When it comes to gaming smartphones, thermal management is always a concern. ASUS has always pushed the envelope with ROG Phones, but this time, they’ve introduced an entirely new accessory: the ROG Phone 9 Chill Case. This case isn’t just about protection—it’s designed to function as a heat spreader, supposedly improving cooling while keeping your device safe.
But does it really work? Does it actually make a difference in keeping your ROG Phone 9 from overheating? Or is it just a gimmick? Let’s dive into a detailed, hands-on review of the ROG Phone 9 Chill Case and see if it’s worth your money.
Unboxing & First Impressions
Right out of the box, the ROG Phone 9 Chill Case looks unlike any typical smartphone case. Instead of focusing on aesthetics or rugged protection, its primary function is thermal efficiency.
- Material & Build: The case is made of a heat-dissipating material that feels slightly metallic to the touch, which is an immediate giveaway that it’s designed to absorb and spread heat.
- Design: The case fully covers the back panel, meaning the Anime Vision LED panel will no longer be visible. If you love showing off ROG’s signature LED aesthetics, this could be a downside.
- Cutouts: It has precise cutouts for the buttons, ports, and speakers, ensuring full functionality.
Holding the case, you immediately get the sense that it’s built with performance in mind, not just style. But does it live up to its promise?
Installation & Fit
Putting the ROG Phone 9 Chill Case on the phone is effortless, and once installed, it fits snugly and securely. Unlike some third-party cases that can feel bulky, ASUS has ensured that this case doesn’t add unnecessary thickness.
The edges wrap around to offer decent protection for the sides and camera bump, but it’s important to note that this is not a rugged case. Its main function is heat dissipation, so if you’re looking for a drop-proof, shock-resistant case, this might not be the best choice.
Thermal Performance: Does It Actually Cool the Phone?
Now, the big question: does the ROG Phone 9 Chill Case actually help with cooling?
To find out, we ran a series of benchmark and gaming stress tests to compare the ROG Phone 9’s temperatures with and without the case. Here’s what we found:
Benchmark Tests:
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Without the Chill Case:
- The phone reached its thermal limit of 57°C fairly quickly during an intense gaming session.
- Thermal throttling kicked in within 12-15 minutes, causing a noticeable drop in FPS.
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With the Chill Case:
- The case absorbed and spread heat more efficiently, which resulted in slower heat buildup.
- However, the phone still reached 57°C, meaning that while the case spreads heat better, it doesn’t actually prevent throttling.
The biggest takeaway? The Chill Case doesn’t lower the phone’s peak temperature—it only delays how fast it gets there. So if you’re expecting it to keep your phone significantly cooler, that’s not the case (pun intended).
Real-World Gaming Performance
To see if the case makes a difference in gaming, we played some of the most demanding mobile games for extended periods:
- Genshin Impact (Max Settings, 60FPS)
- Call of Duty: Mobile (Ultra Graphics, 120FPS)
- PUBG Mobile (HDR, Extreme FPS Mode)
Findings:
- The Chill Case spreads heat evenly, making the phone feel less hot to the touch compared to using no case at all.
- Gaming performance was identical, as the phone still reached the same thermal limit after prolonged gaming.
- Comfort improvement: The phone felt more comfortable to hold during long sessions since the heat was spread out instead of concentrated in one area.
In other words, the case doesn’t lower overall temperatures, but it helps with comfort—an important factor if you play for hours on end.
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Speaker Performance & Audio Redirection
One unexpected feature of the Chill Case is its audio redirection cutout for the bottom-firing speaker.
ASUS designed this case with a special contour at the bottom speaker, which helps redirect sound toward the front. This is a simple but effective trick that results in a more immersive audio experience while gaming.
We tested it with and without the case, and here’s what we noticed:
- Without the Chill Case: The bottom speaker’s sound was less directional, sometimes getting blocked by our hand placement while gaming.
- With the Chill Case: Sound felt more balanced and forward-facing, creating a stereo-like effect even when holding the phone.
While this isn’t a groundbreaking feature, it’s a nice little bonus that improves the gaming experience.
Downsides & Limitations
No accessory is perfect, and the ROG Phone 9 Chill Case has some notable drawbacks:
1. It Hides the Anime Vision LED Panel
For ROG Phone fans who love the RGB aesthetics, this case is a deal-breaker. Once installed, the LED panel is completely covered, meaning no more custom animations.
2. It Doesn’t Prevent Thermal Throttling
While the case spreads heat more evenly, it doesn’t actually lower peak temperatures or prevent throttling. If you want serious cooling, you’ll still need an AeroActive Cooler X Pro.
3. No Rugged Protection
This case isn’t built for extreme drop protection. If you’re prone to dropping your phone, you might want to consider a more durable case instead.
Final Verdict: Is the Chill Case Worth It?
The ROG Phone 9 Chill Case is a unique accessory that offers some real benefits—but also some major limitations.
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Pros:
- Helps spread heat, making the phone more comfortable to hold during long gaming sessions.
- Improves audio direction, enhancing stereo sound effects.
- Well-built, lightweight, and doesn’t add much bulk.
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Cons:
- Doesn’t actually reduce peak temperatures or prevent throttling.
- Covers the Anime Vision LED panel, which might be a deal-breaker for some.
- Not a rugged case, so protection is limited. Get it HERE>>.
Who Should Buy It?
- If you want better heat distribution and a more comfortable gaming experience, this case is a great choice.
- If you care about RGB lighting, need serious cooling, or want rugged protection, you might want to skip this one.
Final Rating: 
(4/5)
The ROG Phone 9 Chill Case is an interesting innovation that helps with heat distribution but doesn’t completely solve the problem of overheating. It’s not a must-have, but it’s a nice add-on for serious ROG gamers who want a slightly more comfortable experience.
Would you get the ROG Phone 9 Chill Case? Let us know in the comments!
Frequently Asked Questions About the ROG Phone 9 Chill Case
Does the ROG Phone 9 Chill Case actually cool the phone?
- The ROG Phone 9 Chill Case helps spread heat more evenly, making the phone feel cooler to the touch during extended gaming sessions. However, it does not lower the peak temperature or prevent thermal throttling. If you need serious cooling, you should consider using an AeroActive Cooler X Pro instead.
Can I still see the Anime Vision LED panel with the Chill Case on?
- No. The Chill Case completely covers the Anime Vision LED panel on the back of the ROG Phone 9 Pro and Pro Edition, meaning you won’t be able to see any custom animations or lighting effects while the case is installed.
Does the ROG Phone 9 Chill Case improve gaming performance?
- Not directly. Since it doesn’t lower the phone’s peak temperature, gaming performance remains the same. However, by spreading heat more evenly, it helps make long gaming sessions more comfortable by preventing hot spots on the phone’s surface.
Is the ROG Phone 9 Chill Case compatible with previous ROG Phone models?
- No. The Chill Case is specifically designed for the ROG Phone 9. While some third-party cases fit both the ROG Phone 8 and 9, the official Chill Case is not cross-compatible due to differences in camera bump size and button placement.
Does the Chill Case affect sound quality on the ROG Phone 9?
- Yes, but in a positive way. The Chill Case has a built-in audio redirection feature that helps channel sound from the bottom speaker towards the front, creating a more immersive stereo effect. This improves gaming audio clarity compared to using the phone without a case.
Is the ROG Phone 9 Chill Case a good option for drop protection?
- Not really. While the case provides some level of protection, especially for the sides and camera bump, it is not a rugged case. If you’re looking for maximum drop protection, a bulkier third-party case might be a better option.
Can I use the Chill Case with the AeroActive Cooler X Pro?
- No. The Chill Case is not designed to be used with the AeroActive Cooler X Pro. If you want to use an external cooling solution, you should opt for the Aero Case instead, which has an open-back design that allows for cooler attachment.
Where can I buy the ROG Phone 9 Chill Case?
- The Chill Case is available for purchase through official ASUS stores, online retailers, and authorized resellers. Pricing and availability may vary by region, so check ASUS’ official website or your preferred e-commerce platform for updates.
How much does the ROG Phone 9 Chill Case cost?
- The ROG Phone 9 Chill Case is priced at around $50, making it a mid-range option for gamers who want better heat distribution and added protection. Prices may vary depending on the retailer and region, so be sure to check official ASUS stores and authorized sellers for the latest deals and availability. Get it HERE>>.
Is the ROG Phone 9 Chill Case worth buying?
- It depends on what you need. If you want better heat distribution and a more comfortable grip during gaming, then the Chill Case is a good investment. However, if you need significant cooling improvements or want to keep the Anime Vision LED panel visible, you might want to look at other case options.
