A ‘gaming' smartphone might seem like a very exciting proposition for enthusiasts, but how can a manufacturer get the average smartphone buyer to feel the same way? Asus launched the first ROG Phone[1] (Review[2]) last year, and while it was a good product, the high price of nearly Rs. 70,000 at the time meant that you really needed to be a die-hard gaming addict to even consider it over an iPhone[3], Google Pixel, or Samsung Galaxy device. That's exactly what Asus wants to change with the ROG Phone 2[4].
While Asus[5] has taken its time to launch this phone in India, we have seen other companies try to break into this niche segment throughout this year. We now have the Black Shark 2[6] (Review[7]) which has a pressure-sensitive display, and the Nubia Red Magic 3[8] (Review[9]), which boasts of an internal cooling fan, to consider as alternatives as gaming smartphones. However, Asus hasn't left any stone unturned for its follow-up, packing it with pretty much every feature one could think of. The icing on the cake is definitely the price. The ROG Phone 2 starts at Rs. 37,999 in India, which is great not only for gaming enthusiasts but also for anyone who's looking for a powerful flagship on a budget.
So, should you be considering the Asus ROG Phone 2 over, say, the new OnePlus 7T[10] (Review[11]) at the same price? And if you aren't a gamer, does the ROG Phone 2 still make sense? Let's find out.
Asus ROG Phone 2 design
The Asus ROG Phone 2 continues to...