ASUS ROG Phone 2 Review — Smartphone Gaming Experience Redefined

ASUS ROG was introduced as a sturdy gaming device in the Indian market. Its successor entering the market has retained its widely loved features, with improved quality and a better experience.

The phone comes with a 6000 mAh battery, 512 GB storage capacity, 12 GB RAM, 6.59 inches screen with 120 Hz refresh rate, Snapdragon855 Plus chipset, and a strong 240 g body. With its big intimidating styling and incredible gaming features, it surely is one of the best deals at the given price. The newer version has polished old features and additional surprises that are hard to ignore.

Performance

In line with the expectations, ROG Phone II is a beast of a performer. As already mentioned, it flaunts a 120 Hz refresh rate, which makes multitasking incredibly smooth and fluid. If you are concerned about saving battery life, 90 Hz also offers a satisfactory experience. However, as will be discussed in the later section, battery life isn’t much of an issue with this phone. App loading happens in a breeze and demands no extra effort. Gaming is the USP of the ASUS ROG phones, and without a doubt, it is one of the best devices for gamers.

From complex and heavy games like PUBG, Asphalt 9 Legends to simpler games like Ramayan Adventures, Mario Kart, all games run flawlessly on the device. Even with the 8 GB RAM version of it, there are no problems in switching between games. One thing that is worth mentioning is the back of the phone getting heated with excessive gaming. Thus, it is advisable to play using the bundled case, as it offers a good grip and doesn’t get warm quickly. To deal with the heating effect better, you can even try the AeroCooler II accessory. However, it will cost a few extra bucks.

The first generation ROG Phone had introduced a unique feature of Air triggers. The second-generation continues to sport the same, but even better. The phone comes with textured buttons that have engravings. This makes it easier for you to figure out exactly where to tap for activation. The usage of matte coated metal chassis makes the tactile experience much more real. However, the performance of the triggers is doubtful when there are things stuck in the ridges.

Design

If you have followed the Asus ROG versions, you will find the latest one sporting a similar industrial look. However, this time around, a pinch of elegance has also been added to the design. The ROG logo at the back, which lights up, makes a strong statement. The phone has retained most of the features of the earlier version, with few modifications.

As compared to the contemporary mobile collections, ASUS ROG Phone II turns out as one of the heaviest in the lot with a thickness of 9.48 mm and weighing 240 g. Also, its size is enhanced from that of its predecessor. With an AMOLED display screen of 6.59 inches, it stands much taller and has a refresh rate of 120Hz. Due to the weight, one might find it inconvenient to hold and operate for longer durations with one hand. Although, it is easier to operate it horizontally, thus, making it the best fit for gaming lovers.

The new version has risen up a level and flaunts an in-display fingerprint sensor. Though it looks better, it seems that one has to put the finger on its sensor a little longer than usual. Therefore, as compared to its other contemporaries, the sensor works a bit slower. However, the good news is that it has excellent face recognition software. Even at odd angles, you do not need to worry. It is fast, accurate, and convenient.

For multifunctionality, 2 USB-C ports have been introduced in the new design- one at the side and the other at the bottom. Thus, for every orientation, it has a port which gives it an upper edge. You no more need to hold the phone in an awkward position while charging and playing at the same time.

Battery

Though it sports two ports, the one at the bottom only functions with a selected range of chargers. However, for the sideways facing one, there is no such issue. While we are on chargers and ports, let’s talk about the battery life of ROG Phone II. Dependent on what one uses it for, the battery can stay anywhere from one day to just shy of three. In case, you are using the phone with all its features at their maximum capacity, with full display brightness, heavy gaming, along with all antennas on, the battery might drain out by the end of the day. However, it is still the best battery performance being offered as compared to contemporary smartphones.

With careful usage, the phone guarantees you little charge anxiety. There are no two minds about Asus ROG Phone II being the powerhouse.

Camera

The first generation phones were a big disappointment in terms of the quality of the camera. For the prices entailed, these appeared as a big setback for the users. However, the new generation seems to be offering a much better deal. The new dual-camera possesses a 13-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens and a 48 megapixel Sony IMX586 sensor.

Pictures taken in bright light show great quality. The pictures show a well-balanced color palette, although, at times, it does flaunt a lighter shade. HDR images are vivid and show good exposure with fine white balance. Closeups are also finely captured with good detailing and colors. As far as its portrait mode is concerned, the edges and the background appear a little blurry. The haziness in the background can be adjusted through the app as well. Also, this version lacks the laser autofocus sensor. Thus, it seems to need a little more work.

For low light photography, the camera is not a great fit. The pictures taken have poor quality and hazy details. They appear grainy, however, using the night mode can help in sharpening the images (a bit too much at times though). The front camera is a 24 megapixel with an f/2.0 aperture. The edges of the faces need to be sharpened more; however, the skin tones appear fine. The flash offers sufficient illumination for low light capturing.

The app for the camera offers a range of features, thus, enriching the experience. It provides shooting modes like Pro, Night, Motion Tracking, and so on. It also allows you to switch between the wide-angle base and regular base lens. The former can be put to use while recording a video. However, toggling cannot happen while shooting the video.

Verdict

The ASUS ROG Phone II has proven its worth again and again as one of the best devices for gaming today. With its incredibly smooth functions like the ability to allow multitasking fluidly, massive power backup that will make you wonder ways to consume it, and brilliant look, it is bound to grab people by their eyeballs.

Its incredible features, coupled with huge storage space, make it a perfect choice for you. Even if one is not interested in gaming, the ASUS ROG Phone II offers you enough features and impressive design to go for it.