Asus ROG Phone II first impressions: Going all out in the smartphone spec race

Gaming smartphones made their way into the Indian market quite some time ago, providing consumers with several options to choose from. One of the most prominent in that segment is the Asus ROG Phone, the second generation of which has finally arrived in the country following its launch in China.[caption id="attachment_7042991" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Asus ROG Phone II. Image: tech2/Omkar Patne.[/caption]It’s laden with a lot of gamer-y aesthetics, including RGB lighting on the rear, just like in the previous version. While it could be a nightmare for minimalists, I didn’t find the design to be overwhelming. The device is certainly chunky considering the big display and the massive battery capacity. However, I got used to it after using the device for some time.While it did feel bulky when held in one hand, it actually felt comfortable when I held the device with both hands in the horizontal position. The extra weight gives it a more ergonomic feel when you’re vigorously tapping and swiping on the screen during intense gaming sessions.

A true spec monster, in a good way

An ecosystem of gaming accessories

Conclusion

Asus has managed to bring its ROG aesthetic into a smartphone yet again with the ROG Phone II. It maxes out on every aspect of hardware imaginable that initially actually looked like one of those wishlists of specifications I’d wanted on a smartphone. Although it’s being marketed as a gaming smartphone, it’s also one of the most powerful Android smartphones in the market currently. Looking at the specs of the display, it probably is the best out there and that's something I’m most excited about.Being a spec monster with industry-first and unique features naturally means bringing in a high cost. Although that was the case with the original ROG Phone, the second edition changes the 'game' with its incredibly competitive price. At a starting price or Rs 37,999 for the 8 GB RAM + 128 GB storage variant, Asus is trying to give you the best that a smartphone is capable of in this year, some that not even the flagship phones out there offer. Stay tuned for our full review of the device that comes out in a few days.