Asus ROG Phone 9 and 9 Pro are the first phones with this killer feature

Asus has unveiled its latest flagship gaming phones, the ROG Phone 9 and ROG Phone 9 Pro.

Although our Mobile Editor has already gone hands-on with the regular ROG Phone 9 before, today’s launch included the new Pro and Pro Edition models too.

Among its numerous impressive specs, one feature stands out as a world first: a staggering 185Hz refresh rate – that’s the highest you’ll find on any phone.

The ROG Phone 9 series introduces a 6.78-inch LTPO Samsung E6 flexible AMOLED display capable of dynamically adjusting between refresh rates, ranging from 1Hz all the way to an unprecedented 185Hz.

While this ultra-high refresh rate is exclusive to Game Genie, Asus’ gaming mode module, it’s expected to offer the smoothest, most immersive gaming experience available on any gaming phone.

Additionally, the ROG Phone 9 sports an innovative Anime Vision Mini-LED display with 85 dots, while the ROG Phone 9 Pro boasts an impressive 648-dot array on its back. The latter extends functionality beyond displaying simple messages, offering useful status indicators and even the ability to play games.

Elsewhere, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 is there for added durability, making the display both powerful and durable. The phones are also IP68-rated, meaning they can withstand water and dust for added durability.

At the core of both devices is the Snapdragon 8 Elite, Qualcomm’s new top-of-the-line chipset, which will supposedly take performance to the next level. Complementing this is up to 24GB of RAM and 1TB of internal storage (in the Pro Edition), ensuring ample room for multitasking and storage.

Thermal management seems equally impressive, with the GameCool 9 Cooling System utilising a 5-section structure and an advanced 360° Cooling System Gen 4, complete with a rapid-cooling conductor and enlarged graphite sheet.

With a 5800mAh battery, the ROG Phone 9 and 9 Pro promise extended usage times without compromise. They also support 65W HyperCharge wired charging and 15W wireless charging.

The ROG Phone 9 Pro also steps up the game in photography with a 50Mp Sony Lytia700 main camera featuring a 6-axis Hybrid Gimbal Stabiliser 4.0 for enhanced stability.

Its 32Mp telephoto lens with HyperClarity technology and 13Mp ultrawide camera with a free-form lens provide versatility. The front-facing 32Mp RGBW sensor adds a 90° field of view, perfect for wide-angle selfies or vlogging.

When it comes to the standard ROG Phone 9, the only difference is a 5Mp macro lens swapped with the 32Mp telephoto.

It’s hard to deny that the ROG Phone 9 and ROG Phone 9 Pro are historic phones.

Their 185Hz refresh rate doesn’t seem as just a spec – it’s a feature that will very likely set a new standard in the mobile gaming market.

However, neither phone comes cheap. The standard ROG Phone 9 starts at £949.99/$999.99, while you’ll pay at least £1,099.99/$1,199 for the ROG Phone 9 Pro.

Both handsets are available to pre-order in the UK from Asus and via Amazon, Currys and Scan, ahead of release on 1 January. However, availability details for the US won’t be revealed until January.