Asus ROG Phone 2 Review: Is It Still Worth It In Malaysia?

by Jhon Lennon 59 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Asus ROG Phone 2, a device that once reigned supreme in the gaming smartphone arena. Even though it's been around for a while, it's still a hot topic, especially here in Malaysia. So, the big question is: In the current landscape of rapidly evolving tech, does the ROG Phone 2 still hold up? Let's find out!

Design and Build Quality

Let's kick things off with the design. The ROG Phone 2 screams "gamer" with its aggressive lines, sharp angles, and that mesmerizing Aura RGB lighting on the back. It's not subtle, and it's definitely not for everyone, but if you're into that bold, in-your-face aesthetic, you'll love it. The phone feels incredibly solid in hand, thanks to its metal frame and Gorilla Glass 6 protection on the front. It's a big phone, no doubt, but that size contributes to its immersive gaming experience. The placement of the air triggers on the side is well-thought-out, providing a tactile and responsive feel during gameplay. The inclusion of a headphone jack is a huge win for gamers who prefer wired headsets for that zero-latency audio. While the design might not appeal to everyone, it's undeniable that Asus put a lot of thought into creating a device that feels premium and purpose-built for gaming. The robust build quality ensures it can withstand the rigors of intense gaming sessions, and the attention to detail, like the customizable RGB lighting, adds a touch of personalization. For gamers who want a phone that looks and feels like a gaming device, the ROG Phone 2 delivers in spades.

Display: A Visual Feast

Oh, the display! The ROG Phone 2 boasts a stunning 6.59-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time. Translation? Butter-smooth visuals, vibrant colors, and exceptional clarity. Whether you're tearing through the latest action game or simply scrolling through your social media feed, everything looks absolutely gorgeous. The high refresh rate makes a world of difference, especially in fast-paced games where every millisecond counts. The colors are rich and accurate, making games and videos pop with life. The responsiveness of the display is also top-notch, ensuring that your inputs are registered instantly. Asus also included a dedicated Game Genie mode that allows you to customize the display settings for individual games, optimizing the visuals for the best possible experience. The sheer size of the display also adds to the immersion, making it feel like you're getting lost in the game. While some phones might have slightly higher resolutions, the ROG Phone 2 strikes the perfect balance between visual fidelity and performance. The AMOLED technology ensures deep blacks and excellent contrast, while the high refresh rate keeps everything looking smooth and fluid. If you're a gamer who values visual quality, the ROG Phone 2's display will not disappoint. It's a true feast for the eyes and a major selling point of the device.

Performance: Still a Powerhouse?

Under the hood, the ROG Phone 2 is powered by the Snapdragon 855+ Mobile Platform, paired with up to 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. Even by today's standards, that's a serious amount of firepower. In real-world use, the phone handles everything you throw at it with ease. Games run flawlessly at max settings, multitasking is a breeze, and even the most demanding apps pose no challenge. The Snapdragon 855+ is a beast of a processor, and it's more than capable of handling the latest games and applications. The ample RAM ensures that you can run multiple apps in the background without any slowdown, and the generous storage provides plenty of space for your games, videos, and photos. Asus also included a sophisticated cooling system that prevents the phone from overheating during extended gaming sessions. This is crucial for maintaining consistent performance and preventing thermal throttling. While newer processors might offer marginal improvements in performance, the ROG Phone 2 still holds its own against the competition. It's a testament to the fact that well-optimized hardware can stand the test of time. If you're looking for a phone that can handle anything you throw at it, the ROG Phone 2 is still a top contender. It's a performance powerhouse that will keep you gaming for years to come.

Camera: Surprisingly Good

The camera on the ROG Phone 2 is surprisingly good, especially considering that it's primarily a gaming phone. It features a dual-camera setup with a 48MP primary sensor and a 13MP ultrawide lens. The photos are crisp, detailed, and have accurate colors. The dynamic range is also impressive, allowing you to capture well-exposed photos even in challenging lighting conditions. The ultrawide lens is great for capturing landscapes and group photos, and it adds a lot of versatility to the camera system. The phone also supports 4K video recording at 60fps, and the video quality is excellent. The stabilization is also quite good, ensuring smooth and steady footage. While the camera might not be on par with the flagships from Samsung or Google, it's more than capable of capturing stunning photos and videos. Asus also included a variety of shooting modes, including a dedicated night mode, a portrait mode, and a pro mode that allows you to manually adjust the camera settings. The camera app is easy to use and intuitive, making it simple to capture great shots. If you're not a hardcore photographer, the ROG Phone 2's camera will more than meet your needs. It's a surprisingly capable camera system that can capture great photos and videos in a variety of situations. It's a welcome addition to an already impressive gaming phone.

Battery Life: A Marathon Runner

One of the ROG Phone 2's biggest strengths is its massive 6,000mAh battery. This thing is a marathon runner, easily lasting a full day of heavy use, including hours of gaming. You can even stretch it to two days with moderate usage. The battery life is simply phenomenal, and it's one of the main reasons why the ROG Phone 2 is such a great gaming phone. You can game for hours on end without worrying about running out of juice. The phone also supports 30W fast charging, allowing you to quickly top up the battery when needed. The charging time is relatively quick, taking about an hour and a half to fully charge the phone. Asus also included a variety of power-saving modes that can further extend the battery life. These modes allow you to customize the phone's performance and reduce power consumption. If you're a heavy user or a gamer who spends a lot of time on your phone, the ROG Phone 2's battery life will not disappoint. It's a true champion in the battery department and a major selling point of the device. You can game, watch videos, and browse the web without constantly worrying about finding a charger.

Software: Game Genie and More

The ROG Phone 2 runs on Android with Asus' ROG UI on top. The interface is clean, intuitive, and customizable. Asus has done a great job of adding features that enhance the gaming experience without cluttering the interface. The standout feature is Game Genie, a suite of tools that allows you to customize the gaming experience. With Game Genie, you can block notifications, record gameplay, monitor system performance, and optimize the display settings. It's a powerful tool that gives you a lot of control over your gaming experience. The phone also includes a variety of other gaming-related features, such as AirTriggers, which are customizable touch-sensitive buttons on the side of the phone. These buttons can be mapped to different actions in games, giving you a competitive edge. Asus has also optimized the software for gaming, reducing latency and improving performance. The software is smooth and responsive, and it doesn't get in the way of your gaming experience. While some people might prefer a more stock Android experience, the ROG Phone 2's software is well-designed and optimized for gaming. It's a welcome addition to an already impressive gaming phone.

Is the Asus ROG Phone 2 Still Worth It?

So, back to the original question: Is the Asus ROG Phone 2 still worth it in Malaysia? The answer is a resounding yes, especially if you can find it at a good price. While it might not have the absolute latest specs, it still offers a fantastic gaming experience, a stunning display, excellent performance, and incredible battery life. The design might not be for everyone, but if you're a gamer who wants a phone that looks and feels like a gaming device, the ROG Phone 2 is a great choice. It's a true classic in the gaming phone world, and it's still a force to be reckoned with. The price has come down significantly since its launch, making it an even more attractive option for budget-conscious gamers. If you're looking for a phone that can handle anything you throw at it and provide a top-notch gaming experience, the ROG Phone 2 is definitely worth considering. Just make sure to shop around for the best deal.

Alternatives to Consider

Of course, the ROG Phone 2 isn't the only gaming phone on the market. Here are a few alternatives to consider:

  • Asus ROG Phone 3/5/6: The newer ROG Phones offer improved performance and features, but they also come at a higher price.
  • Black Shark Series: Black Shark phones are another popular choice for gamers, offering similar features and performance to the ROG Phone series.
  • Red Magic Series: Red Magic phones are known for their aggressive designs and high refresh rate displays.
  • Samsung Galaxy S Series: While not specifically designed for gaming, the Galaxy S series phones offer excellent performance and stunning displays.

Conclusion

The Asus ROG Phone 2 remains a top contender in the gaming smartphone arena, even years after its release. Its powerful processor, stunning display, massive battery, and gaming-centric features make it a compelling choice for gamers in Malaysia. While newer phones might offer some improvements, the ROG Phone 2 still provides an exceptional gaming experience at a more affordable price. If you're looking for a dedicated gaming phone that won't break the bank, the ROG Phone 2 is definitely worth considering. Just remember to weigh your options and choose the phone that best suits your needs and budget. Happy gaming!