Asus, a stalwart in the tech industry, is gearing up to shake the gaming phone market with the ROG Phone 9 FE. This new offering is positioned as a more budget-friendly alternative to its premium ROG Phone 9 series, designed to rival the likes of Nubia’s Redmagic lineup known for its high-performance gaming phones at competitive price points.
Even though Asus is yet to make an official announcement, leaks have surfaced, revealing key details about the ROG Phone 9 FE. Anticipated to hit the market in 2025, this device is expected to pack a punch with features that cater to mobile gamers on a budget.
According to leaks from 91mobiles, the ROG Phone 9 FE is said to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, coupled with 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB of UFS 4.0 storage. Such robust specifications promise a potent gaming experience without breaking the bank.
The device is rumored to sport a 6.78-inch Full HD+ LTPO AMOLED display with a 165Hz refresh rate, which can boost to 185Hz in Game Genie mode. Additionally, AirTrigger controls are expected to enhance gameplay further, providing gamers with a competitive edge.
In terms of imaging capabilities, the ROG Phone 9 FE is speculated to feature a 50MP Sony IMX890 primary sensor with OIS, a 13MP ultrawide lens, a 5MP macro camera, and a 32MP selfie shooter. Moreover, a hefty 5,500mAh battery with 65W fast charging and wireless charging support is rumored to keep the device powered up for extended gaming sessions.
Design-wise, the ROG Phone 9 FE seems to mirror its flagship counterparts, the ROG Phone 9 Pro and ROG Phone 9, boasting a Phantom Black variant and an IP68 rating for durability. Other features reportedly include dual stereo speakers, Hi-Res Audio, a 3.5mm headphone jack, Wi-Fi 7, and an in-display fingerprint sensor.
Asus’ strategic move to introduce an affordable gaming phone like the ROG Phone 9 FE aligns with the growing demand for high-performance devices at accessible price points. While the exact pricing remains unknown, comparisons to the Redmagic 10 Pro’s starting price of £579/$649 suggest a competitive price range for the ROG Phone 9 FE.
The real test lies in whether Asus can challenge Redmagic’s stronghold in the affordable gaming phone segment. If Asus can price the ROG Phone 9 FE competitively, it has the potential to revolutionize the mobile gaming landscape, offering top-tier performance to gamers worldwide without burning a hole in their pockets.