As the pinnacle of smartphone innovation, the ASUS ROG Phone 3 is an unapologetic powerhouse that redefines what’s possible on a mobile device. This behemoth of a phone packs a whopping quad-camera setup, bolstered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor and up to 12GB of RAM – making it the ultimate gaming and multimedia machine?

With ASUS’s reputation for crafting exceptional gaming smartphones, it’s no surprise they’ve maintained their dominance in the market for the past eight years. Over the past year, the automaker has refreshed its approach, significantly updating the design to give the vehicle a more mainstream appearance without sacrificing its distinctive flair.

According to ASUS, the ROG Cellphone 8 recorded a genuine 15% surge in sales during its initial six-month availability period compared to the ROG Cellphone 7. Interestingly, the model revealed that the professional mannequin accounted for 66% of total gross sales, a significant threefold increase. While demand for high-performing phones has plateaued, there’s a growing need for devices that deliver exceptional efficiency, making ASUS uniquely poised to capitalize on this trend.

As ASUS maintains its innovative streak with the ROG Phone 9, the company successfully builds upon its earlier momentum by delivering timely upgrades. While maintaining a familiar foundation akin to its precursor, the telephone boasts subtle yet notable enhancements – a design largely unchanged, yet now empowered by Qualcomm’s latest processor, a 50-megapixel rear camera capable of capturing substantially improved images, and a significantly larger 5800mAh battery for extended usage.

While the remainder of the options are identical, and that’s a factor; it wasn’t entirely wrong to conclude that the ROG Phone 8 Pro was without significant flaws initially.

The results are in: the ROG Cellphone 9 Professional stands out as the top choice to make, but its appeal goes beyond that – it’s a well-rounded option if you crave crystal-clear software and industry-leading performance.

Asus recently launched the ROG Phone 9 series on November 19, and the devices are now available for pre-order. The ROG Phone 9 series boasts two distinct variants: the ROG Phone 9 Pro and the standard ROG Phone 9. The primary differentiator is that the Pro model features a 32MP, three-times telephoto lens, whereas the base version lacks this enhancement. Additionally, the Professional variant comes equipped with an Anime Vision panel on the rear, boasting increased LED density for a more vivid display.

The ROG Phone 9 Pro is available with diverse storage configurations, and its 16GB/512GB variant retails for $1,199 in the United States. and €1,299 in many European countries. The ROG Phone 9 Pro Edition boasts a superior configuration, featuring 24GB of RAM and a generous 1TB of storage, while an exclusive package includes two phone cases and the AeroActive X Cooler Pro attachment for added convenience. This variant prices $1,499/€1,499.

Asus is launching a new variant of its device in Europe, featuring 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, with a price tag of €1,149 for the European market. Although this configuration fails to launch in the United States, it is uncertain whether ASUS will provide additional information to facilitate its rollout in other global markets. The ROG Phone 9 has been released globally, boasting a substantial 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, retailing at $999 in the United States. priced at approximately €1,099 in Western markets.

The ROG Phone 9 series is now available for purchase in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and mainland China, with a release date of November 20. The gadgets are now available for pre-order in the UK. As of next year, our company plans to expand its product offerings and cater to diverse European markets, with the initial shipment scheduled for December. The new smart phones will likely be available for purchase in the United States. By January 2025, the company aims to have a solution that can cater to various international markets by Q1 of the same year.

Asus has opted for continuity rather than revolution with the ROG Phone 9, retaining the same overall design language as its predecessor, the Phone 8 Pro. With this behemoth of a phone in hand, one is immediately struck by its vast expanse of glass, paired with a silky crystalized nano-texture that catches the eye, while delicate etched strains subtly highlight the device’s deep gaming heritage.

The digital camera island remains unchanged in appearance, with one notable exception: a distinctive red line now subtly underscores its presence, imbuing the device with a touch of visual flair. The ROG Phone 9 Professional boasts a sleek design featuring flat sides with subtle bevelled edges that ensure a comfortable grip and effortless handling, while ASUS’ masterful engineering delivers exceptional weight distribution. While the ROG Phone 9 Pro’s substantial weight of 227 grams might seem imposing, the device doesn’t actually feel cumbersome in the hand. The ROG Phone 9 comes in a limited edition of Storm White and Phantom Black, whereas the Professional variant is exclusively available in black.

While the ASUS design approach may have been more subdued this time around, several distinct features set the ROG Cellphone 9 Professional apart from run-of-the-mill smartphones. The discernible attribute is an anime-inspired design, featuring a futuristic secondary panel comprised of LEDs at the rear. Asus has also equipped the consumer version’s rear panel with an additional display, albeit featuring 85 LEDs compared to the professional model’s 648 LEDs on its counterpart. The panel boasts a sleek design, featuring white and crimson LEDs on the Professional variant, exuding a sophisticated aura.

One of the most appealing aspects is the ability to genuinely play iconic video games on the mini console’s built-in panel, thanks to ASUS’s faithful recreations of classic titles. You masterfully employ ultrasonic AirTriggers to govern motion, a feature that brings nostalgic joy for those who, like you, spent formative years immersed in this genre – I confess to having squandered considerable time playing the four bundled titles. The ROG Phone 9 Pro’s unique LED capabilities enable the Anime Play feature due to its unrestricted nature compared to traditional mannequins?

Like preceding years, the display on the back offers extensive customizability, allowing you to add your personal text, images, or any other creative expression. The ROG Collectively feature offers an additional layer of visual flair when two ROG Phone 9 devices are brought together in close proximity, creating a unique and captivating experience.

Throughout daily usage, the ultrasonic AirTriggers exhibit a unique blend of niceties; while their utility during gaming sessions is appreciated, it’s their customizability in everyday tasks that truly sets this feature apart in my experience. Utilize brief and prolonged squeeze gestures with the AirTriggers to access features such as launching Gemini, toggling the flashlight, enabling Do Not Disturb mode, launching the digital camera, and many more.

The remaining design elements are familiar and well-executed, featuring tactilely pleasing ability and quantity buttons situated on the right-hand side. The device features a USB-C port situated on its rear surface, aligned slightly to the left of centre, where the SIM card tray resides. Fortunately, the 3.5-millimeter audio jack remains unscathed, and the integrated sound system still delivers a resoundingly magnificent listening experience. Asus announces that eSIM availability is currently limited to Taiwan and Japan, while it will expand to other countries via a future model alone.

The notebook retains its side-mounted USB-C port, which serves as the connection point for the AeroActive cooling system’s innovative resolution. While you typically don’t expect ingress protection with gaming phones, it’s a welcome surprise from ASUS that their device comes with IP68-rated mud and water resistance.

The ASUS ROG Phone 3 features a 6.78-inch Samsung AMOLED display, identical to that used in the ROG Cellphone 8, boasting an impressive peak brightness of up to 2500 nits for optimal outdoor viewing and 1600 nits in high-brightness mode (HBM). You receive Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection as a standard feature.

The panel leverages LTPO technology to adaptively adjust the refresh rate in harmony with the on-screen content, resulting in a perceptible improvement. The ROG Phone 9 Pro’s true strength lies in its 165Hz refresh rate, a significant departure from the typical 120Hz found on most devices. This disparity yields an undeniably silky-smooth experience that rivals even top-tier flagships like the and.

With regards to onboard audio, you gain access to one of the most impressive packages currently available. The ROG Phone 9 Professional proudly preserves the three-millimetre audio jack, boasting an exceptional built-in digital-to-analog converter capable of delivering high-quality sound, rendering external DAC units unnecessary for optimal listening experiences with in-ear monitors. Notably, the device also features AptX Lossless technology, along with Qualcomm’s suite of codecs, ensuring high-quality audio transmission. Furthermore, the onboard sound has been fine-tuned by Dirac, resulting in a significantly superior listening experience compared to many other devices.

As expected, the image quality is exceptional, bringing the phone to life during gaming sessions. The colours are truly vibrant and saturated, featuring a thoughtful eye safety mode that seamlessly transitions to warmer tones as the sun sets. While there is indeed a 185Hz mode available, it’s specifically limited to video games and can be unlocked within the Recreation Genie platform.

The ROG Phone 9 Pro seamlessly handled video game streaming and content without any hiccups, effortlessly displaying HDR visuals while maintaining optimal brightness levels even under direct sunlight. Although the panel remains unchanged, its many strengths still shine through, particularly in gaming, where it consistently excels.

Throughout my year of using numerous smartphones, I’ve noticed that while many devices now rely on Qualcomm hardware, only one manufacturer consistently excels at optimizing this technology – ASUS stands out from the crowd in terms of performance and efficiency. The ROG Phone 9 series boasts Qualcomm-powered performance on an unprecedented scale, elevating the gaming experience to new heights.

Clearly, Qualcomm has made numerous refinements to this technology, resulting in impressive performance even when used internally; however, the real benefits are apparent when implemented in a device like the Elite. The disparity is strikingly apparent when utilising synthetic workloads, as both the ROG Phone 9 Pro and its standard counterpart demonstrate exceptional performance, yielding the highest scores among all devices tested.

During my two-week trial period using both machines, I experienced seamless performance without any noticeable lag or stuttering. The interface was impressively smooth, a testament to ASUS’s expertise in delivering high-quality user experiences. Fascinatingly, ASUS once again surpasses its competitors by boasting an elevated thermal threshold, allowing the ROG Phone 9 Pro to reach a staggering 52°C during 3DMark’s Metal Nomad Light test when running in X Mode. As temperatures soared to an unprecedented 53 degrees Celsius, the mannequins became unbearable, with each device radiating intense heat that made it impossible to even touch the mid-frame, let alone operate the phones in hand.

The unrestricted thermals’ impact is that the ROG Cellphone 9 Professional achieves a virtually flawless 99.2% rating in the rigorous 3DMark stress test, yet the device’s thermal management limitations render these scores purely theoretical, making them more notable for their novelty than practical significance. This isn’t exactly new territory – past ASUS gaming peripherals have similarly garnered attention for their scorching performance.

While overheating isn’t a significant issue in daily gaming sessions with this device, it still generates more heat than other high-end smartphones. However, even when running hot, it remains manageable enough to hold comfortably, and switching to Dynamic mode can further improve thermal efficiency.

In practical applications, the ROG Cellphone 9 Professional emerges as a top-tier device for those prioritizing cellular gaming. I experienced notably enhanced frame rates in resource-intensive games, even after extended periods of gameplay, without encountering any lag whatsoever. ASUS earns praise for enabling 120fps gaming on a vast array of titles, far exceeding what other models can achieve.

While the concept of ultrasonic AirTriggers is nothing novel, their implementation effectively enhances the gaming experience by providing a heightened sense of immersion; setting them up and utilizing them proves surprisingly straightforward.

Each device features LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage, with capacity options ranging from 16GB/512GB for the standard model to a maximum of 24GB/1TB on the Professional variant, which is what I am utilizing.

I appreciate that ASUS leverages the full scope of Qualcomm’s capabilities, setting them apart from other manufacturers who often fall short in this regard? With this feature, you enjoy seamless connectivity and access to a wide range of AptX codecs. I didn’t observe any notable connections or capabilities for making calls, but the machine stands out for its strong foundation. The vibration motor’s performance is exceptional this time around, boasting higher ratings in everyday applications.

While the ROG Phone 9 Pro is currently the fastest phone available for purchase, other devices with the same hardware are poised to release soon, but they will be hamstrung by thermal constraints.

With a legacy of delivering electrifying gaming experiences through its devices, ASUS takes the ROG Phone 9 Pro to new heights of excitement. The premium mannequin ships with the innovative AeroActive Cooler X Professional, significantly enhancing the gaming experience. What sets the Cooler X Professional apart from its standard counterpart is the inclusion of a built-in subwoofer, which yields noticeably enhanced audio quality, particularly in terms of profound bass frequencies.

You receive a 3.5mm output and USB-C port on the rear, accompanied by customizable RGB illumination – quite evident. With an increased fan performance this season, it excels at keeping the phone from overheating effectively. To fully round out the options, you also receive a kickstand accordingly.

While the cooler may seem cumbersome at first, its benefits become starkly apparent during extended gaming sessions – which is exactly when you’ll truly appreciate having one. The machine would operate effectively even during extended periods of intense usage or short gaming sessions, with no issues arising from thermal management when the Dynamic mode is enabled.

Asus features its proprietary Tessen cell controller, a popular gaming accessory compatible with any phone, similar to GameSir’s Galileo G8 Plus in functionality. While I haven’t extensively utilized the controller, I found its standalone performance more than satisfactory, appreciating the innovative foldable design.

With the advent of this technology, ASUS is increasing the battery capacity by expanding its dimensions, and the ROG Cellphone 9 Professional boasts an impressive 5800mAh power source – a 300mAh upgrade over its predecessor. You gain access to identical 65W charging technology through the USB Power Delivery standard, and a charger is included in the box with both phones.

Despite receiving over a day’s worth of usage consistently with the machine, it still couldn’t manage to last more than a day and a half – a far cry from the durability I’ve experienced with other devices I’ve used this year. The telephone has been the most impressive device I’ve had the pleasure of using, so its ability to last an entire day without needing a recharge is truly remarkable.

Asus offers scheduled charging, standard charging that slows down battery replenishment, and a charging limit as a standard feature, which are not novel developments either. When using charging restrictions, you can set your battery to not charge beyond 80% or 90%, thereby prolonging its lifespan.

While some manufacturers are already transitioning to new standards by 2025, ASUS is instead leveraging the established dual-cell system. Nonetheless, you gain additional options to extend battery life, making all the difference.

While camera capabilities have traditionally taken a backseat on gaming smartphones, ASUS is seeking to upend this status quo. The ROG Cellphone 9 Professional boasts a significantly improved 50MP Sony Lytia 700 digital camera module, eclipsing the performance of its predecessor, the ROG Cellphone 8 Professional’s IMX890.

The upcoming smartphone boasts an impressive camera setup, featuring a 32-megapixel zoom lens equipped with 3x optical zoom capabilities and optical image stabilization (OIS), as well as a 13-megapixel wide-angle lens with autofocus functionality. With its impressive 6-axis gimbal stabilization technology, ASUS delivers remarkable results, particularly when paired with the latest digital camera sensor – a notable enhancement over previous iterations. With the new feature, Picture Vibe, users now have the ability to add a specific tone or mood to their photographs, allowing for greater creative control and personalization. There are 4 selections obtainable — Mild Cool, Vivid Cool, Tender & Heat, and Wealthy & Heat — and the colours change fairly drastically between modes.

The resurgence of bodily shutter controls is an exciting trend, driven primarily by the iPhone 16 Professional Max. While I didn’t extensively utilize the button myself, other phones are now jumping into the fray? Asus cleverly leverages the AirTrigger mounted on the right-hand side as a dedicated shutter button, inviting users to snap photos effortlessly.

Photographs captured during daylight hours typically exhibit reliable color consistency and a lack of noise. While the tuning algorithm exhibits some aggressiveness in smoothing out details such as foliage, it generally yields highly detailed images beyond this limitation. Like its counterpart, the ROG Phone 8 Pro, the standard wide-angle lens lacks distinctiveness, making it challenging for the camera to maintain consistent color accuracy like the primary lens. In low-light conditions, the issue becomes even more pronounced, with noticeable grain and visual noise also emerging.

Despite its lesser ease of use compared to other flagships, the ROG Cellphone 9 Professional excels at capturing high-quality images even in challenging lighting conditions. Today’s primary digital cameras have come a long way in terms of storage capacity, allowing users to take high-quality photos without feeling constrained by limited memory space. This significant improvement is evident when compared to previous years’ models.

The phone’s camera performance remains mediocre, comparable to mid-range devices, and falls short of the exceptional image quality offered by camera-centric smartphones currently available. If you find yourself snapping an abundance of photos, consider waiting for the global release of the Vivo X200 Pro or Discover X8. Alternatively, if you prioritize taking decent, usable photos, the ROG Phone 9 Pro can effectively meet your needs.

The ROG Phone 9 Professional excels beyond expectations, offering an array of advanced AI features that empower users to stay one step ahead in their digital lives, including a diverse selection of AI-driven functionalities. With AI-assisted capabilities including name translation, notes transcription, image processing, and semantic search, a standout feature is their ability to operate independently on-device, ensuring that no data is transmitted to the cloud. While some services may rely heavily on a sign for identification purposes, the Circle to Search programme is a notable exception, as its reliance on signage is somewhat expected given its nature.

ASUS introduces X Sense 3.0, a cutting-edge AI-powered tool that streamlines video game experiences by automating routine tasks, such as accumulating rewards and enhancing character abilities. There’s AI-backed noise isolation too, which performs a decent job effectively. While not dependent on machine learning, the volume splitter feature allows for customizable audio levels in a single-player game, making it particularly useful when multitasking or using picture-in-picture mode.

I’ve had no issues with the software program on my ROG Phone 9 Pro in everyday use. The interface remains remarkably close to the pure Android experience, a testament to its dedication to simplicity and functionality in this era of customization chaos. Asus successfully leveraged the capabilities of its cutting-edge hardware, marrying it seamlessly with intuitive software that effortlessly yields a user interface unmatched in other smartphones, offering an unparalleled ease-of-use experience.

With its extensive customization options, this feature also offers a convenient back-finger gesture that enables users to effortlessly drag down the notification shade or toggle the flashlight without needing to interact with their phone directly? The interface boasts several redeeming qualities, with ASUS’ decision to maintain a clean and intuitive design sans unnecessary bloatware proving particularly pleasing.

While software program updates remain a source of competition, the ROG Phone 9 Pro’s promise of five years of security updates is impressive, albeit limited to just two major platform updates. Two prior updates are no longer sufficient; in fact, mid-range phones like the Pixel 6 receive three updates, rendering it illogical for a $1,499 device like this to be restricted to just two Android OS updates, especially considering Google’s accelerated rollout of updates.

As the ROG Cellphone 8 Professional remains a top-notch option, its impending obsolescence with the release of the ROG Cellphone 9 Professional means it’s now an attractive choice for those seeking significant discounts. Although you’re not receiving top-tier hardware or a large battery, your phone still delivers comparable performance in demanding video games, with the added bonus of having the same software features.

In cases where you’re looking to upgrade your camera options, there’s a distinct advantage to considering this alternative solution. The phone’s camera captures high-quality images, and you’re consistently getting advanced hardware that excels in gaming applications. While the software program leaves much to be desired, its interface features an overly ostentatious design. While the initial cost may seem steep, the machine’s affordability makes it a more viable option for those on a budget.

• You’re looking for a top-notch gaming smartphone that won’t break the bank?
• Are you seeking comprehensive software features paired with an intuitive user interface?
• You require a seamless connectivity solution with an impressive 165Hz refresh rate.
• You want nice battery life
• You need a 3.5mm jack

• Are you looking for a phone that’ll receive long-term software updates?
• You need nice cameras

With its reputation for exceptional software optimisation, ASUS has outdone itself with the ROG Cellphone 9 Professional, which boasts a seamless user experience unlike any other device I’ve had the pleasure of using recently. While the 165Hz panel distinguishes itself in this respect, the revamped Qualcomm hardware also contributes to this disparity. The newly released 50MP digital camera on the rear proves to be impressive as well, even if it doesn’t quite rival the Vivo X100 Extreme’s capabilities; nonetheless, it represents a notable improvement over its predecessors.

I appreciate how ASUS handles its software program, ensuring a clean and intuitive interface free from unnecessary bloatware; the model demonstrates impressive optimization skills, resulting in a seamless user experience with a fluid UI. This premium device boasts not only a convenient 3.5mm audio jack but also robust IP68-rated protection against dust and moisture, rapid 65W charging via USB Power Delivery, as well as wireless 15W charging capabilities – all of which is further enhanced by its exceptional 165Hz AMOLED display?

This cutting-edge hardware and software bundle sets the standard for mobile gaming, offering unparalleled performance and capabilities that make it hard to find a better option currently. Although video gaming might not be its primary focus, the ROG Cellphone 9 Professional still boasts numerous compelling features, particularly with the upgraded camera capabilities that transform it into a versatile device. Despite ongoing progress, the fact that you still only receive two Android OS updates remains a major drawback, and ASUS urgently needs to improve this aspect.

While other smartphones excel in certain areas, for those seeking top-notch performance, the ROG Phone 9 Pro stands out – a consideration tempered by the lackluster warranty offering.