© Robin Sabbadini for Lemon Squeezer
In the booming gaming smartphone segment, Asus has built a solid reputation with its ROG Phone range. The arrival of the ROG Phone 9 Pro marks a major turning point with the first integration of the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, the most high-end processor of the moment. This new version offers some interesting innovations that are also worth looking at.
The ROG Phone 9 from Asus is available at a price of 1299 euros in its 16 GB RAM and 512 GB storage version here. The version we tested has 24 GB RAM for 1 TB storage.
© Robin Sabbadini for Presse-citron
© Robin Sabbadini for Presse-citron
© Robin Sabbadini for Presse-citron
Asus takes care of the first impression with packaging that exudes high-end. The box reveals a complete set of accessories: a 65W charger, a quality braided cable, and a rather practical carrying pouch. The AeroActive Cooler X Pro ventilation system, included in the special edition, adds an extra dimension with its physical triggers. The quality of the materials and the attention paid to detail immediately demonstrate the premium positioning of the product.
The ROG Phone 9 Pro surprises with its discretion. Exit the flashy designs, Asus opts for an elegant matte finish on the rear glass. The sober lines and the aluminum chassis give the smartphone a premium look that does not betray its gaming vocation. Only the backlit ROG logo and the AniMe Vision system recall its nature. It will obviously be possible to personalize this one and turn it off when you suddenly feel like being sober.
© Robin Sabbadini for Presse-citron
© Robin Sabbadini for Presse-citron
© Robin Sabbadini for Presse-citron
© Robin Sabbadini for Presse-citron
The ergonomic design deserves a special mention. The off-center USB-C port and the second side port make it easy to charge during gaming sessions. The presence of a 3.5 mm jack will delight audio purists. Be careful though: without a case, the smartphone is particularly slippery.
The Snapdragon 8 Elite makes its debut in the ROG Phone 9 Pro, and the results are spectacular. Benchmarks place this smartphone ahead of the iPhone 16 Pro Max. The maximum configuration with 24 GB of RAM offers absolute fluidity, even in the most demanding games. This power is particularly felt in titles like Genshin Impact or Diablo Immortal, which run at all settings to the maximum without the slightest slowdown.
The redesigned cooling system now places the processor in the center, surrounded by two batteries. This innovation, coupled with a 57% larger graphite sheet, maintains optimal performance even under intensive use. Real-world tests show excellent thermal management, even after several consecutive hours of gaming.
The AeroActive Cooler X Pro, with its enlarged fan blades, provides welcome additional cooling. It allows you to activate X Mode Plus, a true overclock that pushes the limits of performance even further. The two additional physical buttons it adds enrich the gaming experience, while its integrated subwoofer improves sound immersion.
© Robin Sabbadini for Presse-citron
© Robin Sabbadini for Presse-citron
© Robin Sabbadini for Presse-citron
The autonomy is perhaps the greatest success of the ROG Phone 9 Pro. With a 5800 mAh battery, mAh, it sets a new record for daily autonomy. We were able to last 2 days of intensive use, where the usually most enduring smartphones require a recharge per day. In intensive gaming use, the smartphone easily lasts 8 to 10 hours, a remarkable performance.
200% Deposit Bonus up to €3,000 180% First Deposit Bonus up to $20,000The 65W fast charge brilliantly completes this picture: 37% battery in 15 minutes, 74% in 30 minutes. The 15W wireless charge, although more modest, offers a practical alternative. The bypass charging mode, which powers the phone directly without going through the battery during gaming sessions, preserves the health of the latter. This feature, unique on the market, demonstrates the attention paid to detail by Asus.
The 6.78-inch AMOLED screen pushes the limits with its 185 Hz refresh rate. If few games currently exploit this capacity, it prepares for the future. The exceptional brightness and wide color coverage make it one of the best screens on the market, just behind the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Color calibration can be finely adjusted to individual preferences, with several pre-established profiles.
720Hz touch responsiveness ensures absolute precision in competitive games. The adaptive refresh rate optimizes power consumption while maintaining optimal fluidity depending on the content displayed.
WiFi 7 support guarantees impressive theoretical speeds and minimal latency, crucial for online gaming. Real-world tests confirm excellent network performance, with remarkable stability even in intensive multiplayer, especially during our tests on Fall Guys.
Asus innovates with AI features dedicated to gaming. X Sense AI automates repetitive tasks in games like League of Legends: Wild Rift or Genshin Impact. X Capture automatically identifies and records key moments. Air Triggers provide remarkable tactile feedback, transforming the gaming experience when a controller is not available.
© Robin Sabbadini for Presse-citron
© Robin Sabbadini for Presse-citron
However, the ROG Tessen controller, sold separately, deserves special attention. Equipped with rear paddles that are rare on this segment, it significantly enriches the experience. Its extended compatibility with other smartphones and its careful ergonomics make it an excellent addition, even if its use excludes that of the AeroActive fan.
© Robin Sabbadini for Presse-citron
The 50MP main camera module, combined with a 13MP ultra-wide angle and a 32MP 3x telephoto lens, delivers shots that lack both sharpness and punch. The colors lack vibrancy and between gaming and photography, you will have to make a choice here. The improved stabilization nevertheless brings real added value in video. The night mode improves compared to the previous generation, but remains behind compared to the best camera phones on the market. The photo application nevertheless offers a palette full of creative modes and an intuitive interface that will satisfy the majority of users.
© Robin Sabbadini for Presse-citron
© Robin Sabbadini for Presse-citron
© Robin Sabbadini for Presse-citron
© Robin Sabbadini for Presse-citron
© Robin Sabbadini for Presse-citron
The version of Android 15 customized by Asus offers a fluid and customizable interface. The Armory Crate efficiently centralizes game management and gaming settings. New features in this release include onboard AI features like real-time call translation and semantic search in photos.
However, the promise of only two years of Android updates is disappointing, especially compared to the seven years offered by Samsung. The five years of security updates are reassuring, but limit the software longevity of the smartphone. This restrictive update policy is probably the biggest weak point of the ROG Phone 9 Pro.
The ROG Phone 9 Pro sets new standards in the world of gaming smartphones. Its record battery life, exceptional performance and innovative features justify its premium positioning. The sobriety of its design and its versatile capabilities even make it a credible competitor to traditional flagships.
Despite some limitations in photography and restrictive software support, it stands out as an essential reference for demanding gamers. At €1,099 for the standard version and €1,299 for the Pro edition, it offers the best in terms of mobile gaming experience.
Future smartphones equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite will have to redouble their efforts to dethrone this new king of mobile gaming. In the meantime, the ROG Phone 9 Pro reigns supreme in its segment, offering an uncompromising mobile gaming experience that fully justifies its benchmark status.
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