ASUS has once again demonstrated its dominance in the mobile gaming arena with the ROG Phone 9 FE. Aimed at gamers who crave high-end performance without paying a premium, the ROG Phone 9 FE takes the best elements of the flagship ROG Phone series and offers them at a more accessible price point. Despite the “FE” moniker—typically reserved for devices that come with certain compromises—this phone delivers exceptional performance, cutting-edge features, and a design that caters specifically to gamers.
A Refined Gamer Aesthetic
The ROG Phone 9 FE retains the sleek and refined design introduced in the ROG Phone 8 series, while still making bold moves to highlight its gaming roots. Its matte glass back maintains a minimalist and premium feel, but subtle accents such as distinct lines and the large “09” logo give it a distinct, gaming-focused look. While it’s clear this phone is built for gamers, it doesn’t sacrifice durability—boasting an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. Whether you’re using it in a rainstorm or taking it on an outdoor adventure, the ROG Phone 9 FE is designed to withstand the elements, ensuring peace of mind no matter where you take it.
185Hz of Smooth, Glorious Frames
A standout feature of the ROG Phone 9 FE is its display. This device comes equipped with a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED screen, which supports a blazing-fast 185Hz maximum refresh rate. The adaptive refresh rate ranges from 1Hz to 120Hz, optimizing battery life when gaming intensity isn’t required. Whether you’re racing through a high-speed game or watching vibrant content, this display delivers vivid colors, stunning contrast, and incredible fluidity. The 720Hz touch sampling rate takes this display a step further by ensuring instant and responsive touch inputs—perfect for gamers who need the fastest response time.
Flagship-Level Performance
Under the hood, the ROG Phone 9 FE is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, which, while not the latest chip on the market, is still a powerhouse. The phone’s performance, however, isn’t compromised in any way thanks to ASUS’s GameCool cooling system, which ensures that the device performs at its best without throttling—even during intense gaming sessions. Whether you’re playing the most demanding mobile titles like Zenless Zone Zero or navigating complex battlefields, the ROG Phone 9 FE maintains a steady 60 FPS with minimal frame drops, ensuring a seamless gaming experience.
Enhanced AI Gaming Features
For mobile gamers, every edge counts, and the ROG Phone 9 FE comes packed with AI-driven features to elevate your gameplay. The device includes ASUS X Sense 3.0 technology, which introduces AI-enhanced features for MOBA titles like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang. The phone can auto-upgrade your skills, notify you of buffs, and even let you record your gacha moments. These intelligent additions not only improve in-game performance but also enhance the overall gaming experience, giving you more tools to succeed in your favorite mobile games.
Long-Lasting Battery Life
One of the biggest concerns for mobile gamers is battery life, and the ROG Phone 9 FE offers an impressive 5500mAh battery that ensures hours of uninterrupted gaming. When it’s time to recharge, the 65W fast charging feature delivers a rapid power boost, so you can get back to gaming without long interruptions. Additionally, the device supports Qi wireless charging for those who prefer a cable-free experience. In our testing, the ROG Phone 9 FE easily lasted over two days with regular use, and it never ran out of juice during extended gaming sessions—providing enough power for even the most intense mobile gaming marathons.
A Capable Camera Setup for Gamers
While the ROG Phone 9 FE is first and foremost a gaming phone, it doesn’t neglect photography. It boasts a solid camera setup that includes a 50MP main sensor, a 13MP ultrawide lens, and a 5MP macro sensor. The 32MP front-facing camera is excellent for selfies and streaming, ensuring you look your best in front of the camera. While image processing might not rival that of dedicated flagship phones, the ROG Phone 9 FE offers one of the most capable camera systems we’ve seen in a gaming phone to date, making it a versatile option for content creators and streamers alike.
Unbeatable Value for Mobile Gamers
The ASUS ROG Phone 9 FE has all the hallmarks of a flagship gaming device, offering stellar performance, a fantastic display, long-lasting battery life, and a design built with gamers in mind—all at a price point of just RM2,999 (you may get it for just RM 2,699 after eWallet rebate). It’s a great value for anyone looking for a top-tier mobile gaming experience without breaking the bank. While it shares the same name as the flagship ROG Phone 9, the ROG Phone 9 FE manages to carve out its own identity by offering high-end specs and features at a much more affordable price. For gamers who want premium performance without paying a premium price, the ROG Phone 9 FE stands out as a top choice in the mobile gaming market.