The MOST POWERFUL Gaming Phone on the Planet - RoG Phone 2 Review
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Check out the Drop x Sennheiser HD 6XX Headphones at dro.ps Get iFixit's Pro Tech Toolkit now for only $59.99 USD at ifixit.com The first ROG Phone blew us away with its rich assortment of accessories – But now that ASUS is getting serious with ROG Phone II, can the same trick work twice? Buy ASUS ROG Phone II on Amazon: geni.us Purchases made through some store links may provide some compensation to Linus Media Group. Discuss on the forum: linustechtips.com Our Affiliates, Referral Programs, and Sponsors: lmg.gg Get a VPN with PIA at geni.us
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The Rog Phone 2 review dives into what ASUS has crafted as a gaming powerhouse that doubles as a premium smartphone. On the display side, the 6.6 inch HDR OLED panel supports a 120 Hz refresh rate and a 240 Hz touch sampling rate, delivering a notably smooth and responsive experience in both menu navigation and gameplay. The reviewer notes that the interface feels butter smooth, with minimal lag, even though out of the box the refresh rate defaults to 60 Hz to protect battery life. Powering the device is a binned Snapdragon 855 Plus with up to 12 GB of RAM, paired with a massive 6,000 mAh battery that the reviewer managed to squeeze through two workdays on a single charge, and even longer in lighter scenarios. Charging versatility stands out with Quick Charge 4.0 and two charging ports, plus the AeroActive Cooler 2 accessory to keep temperatures in check during sustained sessions. Audio is surprisingly strong for a phone, with a wide and detailed soundstage from two speakers, though loud playback can introduce some distortion. The camera, a common weak point in gaming-centric phones, lags behind flagship standards and exhibits typical ASUS color quirks and limited dynamic range, which the reviewer attributes to color science rather than hardware deficiency. Overall, the Rog Phone 2 solidifies its identity as a gaming-centric device by offering hardware, accessories, and software features that appeal to mobile gamers, while acknowledging usability tradeoffs and a price point that might deter casual users. The reviewer also considers the broader ecosystem, noting that while the extra gaming accessories like the Kunai controller and TwinView Dock enhance the experience, they may not be practical for everyday phone use, and suggests potential buyers weigh the gaming benefits against typical smartphone expectations such as photography and portability. The closing assessment positions the Rog Phone 2 as the best mobile Android gaming experience seen so far, with caveats around battery life, bulk, and the niche appeal of dedicated gaming accessories.
Topics · technology · mobile · gaming · reviews
Questions answered
- What makes the Rog Phone 2 a strong choice for mobile gaming?
- Its combination of a high refresh rate 120 Hz OLED display, 240 Hz touch sampling, a powerful Snapdragon 855 Plus with up to 12 GB RAM, a massive 6000 mAh battery, and specialized gaming accessories like the Kunai controller and AeroActive Cooler 2 deliver a premium, responsive gaming experience.
- Are there notable downsides to the Rog Phone 2 for everyday use?
- Yes, the device is bulky, the camera performance lags behind flagship phones, the color science can look unnatural in some shots, and the accessory ecosystem may feel impractical for day-to-day use despite offering strong gaming benefits.