Asus set to launch a record-breaking new phone this month

Asus has officially confirmed the launch of its ROG Phone 9 series will take place on 19 November 2024, and it promises to bring a host of groundbreaking features, including a notable change to the display.

The ROG Phone 9 series, including the standard ROG Phone 9 (shown above) and ROG Phone 9 Pro, will be powered by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. This cutting-edge processor is anticipated to push performance to new heights, which is ideal for the gaming and high-performance needs of the ROG series.

According to leaker Digital Chat Station on Weibo, Asus is pairing the Snapdragon 8 Elite with the best heat dissipation technology available at the moment, ensuring optimal performance without the risk of overheating.

Looking at the leaked renders of the ROG Phone 9 Pro (via 91mobiles), Asus has opted for a flat-screen design, likely to reduce accidental touches while gaming, and the screen will include a centred punch-hole for the selfie camera.

Overall, the ROG Phone 9 Pro retains the signature gamer aesthetic of previous ROG phones, featuring a metal build with flat frames and a striking back panel.

The offset pentagon-shaped camera island houses a triple-camera setup, while the signature ‘Republic of Gamers’ branding and LED lights add to the phone’s bold look.

The right side includes Asus’ pressure-sensitive AirTriggers, which gamers can map for additional control options in compatible games.

Perhaps the most attention-grabbing detail about this phone, however, is its LTPO OLED display, which will supposedly feature a 185 Hz refresh rate (via GSMArena).

This is set to be the highest refresh rate ever seen on a globally available phone and would mean ultra-smooth visuals and a more responsive experience for gamers and power users. However, very few games are likely to support it, at least initially.

The phone will also apparently come with an IP68 rating (via GSMArena), offering resistance to dust and water, which is an upgrade for the durability-conscious.

This makes it one of the more rugged options in the gaming phone segment, enhancing its appeal to users who expect both power and protection.

In line with industry trends, Asus is teasing new AI capabilities with its ‘AI on, game on’ tagline. While details are still under wraps, it’s likely these features will support gaming enhancements, adaptive settings, and possibly even new ways to optimise battery performance and cooling.

In leaked images, the ROG Phone 9 Pro is shown equipped with the AeroActive Cooler X, though it’s not clear if this is an updated model or the same version that’s already available.

We don’t have long to wait to find out, with the official launch taking place on 19 November.

As the countdown to that day continues, be sure to check out what our Mobile Editor thinks of the ROG Phone 9 after his first hands-on impressions. You can also see our roundup of the best gaming phones to know what the ROG Phone 9 series will be up against.