Asus is rolling out Android 16 testing for its latest gaming phones, giving ROG Phone 9 and 9 Pro users a chance to try the next big software update ahead of schedule. Owners of the two models can now enroll directly from their device. The process is simple: head to Settings > System > System update, tap the gear icon, and select Enroll in Android preview program. Once accepted, the phone pulls in the beta build over the air.

But there’s an important caveat — beta software is likely to include bugs, and once you jump in, there’s no easy way to go back to Android 15. That means testers are effectively locked in until the stable Android 16 release, which Asus is targeting for early 2026.

Despite the flagship specs, Asus is only promising two Android upgrades: Android 16 and Android 17. The cheaper ROG Phone 9 FE, which launched earlier this year, isn’t included in the beta program but will follow the same update cycle. Compared to Samsung and Google’s seven-year update commitment, Asus’ two-year window feels limited — especially for flagships priced at nearly €1,000.

Should you try it?

The beta gives users an early look at Android 16’s tweaks, including better gaming optimizations and battery efficiency improvements. Still, the lack of a rollback option makes this a risky choice for anyone relying on their phone as a daily driver. For those who don’t mind the bugs, it’s a chance to be among the first to see what Android 16 brings to Asus’ gaming lineup.

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Gaming on phones has come a long way, but not every device is built to keep up. Flagship phones may have fast chips, but they often fall short in terms of cooling, sustained performance, or gaming features. And these are the areas where a gaming phone excels.

A gaming phone can handle heat, frame rates, and battery drain better than the rest. No surprises. However, if you count the list of manufacturers who sell dedicated gaming phones, there are just two. Asus and Nubia. 

Asus’ ROG Phone and Nubia’s RedMagic line are pretty popular among enthusiasts, and they come with the bells and whistles you expect from a gaming device. That said, these phones lack in areas except for gaming. 

Considering that we are listing out five of the best phones for gaming, each one with a different edge, whether it’s raw speed, battery life, comfort, or software.

RedMagic 10S Pro

The RedMagic 10S Pro isn’t the most polished phone on this list, but it’s the most focused on gaming, without trying to hide it. At 229g, it’s a heavy phone with an aviation-grade aluminum frame, an under-display camera, and a large 6.85-inch AMOLED screen that supports a 144Hz refresh rate. That’s higher than most games can use, but it still makes a difference in supported titles.

What really makes the RedMagic 10S Pro stand out is its active cooling system. It has a built-in fan and a vapor chamber, helping the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip maintain top performance without overheating.

It also packs a massive 7050mAh battery, the biggest on this list. It should easily last a full day of heavy gaming and regular use. And if it runs low, the 100W fast charging gets you back up quickly.

The RedMagic 10S Pro also has a bold look to it. But that might not be everyone’s cup of tea. The back has a semi-transparent design along with RGB lights and sharp corners that could be overwhelming for some. 

Still, extras like shoulder triggers, stereo speakers, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a dedicated game mode switch make it one of the most practical gaming phones around.

Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro

If you want a premium gaming phone that also works well for everyday use, the ROG Phone 9 Pro might be your best bet. Asus has fine-tuned its formula this year with a faster 185Hz LTPO AMOLED display, a more subtle rear matrix LED screen, and better thermal management.

It delivers the same performance as the RedMagic, thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip. There’s also a second USB-C port on the side, making it easier to charge while gaming in landscape mode. And if you want extra cooling, it supports Asus’s external cooler too.

The phone is fueled by a 5,800mAh battery and supports 65 wired and 15W wireless charging. Unlike Nubia’s offering, the ROG Phone also puts more effort into cameras. You get a stabilized 50MP main shooter, a 3x zoom lens, and even a gimbal stabilization system for more stable videos and photos. 

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

Samsung doesn’t brand the Galaxy S25 Ultra as a gaming phone, but it’s easily one of the most capable in 2025. It has a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with 2600 nits peak brightness and a 120Hz refresh rate. That’s not the highest refresh rate on this list, but it’s fast and responsive enough for most games.

More importantly, the S25 Ultra uses a tuned version of the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, with slightly higher clock speeds (up to 4.47GHz). While it doesn’t have physical gaming triggers or an active cooling fan, its thermal control is reliable. The titanium build and refined design make it a more comfortable daily phone than either the ROG or RedMagic.

What it outshines the others is longevity and ecosystem. You get seven years of major Android updates, Samsung DeX for desktop gaming, UWB support, and advanced camera capabilities, including a 200MP main sensor and dual zoom lenses. 

It’s also IP68 rated, which is something missing on most gaming-specific phones. It has a 5,000mAh battery, 45W wired and 15W wireless charging. 

iPhone 16 Pro Max

Apple still doesn’t make “gaming phones,” but the iPhone 16 Pro Max doesn’t need a label to compete in the arena.

Armed with the A18 Pro chip, Apple’s own silicon continues to outperform in raw single-core scores and graphical efficiency. You might not get cooling fans or gaming triggers, but iOS game optimization means games often run smoother with lower power draw.

The 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED also supports a 120Hz refresh rate and 2000 nits HBM brightness — not quite as bright as Samsung or Asus, but consistent and vibrant. Unlike Android phones, Apple uses NVMe storage, which gives faster read/write speeds than UFS, even though RAM is limited to 8GB.

Cameras on the 16 Pro Max are arguably the best here, especially the 5x telephoto with 3D sensor-shift stabilization and Spatial Video support. You can also be sure of the battery life here, thanks to Apple’s tight software-hardware integration. 

If you prefer Apple’s ecosystem and care more about frame pacing than max FPS, this is the most polished option, but not the most flexible one for hardcore gaming.

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Poco F7 Ultra

Then there’s the Poco F7 Ultra, the surprise hit of the list. It’s not cheap, but it’s aggressively priced compared to Samsung and Apple, and it doesn’t cut many corners.

With the same Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, up to 16GB RAM, and a QHD+ AMOLED display that peaks at 3200 nits, Poco has made one of the best-looking and fastest displays on the market. And it supports 3840Hz PWM dimming, which should be gentler on your eyes during marathon sessions.

The camera setup is surprisingly capable for a gaming phone, including a 2.5x optical zoom telephoto and a 32MP ultrawide. But more importantly, it includes 120W wired charging and 50W wireless, which outpaces every phone on this list except in battery capacity.

At 5300 mAh, the battery is still generous, and with Bluetooth 6.0, Snapdragon Sound, and IP68 water resistance, the phone is more than capable for a gaming cum everyday phone. 

So… which one’s the best?

If you want raw performance, top-tier cooling, and zero compromises, the RedMagic 10S Pro is tough to beat. It offers the highest RAM, the most aggressive thermal setup, and the fastest storage of the bunch.

The ROG Phone 10 Pro comes next. It’s still a gaming powerhouse, but with a more balanced approach and a higher price tag. It feels like a phone that could double as a portable workstation.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max are ideal if you want a premium flagship that also happens to game well. But neither is built specifically for gaming; they just handle it well enough.

Then there’s the Poco F7 Ultra. It delivers near-flagship performance at a more affordable price and probably has the best screen on any phone this year.

In the end, the best gaming phone for you depends on your budget, needs, and what’s available in your region.

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Gaming on smartphones has gotten better with each passing year, with several devices bringing cutting edge performance. Among the standout devices, the Red Magic 10 Pro+, ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro, and Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max lead the pack as some of the best gaming smartphones of 2024. So here’s a quick breakdown of why these models dominate the gaming landscape this year.

Red Magic 10 Pro+

The Red Magic 10 Pro+ is easily one of the best smartphones for mobile gaming fans. From the ground up, this smartphone is built specifically for gaming. There are various ways in which it has an advantage over its competitors thanks to the brand’s choices for its design and specs. It has a starting price tag of 5,999 Yuan (roughly 832 US Dollars). On the front, you get a tall 6.85-inch OLED display that offers a 1.5K resolution, a 144Hz refresh rate, and a 960Hz touch sampling rate. The screen has no punch hole cutout, so you’re also getting a seamless gaming experience on the big display.

Under the hood, the Red Magic 10 Pro+ is equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite, which makes it one of the fastest Android smartphones in the market. Performance is key, but so is the battery life. And the Red Magic 10 Pro+ doesn’t disappoint with its massive 7,050mAh battery pack, which supports 120W wired fast charging. For a better experience, the smartphone features 520Hz gaming shoulder keys. Cooling is key in high-end devices, and the phone optimizes gaming performance with composite liquid metal cooling along with a physical fan to avoid performance throttling in long gaming hours.

ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro

Soon after the Red Magic launch, ASUS also unveiled the ROG Phone 9 Pro. This model is a flagship-grade gaming phone that houses top-notch hardware. It packs a 6.78-inch AMOLED panel with up to 185Hz refresh rate and FHD+ resolution. But what makes it one of the best phones for gaming is its processor. Just like the Red Magic 10 Pro+, the ROG Phone 9 Pro also features the Snapdragon 8 Elite, which offers impressive upgrades in performance.

Gaming phones need to have a robust cooling system, and the ROG Phone 9 Pro features a 360° SoC Cooling System Gen 3 design for enhanced heat dissipation. For enhanced gameplay, this phone houses a subwoofer for 2.1 stereo surround and also packs hardware shoulder buttons. Since a smartphone isn’t as big as a controller, the shoulder buttons just give you an edge when gaming on a phone. This model has a starting price tag of 1,199 US dollars.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

The other two models on this list were dedicated gaming smartphones, but the last on this list is a great all-rounder. Apple is one of the popular brands for professional mobile gamers, be it an iPhone or iPad. So this year’s iPhone 16 Pro Max is easily one of the best smartphones for gaming. It packs the A18 Pro Bionic chipset, which offers impressive performance. Keeping the experience ultra smooth, the iPhone 16 Pro Max sports a 6.9-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED that offers a 120Hz refresh rate.

You miss out on the shoulder buttons, dedicated cooling mechanisms, super fast charging, and much more. But Apple makes up for it with flagship-grade camera performance, good battery life, and even Artificial Intelligence powered features. So if you’re not looking for a phone that screams gaming even from its design, prefer a versatile device, and want good cameras, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is a great pick. This model was first announced for a starting price of 1,199 US Dollars.

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November saw intense competition among flagship Android phones as brands launched devices powered by the latest processors from Qualcomm and MediaTek. AnTuTu’s monthly performance rankings for China placed the ROG Phone 9 Pro at the top, thanks to its impressive specifications and gaming-focused design. Here’s a closer look at the top performers and their key features.

AnTuTu rankings in November 2024:

1. ROG Phone 9 Pro Snapdragon 8 Elite 24GB+1TB: 2,932,124
2. Vivo X200 Pro (Satellite Communication Edition) Dimensity 9400 16GB+1TB: 2,860,505
3. OPPO Find X8 Pro Dimensity 9400 16GB+1TB: 2,847,249
4. iQOO 13 Snapdragon 8 Elite 16GB+1TB: 2,846,310
5. OnePlus 13 Snapdragon 8 Elite 24GB+1TB: 2,843,262
6. OPPO Find X8 Dimensity 9400 16GB+1TB: 2,778,944
7. Vivo X200 Dimensity 9400 16GB+1TB: 2,769,207
8. Honor Magic 7 Pro Snapdragon 8 Elite 16GB+512GB: 2,673,175
9. Honor Magic 7 Snapdragon 8 Elite 16GB+512GB: 2,664,382
10. Redmi K80 Pro Snapdragon 8 Elite 16GB+512GB: 2,618,595

1. ROG Phone 9 Pro

Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite
Configuration: 24GB RAM + 1TB storage
Score: 2,932,124

The ROG 9 Pro claimed the top spot in November’s rankings, delivering exceptional performance. Equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite and built with gaming in mind, it handled demanding tasks with ease. Its high score reflects its ability to perform consistently under heavy use, making it a strong choice for mobile gaming enthusiasts.

2. Vivo X200 Pro (Satellite Communication Edition)

Processor: Dimensity 9400
Configuration: 16GB RAM + 1TB storage
Score: 2,860,505

The Vivo X200 Pro came in second, offering balanced performance across all areas. Powered by the Dimensity 9400, it stood out as a well-rounded flagship option. Vivo also addressed user concerns with updates that improved the phone’s features, such as handling glare issues, ensuring it remains a reliable choice for users.

3. OPPO Find X8 Pro (Satellite Communication Edition)

Processor: Dimensity 9400
Configuration: 16GB RAM + 1TB storage
Score: 2,847,249

The OPPO Find X8 Pro, the latest in the Find series, features strong hardware and optimized performance with the Dimensity 9400 processor. While the Find X series is not usually focused on raw performance, the Dimensity 9400 chip enhances its capabilities significantly.

Other Contenders

The iQOO 13 and OnePlus 13, both powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite, secured impressive scores of 2,846,310 and 2,843,262, respectively. The Honor Magic 7 Pro and Redmi K80 Pro are also featured on the list, offering solid performance for those seeking more budget-friendly options. Next month’s rankings are expected to include new contenders like the Red Magic 10 Pro series gaming flagships, and the iQOO Neo 10 Pro, featuring the Dimensity 9400 chipset.

(Source)

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Qualcomm‘s new flagship chipset, the Snapdragon 8 Elite, is proving to bring significant improvements in both battery efficiency and performance compared to its predecessor, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Tech YouTuber Dave2D recently conducted several benchmark and real-world tests on two smartphones featuring the new processor, revealing impressive results.

Dave2D tested the Chinese variant of the OnePlus 13, featuring a 6,000mAh battery, and the global ROG Phone 9 Pro model, equipped with a 5,800mAh battery, using the PCMark Battery test with screen brightness at 250 nits. The results showed impressive endurance, with the OnePlus 13 lasting 17 hours and 25 minutes and the ROG Phone 9 Pro achieving 14 hours and 29 minutes. These figures represent 43% and 30% battery life improvements, respectively, compared to their predecessors.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite also improves gaming performance. Dave2D tested the OnePlus 13 and ROG Phone 9 Pro with Genshin Impact, a game known to cause thermal throttling in many flagship devices. However, both phones performed better than their predecessors in terms of gameplay duration and consistent performance.

Thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Elite’s thermal management and efficiency, both devices were able to maintain smoother gameplay and higher frame rates for longer periods. However, it’s worth noting that the tests were conducted in Canada, where the cooler climate may have influenced the results, and performance could vary in hotter regions.

Apart from heavy tasks like gaming, the new processor also offers some significant battery life improvements in single-core tasks like browsing Reddit or serving the web.

Looking ahead, the Snapdragon 8 Elite shows a lot of potential. Upcoming flagship smartphones like the Galaxy S25 Ultra, Xiaomi 15 series, and even models like the Realme GT 7 Pro are expected to take advantage of the chipset’s advanced features and efficiency, offering a better overall experience compared to their predecessors.

(Source, via)

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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ASUS has just announced the ROG Phone 9 series. The latest lineup of flagship gaming smartphones include the base ROG Phone 9 and the higher end ROG Phone 9 Pro models. While these offer similar specs and performance, there are a number of differences between the two versions. So here’s everything different between the two ROG Phones.

ASUS ROG Phone 9 vs ROG Phone 9 Pro: The Mini LEDs

When you place the two ROG Phones 9 phones against one another, you can immediately tell the difference in design. The ROG Phone 9 has a familiar design with the ROG brand logo at the back. However, the ROG Phone 9 Pro has a special spark. On the rear panel, it houses 648 programmable mini LEDs. This allows users to not only customize their smartphone’s aesthetic with unique animations. This can even interact with games for a more unique experience. ASUS has basically doubled the number of LEDs, even introducing retro games on the AniMe Vision display.

More Storage, More RAM

The company unveiled the ROG Phone 9 series with Qualcomm’s brand new Snapdragon 8 Elite SoCm, which promises 45% faster CPU performance, 40% improved GPU capabilities, and a significantly enhanced NPU for AI-driven tasks. This chipset is paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage on the ROG Phone 9.

Meanwhile, the ROG Phone 9 Pro is released with up to 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage. The storage configuration is definitely overkill, but it ensures future proofing for next gen mobile games, multitasking, and heavy applications.

The Telephoto Camera

ASUS features capable images sensors on the ROG Phone 9 series, despite these models being gaming smartphones. The ROG Phone 9 and ROG Phone 9 Pro features a 50MP primary camera (Sony LYTIA 700 sensor) along with a 13MP ultra wide angle lens. But while the vanilla version has 5MP marco shooter, the more expensive ROG Phone 9 Pro has a 32MP telephoto shooter with 3x optical zoom. For selfies and video calls, the flagship gaming phone lineup houses a 32MP sensor.

Pricing

Another major difference between the ROG Phones is the pricing. The ASUS ROG Phone 9 starts from 999.99 US Dollars and is available in two color options, namely Storm White and Phantom Black. On the other hand, the ROG Phone 9 Pro costs slightly higher, with a starting price tag of 1,199.99 US Dollars. However, this device is only available in a lone Phantom Black.

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The Asus ROG Phone 9 series marks yet another leap forward in the evolution of gaming smartphones, melding cutting-edge technology with a gamer-centric design to deliver a truly exceptional mobile gaming experience. From its robust hardware to its innovative cooling systems and unique auxiliary display features, every aspect of the ROG Phone 9 and ROG Phone 9 Pro has been crafted to meet the demands of serious gamers. Let’s dive deep to explore the features that make these smartphones special.

Unmatched Display and Design

The ROG Phone 9 series boasts a 6.78-inch Full HD+ AMOLED HDR display with a variable refresh rate ranging from 1 to 120 Hz, peaking at 185 Hz via Game Genie for select games. This makes it one of the most versatile and high-refresh-rate displays on the market, suitable for both high-intensity gaming and daily tasks. The display also comes with a peak brightness of 2500 nits and coverage of 107.37% DCI-P3 color space ensuring vivid, true-to-life colors under any lighting condition.

Design-wise, the series includes an auxiliary display on the back called AniMe Vision, with the ROG Phone 9 Pro featuring 648 programmable mini-LEDs. This not only allows users to customize their phone’s aesthetic with unique animations but also interacts with gaming environments for an immersive experience. This year, Asus has enhanced this feature by doubling the number of LEDs and introducing retro games playable directly on the AniMe Vision display, blending nostalgia with modern technology.

Unparalleled Performance

At the heart of the ROG Phone 9 series is the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, a 3nm powerhouse offering 45% faster CPU performance, 40% improved GPU capabilities, and a significantly enhanced NPU for AI-driven tasks.

Paired with up to 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage on the Pro model, these phones deliver lightning-fast processing, making them ideal for gaming, multitasking, and heavy applications.

This performance boost isn’t just on paper. Asus has incorporated Qualcomm Seamless technology for seamless connectivity with Snapdragon-powered PCs, ensuring an integrated ecosystem for gamers and professionals alike.

Upgraded Cooling Technology

Thermal management is critical in gaming phones to maintain performance over extended sessions. The ROG Phone 9 series improves upon its predecessors by integrating a 57% larger graphite sheet and a redesigned AeroActive Cooler X Pro, which now includes a 12.5% larger fan and more thermal compound. This setup provides a 29% increase in cooling efficiency, ensuring the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip performs at peak efficiency without thermal throttling.

The series also includes the innovative ROG Phone Chill Case (optional), a pioneering accessory with an integrated liquid cooling system that utilizes Composite Vapor Chamber technology to lower phone temperatures by up to 17%. This ensures sustained peak performance during long gaming sessions. Made from PC and PMMC materials, it delivers thermal efficiency comparable to copper while preserving 5G and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Enhanced Audio Experience

Asus takes the audio experience seriously, especially for gaming where directional sound can provide a competitive edge. The ROG Phone 9 series features a dual-speaker system that leverages the in-box AeroCase or optional Chill Case’s new ‘Audio Redirection’ technology to channel sound from the bottom-firing speaker to the front, enhancing the stereo effect. Additionally, the AeroActive Cooler X Pro accessory includes a subwoofer, enhancing the audio with 2.1-channel sound, perfect for both gaming and media consumption.

The series also features Dirac Virtuo technology, Qualcomm aptX Lossless, and Hi-Res Audio certifications, which collectively deliver an immersive sound experience. Additionally, it includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature often omitted in modern flagship smartphones.

Great Cameras

While primarily a gaming phone, the ROG Phone 9 series doesn’t compromise on photography. Both models feature a 50MP main camera with Sony’s LYTIA 700 sensor and a 6-axis Hybrid Gimbal Stabilizer offering ±5° correction for shake-free videos and crisp images. The 13MP ultra-wide camera adds versatility, while the Pro model includes a 32MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS for detailed shots.

Both phones also feature a 32MP front camera with an RGBW sensor that improves low-light performance, making it excellent for selfies. It is further enhanced with AI-powered capabilities such as AI Night Vision, AI Panning, and AI Portrait Video.

Battery Life and Charging

The ROG Phone 9 series features a 5800mAh dual-cell battery that provides extensive power for gaming, streaming, and daily activities. It comes with 65W HyperCharge technology for rapid wired charging and supports 15W for wireless, achieving a full charge in just 46 minutes. Asus ensures longevity, promising that the battery retains over 80% capacity after 1,000 cycles.

AI Features

The series leverages advanced AI technology to elevate the user experience across gaming, photography, and productivity. It features X Capture 2.0, which automatically records significant gaming moments, and it comes with AI Grabber 2.0, enhancing gameplay through text translation and tips gathering. It equips users with AI Noise Cancellation for clear communication and sports X Sense 3.0 for automated game management.

For photographers, it features AI Night Vision for superior low-light photography, comes with AI Object Sense to optimize image components, and equips the camera with AI Panning for capturing dynamic scenes. It also sports AI Portrait Video, adding cinematic quality to videos.

In terms of productivity, it features AI Transcript for real-time meeting transcriptions, comes with AI Call Translator for overcoming language barriers, and equips professionals with seamless tools like AI Semantic Search for efficient data retrieval. Additionally, it sports AI Wallpaper to personalize the device’s theme dynamically and Circle to Search for instant content access.

Console-Like Controls

The ROG Phone 9 enhances gaming experiences with its upgraded AirTrigger system, featuring controls like Dual Action, Gyroscope Aiming, and Press and Lift, offering unparalleled precision. It comes equipped with the AeroActive Cooler X Pro, which adds two physical shoulder buttons, transforming the phone into a handheld gaming console.

Additionally, it sports the ROG Tessen mobile controller (optional), providing an extra layer of control and making it a versatile choice for playing FPS, MOBA, and action-adventure games with ease and accuracy.

Conclusion

Asus ROG Phone 9 series sets a new benchmark in mobile gaming with its unparalleled performance, innovative cooling, and gamer-centric features. Whether you’re an avid gamer or a professional seeking top-tier specifications, the ROG Phone 9 and ROG Phone 9 Pro deliver on all fronts, making them a standout choice in 2024.

The ROG Phone 9 series faces strong competition from the Red Magic 10 Pro series. Are the Red Magic 10 Pro smartphones the best gaming devices on the market? Here’s a comparison to understand how the Asus ROG Phone 9 stands apart from the Red Magic 10 Pro.

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Asus has officially unveiled the ROG Phone 9 series, comprising the ROG Phone 9 and ROG Phone 9 Pro. These smartphones cater specifically to gaming enthusiasts, delivering cutting-edge hardware and innovative features for an enhanced gaming experience. Here’s a detailed look at their specifications and pricing.

Asus ROG Phone 9 Series Specifications

The ROG Phone 9 series features a 6.78-inch Full HD+ AMOLED HDR LTPO display, supporting a refresh rate of up to 165Hz for smooth gaming and 185Hz in select titles. It offers 2500 nits peak brightness, 107% DCI-P3 color gamut, and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for added durability.

Under the hood, the phones are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, boasting a 45% increase in CPU performance and a 40% improvement in GPU capabilities compared to the previous generation. Paired with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage, the series supports configurations of up to 24GB RAM and 1TB storage, achieving a record-breaking AnTuTu score of 3,121,390.

Asus has significantly improved the cooling system with a 360° SoC Cooling System Gen 3 design, a 57% larger graphite sheet, and a redesigned AeroActive Cooler X Pro, which includes 12.5% larger fan blades and enhanced thermal materials. The cooler also features a subwoofer for 2.1 stereo sound and adds hardware shoulder buttons for a more immersive gaming experience.

Additionally, the series comes with the ROG Chill Case, which leverages Composite Vapor Chamber (CVC) technology to reduce temperatures by up to 17%, ensuring consistent peak performance even during demanding AAA gaming.

The smartphones run on Android 15 with ROG UI, which offers a tailored gaming interface along with the latest Android features. Asus guarantees two major OS updates and four years of security updates.

The ROG Phone 9 features a triple camera setup with a 50MP Sony LYTIA 700 sensor as the primary lens, offering 6-axis gimbal stabilization for enhanced video stability. It is accompanied by a 13MP ultra-wide camera and a 5MP macro sensor.

The ROG Phone 9 Pro, on the other hand, replaces the macro lens with a 32MP 3x telephoto camera featuring OIS for clearer zoomed-in shots. Both models have a 32MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls.

The series is powered by a 5800mAh battery, supporting 65W fast charging with HyperCharge technology. It also offers 15W Qi wireless charging and is compatible with Quick Charge 5.0 and Power Delivery standards.

Both devices include dual SIM support, 5G SA/NSA connectivity, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and an in-display fingerprint sensor. The phones retain the beloved 3.5mm audio jack and dual stereo speakers. They also feature IP68 water and dust resistance, making them durable and reliable for varied environments.

The ROG Phone 9 series features the AniMe Vision display at the back, with 85 programmable mini-LEDs on the base model and 648 on the Pro, offering enhanced customization and striking visuals for gaming enthusiasts.

Pricing and Availability

Asus ROG Phone 9 starts at $999.99 or €1,099 for the 12GB RAM + 256GB storage model, while the 12GB + 512GB variant is priced at €1,149. It comes in Storm White and Phantom Black colors.

The ROG Phone 9 Pro, available only in Phantom Black, costs $1,199.99 or €1,300 for the 16GB + 512GB model.

The premium ROG Phone 9 Pro Edition, with 24GB RAM and 1TB storage bundled with the AeroActive Cooler X Pro, is priced at $1,499.99 or €1,500.

The phones are available for pre-order now and will start shipping tomorrow in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China, with Europe shipments in December and the US launch slated for January 2025. There’s no info regarding the India launch yet.

In related news, Nubia recently unveiled the Red Magic 10 Pro and 10 Pro+, featuring the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, a 144Hz OLED display, and a 7050mAh battery.

The post Asus ROG Phone 9 series debuts with 6.78″ 185Hz AMOLED, Snapdragon 8 Elite, 24GB RAM & more appeared first on Gizmochina.

With the announcement of the latest flagship chips, phones utilizing them started debuting a few weeks back. More such devices are expected to launch in the coming weeks.

Three brands have confirmed the announcement of new smartphones next week. There will be four launches and two of them will be from the same brand for different markets.

Firstly, Asus will take wraps off its next-gen gaming smartphone. Whereas Xiaomi will unveil its most affordable 5G smartphone to date in India.

Finally, Vivo will bring its recently released X200 series to Malaysia and a budget model to India.

Let’s take a look at these products one by one.

Upcoming Smartphones Next Week

ROG Phone 9

The ASUS ROG Phone 9 is scheduled to launch on November 19 (Tuesday). Like the previous generation, two devices are expected, namely ROG Phone 9 and ROG Phone 9 Pro.

Both handsets will be powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite. Similar to their predecessors, they will have a minimal design for gaming smartphones.

The vanilla model is tipped to arrive with a 6.78-inch FHD+ 165Hz OLED display, a 50MP (wide) + 13MP (ultrawide) + 5MP (macro) triple camera setup, a 32MP selfie camera, a 5,800mAh battery, and 65W charging support.

Vivo X200 Series

The Vivo X200 series is going global starting November 19 (Tuesday). Malaysia will be the first market to receive it.

The lineup will include two devices, such as Vivo X200 and Vivo X200 Pro. The smaller Vivo X200 Pro Mini will not be making its way outside mainland China.

The phones come with a MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chip, Zeiss optics, a 120Hz LTPO OLED display, an IP69 rating (dust and water resistance), and 90W charging support. Both feature a 50MP primary camera, a 50MP ultrawide unit with autofocus, and a 32MP selfie camera. 

However, the pro has a 200MP 3.7x periscope camera as opposed to a 50MP 3x unit on the standard model. Additionally, the pro arrives with 30W wireless charging support, a USB 3.2 port, and an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor.

Redmi A4 5G

The Redmi A4 5G is set to go official in India on November 20 (Wednesday). It is anticipated to change the landscape of affordable 5G smartphones in the country.

The handset will be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 chip. It will feature a circular camera module, a glass back, and a flat frame.

The device will come with a 6.88-inch 120Hz display, a 50MP main camera, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and a 5,160mAh battery. The base 4GB + 128GB variant of the product is tipped to cost ₹8,499 (including offers).

Vivo Y300

The Vivo Y300 will be officially unveiled in India on November 21 (Thursday). The handset will succeed the Y200 from earlier this year.

Talking about specs, the device will house a Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chip and a 5,000mAh battery. It will sport a 50MP primary camera, a 32MP selfie camera, and a 6.7-inch 120Hz OLED display,

Lastly, the product will be available in Titanium Silver, Dynamic Black, and Emerald Green color options.

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