ASUS ROG Phone 9 Series Rumor Roundup: Check Expected Price, Release Date, Specifications, Design, More

As we inch closer to the ASUS ROG Phone 9 series launch on November 19, there's a growing buzz around what this latest addition to ASUS's gaming smartphone lineup will bring. With rumors swirling about some interesting upgrades, here's a look at what we can expect based on recent leaks and speculations.

ASUS ROG Phone 9 Launch Timeline

The ASUS ROG Phone 9 series will officially launch on November 19, 2024, with a global live stream on the company's YouTube channel. Scheduled for 4:30 pm IST, this event will showcase the highly anticipated devices.

With its global release, the ROG Phone 9 series will be among the first smartphones outside China to feature the new Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. We have embedded the livestream below:

ASUS ROG Phone 9 Design, Build

ASUS has shared some early images of the ROG Phone 9, showing off a sleek black design that continues the rugged, performance-first aesthetic ROG fans know well. The IP68 water and dust resistance rating that's expected for this device should offer extra durability, a handy feature for anyone using their phone on the go. The Pro model is expected to include the AeroActive Cooler X Pro in the box, an accessory designed to keep the device cool during intense gaming sessions.

From what we can see, ASUS has stayed true to the ergonomic build and sturdy feel that the ROG lineup is known for, which should help with those extended gaming sessions.

ASUS ROG Phone 9 Series Specifications

Display and Refresh Rate

One of the most exciting leaks so far is about the ROG Phone 9's display, which is rumored to have a high refresh rate of 185 Hz (thanks to the leak from Digital Chat Station). This marks a step up from the 165 Hz on the ROG Phone 8, so visuals should look even smoother this time around. ASUS is expected to stick with LTPO (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) technology, which dynamically adjusts the refresh rate to help save battery life during everyday tasks. For gamers, though, the full 185 Hz should come alive in ASUS's Game Genie mode, bringing some serious visual fluidity to gaming sessions.

Performance

The ROG Phone 9 series will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, Qualcomm's latest flagship processor, tailored for gaming performance and efficiency. The standard ROG Phone 9 could offer up to 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM and 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage, while the Pro variant could go further, with up to 24GB of RAM and a whopping 1TB of storage.

Both models will run on Android 15-based ROG UI, which features ASUS's Game Genie software to enhance the mobile gaming experience with tools like real-time performance monitoring and customizable settings.

Camera System

On the camera front, the ROG Phone 9 series features a triple-lens setup, including a 50MP Sony LYT-700 primary sensor with Gimbal OIS, a 13MP ultra-wide lens with a 120° field of view, and a 5MP macro camera. The Pro version adds a 32MP telephoto lens for improved zoom capabilities. Both models come with a 32MP front camera, making them well-equipped for selfies and video calls.

Memory and Storage

ASUS has been generous with storage options in the ROG series, and the ROG Phone 9 series is expected to offer up to 24 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage. This would be a top-tier configuration, giving plenty of space for game downloads, videos, and large media files, while ensuring smooth multitasking even with several high-demand apps open.

Now, ahead of the November 19 launch, a Geekbench ML listing reveals that the ASUS ROG Phone 9 series will feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor with an Oryon CPU and enhanced Adreno GPU, delivering powerful gaming performance. The device, model ASUSAI2501E, will support up to 24GB of RAM and launch with Android 15, scoring 1,812 on the Core ML Neural Engine test for AI capabilities.

Battery and Charging

Rumor has it the ROG Phone 9 series will get a slight battery bump to 5,800mAh, with the same 65 W fast charging as its predecessor. A battery of this size is perfect for long hours of gaming or streaming, and the fast-charging capability means minimal downtime between sessions. The larger battery capacity paired with LTPO's adaptive refresh rate tech could make for a nicely balanced battery life.

Audio and Other Features

The audio experience on the ROG Phone 9 series will include dual stereo speakers with Spatial Sound, Hi-Res Audio certification, and Dirac Virtuo technology, delivering an immersive audio environment for games and media. The ROG Phone 9 series will also introduce AI-powered gaming features, enhancing the overall gameplay with smart optimizations. Additional features include an in-display fingerprint sensor, Wi-Fi 7 support, and dual SIM capabilities.

ASUS ROG Phone 9 Expected Pricing

While ASUS has not officially confirmed the price, it's expected that the ROG Phone 9 series will carry a premium price point, given its high-end specifications and features. The ROG Phone 8 series started at $1,099.99 for the base model, with the Pro model priced at $1,199.99. With the inclusion of the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and increased storage options, the ROG Phone 9 series could see a slight price increase, potentially positioning the standard model around $1,150 and the Pro closer to $1,300.

Keep in mind that this is just speculation, and official pricing will be confirmed at launch.

Final Thoughts

With high refresh rates, an upgraded cooling system, and plenty of RAM and storage, the ASUS ROG Phone 9 series looks promising for both gamers and tech enthusiasts. The launch is right around the corner, and all eyes are on ASUS to see how these features play out in real-world performance. For now, it seems like the ROG Phone 9 is gearing up to bring a refined and robust gaming experience that could make it a top pick in the gaming smartphone category.