Asus ROG Phone 9 and ROG Phone 9 Pro are finally available in the US

The highly anticipated Asus ROG Phone 9 and ROG Phone 9 Pro have officially launched in the United States, marking a significant milestone for mobile gaming enthusiasts and performance-focused smartphone users. As the latest additions to Asus’s renowned Republic of Gamers (ROG) lineup, these devices have been designed to cater to those who demand cutting-edge technology, exceptional performance, and unparalleled gaming experiences. With a host of advanced features and enhancements, these phones are poised to redefine what users can expect from a gaming smartphone.

The ROG Phone 9 series builds on the success of its predecessors, incorporating feedback from users and leveraging advancements in hardware and software to deliver a superior experience. At the heart of both the ROG Phone 9 and ROG Phone 9 Pro is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, a powerhouse processor that offers improved speed, efficiency, and graphics capabilities. Paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and storage options reaching up to 1TB of UFS 4.0, these phones provide the performance needed for the most demanding gaming titles and multitasking scenarios.

One of the standout features of the ROG Phone 9 series is its display. Asus has equipped both models with a 6.78-inch AMOLED panel that boasts a 165Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time. This ensures smooth visuals and reduced latency, which are crucial for competitive gaming. The display also supports HDR10+ and a peak brightness of 1500 nits, making it a great choice for enjoying media content and games with vibrant colors and deep contrasts. Whether you’re battling opponents in fast-paced shooters or exploring expansive open-world games, the display delivers a truly immersive experience.

Cooling is another area where the ROG Phone 9 series excels. Gaming sessions can push a device to its limits, resulting in thermal throttling and reduced performance. To address this, Asus has introduced an upgraded cooling system called GameCool 9. This system combines an enlarged vapor chamber, graphite cooling pads, and active cooling via the external AeroActive Cooler 7 accessory. The result is sustained performance even during prolonged gaming sessions, ensuring that users can play their favorite titles without compromise.

Audio performance is equally impressive, with the ROG Phone 9 series featuring dual front-facing stereo speakers and support for Dirac HD sound. The phones also retain the 3.5mm headphone jack, a rarity in modern smartphones but a feature appreciated by many gamers. For those who prefer wireless audio, the devices support Qualcomm aptX and LDAC codecs, delivering high-quality sound over Bluetooth.

The ROG Phone 9 series doesn’t just excel in gaming; it also offers a premium experience for everyday use. The phones run on Asus’s ROG UI, based on Android 14, which includes a range of customizations and optimizations for gaming. Users can tweak performance settings, customize controls, and access gaming-specific features like the Armoury Crate app, which acts as a hub for managing games and system performance. Despite its gaming focus, the software remains intuitive and user-friendly, making it suitable for both gamers and general users.

Battery life is another highlight of the ROG Phone 9 series. Both models are equipped with a massive 6000mAh battery, split into two 3000mAh cells to improve thermal management. This design allows for extended gaming sessions without the need for frequent charging. When it’s time to recharge, the phones support 65W fast charging, which can bring the battery from 0% to 100% in under an hour. Wireless charging is also supported, adding another layer of convenience.

For photography enthusiasts, the ROG Phone 9 series offers a versatile camera setup. The primary sensor is a 50MP Sony IMX766, complemented by a 13MP ultra-wide lens and a 5MP macro camera. While the focus of these devices is undoubtedly gaming, the camera system performs admirably, capturing detailed and vibrant photos in various lighting conditions. The front-facing camera is a 32MP sensor, perfect for selfies and video calls.

In terms of design, the ROG Phone 9 series stays true to the aesthetic that has made the lineup iconic. The phones feature a bold, gamer-centric design with RGB lighting, customizable LED panels, and ergonomic contours that make them comfortable to hold during extended use. The Pro model takes this a step further with a ROG Vision matrix display on the back, allowing users to display animations, notifications, and custom graphics.

The availability of the ROG Phone 9 and ROG Phone 9 Pro in the U.S. is expected to further solidify Asus’s position in the gaming smartphone market. Pricing starts at $999 for the base model, while the Pro version is priced at $1,299. These prices reflect the premium features and capabilities of the devices, positioning them as competitors to flagship smartphones from other brands.

To provide a comprehensive overview of the key specifications, the following table summarizes the features of the ROG Phone 9 and ROG Phone 9 Pro:

The arrival of these devices in the U.S. market is likely to attract attention not just from gaming enthusiasts but also from tech-savvy consumers seeking high-performance smartphones. Asus has consistently pushed the boundaries of what gaming phones can achieve, and the ROG Phone 9 series is a testament to this commitment. Whether you’re a professional gamer, a content creator, or someone who values cutting-edge technology, these phones offer a compelling package that blends performance, functionality, and style.

Asus’s decision to bring the ROG Phone 9 series to the U.S. reflects the growing demand for gaming-oriented devices in the region. With mobile gaming continuing to rise in popularity and the need for high-performance devices increasing, the ROG Phone 9 and ROG Phone 9 Pro are well-positioned to capture the attention of a diverse audience. For those looking to elevate their gaming and smartphone experience, the ROG Phone 9 series represents a worthy investment.