Asus May Be Taking Naming Cues from Samsung with the ROG Phone 9 FE

In an unexpected move, Asus appears to be borrowing from Samsung’s playbook for its next release. A phone named the ROG Phone 9 FE has surfaced in benchmarking tests, combining the familiar ROG Phone 9 name with Samsung’s “FE” (Fan Edition) suffix.

Asus recently launched the ROG Phone 9 and ROG Phone 9 Pro, with no mention of a third model at the time. While fans might have anticipated an “Ultimate” version—similar to the ROG Phone 7 series—an “FE” model suggests a possible spec downgrade from the standard ROG Phone 9.

What Does “FE” Mean for Asus?

Samsung’s “FE” branding is used for slightly updated versions of older flagship models that are re-released alongside its latest lineup—such as the Galaxy S24 FE—offering buyers a high-end phone at a more affordable price. However, the FE moniker has a complicated history, originally tied to Samsung’s attempts to rebrand the problematic Galaxy Note 7. Despite this, Asus seems to be adopting the naming convention.

The upcoming device was spotted in benchmarking results with the model number AI2401 N, which also appeared in the GSMA database, lending credibility to these leaks. No detailed specs have been revealed yet, but comparisons are being drawn to the ROG Phone 8, which carried the model number AI2501 C.

Could It Be a Repackaged ROG Phone 8?

Asus may be taking a page from Samsung’s strategy, possibly repackaging the ROG Phone 8’s design and specs under the ROG Phone 9 FE branding. This approach could differentiate it within the ROG Phone 9 lineup, but the decision to use the “FE” name is a curious one. Outside of Samsung fans, the FE label has little recognition—and even within Samsung’s consumer base, it comes with baggage from the Note 7 debacle.

No Release Date Yet

Currently, there are no details about the release date for the ROG Phone 9 FE. However, the ROG Phone 9 and ROG Phone 9 Pro are already available for purchase and are excellent options for serious mobile gamers.

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