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ASUS announced the ROG Phone 9 series on November 19, 2024, with two models: the ROG Phone 9 and ROG Phone 9 Pro. Both use Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform, ROG GameCool 9 cooling and AirTrigger controls. The series debuted globally on November 19 and reached the United States in January 2025 around CES.
When did the ASUS ROG Phone 9 launch?
ASUS Republic of Gamers announced the ROG Phone 9 and ROG Phone 9 Pro globally on November 19, 2024. ASUS’s US community announcement says US availability began in January 2025, around CES. Release timing, specifications, included accessories and storage tiers can differ by country.
ROG Phone 9 vs ROG Phone 9 Pro
The two phones share the main gaming platform and display hardware. The Pro adds a much larger programmable rear LED display, a telephoto camera and higher-end memory and storage options where those configurations are sold.
| Feature | ROG Phone 9 | ROG Phone 9 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform |
| Cooling | ROG GameCool 9 | ROG GameCool 9 |
| Gaming controls | AirTrigger touch controls | AirTrigger touch controls |
| Rear AniMe Vision display | 85 mini-LEDs; AniMe Play is not supported | 648 programmable mini-LEDs; supports the Pro-exclusive AniMe Play pixel games |
| Display | 6.78-inch flexible AMOLED, FHD+, LTPO 1–120 Hz operation, up to 185 Hz refresh rate and 2,500 nits peak brightness | |
| Battery and charging | 5,800 mAh typical battery, 65 W wired charging and 15 W Qi-certified wireless charging | |
| Published memory/storage tiers | 12 GB + 256 GB or 16 GB + 512 GB, where sold | 16 GB + 512 GB or 24 GB + 1 TB, where sold |
| Rear cameras | Configuration varies by market; ASUS’s cited launch material does not provide the complete standard-model camera table | 50 MP main camera with 6-axis Hybrid Gimbal Stabilizer 3.0, 13 MP ultrawide and 32 MP 3x optical-zoom telephoto |
| Front camera | Not stated in the cited launch specifications | 32 MP |
Rear AniMe Vision display
The clearest visual difference is the rear auxiliary display. The standard ROG Phone 9 has 85 mini-LEDs, while the Pro has 648 programmable mini-LEDs and can run AniMe Play pixel games. The standard model does not support AniMe Play.
#1 Best Overall
- 6.78 inches, LTPO AMOLED, 1B colors, 1080 x 2400 pixels
- 512GB Storage, 12GB RAM
- Android 15, Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm), Octa-core (2x4.32 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix L + 6x3.53 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix M)
- Rear: 50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, gimbal OIS, 13 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 5 MP (macro), Front: 32 MP, f/2.5, 22mm (wide), 1/3.2", 0.7µm
Memory and storage
ASUS lists 12 GB + 256 GB, 16 GB + 512 GB and 24 GB + 1 TB combinations for the series. Those combinations are not guaranteed in every market, so check the local product page before buying. The 24 GB + 1 TB configuration is the highest published tier and is associated with the US launch price of $1,500.
Camera flexibility
The Pro is the more versatile camera phone because its listed rear system includes a 32 MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, alongside a 50 MP main camera with 6-axis Hybrid Gimbal Stabilizer 3.0 and a 13 MP ultrawide. The cited launch specifications do not establish a complete standard ROG Phone 9 camera specification, so camera differences should be checked against the exact regional model.
Rank #2
- NOTE: Global Version. No Warranty. This device is globally unlocked and ready to be used with your preferred GSM Carrier. THIS DEVICE IS NOT COMPATIBLE with CDMA carriers such as Cricket, Verizon, Sprint, Boost Mobile, US Cellular, etc. SIM CARD NOT INCLUDED. Please confirm device compatibility with your service provider before placing your order
- Storage: 1TB 24GB LPDDR5X
- Display: 6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~88.2% screen-to-body ratio) LTPO AMOLED, 1B colors, 185Hz, HDR10, 1600 nits (HBM), 2500 nits (peak)
- Platform: Android 15, up to 2 major Android upgrades, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform 4.3GHz, 64-bit, Octa-core Processor GPU: Qualcomm Adren 830
- Camera: Main Camera 50 MP image sensor - 1/1.56” large sensor size, F1.9 aperture, Gimbal OIS
How much did the ROG Phone 9 cost?
ASUS’s US launch announcement recorded these starting prices:
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →| Model or configuration | US launch price | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| ROG Phone 9 | $1,000 | US starting price announced for launch; not a current-price guarantee |
| ROG Phone 9 Pro | $1,200 | US starting price announced for launch; not a current-price guarantee |
| 24 GB + 1 TB edition | $1,500 | US price announced for launch; model and availability vary by country |
These figures describe US launch pricing, not today’s retail price or a universal international price. ASUS says specifications and availability may change by country.
Rank #3
- 6.78 inches, LTPO AMOLED, 1B colors, 1080 x 2400 pixels
- 512GB Storage, 16GB RAM
- Android 15, Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm), Octa-core (2x4.32 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix L + 6x3.53 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix M)
- Rear: 50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, gimbal OIS, 13 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 5 MP (macro), Front: 32 MP, f/2.5, 22mm (wide), 1/3.2", 0.7µm
Is the ROG Phone 9 good for gaming?
On paper, both models are built specifically for gaming. They combine the Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform with ASUS’s ROG GameCool 9 cooling system, AirTrigger touch controls, a high-refresh-rate AMOLED panel and a 5,800 mAh typical battery. ASUS also describes AI-driven gaming features shared by both models.
- High-refresh display: The 6.78-inch flexible AMOLED panel supports LTPO operation from 1 to 120 Hz and a maximum refresh rate of 185 Hz. The 2,500-nit peak-brightness figure is ASUS’s published specification.
- Physical-style controls: AirTrigger touch controls provide configurable inputs along the phone’s edge, making them useful for games designed around extra shoulder buttons.
- Thermal design: ROG GameCool 9 is included in both models as the platform’s cooling system. The cited launch material does not provide independent sustained-performance test results, frame-rate measurements or thermal limits.
- Battery and charging: Both phones list a 5,800 mAh typical battery, 65 W wired charging and 15 W Qi-certified wireless charging.
- Personalization: Both have an AniMe Vision rear display, but only the Pro has 648 programmable LEDs and AniMe Play support.
That hardware makes either model a gaming-focused phone, but the available specifications alone cannot establish real-world frame rates, battery endurance during specific games or long-session temperatures. Those results depend on the game, software version, settings, network and ambient conditions.
Rank #4
- Ultra-high Performance Chipset: This cell phone is equipped with a powerful and efficient Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chip, using 4nm technology and a full-core 3.2GHz CPU, supporting 24GB LPDDR5X memory + UFS 4.0 flash memory, and equipped with an AI engine, with comprehensive performance upgrades.
- Revolutionary 50MP Quad Camera System: This smartphone is equipped with All 50MP four camera system: Including a Main Camera, a Periscope, an Ultra-wide Camera, and a ultra-clear Front Camera; this cell phone support Ultra XDR 4K video, Auto Tone, Portrait Optimiser, Motion Capture Mode, Night Mode; Whether you're a photographer, vlogger, or social media enthusiast, with the pro-grade camera system and AI enhancements, this Nothing phone can ensure every shot is masterpiece-ready.
- One-Touch Control, AI-Powered Organization：ESSENTIAL KEY: A new button on the side of your device.Press once to capture your screen, long-press to record voice and ideas, and double-press to access Essential Space; ESSENTIAL SPACE: Everything in one place, organised the way you want it to be，AI mobile phones helps organise your captures, generating suggestions, and staying on top of what matters; Explore more AI features, Let AI enrich your life
- GLYPH INTERFACE: Where Light Speaks; The Glyph Matrix transforms your phone into an interactive playground—smart animations turn notifications, tools, and games into living light experiences; NFC: An animation comes to life when NFC is triggered; Glyph Button: Quick-tap to browse Glyph Toys, long-press to launch—from utilities to games; Smarter Alerts: Notifications now speak in light and sound, blending visuals with meaning; Beyond illumination; This is interaction, redefined.
- Larger and Brighter FHD Display: 6.67" FHD+ 1.5K AMOLED flex screen with 1.07B colors & 120Hz adaptive refresh for ultra-smooth visuals; Vs Nothing Phone (2)/(3a): Phone (3) boasts 181.2% brighter (4500 nits), 16.7% sharper (460 PPI), and 316% faster touch response (1000Hz); IP68-rated—tough enough for any adventure.
What comes with the ROG Phone 9 Pro?
ASUS’s Pro Edition specification page lists an AeroActive Cooler X Pro, case, USB-C cable, SIM tool, 65 W adapter and documentation in the box. Box contents and accessory bundles can vary by region. Check compatibility and local availability before purchasing additional items such as a ROG Phone 9 case, AeroActive Cooler X Pro or ROG Tessen controller.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Ultra-high Performance Chipset: This cell phone is equipped with a powerful and efficient Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chip, using 4nm technology and a full-core 3.2GHz CPU, supporting 24GB LPDDR5X memory + UFS 4.0 flash memory, and equipped with an AI engine, with comprehensive performance upgrades.
- Revolutionary 50MP Quad Camera System: This smartphone is equipped with All 50MP four camera system: Including a Main Camera, a Periscope, an Ultra-wide Camera, and a ultra-clear Front Camera; this cell phone support Ultra XDR 4K video, Auto Tone, Portrait Optimiser, Motion Capture Mode, Night Mode; Whether you're a photographer, vlogger, or social media enthusiast, with the pro-grade camera system and AI enhancements, this Nothing phone can ensure every shot is masterpiece-ready.
- One-Touch Control, AI-Powered Organization：ESSENTIAL KEY: A new button on the side of your device.Press once to capture your screen, long-press to record voice and ideas, and double-press to access Essential Space; ESSENTIAL SPACE: Everything in one place, organised the way you want it to be，AI mobile phones helps organise your captures, generating suggestions, and staying on top of what matters; Explore more AI features, Let AI enrich your life
- GLYPH INTERFACE: Where Light Speaks; The Glyph Matrix transforms your phone into an interactive playground—smart animations turn notifications, tools, and games into living light experiences; NFC: An animation comes to life when NFC is triggered; Glyph Button: Quick-tap to browse Glyph Toys, long-press to launch—from utilities to games; Smarter Alerts: Notifications now speak in light and sound, blending visuals with meaning; Beyond illumination; This is interaction, redefined.
- Larger and Brighter FHD Display: 6.67" FHD+ 1.5K AMOLED flex screen with 1.07B colors & 120Hz adaptive refresh for ultra-smooth visuals; Vs Nothing Phone (2)/(3a): Phone (3) boasts 181.2% brighter (4500 nits), 16.7% sharper (460 PPI), and 316% faster touch response (1000Hz); IP68-rated—tough enough for any adventure.
Which ROG Phone 9 should you choose?
- Choose ROG Phone 9 if you want the shared Snapdragon 8 Elite, GameCool 9, AirTriggers, high-refresh display and large battery without paying for the Pro’s extra rear LEDs and telephoto camera.
- Choose ROG Phone 9 Pro if the 648-LED AniMe Vision panel, AniMe Play games, 3x optical telephoto camera or higher memory/storage ceiling matters to you.
- Verify the regional listing before ordering: ASUS does not promise that every memory tier, accessory or specification is sold in every country.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
