It doesn’t seem like long ago that the most exciting thing about a phone was playing Snake; that is until you pick up a phone like the Asus ROG Phone 2. This phone is specifically designed for gaming, from the sharp, sleek design down to the ultra-powerful CPU. Using this phone both looks and feels superb; it’s never held back by inexplicable slowdown or lag. Potential buyers should be sure, though, that what they want above all else is a gaming phone; otherwise, you can still find great performance on phones with higher-quality cameras. Even though it isn’t at the top of our list for the best dual sim phone, the Asus ROG Phone 2 is one of the best smartphones in the market.
Why We Like It – Asus ROG Phone 2
“Republic of Gamers” is a fitting brand for the Asus ROG Phone 2. This phone is fast and sleek, making gaming on it an absolute joy. Non Gamers will also probably like it, at least until they see the price tag.
- 3 USB Type C ports for accessories and versatility
- Lightning-fast CPU makes everything run smoothly
- 120Hz refresh rate looks fabulous
- So-so camera considering the price
- Terribly pricey accessories
- No third-party accessories available
Overall Performance
Performance is the name of the game when it comes to the Asus ROG Phone II. Seeing as it’s specifically built as a gaming phone, it’s no surprise to see the ROG Phone II run lightning-fast. Even with a plethora of apps open in the background, reviewers found no issues with this phone’s speed, and gaming is an absolute delight. If you still want a little bit more power for your gaming session, the ROG Phone II also has a special “X Mode,” which optimizes your gaming experience. Wi fi works equally well: Asus put four wi fi antennas in this phone to ensure it stays connected at any angle. The dual camera system on the phone’s rear is good, but it’s nothing to write home about either. Lacking the latest in phone camera technology, the telephoto lens, this phone sports a standard and an ultra wide angle rear camera as well as a 24MP front camera. None of these are bad by any means, but the photo quality doesn’t hold up to the likes of the Google Pixel 5.
Battery Life
High-end mobile phones like the Samsung Galaxy S10 and the Apple iPhone 11 typically have about 10-11 hours of battery life in them, give or take. And then, there’s the Asus ROG Phone 2: this beast of a device can go a full 36 hours before needing to be recharged, and that’s with a high refresh rate that would normally take its toll on the battery life. This phone also sports 2 USB C charging ports, one on the bottom and one on the side, both of which support ultra-fast charging. The Asus ROG Phone 2 does not, however, support wireless charging, which more than likely won’t be a dealbreaker for the gaming fans this phone is catering towards.
Display
With a refresh rate of 120Hz, it’s no surprise that the Asus ROG Phone 2 display is a delight to touch and see. Even basic scrolling is bouncy and light while playing games that support the high refresh rate is downright beautiful. This isn’t the greatest panel out there, but, unless you’re holding this phone up to a better display, you’re not likely to notice. Everything looks bright, vibrant, and clear on the massive 19.5:9, 6.6” AMOLED screen: colors are rich and blacks look deep and velvety. Because this is a gaming phone, it also offers the ultimate experience in customization, allowing you to adjust the settings to best fit your needs.
Durability
The Asus ROG Phone II’s durability is hit or miss. The metal frame is sturdy and easily protects the phone from drops and scratches. Unfortunately, the Gorilla Glass front and back panels aren’t quite so strong. They hold up to scratch tests as good as any other premium phone, but, when dropped, the glass doesn’t just crack, it shatters. Even though it’s priced like a waterproof phone, the ROG Phone II is not IP certified water or dustproof. What’s worse, there’s very little support for third-party accessories, including cases, and Asus doesn’t have an Otterbox equivalent case available either.
Value
The Asus ROG Phone 2 isn’t a great value, and, compounded with the pricey accessories, this phone is out of many users’ reach. Asus offers several peripheral accessories like the TwinView Dock II, which transforms your phone into a sort of clamshell design reminiscent of the Nintendo DS. There’s also a gamepad, desktop dock, and WiGig Display Dock II available, all of which cost anywhere from $100 to $400. Unless you’re looking for an entire console-esque ecosystem, you’re just as likely to be happy with the gaming performance of a more accessible device. Another great option for avid gamers would be Asus ROG Phone 3 that comes with extra features to make your gaming experience a breeze.
Asus ROG Phone 2 Wrap Up
With a phone like the Asus ROG Phone 2, it’s important to reiterate that this phone is very specifically targeted toward the gaming community. If you just want a dual sim phone that runs an Android operating system, you can find something like the Samsung Galaxy A50 that is far more affordable-and perhaps even with a better camera and more durable body. Not to mention, the lack of third-party accessories for this phone will be a major turnoff for many, as will the extraordinarily high price of Asus’s accessories. But, if you do get this phone, you’ll be treated to a wonderful gaming experience that is fast, smooth, and a pleasure to watch.
