
The ROG Phone is a beast of a device, designed to unleash unbounded power and speed in your hands. With its powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G processor, you can expect lightning-fast performance that can handle even the most demanding games and apps.
The ROG Phone's display is a 6.55-inch AMOLED screen, providing vibrant colors and crisp visuals that make every game and movie a treat. This display is also optimized for gaming, with a 120Hz refresh rate that ensures smooth motion and reduced screen tearing.
One of the standout features of the ROG Phone is its cooling system, which uses a combination of liquid cooling and air cooling to keep the device running at optimal temperatures even during intense gaming sessions. This means you can play for hours on end without worrying about your phone overheating.
Specifications
The ROG Phone comes with a 6-inch AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, making it perfect for gaming.
Its screen is protected by Gorilla Glass 6, which can withstand rough handling and accidental drops.
The ROG Phone is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor, paired with up to 8GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage.
You can expand its storage capacity with a microSD card slot, giving you more space for your favorite games and apps.
The phone's battery is a 4000mAh powerhouse, which provides long-lasting battery life for marathon gaming sessions.
It also supports Quick Charge 4.0, allowing you to recharge the battery quickly when you're on the go.
The ROG Phone has a dual-camera setup, featuring a 12MP primary sensor and a 8MP secondary sensor, perfect for capturing stunning gaming moments.
Its cameras also support advanced features like 3D modeling and augmented reality.
Intriguing read: Apple Phone Battery
Hardware
The ROG Phone has a sturdy metal chassis with a glass backplate that provides a premium feel.
The phone's back features an RGB-illuminated logo that can be customized to show different colours, giving it a unique look.
This logo is also adjustable in X-Mode or Gaming Mode, allowing you to personalize it to your liking.
The device is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 SoC with a 3 GHz + 1.7 GHz octa-core Kryo 385 CPU and an Adreno 630 GPU.
The ROG Phone has 8 GB of LPDDR4 memory and an internal storage that can be chosen to be either 128 GB or 512 GB UFS 2.1.
The display is a 6.0-inch AMOLED with a Corning Gorilla Glass 6 panel and a 1080x2160 (402 ppi) resolution.
It also features a 1ms response time and a refresh rate of 90Hz for a smooth gaming experience.
The USB-C port and 3.5mm audio jack are installed on the side of the device for a more comfortable gaming experience in landscape mode.
The ROG Phone has a 'vapor-chamber' cooling technology named GameCool that dissipates heat to keep the motherboard cool.
This feature is especially useful for long gaming sessions, keeping the phone running smoothly.
The ROG Phone also has IPX4 splash resistance, making it a great option for gamers who like to play on the go.
Software
The ROG Phone's software is a unique blend of Android and Asus' custom skin. It runs on Android 8.1 Oreo with a modified Asus skin on top, which is a lighter version than ZenUI.
One of the most notable features is the ROG Gaming X Mode UI, which is designed to improve gaming performance. This mode optimizes the phone's settings for gaming and restricts background apps, making it ideal for gamers.
The phone also features a fingerprint scanner, accelerometer, gyroscope, and barometer for various sensors. Some areas of the edge are touch-sensitive and can be configured to mimic additional keys found on traditional game controllers.
The ROG Phone has a useful app called Armoury Crate, which allows you to set performance settings and modify AirTriggers presets. It's also a great tool for tracking remaining battery life.
Game Genie is another useful app that provides fast and responsive access to features like real-time FPS or temperature data. It's also the only way to activate the AirTriggers in-game.
Here are the key software features of the ROG Phone:
- OS: Android 8.1 Oreo
- Skin: ROG Gaming X mode UI
- X Mode for optimized gaming performance
- Armoury Crate for performance settings and AirTriggers presets
- Game Genie for real-time data and AirTriggers activation
Screen Protector
The ROG Phone is designed with gaming in mind, and that's reflected in its accessories. One thing that's not specifically mentioned is a screen protector.
The ROG Phone's screen is a delicate part of the device, and protecting it with a screen protector is a great idea. The article doesn't mention a specific screen protector, but it does talk about the phone's accessories. We can infer that a screen protector might be a good addition to the ROG Phone's accessory lineup.
The TwinView Dock, for example, is a clamshell case that houses your phone in landscape mode and adds two trigger buttons. It also includes a second similarly sized screen, which is great for multitasking. A screen protector would be a great addition to this case, protecting the screen from scratches and damage.
If you're looking for a screen protector, you might want to consider one that's specifically designed for the ROG Phone's screen size and resolution. This will ensure that it fits properly and provides maximum protection. Unfortunately, the article doesn't provide any specific recommendations for screen protectors.
Here are some general tips for choosing a screen protector:
- Make sure it's designed for the ROG Phone's screen size and resolution.
- Choose a protector that's easy to apply and remove.
- Consider a protector with a tempered glass finish for added scratch protection.
Performance
The ROG Phone's performance is further boosted by its 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage. If you opt for the "Pro Edition" version, you'll get 32 GB of LPDDR5x memory, which is a significant upgrade.
The ROG Phone's CPU scores are impressive, with over 200 points more in single-core settings and 1,200 points more in multi-core settings than the iPhone 16 Pro in Geekbench 6. This is a huge difference, and it's a testament to the ROG Phone's powerful performance.
In 3D Mark tests like Steel Nomade Lite, the ROG Phone outperforms an iPhone 16 Pro by 488 points. This is a significant advantage, and it's a key factor in the ROG Phone's ability to deliver smooth performance.
The ROG Phone's high refresh rate of 185 Hz is a unique feature that can make a difference in competitive games. However, it's worth noting that games like Dead Cells can only reach up to 160 FPS, which may not be a significant improvement over 60 FPS.
Intriguing read: HTC Desire 200
Here's a comparison of the ROG Phone's specs:
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chip
- 16 GB or 32 GB of LPDDR5x memory
- 512 GB or 1 TB of storage
- 185 Hz refresh rate
The ROG Phone's performance is further enhanced by its ability to overclock its CPU and GPU with the "X Mode" feature. This boosts performance and allows the phone to deliver even smoother gameplay.
Readers also liked: Sony Xperia X Performance
Battery Life
The ROG Phone's battery life is truly impressive. The device boasts a massive 5800mAh battery capacity, which is even larger than the 5500mAh found in the ROG Phone 8 Pro.
One of the key features that helps extend battery life is the background software that kicks in when you're not gaming. This software helps to conserve power and keep the phone running smoothly even in off periods.
Running the phone on X Mode can quickly drain the battery, especially if you're using the external cooler. However, the background software helps to take you out of X Mode when not in-game, which is a big plus.
Here are some key specs to note:
- Battery type: rechargeable lithium-ion
- Battery capacity: up to 5800mAh (depending on the model)
Camera
The ROG Phone's camera is a notable feature, but it's not without its quirks. The main camera is a 50 MP Sony Lytia 700 lens, paired with a 13 MP ultra-wide lens and a 5 MP Macro lens.
The Pro version gets a 32 MP 3x telephoto lens, but the real innovation is the 6-axis gimbal system. This is supposed to make photos and videos on the go look smoother, but I didn't notice anything revolutionary.
The camera features "Portrait Video" and "AI Panning", which can create a cinematic look and speed effect while keeping a subject in frame. These are nice touches, but the actual photos taken by the ROG Phone are good but not exceptional.
The rear camera setup includes two lenses, one standard and one wide-angle, both using Sony IMX363 12 MP sensors. The wide-angle lens has a field of view of 120°.
Here are some key specs for the ROG Phone's rear camera:
- Resolution: 12 MP and 12 MP
- Sensor Size: 1.4 µm
- Aperture: ƒ/1.8 (standard) and ƒ/1.8 (wide-angle)
- Zoom: 1x optical, 10x digital
- Flash: yes
- Image stabilization: optical
- RAW support: yes
- Lens cover: sapphire crystal
Verdict
The ROG Phone 9 Pro Edition truly takes gamer phones over the top with its new "Anime" lighting setup featuring 648 LEDs.
The regular ROG Phone 9 may initially seem like a forgotten stepchild, but it's actually the better phone to buy for its price if you don't care for fancy LEDs.
It's missing out on 1 TB of storage, but 512 GB is good enough for most mobile games unless you want to turn yours into an emulation station.
The performance is solid, but the lingering issues hold it back from being a top scorer.
The camera is only so-so, which is a drawback, especially considering the price.
If you simply want the best-performing Android phone, the ROG Phone 9 is the best on the market, but you'll need to use headphones to get the best audio.
The whirring fan jutting from the device's back end is also a minor annoyance.
Storage Capacity
The ROG Phone has a range of storage options to suit different needs. You can choose from either 128 GB or 512 GB of internal storage.
One of the standout features of the ROG Phone is its support for expandable storage. This means you can add up to 2 TB of extra storage using a microSD card.
Here's a quick rundown of the storage options:
- Storage available: 128 GB, or 512 GB
- Expandable storage: yes (microSDXC)
Each variant of the ROG Phone also comes with a bonus of 100 GB of free Google Drive storage for 1 year. This can be a great way to keep your files organized and easily accessible.
Basics
The ROG Phone is a beast of a device, and its size is one of its defining features. It's similar in dimensions to the LG V40 ThinQ, but with a slightly larger battery and a more rugged design.
Here are some key specs to keep in mind:
- Height: 6.25 inches
- Width: 3 inches
- Depth: 0.34 inches
- Weight: 7.05 ounces
- Dust/water resistance: IP68
- Supported carriers: AT&T, T-Mobile
The ROG Phone's IP68 rating means it's protected against dust and water, so you can use it without worrying about dropping it in the pool or shower.
Audio Quality
The ROG Phone's audio quality is a mixed bag. The phone has dual front-facing speakers that are incredibly loud and can handle gaming and streaming with ease.
These speakers are enhanced using Smart Amp technology, which keeps the audio crisp even at louder volumes. Unfortunately, the audio quality itself is tinny and shallow, even if it can get loud.
The phone's design also helps to create a more immersive audio experience. The AeroCase and ChillCase are supposed to redirect sound from the bottom speaker to the front, but I didn't get to test them.
One of the best features of the ROG Phone's audio is its support for a 3.5 mm headphone jack. This is a must-have for competitive gamers who need to hear every detail of the game.
The phone also supports Hi-Fi codecs like aptX HD for wireless headphones, but Bluetooth latency can be a problem for gamers. The ROG Phone's audio is also compatible with DTS Headphone:X 7.1 virtual surround sound, which can enhance the gaming experience.
Here are the key audio features of the ROG Phone:
- 3.5 mm headphone jack: yes
- Stereo speakers: yes (front-firing)
- Mics: three total
Sensors
The ROG Phone's sensors are a highlight of the device. The phone features a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, which can unlock the phone in just 0.3 seconds and supports up to 5 fingerprints.
One of the most interesting sensors on the ROG Phone is the Ultrasonic sensor. This sensor enables AirTriggers, which are essentially ultrasonic buttons that can be customized to replace touch inputs in games.
AirTriggers can be set up to perform various actions, such as aiming down sights or firing in games. They can also be configured to launch apps or activate one-handed mode.
The ROG Phone's sensors also include a Face recognition feature, which allows for secure biometric authentication. Additionally, the phone features an Accelerator, E-Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity sensor, and Ambient light sensor.
Here's a breakdown of the ROG Phone's sensors:
- Rear fingerprint sensor: 0.3 seconds unlock, supports 5 fingerprints
- Face recognition: Secure biometric authentication
- Accelerator: Measures phone movements
- E-Compass: Provides direction and location information
- Gyroscope: Measures phone orientation and movement
- Proximity sensor: Detects when the phone is in use
- Ambient light sensor: Adjusts screen brightness based on surroundings
- Ultrasonic sensor: Enables AirTriggers and grip press
Connectivity
The ROG Phone's connectivity features are a major highlight of this device. It supports Wi-Fi 802.11ad, which offers speeds of up to 7 Gbps.
This protocol requires a direct connection with a supported router, but it's a game-changer for those who need fast internet on the go. The phone also supports 802.11ac for slightly slower but longer range Wi-Fi.
In addition to Wi-Fi, the ROG Phone has a more than capable modem that supports Cat 16 download speed and Cat 13 upload, making it one of the fastest available on mobile devices.
For those who prefer a wired connection, the phone's second USB-C port supports Gigabit Ethernet (1 Gbps) and HDMI for outputting games to a TV.
Here are the phone's wireless connectivity options:
- Wi-Fi: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ad
- Bluetooth: 5
- NFC: yes
The phone also supports dual SIM and has all the LTE Bands needed to support the two GSM networks in the US, T-Mobile and AT&T.
Security
The ROG Phone's security features are a mixed bag. The device includes a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, which is a secure way to unlock your phone.
The fingerprint scanner is a parallelogram shape, which is a unique design choice. It's not the most conventional shape, but it gets the job done.
Face unlock is also available, but it's not the most reliable method. It uses the front-facing camera to recognize your face, but it can be easily tricked using a photo.
If you're looking for a secure biometric, the fingerprint scanner is your best bet.
See what others are reading: Apps on Phone Not Working
Control
The ROG Phone's control features are a game-changer for gamers.
One of the standout features is the AirTrigger 3.0, a 3D motion sensing system that allows for precise control over games.
This system uses ultrasonic sensors to detect the slightest movements of your fingers, enabling features like customizable buttons and gestures.
The ROG Phone's control layout is also highly customizable, with options to reassign buttons and create complex button combinations.
The phone's software is also optimized for gaming, with features like a dashboard that displays essential information like frame rates and temperatures.
The ROG Phone's control features are designed to give gamers the edge they need to stay ahead of the competition.
Built For Gamers
The ROG Phone is built with gamers in mind. It features a 6.1-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, making it perfect for fast-paced games.
This display is designed to reduce motion blur and provide a smoother gaming experience. The phone also has a 24.55MP primary camera and a 12MP front camera, great for capturing high-quality photos and videos.
For another approach, see: Camera Phone
The ROG Phone comes with a large 4000mAh battery that lasts all day, even with intense gaming sessions. It also supports 30W fast charging, so you can quickly top up your battery when you're on the go.
The phone's cooling system, called the "AirTrigger" system, helps to keep the device cool during long gaming sessions. This is especially important for gamers who want to play for hours without their phone overheating.
The ROG Phone also has a unique design with a distinctive look and feel. It's made of high-quality materials and has a durable construction that can withstand rough handling.
Unbounded Power
The ROG Phone is a powerhouse of a device, and its "Unbounded Power" feature is a testament to that. This feature provides unbounded power compared to the ROG Phone 7 Ultimate.
The device has been tested for water resistance using the IEC 60529 standard and has achieved an IP65/68 rating. This means it can withstand being submerged in tap water for 30 minutes at a depth of 1.5 meters.
Readers also liked: Feature Phone
However, it's essential to note that water resistance can deteriorate over time, especially if the device is damaged, repaired, or taken apart. Always follow proper precautions to maintain its water and dust resistance.
The ROG Phone's performance is also impressive, with a test result provided by ASUS labs showing it outperforms the ROG Phone 7 series. Actual performance may vary depending on conditions, but this gives you an idea of what to expect.
Here's a quick rundown of the ROG Phone's key performance metrics:
The ROG Phone's battery life is also impressive, with a 5500 mAh equivalent capacity (typical capacity is 2750 mAh in both battery units). This means you can enjoy extended gaming sessions without worrying about running out of power.
Awards
The ROG Phone has received some amazing awards. It won the T3 Platinum Award, which is a testament to its exceptional quality.
Its design has been recognized as one of the best, earning it the prestigious iF Design Award 2024.
Reviews
The ROG Phone has received rave reviews from critics and enthusiasts alike. It's considered a top-notch gaming smartphone that can also be used for everyday purposes.
One of the standout features of the ROG Phone is its powerful specs, including a Snadra 8 Gen3 processor and 65W fast charging. This makes it perfect for gaming on the go without any lag. The phone also has a gimbal camera and telephoto camera, making it a great option for photography enthusiasts.
According to reviews, the ROG Phone is very satisfying for both gaming and daily use. It's also great value for its price, with specs and build quality that rival more expensive flagship-class smartphones.
Here are some key features of the ROG Phone:
- Packed with features and tools for any scenario, even outside gaming
- Compatible with Osaifu-Keitai (FeliCa) for easy wallet support
- Long-lasting battery life and fast charging capabilities
- High-performance gaming capabilities with minimal lag
Overall, the ROG Phone is a top-notch gaming smartphone that's also suitable for everyday use. Its powerful specs, long-lasting battery life, and easy wallet support make it a great option for anyone looking for a high-performance smartphone.
Reception

The Asus ROG Phone was a great success due to its high-end specifications, making it a popular choice among gamers who use it to play Mobile Legends without lagging.
The phone has gained some publicity for being the first smartphone with an external cooling fan, a feature that's likely to appeal to gamers who need to keep their device cool during long gaming sessions.
Asus has a long history of producing high-quality computers, but the ROG Phone marks a significant shift towards the smartphone market.
The phone's specs and features make it stand out from the competition, and its success is a testament to Asus' ability to innovate and push the boundaries of what's possible in a smartphone.
Here are some key facts about the Asus ROG Phone's reception:
- The phone was a great success among gamers.
- It was the first smartphone with an external cooling fan.
- It was released in 2018, a time when high-end smartphones were becoming increasingly popular.
Video Reviews
The ROG Phone 8 has been put through its paces in various video reviews, showcasing its impressive features and capabilities.
Many reviewers have praised the phone's performance, with some achieving over 2 million AnTuTu scores.

The ROG Phone 8 series has also been compared to the iPhone 15 Pro in a live-action video review, highlighting the differences in camera image quality.
Reviewers have noted the phone's gimbal camera and telephoto camera as notable features.
The phone's fast charging capabilities, with speeds of up to 65W, have also been highlighted as a major advantage.
Some reviewers have found the phone to be very satisfying for both gaming and daily use, making it a great option for those who want a powerful device for everyday tasks.
The phone's wallet function has been praised as one of the easiest to use in the series, making it a great option for those who want a convenient way to carry their phone and wallet.
Media Reviews
The ROG Phone 8 has been praised for its balance of gaming and everyday use capabilities.
The phone's rectangular design and beefed-up specs make it feel like an Android phone in 2024, according to hipc.jp. This allows for a seamless transition between gaming on the go and regular phone use.

Gadget Pilipinas describes the ROG Phone 8 Pro as a fantastic device that offers top-notch performance, a stunning display, excellent cameras, and insane battery life. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a powerful smartphone.
The ROG Phone 8 Pro retains its gaming abilities while also adding key features that rival flagship-class smartphones, according to ITmedia Mobile. This means it's still the king of gaming smartphones, but now it's also a strong contender in other areas.
The phone's wallet support has been a long-sought feature, and the ROG Phone 8 finally delivers, according to MATTU SQUARE. This makes it a great choice for anyone who wants a smartphone that can handle everyday tasks.
The ROG Phone 8 has been praised for its ease of use, with many reviewers noting that it's no longer just a gaming phone, but a smartphone suitable for everyday use, according to various reviews. This is due in part to the phone's new design and features that make it more user-friendly.
Additional reading: Comparison of Samsung Galaxy S Smartphones
Return
The ROG Phone is designed to be returned to its original form, making it a great option for those who want a phone that can be easily repaired or upgraded. This feature is made possible by the phone's modular design.
The ROG Phone's modular design allows users to easily swap out parts, such as the battery, making it a more sustainable option. This design also makes it easier to upgrade individual components, rather than replacing the entire phone.
The phone's design also allows for easy disassembly, making it simpler for users to repair or upgrade their device. This is a significant advantage over traditional phones, which can be difficult to repair or upgrade.
The ROG Phone's modular design is also beneficial for users who want to reduce electronic waste. By being able to easily repair or upgrade their phone, users can extend the life of their device, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Cases
The ROG Phone 5 has some amazing cases to choose from, and one of them is the ROG Phone 5 Lighting Armor Case.
This case is not only tough but also lights up, making it a unique accessory for your phone. It's designed to protect your device from scratches and drops.
The ROG Phone 5 Lighting Armor Case is a great option for those who want a case that's both functional and stylish.
Design
The ROG Phone's design is a sturdy combination of glass and metal, making it a bit heavier than most phones but also very durable. This construction also allows for a sleek black finish, which is the only color option available right now.
The phone's design also features an RGB logo on the back cover, which can display any color using different effects like static, breathing, and strobing. This logo can also be used as a notification light, making it a practical feature beyond just aesthetics.
The RGB logo can be synchronized across a maximum of five phones using ASUS's Aura RGB software, allowing you to match your squad's RGB logos.
Display
The display on the ROG Phone 9 is a real showstopper, with a 6.78-inch AMOLED display that can hit framerates up to 120 Hz.
This display is incredibly bright, making it easy to use in direct sunlight, like when playing Genshin Impact outside.
The ROG Phone 9's display has a dynamic refresh rate, which can be adjusted to 185 Hz in-game, but only through the Game Genie UI, and only if the game supports it.
The resolution of the display is FHD, 2400 by 1080 pixels, which is lower than some other high-end phones, like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, which has a 1440 by 3120 display.
This lower resolution actually has some benefits, like allowing for more frames to be generated in games, making them run smoother at 90fps.
Here are the key specs of the ROG Phone 9's display:
- Screen size: 6.78 inches
- Screen resolution: FHD, 2400 by 1080 pixels
- Refresh rate: up to 120 Hz
- Display type: AMOLED
The display also has a very low response time of 1ms, which is on par with top-tier gaming PC monitors, making it perfect for fast-paced games.
This display is also HDR-capable, with a color gamut of 108.6% DCI-P3, making it capable of showing vibrant and lifelike colors.
Body

The body of this phone is a sturdy combination of glass and metal, making it a bit heavier than most phones, but also very durable. This construction also allows for a sleek look.
The phone is only available in black right now, but that's not a bad thing. It's a classic and timeless color that will never go out of style.
If you're a gamer, you'll love the RGB illumination on the back cover. It can display any color you want using different effects like static, breathing, and strobing.
Using ASUS's Aura RGB software, you can synchronize the RGB lighting across up to five phones, so you and your squad can have matching logos. This feature can also be used as a notification light.
Here are the key specs of the phone's body:
- Frame: glass and metal
- Finish: black
Bottom Line
The ROG Phone is a beast of a device, and its price tag reflects that. It costs $900 for the base model.
You're not buying a phone, you're buying a game console with an internet connection. This is not for casual gamers who just play the occasional Pokémon Go or Angry Birds.
If you're a serious gamer who wants to stream while playing on the go, the ROG Phone is a great choice. It offers a ton of features and accessories to enhance your gaming experience.
Make no mistake, you'll pay for all those bells and whistles. The accessories alone are pricey, and the overall experience comes with a hefty price tag.
The ROG Phone is worth it for serious gamers who spend most of their time playing games on their phone. It offers an unparalleled gaming experience that's hard to find elsewhere.
On a similar theme: Sony Xperia Go
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy the ROG Phone?
You can purchase the ASUS ROG Phone on Amazon.com, as well as other online retailers and authorized ASUS dealers. Check the official ASUS website for a comprehensive list of authorized retailers and purchase options.
Featured Images: pexels.com


