ASUS ROG Phone 2: Malaysia Review & Gaming Powerhouse

by Alex Braham 54 views

Hey guys! If you're a mobile gamer in Malaysia, chances are you've heard the buzz around the ASUS ROG Phone 2. This phone was a game-changer when it dropped, specifically tailored for those of us who love to frag on the go. Today, we're diving deep into the ASUS ROG Phone 2 Malaysia review, exploring everything from its beastly performance to its unique features and, of course, whether it still holds up in today's competitive market. So, buckle up, because we're about to explore the world of mobile gaming with this iconic device!

Unboxing the ROG Phone 2: What's in the Box?

First impressions are always important, right? When you unbox the ASUS ROG Phone 2, you immediately get a sense that this isn't your average smartphone. The packaging itself screams gamer. Inside, you'll find the phone, of course, along with a powerful 30W charger (which is a lifesaver for those long gaming sessions). You'll also get a USB-C cable, a cool ROG case for added protection, and some documentation. The case is a nice touch, designed to show off the phone's design while protecting it. Plus, you will find some accessories, depending on the edition. Overall, the unboxing experience is premium, setting the stage for the gaming beast that lies within. This unboxing experience alone starts the process and makes it very friendly for the users.

Design and Build Quality: A Gamer's Aesthetic

Alright, let's talk about the look and feel. The ASUS ROG Phone 2 isn't subtle. It's unapologetically gamery, with sharp angles, a glowing ROG logo on the back, and customizable RGB lighting. The build quality is top-notch, with a metal frame and Gorilla Glass on both the front and back. It feels incredibly solid in hand, which is essential for those intense gaming sessions where you might get a little…enthusiastic. One of the standout design features is the placement of the USB-C port and the side-mounted AirTriggers. These capacitive shoulder buttons are a game-changer, allowing for more precise control in games.

Another awesome aspect of the design is the AeroActive Cooler II. This external fan attaches to the back of the phone, actively cooling the device during extended gaming sessions. This prevents thermal throttling, ensuring you get peak performance for longer. The phone is a bit bulky, that's just a heads up, due to its massive battery and cooling system. But, if you're serious about mobile gaming, the added size is a small price to pay for the features it offers. The overall design is a perfect blend of form and function. This is why the ASUS ROG Phone 2 Malaysia review is still relevant today, even with newer models on the market.

Display and Audio: Immersive Gaming Experience

The display is a crucial aspect of any gaming phone, and the ASUS ROG Phone 2 doesn't disappoint. It sports a 6.59-inch AMOLED display with a blazing-fast 120Hz refresh rate. This means super-smooth animations and incredibly responsive gameplay. Games look amazing, with vibrant colors and deep blacks. The 120Hz refresh rate gives you a significant advantage in fast-paced games. The screen is also bright enough to use outdoors.

Audio is another area where the ROG Phone 2 shines. It features front-facing stereo speakers that deliver loud, clear, and immersive sound. The audio quality is excellent, making it easy to hear everything from footsteps to explosions. The phone also supports aptX HD for high-quality audio streaming over Bluetooth, which is great if you use wireless headphones. The combination of the stunning display and excellent audio creates a truly immersive gaming experience. This is what helps the ASUS ROG Phone 2 Malaysia review stay in the spotlight.

Performance and Gaming Experience: Powerhouse Unleashed

Let's get down to the nitty-gritty: performance. The ASUS ROG Phone 2 is powered by the Snapdragon 855 Plus, which was one of the most powerful mobile processors at the time of its release. Coupled with up to 12GB of RAM and a generous amount of storage, the phone can handle even the most demanding games with ease. Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile, and PUBG Mobile run flawlessly on high settings, which is essential to the ASUS ROG Phone 2 Malaysia review.

The AirTriggers are a game-changer. These customizable shoulder buttons give you an extra edge in games, allowing you to map actions like shooting, jumping, and aiming. They are highly responsive and easy to use, adding a layer of precision to your gameplay. The AeroActive Cooler II is another highlight. It significantly reduces the phone's temperature during intense gaming sessions, preventing performance throttling. This means you can game for hours without any slowdowns. The phone also features a custom gaming interface, called Armoury Crate. This app allows you to optimize performance, customize settings, and monitor the phone's temperature. It's a one-stop shop for all your gaming needs.

Battery Life: Keeping the Gaming Going

One of the biggest advantages of the ASUS ROG Phone 2 is its massive 6,000mAh battery. This is a game-changer for mobile gamers. You can easily get through a full day of gaming without needing to reach for a charger. In our testing, we found that the phone could last for up to 8-10 hours of continuous gaming, which is impressive.

The included 30W charger also helps with the charging time, fully charging the phone in around an hour and a half. This means you can quickly top up your battery and get back to gaming. The battery life is a significant selling point, making the ROG Phone 2 a great choice for gamers who are always on the go. The battery performance is often a major highlight in the ASUS ROG Phone 2 Malaysia review.

Camera: More Than Just a Gaming Phone?

While the ASUS ROG Phone 2 is primarily designed for gaming, it also features a decent camera system. It has a dual-camera setup on the back, with a 48MP main sensor and a 13MP ultrawide lens. The camera takes good photos in good lighting conditions, with vibrant colors and decent detail. The ultrawide lens is useful for capturing wider scenes. The phone also has a 24MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls.

The camera performance isn't the best in class, but it's more than adequate for everyday use. It's a nice bonus to have a capable camera on a gaming phone. The camera features are not the main focus of the phone, but the fact that it has a camera, makes it more friendly and attractive. This is also one of the features of the ASUS ROG Phone 2 Malaysia review.

Software and Features: Tailored for Gamers

One of the aspects that set the ASUS ROG Phone 2 apart is its software. It runs on a customized version of Android, with features specifically designed for gamers. Armoury Crate is the heart of the gaming experience. It lets you customize performance profiles, monitor temperatures, and launch games. It also allows you to tweak the AirTriggers, adjust the RGB lighting, and customize other settings. The software is intuitive and easy to use, making it easy to optimize your gaming experience.

The phone also has a number of other features that are useful for gamers, such as the ability to record gameplay, live stream, and block notifications while gaming. The user interface is clean, fast, and responsive. Overall, the software is well-optimized for gaming, providing a seamless and enjoyable experience. This is another one of the essential features for the ASUS ROG Phone 2 Malaysia review.

Accessories: Taking Gaming to the Next Level

ASUS offers a range of accessories for the ROG Phone 2, designed to enhance the gaming experience. The AeroActive Cooler II is included in the box, which is a great start. There's also a TwinView Dock, which turns the phone into a dual-screen handheld console. The Mobile Desktop Dock allows you to connect the phone to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse for a desktop-like gaming experience. There is also a Kunai Gamepad, which adds physical controls to your gaming experience.

These accessories are not essential, but they add a lot of versatility to the phone. They can significantly enhance your gaming experience, depending on your needs. The availability of accessories is also a major talking point in the ASUS ROG Phone 2 Malaysia review.

Pros and Cons: A Quick Overview

Pros:

  • Amazing Performance: Snapdragon 855 Plus, up to 12GB RAM, handles any game.
  • 120Hz AMOLED Display: Super-smooth and vibrant visuals.
  • AirTriggers: Customizable shoulder buttons for enhanced control.
  • Long Battery Life: 6,000mAh battery for extended gaming sessions.
  • Excellent Audio: Front-facing stereo speakers.
  • Custom Gaming Software: Armoury Crate for easy customization.
  • Cooling System: AeroActive Cooler II to prevent throttling.

Cons:

  • Bulky Design: Not the most pocket-friendly phone.
  • Camera: Camera quality is good but not the best.
  • Price: Can be expensive, especially when new.

Conclusion: Is the ASUS ROG Phone 2 Still Worth It?

So, after everything, is the ASUS ROG Phone 2 still a good buy in Malaysia? The answer is a resounding YES, especially if you can find it at a good price. While it may not be the newest phone on the market, its performance, display, and features make it a formidable gaming device even today. The long battery life, AirTriggers, and excellent cooling system give it a competitive edge over many newer phones.

If you're a mobile gamer looking for a high-performance device, the ASUS ROG Phone 2 is definitely worth considering. It's a testament to the fact that ASUS created something special with this phone. Even if it's a bit older, it still packs a punch and delivers a premium gaming experience. The continued relevance of the ASUS ROG Phone 2 Malaysia review speaks volumes about its quality.

Where to Buy the ASUS ROG Phone 2 in Malaysia

If you're convinced and want to get your hands on an ASUS ROG Phone 2 in Malaysia, you can usually find it at online retailers like Shopee and Lazada. You may also be able to find it at some physical electronics stores, although it may be harder to come by as it's an older model.

Check for refurbished or used options if you're on a budget. Prices can vary depending on the condition and the seller, so it's always a good idea to shop around. Before buying, always check the seller's reputation and read reviews to ensure you're getting a good deal and a reliable product. Happy gaming!