ROG Phone 9 Pro In-Depth Review: A Revolutionary Matrix Display Meets Flagship Specs

ROG Phone 9 Pro In-Depth Review: A Revolutionary Matrix Display Meets Flagship SpecsOn November 19th, the ROG Phone 9 Pro was officially released. Its innovative Matrix Display is undoubtedly the biggest highlight, bringing unprecedented enhancements to the gaming experience

ROG Phone 9 Pro In-Depth Review: A Revolutionary Matrix Display Meets Flagship Specs

On November 19th, the ROG Phone 9 Pro was officially released. Its innovative Matrix Display is undoubtedly the biggest highlight, bringing unprecedented enhancements to the gaming experience. This review will delve deep into the ROG Phone 9 Pro, examining everything from its packaging and appearance to its hardware specifications and gaming performance, showcasing the charm of this flagship gaming phone.

I. Packaging and Appearance: A Perfect Blend of Heritage and Innovation

The ROG Phone 9 Pro's packaging returns to a classic square design, with a black and red color scheme that emphasizes its gaming identity. The front of the box features a dot matrix texture print and the white ROG pixel logo, echoing the unique Matrix Display on the phone's back. The number "09" clearly indicates its status as the ninth-generation product.

As a flagship product, the ROG Phone Pro series has always been known for its rich accessories. The 9 Pro's packaging is divided into three layers: the top layer contains two black phone cases (one open-back soft case and one full-body hard case), a metal SIM ejector tool, a quick start guide, and a warranty card; the middle layer holds the phone itself; and the bottom layer houses a 65W USB-C fast charger, a dual USB-C nylon braided cable, the new AeroActive Cooler X Pro, and a carrying case for the cooler.

The ROG 9 Pro's design continues the straight back cover + straight frame + straight screen style of its predecessor. The back cover uses black AG glass with an ice crystal nano-texture process, resulting in a smooth, delicate feel that resists fingerprints. The edges of the phone feature a slightly rounded chamfer, improving grip. The official dimensions are 163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9mm, while actual measurements (including the factory-applied screen protector) show a thickness of 9.6mm. The weight is 227g, matching the official data.

II. Matrix Display: Ushering in a New Era of Gaming Visuals

The biggest innovation in the ROG Phone 9 Pro's design is the new Matrix Display. This matrix screen consists of 648 Mini LED lights, divided into two display areas: the upper half uses white LEDs, and the lower half uses red LEDs. Compared to the previous generation, it can display larger and richer patterns and content, and it now supports Chinese characters.

When the screen is on, the Matrix Display defaults to three standby animations: the ROG logo, the current time, and the remaining battery level. App notifications are also displayed as animations on the back screen. Furthermore, the ROG 9 Pro offers a wide variety of pre-set back screen animations for incoming calls, notifications, charging, games, music rhythm, photos, and videos. Users can also create custom animations or import external GIF images, greatly enhancing its playability.

Most impressively, the Matrix Display can be used in conjunction with the phone's side-mounted AirTriggers pressure-sensitive shoulder buttons for direct game control. Currently, the phone comes pre-installed with four retro pixel gamesa platformer, Snake, Air Combat, and Pinballdeveloped using the AnimePlay function. During gameplay, the upper half of the Matrix Display shows the game screen (white LEDs), while the lower half displays score and health information (red LEDs). Upon losing, a cutscene plays before the game restarts. Users control character movement, jumping, and turning using the AirTriggers, and each game has its own retro soundtrack. To prevent accidental touches and save battery power, the main screen's touch is automatically locked while playing back screen games.

III. Camera System and Other Features: Flagship Configuration Upgrades

The ROG Phone 9 Pro's camera module design is similar to its predecessor, but with added red and white decorative lines. The main camera is 50MP, with a flash below it; to the right are a 12MP ultrawide lens and a 32MP telephoto lens.

The AirTriggers on the right side of the phone, in addition to supporting game key mapping, haptic feedback, and back screen gaming, also have a new camera shutter function, allowing them to be used as a quick and convenient shutter button.

IV. Screen and Performance: Ensuring an Ultimate Experience

The ROG Phone 9 Pro features a 6.78-inch Samsung E6 AMOLED flexible straight screen with a 185Hz refresh rate, supporting LTPO adaptive refresh rate adjustment. It also offers low-brightness anti-flicker technology, 1600 nits of global brightness, and a peak brightness of 2500 nits, providing excellent visual effects. The screen features a symmetrical design with a centered punch-hole front camera and an under-display optical fingerprint sensor.

A USB-C port is located on the left side of the phone, convenient for charging or connecting the AeroActive Cooler when playing games in landscape mode. The bottom has an asymmetrical USB-C port and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

The new AeroActive Cooler X Pro features large white dual physical buttons, and the acrylic RGB backlighting now includes a large eye logo for richer lighting effects. The hidden retractable stand, USB-C port, and 3.5mm audio extension port at the bottom are retained. Connecting and powering the AeroActive Cooler X Pro activates X+ mode and the chilling cooling mode with fan + semiconductor dual cooling, ensuring stable performance under heavy loads.

The ROG Phone 9 Pro is powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, with up to 24GB of LPDDR5X 9600MHz RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage. Its 5800mAh battery and 65W fast charging provide powerful performance and long-lasting battery life.

V. AeroActive Cooler X Pro: A Cooling Solution Guaranteeing Performance

The AeroActive Cooler X Pro has been upgraded with large white dual physical buttons and acrylic RGB backlighting now incorporating a large eye logo for enhanced lighting effects. The hidden retractable stand, USB-C port, and 3.5mm audio extension port remain. Connecting and powering the AeroActive Cooler X Pro activates X+ mode and the chilling cooling mode using fan and semiconductor dual cooling, effectively ensuring stability and performance during intensive gaming.

VI. Conclusion: Redefining the Flagship Gaming Experience

The ROG Phone 9 Pro, with its unique innovative design, powerful hardware configuration, and exceptional gaming experience, once again sets a new benchmark for gaming phones. The addition of the Matrix Display not only enhances visual effects but also introduces a new way of gaming interaction. The flagship-level performance and robust cooling system ensure stable operation even under prolonged heavy use. In short, the ROG Phone 9 Pro is a flagship product worth anticipating for gamers. IT House will provide a more detailed review later, so stay tuned.