In the world of gaming smartphones, the battle for supremacy grows fiercer with each iteration. This year, Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max and Asus‘s ROG Phone 9 Pro are at the forefront, each boasting remarkable capabilities tailored to the demands of gamers.
To determine which device might serve as the better gaming companion, we delve into a comparison focused on their gaming performance, thermal management, and unique gaming features.
1. Performance and Graphics
The iPhone 16 Pro Max runs on Apple’s latest A18 Pro chip, which incorporates a 6-core GPU capable of up to 20% faster performance than its predecessor. This upgrade is significant for gamers, especially with hardware-accelerated ray tracing that enhances light sources and reflections, providing a more immersive gaming experience. Additionally, Apple’s introduction of Game Mode, borrowed from the Mac, optimizes performance and is designed to maintain consistent frame rates during intense gaming sessions.
Conversely, the ROG Phone 9 Pro is engineered with gamers in mind, featuring the Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC coupled with up to 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage. This configuration is explicitly aimed at handling the most demanding games and ensuring smooth gameplay. The phone also boasts a 185Hz refresh rate, surpassing the iPhone’s 120Hz, which could be a crucial factor for games that support higher frame rates.
2. Thermal Management
Thermal performance is critical during extended gaming sessions where device heating can affect performance. The iPhone 16 Pro Max has received praise for its efficient thermal management, which keeps the device cool even during prolonged use. However, users have reported that the device tends to get warm, and under certain conditions, such as maximum brightness, the iPhone may throttle brightness to manage heat.
On the other hand, the ROG Phone 9 Pro shines with its advanced cooling technologies. It includes a significantly larger graphite sheet and an active cooler with increased fan size and more thermal compound, promising 29% better cooling. It comes with an optional AeroActive Cooler X Pro accessory that not only enhances cooling but also adds ergonomic hardware buttons, providing a tactile advantage in gameplay.
3. Gaming Features and Ecosystem
While the iPhone 16 Pro Max is impressive, its gaming prowess is part of a broader set of capabilities, including photography and general productivity. Apple’s ecosystem offers seamless integration with other devices, which is a benefit for users who own multiple Apple products.
The ROG Phone 9 Pro, however, is a dedicated gaming powerhouse with features like AirTriggers and the AniMe Matrix display on the back for additional customization and interaction. Its gaming-oriented design includes two USB-C ports for convenient charging during landscape gaming sessions and the use of gaming accessories.
4. Game Support & Real-World Performance
Both phones support high-frame-rate gaming in titles like PUBG Mobile, but there are differences in support for other games. The ROG Phone 9 Pro, while excellent, has limitations with some titles like Genshin Impact, which caps at 60fps compared to the iPhone’s 120fps. Since the phone is new, it is expected to get the support soon. However, in real-world testing, the ROG Phone tends to maintain consistent performance with less heat generation over longer periods.
5. Conclusion
Deciding whether the iPhone 16 Pro Max is better for gaming than the ROG Phone 9 Pro depends on what aspects of gaming are most important to you. If you prioritize a phone that offers a well-rounded performance with good gaming capabilities and you’re entrenched in the Apple ecosystem, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is an excellent choice.
However, if your focus is purely on gaming and you value specialized gaming features and superior thermal performance, the ROG Phone 9 Pro is undoubtedly the frontrunner. As always, the best phone for gaming is the one that matches your specific needs and usage patterns.
The ROG Phone 9 series is available in two variants: the ROG Phone 9 and the ROG Phone 9 Pro. Curious about the differences? Check out this article for a detailed comparison.
