What is the ROG Phone 10? Who is this next-generation gaming smartphone for?

According to leaked information, ASUS is reportedly developing the "ROG Phone 10 series" as its next-generation gaming smartphone. While no official announcement has been made yet, several international media outlets have reported that "the series will continue and is expected to feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5."

First, it's important to understand that the "ROG Phone 10" is not a typical flagship smartphone, but rather a "smartphone close to a mobile gaming console" specializing in gaming experience. Key features of the series include:

• High-performance SoC and large capacity memory

• High refresh rate display of 165Hz or more

• Design for long play sessions, including cooling systems and external fan support

• Mechanisms to enhance operability, such as physical shoulder triggers and a game-specific UI

The ROG Phone 9 series garnered attention with its high-end PC-level specs, including the Snapdragon 8 Elite, up to 24GB of memory, and 1TB of storage.
The ROG Phone 10 is expected to be a model that further enhances this approach, while also refining its cooling and AI features.

Features and the Evolution of ROG Phone up to ROG Phone 9

From the very first model, the ROG Phone series has consistently focused on a design optimized for "ease of gaming." To briefly summarize the main evolution up to the ROG Phone 9 series, it includes the following points:

• Adoption of the latest generation Snapdragon flagship SoC

• Large 6.7-inch class OLED display + high refresh rate (144-185Hz)

• Large capacity battery (5500-5800mAh class) + fast charging

• Second USB-C port, shoulder triggers, game-specific tools (such as Armoury Crate)

The ROG Phone 9, announced in November 2024, is positioned as the "8th generation" ROG Phone, featuring the Snapdragon 8 Elite, up to 24GB of memory, and a 185Hz display.

On the other hand, the 9 series was also pointed out to feel like a "minor change" from the 8 series, and many voices called for "a bigger leap in the 10." Against this backdrop, the ROG Phone 10 is expected to bring the following advancements:

• Significant performance and AI processing enhancement with the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5

• Review of cooling mechanisms to improve heat dissipation and sustained performance

• Expansion of high frame rate compatible titles and enhanced ray tracing support

Understanding the context of the series makes it easier to see "what changes in the ROG Phone 10 would be welcome" and to make purchasing decisions.

Expected Concept and Target Audience for ROG Phone 10

According to leaks, the ROG Phone 10 series is expected to further advance the concept of "desktop-level gaming experience on a smartphone." By combining the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 with enhanced cooling, ray tracing, and AI-powered features, its position as a "portable gaming machine" encompassing not only mobile games but also cloud gaming and emulation applications is likely to strengthen.

The main target users are expected to be:

• Those who want to play Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, PUBG MOBILE, CoD Mobile, etc., at high frame rates

• Those who seek console-like quality both at home and on the go

• Those considering a two-device setup: a daily driver smartphone + a dedicated gaming device

• Those who prefer a gaming gear aesthetic, including design and RGB lighting

On the other hand, for those who "prioritize camera above all" or "prefer thin and light devices," it might be a bit overkill. It's best to think of the ROG Phone 10 as a "specialized flagship for those who prioritize gaming above all else."

ROG Phone 10 Specs Prediction: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and Cooling/AI Features

While the official specs for the ROG Phone 10 have not yet been announced, multiple leaks suggest a direction that includes "Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5," "continued high refresh rate display," and "enhanced cooling and AI features."

Here, we will organize "what is likely to change significantly," based on the trend from the ROG Phone 9 and the leaked information.

SoC, Memory, and Storage Predictions

The ROG Phone 9 featured a configuration almost on par with a PC, with the Snapdragon 8 Elite, up to 24GB of memory, and up to 1TB of storage.
For the ROG Phone 10, multiple media outlets report that this will be replaced by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.

The anticipated key points are as follows:

• Not just CPU performance improvement, but also enhanced AI processing performance

• GPU optimized for hardware ray tracing

• Improved performance per watt (making it easier to suppress heat at the same frame rate)

The memory and storage configuration is expected to be similar to the 9 series, or with minor enhancements.

• Memory: LPDDR5X in 12GB/16GB/24GB class

• Storage: 256GB/512GB/1TB UFS 4.0

Since the 9 series already had a "more than sufficient" configuration, for the 10, tuning directly impacting the user experience, such as AI frame interpolation and temperature control, will likely be more important than "simply increasing numbers."

Rumors about Cooling System and High Refresh Rate Display

Leaks have repeatedly mentioned the enhanced cooling system for the ROG Phone 10 series.

Possible directions include:

• Improved large vapor chamber + graphite sheets

• Improved performance of external coolers (AeroActive Cooler-like accessories)

• Optimized fan control and clock control based on SoC heat generation

Regarding the display, since the ROG Phone 9 Pro features a 185Hz AMOLED display, the 10 series is also highly likely to maintain a high refresh rate of 165-185Hz class.

To leverage high-fps gameplay, "SoC performance," "cooling," and a "high refresh rate panel" must function in unison. The ROG Phone 10 is expected to evolve by improving these three aspects in a balanced way, thereby reducing frame rate drops even during extended play sessions.

Battery, Charging, and Camera Performance Predictions: What about everyday use beyond gaming?

Battery and charging performance are extremely important when choosing a gaming smartphone. The ROG Phone 10 is also highly likely to feature a large-capacity battery equivalent to or exceeding that of the ROG Phone 9. The 9 series had a 5800mAh class battery and fast charging, making it a very robust configuration for gaming.

Additionally, while some people have the impression that "gaming smartphones have weak cameras," camera performance has steadily improved in recent years. The ROG Phone 10 is also expected to continue with a multi-camera configuration that is sufficient for everyday use.

Battery and Charging for Extended Play

While there's no definitive information yet on the ROG Phone 10's battery capacity, some predictions suggest it will be around 6000mAh.
It's also entirely possible that it will see a slight increase from the ROG Phone 9's 5800mAh, or maintain the same capacity while improving charging efficiency and temperature management.

Key points to note for gaming use include:

• Control to suppress heat generation even during high-power charging

• A mode that "minimizes battery degradation even when charging during gaming"

• Charging style that leverages the side USB-C port to avoid "the cable getting in the way of your hand"

Indeed, the ROG Phone series has consistently featured a second USB-C port to prevent cable interference when held horizontally.
The ROG Phone 10 is expected to continue this approach while offering improved battery control for longer lifespan.

Total Experience: Camera, Speakers, etc.

Even for a gaming smartphone, overall usability, including the "camera," "speakers," "microphone," and "vibration," is important for daily use. The ROG Phone 10 is expected to take the following directions:

• Triple camera configuration with wide-angle + ultrawide-angle + telephoto

• Immersive audio experience with stereo front speakers

• High-precision haptics (vibration) tuned for gaming

Compared to high-end camera-focused models (like top-tier Pixel or Galaxy models), it may not be for users who prioritize photography, but a balanced approach where "it's sufficient for daily use + extremely convenient for gaming" is a realistic direction.

For those considering carrying two devices—a dedicated gaming device and a daily-use smartphone—the ROG Phone 10 can be either a dedicated "game-focused device" or an option that aims for both "decent camera and top-tier gaming."

Release Date & Price Range Predictions, and Differences from ROG Phone 9

The specific release date and price of the ROG Phone 10 have not yet been officially announced as of the current time (November 2025). However, given that the ROG Phone 9 series was announced on November 19, 2024, a refresh at a yearly pace was expected.

However, in 2025, there were few official teasers regarding the ROG Phone, leading to speculation that the series might be discontinued. Nevertheless, multiple recent leaks have reported that "the ROG Phone 10 series is under development and will feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5."

Understanding the 10 Series from the ROG Phone 9 Release Cycle

To briefly organize the release cycle and price range for the ROG Phone 9, it is as follows:

The ROG Phone 10 series, if it follows the usual annual pattern, is likely to be released within a few months after the new generation Snapdragon chip is unveiled. However, this information is still at the leak level, and we need to wait for an official announcement from ASUS for the confirmed release period.

What is Expected to Evolve and What to Remain the Same

The ROG Phone 10 is likely to focus on enhancing aspects that directly impact the user experience compared to the ROG Phone 9. Specifically, the image is as follows:

• Points likely to change significantly

  • SoC: Snapdragon 8 Elite → Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5

  • AI features: In-game frame interpolation, image quality tuning, automatic settings optimization

  • Cooling: Enhanced vapor chamber and external cooler for improved sustained performance

• Points likely to remain unchanged or with minor adjustments

  • Display resolution: Continue with FHD+ class AMOLED while making minor adjustments to color and brightness

  • Battery capacity: Maintain around 5800mAh and extend effective battery life through control optimization

  • Storage and memory configuration: High likelihood of continuing with up to 1TB/24GB class

Overall, the ROG Phone 10 is likely to be a model that "makes a difference not so much in raw specs, but in the stability during long gaming sessions and the intelligence of AI features." Rather than a drastic change like switching from a water-cooled to an air-cooled PC, it's better to imagine it as "a more refined and complete version of the 9 series."

Should I wait for the ROG Phone 10? Or buy a used gaming smartphone now?

This is probably the most pressing question for many people.
"Should I wait until information on the ROG Phone 10 is complete?" or "Should I buy a used ROG Phone 9 or another gaming smartphone that's already out?"

In conclusion, "hardcore gamers who want to play demanding 3D games at max settings have a strong reason to wait for the ROG Phone 10." On the other hand, "those who prioritize cost-effectiveness and want a high-performance gaming device would benefit more from buying a used high-end device now."

Who Should Wait and Who Should Buy Now

To organize this clearly, let's consider a simple matrix.

The longer you wait for a new model, the higher the price and the more uncertain the information remains. On the other hand, choosing a used device offers the advantage of "performance already verified" and "market prices being more visible."

In particular, used Android high-end or gaming smartphones, even one or two generations old, are often sufficiently high-performing, allowing comfortable play of titles like Genshin Impact and FPS games.

PRODIG handles used Android smartphones across various manufacturers, so you can search by "focusing on ROG Phone while also comparing with other manufacturers."

Check out PRODIG's list of used Androids here:
https://prodig-shop.com/collections/android

Recommended Zones and How to Choose by Budget

It's also a good idea to work backward from your budget to decide whether to consider the "ROG Phone 10" or opt for a "used high-end device."

• 30,000-40,000 yen range:

  • Target used high-end Androids from 1-2 generations ago or mid-to-high-end devices

  • Many games run comfortably even with Snapdragon 855-888 class processors

• 40,000-50,000 yen range:

  • Used models with still-active high-end chips come into view

  • Suitable for those who want a good balance of gaming, camera, and everyday use

• 50,000 yen and above:

  • Includes "almost latest generation" used high-end devices, including the ROG Phone 9 class

  • While the price of the ROG Phone 10 is unknown, used devices in this zone are the best value for money

For example, if you're looking for something around 40,000-50,000 yen, checking out price-range specific collections like the following will make it easier to get a sense of what's available.

PRODIG's list of used smartphones in the 40,000-50,000 yen range can be found here:
https://prodig-shop.com/collections/40000-50000

PRODIG's list of used smartphones for 50,000 yen and above can be found here:
https://prodig-shop.com/collections/50000

Whether to "wait for the ROG Phone 10" or not depends on how strong your preference is for the latest generation and how graphically demanding the games you want to play right now are.

Checkpoints for Choosing a Used Gaming Smartphone and PRODIG's Strengths

Whether you wait for the ROG Phone 10 or not, having the "ability to choose a used gaming smartphone" is beneficial. Here, we'll organize the minimum points to check when selecting a used ROG Phone series or high-end Android device.

How to interpret condition rank, battery, and warranty

When purchasing a used smartphone, many people are concerned about "exterior scratches," "battery condition," and "warranty." PRODIG defines condition ranks as follows:

For gaming use, the **internal condition (battery, heat, cooling)** can often be more important than cosmetic scratches. Nevertheless, for long-term use, "A- to B-rank" devices tend to be a balanced choice.

PRODIG's online store clearly states the condition rank and warranty details for each product, and thorough explanations and operational checks are performed at their physical stores.

Also, the fact that they are sold with a warranty for peace of mind is a huge relief for those unfamiliar with used items.

Tips for confidently choosing a used Android at PRODIG

When choosing a used Android at PRODIG, following these steps will help you avoid mistakes:

1. Roughly decide your budget and intended use.

   • Example: I want to play Genshin Impact and FPS games comfortably at 60fps for 30,000-40,000 yen.

   • Example: I want a 50,000 yen range device that doesn't compromise on gaming or camera.

2. Check the SoC (chip) and RAM capacity.

   • For gaming, aim for Snapdragon 855-888 or equivalent chips.

   • RAM should be at least 6GB, preferably 8GB or more for peace of mind.

3. Check battery condition and warranty period.

   • Devices with replaced batteries or clearly stated battery levels offer greater peace of mind.

   • If within the warranty period, it's easier to get support in case of initial defects.

4. Carefully examine the condition rank and photos.

   • ROG Phone models are also appealing for their design, so if you're concerned about exterior scratches, check A-rank items first.

   • If you plan to use a case, B-rank items can often be very cost-effective.

Check out PRODIG's list of used Androids here:
https://prodig-shop.com/collections/android

At the Akihabara store, you can physically inspect and test devices, so it's a good idea to narrow down your choices online and then do a final check in-store.

How to Find Recommended Used Androids for Gaming

Since the ROG Phone 10 is still in the rumored stage, it's crucial to know how to secure "the best used gaming smartphone you can buy now." Here, we'll explain how to find used Androids for gaming in general, not just the ROG Phone series.

Filter by Spec Conditions (SoC, RAM, Storage, Cooling)

For gaming purposes, the most important factors are the SoC (chip) and RAM capacity. PRODIG's column also suggests a guideline such as "for Android, Snapdragon 855 or 765G or higher is a good benchmark."

A rough guide is as follows:

• SoC (Chip)

  • High-end: Snapdragon 8 series (888 / 8 Gen 1~3, etc.)

  • Semi-high-end: Snapdragon 7 series, higher-end Mediatek Dimensity

• RAM

  • Minimum: 6GB

  • For comfort: 8GB or more

• Storage

  • Minimum 64GB, preferably 128GB or more

  • 256GB for peace of mind if installing many games

Regarding cooling, models with dedicated cooling mechanisms like the ROG Phone are ideal, but even with general high-end Androids, you can play quite comfortably by using a thin case, avoiding long play sessions while charging, and so on.

How to search using PRODIG's collections (Android, price range, sales, Akihabara store)

At PRODIG, you can search for Android smartphones by "manufacturer," "price range," and other criteria.

For example, you can search in the following ways:

• First, search for candidates from all Androids.
  Check out PRODIG's list of used Androids here:
  https://prodig-shop.com/collections/android

• Prioritize budget and narrow down by price range.
  Example: List of used smartphones in the 40,000-50,000 yen range
  https://prodig-shop.com/collections/40000-50000

If you're looking for cost-effectiveness for a dedicated gaming device, the quickest way is to search for "high-end chip equipped devices" from the SALE collection or price range collections.

Furthermore, PRODIG's Akihabara store also offers in-store buying and selling, providing a reassuring option for those who want to "see the actual product before deciding" or "consult with staff."PRODIG Smartphone/Tablet Buyback+2PRODIG Smartphone/Tablet Buyback+2

PRODIG Buyback website is here:
https://prodig-kaitori.com/

※PRODIG Buyback currently supports in-store buyback at the Akihabara store. Please check official information for future updates regarding mail-in buyback or online appraisal.

Finally

The ROG Phone 10 is generating significant excitement as a "next-generation gaming smartphone" expected to feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and enhanced cooling and AI capabilities. However, at present, this information is based solely on leaks, and its release date, price, and final specifications are not yet confirmed.

Meanwhile, there are already many powerful gaming smartphones and high-end Androids available on the market, including the ROG Phone 9. In terms of "setting up a comfortable gaming environment right now," these used devices often offer significantly better value for money.

To recap the key points of this article:

• The ROG Phone 10 is a potential "cutting-edge" gaming smartphone expected to feature the latest generation SoC and enhanced cooling/AI functions.

• Serious e-sports players and those who demand "always the latest and best performance" will find it worthwhile to wait for the ROG Phone 10.

• Cost-conscious users and light gamers can play comfortably enough with high-end used devices from 1-2 generations ago.

• When choosing a used device, it's essential to check the condition rank, battery, warranty, SoC, and RAM.

• PRODIG offers a reliable environment for choosing used Android and gaming smartphones, both online and at their Akihabara store.

If you're torn between "waiting for the ROG Phone 10" and "buying a used gaming smartphone now," first organize your budget, the games you want to play, and your play time, then browse PRODIG's collections to get a realistic idea of available options.

Click here for a list of used Android devices from PRODIG
https://prodig-shop.com/collections/android

Even the time until official information on the ROG Phone 10 is released can be used as a period to "gather information and consider the best device available now," which should ultimately lead to a highly satisfying purchase.