ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro Edition
A few months ago, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra topped our benchmark list. It surpassed the vivo X200 in our rankings, but its success was short-lived by ASUS’ gaming smartphone, which has consistently reached our benchmark peaks for the past 5 years.
A Leap in Performance
The ROG Phone 9 Pro Edition is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, a significant upgrade from its predecessors. This new processor offers up to a 45% increase in CPU performance, a 40% boost in GPU capabilities, and a similar improvement in NPU performance compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. Paired with up to 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage, this phone is designed to handle even the most demanding tasks with ease.
In our benchmark tests, the ROG Phone 9 Pro Edition consistently outperforms its competitors. For instance, it scores impressively on Geekbench 6, with single-core scores reaching up to 3,080 and multi-core scores hitting 9,670. These numbers reflect its ability to handle complex computations and multitasking without any lag.
Here’s a full spread of our previous benchmark to see how it compares compared to competition.
Gaming Performance
Gaming is where the ROG Phone 9 Pro Edition truly shines. It can run games like Genshin Impact and Diablo Immortal at 60fps on the highest graphical settings without any issues. The phone’s sustained performance is also noteworthy, maintaining high frame rates over extended gaming sessions thanks to its improved cooling system.
The AeroActive Cooler X Pro, an external accessory, further enhances this capability by providing better cooling and additional controls like air triggers and shoulder buttons.
Beyond Gaming: Photography Capabilities
While the ROG Phone series has traditionally been associated with gaming, the ROG Phone 9 Pro Edition also makes significant strides in photography. The device features a triple camera setup, including a 50MP main camera with a Sony Lytia 700 sensor and a six-axis Hybrid Gimbal Stabilizer 4.0 for improved image stabilization. The telephoto camera offers up to 30x zoom and uses a 32MP OmniVision OV32C sensor, though its video capabilities are limited to 1080p at 60fps.
In terms of image quality, the main camera captures good detail and colors, though it sometimes struggles with exposure metering, leading to overexposed highlights. The dynamic range is decent but not exceptional. However, the camera performs well in low-light conditions, especially when using the manual night mode, which allows for better detail and reduced noise.
The telephoto camera excels in low-light conditions, producing clean images with good detail and color accuracy. This makes it a valuable asset for capturing distant subjects in various lighting conditions.
AI and Software Enhancements
The ROG Phone 9 Pro Edition also benefits from AI enhancements, though these improvements are more incremental compared to its predecessors. The phone’s AI capabilities are primarily focused on optimizing performance and enhancing the gaming experience rather than introducing new AI-driven features. However, for users upgrading from older models like the ROG Phone 6 or 7, the AI improvements will be noticeable.
Battery Life and Charging
Despite its powerful hardware, the ROG Phone 9 Pro Edition offers impressive battery life. It comes with a 5,800mAh battery that supports fast charging up to 65W, allowing for quick top-ups when needed. In practical terms, this means users can enjoy extended gaming sessions or heavy usage without worrying about running out of power.
Unparalled Performance
The ROG Phone 9 Pro Edition is more than just a gaming smartphone; it’s a testament to ASUS’s commitment to improving the smartphone gaming landscape. With its unparalleled performance, improved photography capabilities, and very impressive battery life, it redefines the expectations for a high-end smartphone.
While it may not excel in every aspect, such as camera features compared to some flagship devices, its strengths in gaming and overall performance make it a compelling choice for those seeking the best mobile gaming experience. Moreover, its photography capabilities, though not perfect, are a significant step forward for the series.
The ROG Phone 9 Pro Edition is not just the fastest smartphone we’ve reviewed; it’s a versatile device that showcases ASUS’s ability to innovate and deliver a comprehensive mobile experience that goes beyond gaming. Whether you’re a serious gamer or simply looking for a powerful smartphone that can handle anything you throw at it, the ROG Phone 9 Pro Edition is certainly worth considering.
Giancarlo Viterbo is a Filipino Technology Journalist, blogger and Editor of gadgetpilipinas.net, He is also a Geek, Dad and a Husband. He knows a lot about washing the dishes, doing some errands and following instructions from his boss on his day job. Follow him on twitter: @gianviterbo and @gadgetpilipinas.
