The Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro: A Gaming Beast That Demands Compromises
Let me start by saying this: If you’ve ever wished your smartphone could double as a handheld gaming console without the bulk of a Razer Kishi clamped to it, the ROG Phone 9 Pro is here to flex. But like any specialized tool, it asks you to meet it halfway. Let’s break it down.
That Screen: Butter-Smooth, But Not Perfect
First, the 6.78-inch AMOLED display is a stunner. The 165Hz refresh rate isn’t just a number—it’s the difference between swiping through TikTok and feeling like you’re gliding through it. Games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile feel absurdly fluid, like the phone’s reading your mind. But here’s the catch: that 1080p resolution. For a screen this size, you’ll notice icons and text aren’t as razor-sharp as on a Galaxy S24 Ultra. Asus prioritized speed over pixel density here—a tradeoff gamers might accept, but media buffs might side-eye.
And that 2,500-nit peak brightness? It’s a lifesaver outdoors. Picture this: you’re battling zombies in direct sunlight, and the screen doesn’t wash out. Magic. But that brightness comes at a cost—battery drain hits harder than a headshot in PUBG.
Performance: No Compromises (Until You Pick It Up)
The Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset paired with 16GB of RAM is like strapping a jet engine to a skateboard. Apps launch before you finish tapping, and multitasking feels like cheating. I threw 20 Chrome tabs, a YouTube video, and Honkai: Star Rail at it simultaneously. It didn’t flinch. The Adreno 830 GPU? Think of it as the difference between watching a movie and being inside it. Ray-traced shadows in games actually look like shadows, not pixelated blobs.
But here’s the thing nobody tells you: This phone is heavy. At 227 grams, it’s like carrying a polished brick. After an hour of gaming, your pinky finger will stage a rebellion. The aluminum-and-glass build screams premium, but it’s also slippery—get a case, or pray to the grip gods.
Battery Life: The Marathon Runner
With a 5,800mAh battery, this thing outlasts my willpower at a buffet. On medium brightness, I got 8 hours of screen time with 20% left. Gaming? Expect 5-6 hours of Elden Ring-level intensity. The 65W charging isn’t the fastest anymore (looking at you, OnePlus), but 0-100% in 45 minutes is still solid. Just don’t expect wireless charging—this isn’t that kind of party.
Cameras: Good Enough, But That’s Not the Point
The 50MP main sensor takes decent shots in daylight, but low-light photos look like they’ve been smeared with Vaseline. The 32MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom is surprisingly crisp, though—I’d trust it for concert snaps. The 13MP ultrawide? It’s there. As for the 32MP selfie cam, it’s fine if you like your skin tones slightly overcooked. But let’s be real: You’re buying this phone to frag noobs, not to start a photography blog.
Gaming Perks: Where It Earns Its Keep
- AirTrigger buttons: These pressure-sensitive shoulder buttons are game-changers (literally). Mapping reload or jump here feels like upgrading from a keyboard to a controller.
- Cooling system: After an hour of Diablo Immortal, the back was warm, not molten lava. No throttling, either—performance stayed buttery.
- Audio: The stereo speakers boom. I heard footsteps in BGMI clearer than my own thoughts. DTS:X tuning? It’s like having a soundbar in your pocket.
Who Should Buy This?
Get it if: You live for mobile gaming, hate charging mid-session, and don’t mind a phone that weighs as much as a small dumbbell. Also, if you’ve ever thought, “I wish my phone had more RGB” (looking at you, Aura RGB logo).
Skip it if: You care about camera quality, want something lightweight, or use your phone one-handed. This isn’t a “casual scroll through Instagram” device—it’s a dedicated gaming rig that happens to make calls.
My Take: A Niche Masterpiece
Asus didn’t just make a phone; they built a handheld gaming PC that fits in your pocket. The ROG Phone 9 Pro is unapologetically itself—loud, powerful, and a little extra. But would I personally use it daily? Honestly, no. I’m not hardcore enough to justify the heft, and I’d miss the Pixel’s cameras. But if I were grinding Genshin Impact tournaments? Absolutely. This phone is for the 1% who want no compromises in performance—even if it means their jeans pocket sags a little.
Final verdict: A Ferrari in a world of Teslas. Impressive? Undeniably. Practical? Depends how much you value the ride.
