.
It’s unclear how low ASUS might potentially drop a purported ‘FE’ phone. The publication suggests that the upcoming flagship smartphone might feature last year’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor instead of the recently announced Snapdragon 8 Gen 3? While attempting to diminish its value, other unexplored modifications remain uncertain?
While discussing last year’s models, the report notes a striking similarity in design quantities between the “Telephone 9 FE” and its competitor. Although the original phone was pricey upon release, ASUS built upon that foundation to create the affordable FE model.
