ASUS ROG Phone 9 FE review: Gaming powerhouse at a competitive price

ASUS recently launched the ROG Phone 9 Series in the Philippines, featuring three new models: the ROG Phone 9 Pro, ROG Phone 9 Pro Edition, and ROG Phone 9 FE.While much of the attention is focused on the Snapdragon 8 Elite-equipped Pro models, we’re here to take a look at the equally powerful FE device, which boasts premium gaming features and a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset at a lower price tag.We put the phone to the test to see if it’s worth your money, and here are our findings.

Design and DisplayThe ROG Phone 9 FE shares the same design philosophy as the Phone 9 Pro models. It features a sleek build and subtle gaming aesthetics, a welcome change compared to the overly aggressive styling of other gaming phones.The handset comes in a single color, Phantom Black, which might not appeal to those tired of dark hues.



However, it maintains a stylish look while preserving some gaming design elements. Meanwhile, its smooth curves and solid construction make it feel premium in the hand.The back panel sports a soft-touch finish, giving it a smooth, comfortable feel.

It has a square camera module that houses three lenses alongside an LED flash. You also get nuanced ROG styling throughout the device.One standout feature is AniMe Vision, programmable mini-LEDs that dynamically display status updates and notifications.

It is customizable, allowing for different icons and animations. This feature I found to be very useful, as it provides information when the handset is face down on a table. However, unlike the Pro models, this version does not have the mini-games.

At the bottom of the device, the USB-C port sits near the corner, accompanied by a SIM tray, speaker, and the headphone jack — a welcome addition for audiophiles and gamers alike. The earpiece also doubles as a second speaker.There’s another USB-C port on the left side.

This allows for convenient charging in landscape mode and keeping the cable out of the way during gaming sessions. The right side houses the volume and power buttons alongside the L/R AirTriggers with the ROG logo on it.Display QualityThe ROG Phone 9 FE features a 6.

78-inch FHD+ LTPO AMOLED display with an adaptive refresh rate of 1-120Hz (with an option to push it to 165Hz in system settings), and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection.The screen delivers vibrant colors and deep blacks, enhancing the gaming and streaming experience. With a peak brightness of 2500 nits, outdoor visibility is strong, even in direct sunlight.

However, at times, I feel the brightness is not enough. But this can be boosted by enabling “Extra Brightness” in the display settings.Case and HandlingBundled with the handset is a black translucent plastic case with ROG styling.

It offers protection while allowing the AniMe Vision LED notifications to shine through. Additionally, the case features a notch over the bottom speaker, which directs audio forward to enhance sound quality during gaming and content consumption.While functional, the case’s smooth finish makes the phone slippery.

I found myself accidentally dropping it a couple of times. Grip-conscious users may want to consider an alternative case.Flagship PerformanceAs expected, the ROG Phone 9 FE delivers powerful performance, befitting a true gaming smartphone.

Under the hood, it packs a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor — one of the most capable chipsets available today.Our test unit came with 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB of UFS 4.1 storage.

While I would have preferred more storage given the size of modern games, 256GB is enough for my needs at least.The phone runs on ROG UI, based on Android 15. The OS is clean, responsive, and free from the usual bloatware.

Meanwhile, the handset feels incredibly fast and buttery smooth, with no noticeable lag. During our testing, we experienced no issues.The device includes X Mode, which offers performance-enhancing features designed for gaming, providing system information such as CPU and GPU speeds, and real-time temperature monitoring.

As for the benchmarks, the results speak for themselves. On AnTuTu, the handset scored an impressive 2,099,922, while Geekbench 6 recorded 2,203 in the Single-Core Test and 6,861 in the Multi-Core Test. The 3DMark Wildlife score was also maxed out.

Take note that the benchmarks were recorded with X Mode, which is activated by default.The device’s AirTriggers function as additional buttons, similar to controllers. While they are highly responsive, their placements near the corners may not be ideal for those with bigger hands, as it can force fingers into a slightly uncomfortable position during extended use.

Overall, the ROG Phone 9 FE delivers flagship-level performance across the board. In daily use, it feels incredibly smooth and snappy, and when it comes to gaming, it’s a beast, easily handling demanding titles. The speakers deliver excellent audio quality as well.

However, I wish the in-display fingerprint scanner were more responsive. I feel that it doesn’t quite match the reliability of modern sensors. Additionally, the device tends to heat up during extended gaming sessions, particularly when X Mode is activated.

Cameras for Everyday UseThe ROG Phone 9 FE features a triple camera system, headlined by a 50MP Sony IMX890 main sensor, a 13MP ultra-wide lens, and a 5MP macro lens. Up front, a 32MP shooter with an RGBW sensor sits in a hole-punch cutout.The main camera features 2x lossless zoom, while the ultra-wide and macro lenses give you more shooting options.

The camera app is clean and intuitive, offering a variety of shooting modes for different scenarios.As for image quality, the camera delivers good detail and vibrant colors, with a respectable dynamic range. Selfies are above average, displaying natural skin tones and accurate colors.

That said, it falls short compared to competitors in the same price range. It lacks the vibrancy and punchiness found in competing devices within the same segment. Low-light and night mode shots appear average, lacking the clarity and detail compared to premium competitors.

Still, it’s more than capable for everyday use.Sample PhotosIndoor / Low Light / Night Mode PhotosBattery Life and ChargingThe ROG Phone 9 FE is equipped with a massive 5,500mAh battery, supporting 65W wired fast charging. It supports Quick Charge 5.

0, PD Charging, and Qi 1.3 wireless charging.The handset easily lasts a full day on a single charge.

In the PC Mark Work 3.0 Battery Life test, it got an impressive 14 hours and 16 minutes. In terms of charging speed, the device goes from 20% to 100% in under 50 minutes.

The PC Mark test was conducted with the battery at 80%, brightness set to 80%, volume muted, and airplane mode enabled.Final RemarksDespite its flaws, the ROG Phone 9 FE delivers exceptional value at ₱44,995, offering outstanding performance in both gaming and daily use.Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, one of the most powerful chipsets available, it easily handles any game or app.

Additionally, its AMOLED display is smooth and sharp, ensuring a visually immersive experience. The speakers offer superb sound quality as well.Overall, we highly recommend the ROG Phone 9 FE for those looking for a premium gaming phone at a reasonable price.

It stands out as a better option to its pricier siblings, the ROG Phone 9 Pro and 9 Pro Edition, offering similar gaming features while delivering nearly the same powerhouse performance. For gamers and power users alike, it’s a standout option that balances value and capability.Price and AvailabilityThe ROG Phone 9 FE is now available for ₱44,995 in ASUS, ROG, and Multibrand Stores across the Philippines.

It comes with a one-year local warranty.Also available is the Snapdragon 8 Elite-powered ROG Phone 9 Pro for ₱62,995 and ROG Phone 9 Pro Edition for ₱76,995.The devices are also available through Home Credit’s 12-month 0% interest installment plan at supported branches.

ROG Phone 9 FE specsDisplay: 6.78-inch FHD+ LTPO AMOLED display, 2400×1080, 1-120Hz refresh rate, up to 165Hz in system settings, 185Hz in Game Genie, 2500 nits, Gorilla Glass Victus 2Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3RAM/Storage: 12GB+256GB, LPDDR5X, UFS 4.0Rear Camera:50MP main, OIS, Sony IMX89013MP ultra-wide, 120-degrees FOV5MP macroFront Camera: 32MPNetwork: 5G, 4G LTEOthers: In-display fingerprint sensor, face unlock, USB-C, stereo speakers, VC cooling, IP68 dust and water resistance, AirTriggers, 3.

5 mm headphone jackConnectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, GPS, NFCOS: ROG UI, Android 15Colors: Phantom BlackBattery: 5500mAh battery, 65W wired fast chargingQuick Charge 5.0, PD Charging, Qi 1.

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