ROGphone 2 anyone?

Hermes Hidayat

Well-known member
Feb 6, 2017
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So as the title suggests. Anyone thinking of moving to the ROGphone 2?im currently using an Unlocked Exynos N10+(12/512)im tempted to buy it as it uses SD855+...

I am not a heavy mobile phone gamer but it keeps popping up in my mind xD.

But a few "cons" always hold me back.
1.No wireless charging.
2.Difference of 100 PPI vs the N10+.
3 Cameras not as good as the N10+.
4.No warranty at the moment.
5.No IP rating.
6.Slower charging speed compared to N10+.
7.Lower screen resolution.
8.And apparently in Indonesia a brand new ROGphone 2(12/512)costs USD$200 more than a brand new N10+(12/512)...

Owh wait i forgot the "pros".
1.120Hz screen.
2.240Hz touch sensing.
3.SD855+
4.Stereo Speakers(i had the 1st Gen ROGphone, trust me the speakers are crazy)
5.6000mAh battery.
6.2 x USB-C ports.
7.2 x headphone jacks.
 
It's an awesome phone, but I'm skipping it for now. I'll address a few of your points, then add my own thoughts.

3 Cameras not as good as the N10+.
4.No warranty at the moment.
5.No IP rating.
6.Slower charging speed compared to N10+.
7.Lower screen resolution.

3. Cameras are so close now that it's splitting hairs among flagships. I know the ROG II camera gets mixed reviews out of the box, but the sensor itself is pretty good. There's also a Gcam port for it that many people like better (though comparison photos are hit and miss for my tastes with it). I also prefer using manual modes, which isn't dependent on software and AI stuff to get a good photo.

4. Are you in the U.S? If so, you can buy the U.S. version to get a warranty here. It's still rolling out worldwide I think, so check your local retailers for more info.

5. I've yet to have a phone with an IP rating. Even if it was rated, I'd treat it no different than my past phones. So no skin off my back. Remember, no manufacturer warranties water damage, so it's not advisable to rely on that lab test rating.

6. This one takes a bit of effort to wrap your head around. Understand that as Li-ion batteries are charged, the charging rate slows after you hit about 75%. The closer you get to being full, the slower it goes. Think of it like filling a bucket from a water hose. If you keep it at full blast, water will start to spill out before it's full. So as it gets full, you slow the water flow and can fill it right to the brim.

Now compare the Note 10+ 4,300 mAh battery to the ROG II's 6,000 mAh battery. With the 45W charger running full tilt, the 10+ takes just over an hour for a full charge, including the slow down as it fills. The ROG II is advertised to charge 0-4,000 mAh in 58 minutes. It hits 4,300 mAh in almost the same time as the Note 10+. How can it do that on the weaker 30W charger? (Note that's for the global version. The Tencent version comes with an 18W charger, not sure about Indonesia.) Because it hasn't filled enough to start slowing the charge much. So from a real world perspective, you can get the same usable capacity in almost the same amount of time, and do so with less stress on the battery. Let's also not forget I compared that to the 45W charger that must be purchased separately for the 10+. Since that only saves about 5 minutes on a complete charge, most people are likely to stick with the stock 25W charger. That easily puts the ROG II ahead in charging performance.

Asus also goes one step further for those that insist on overnight charging. You can set the time you want it to be done, and it will adapt the charge rate to go slower and still finish when you're ready to get up. Again, this puts less stress on the battery, and that's important with sealed batteries.

7. Screen resolution... I'm not too concerned. With such small screens, anything over 1080p is overkill anyway. I doubt you'll be able to notice a difference (I can't even notice a difference above 720p on my V20).

Now for my thoughts, and why I'm no longer considering it.

Network compatibility. This is a huge issue in the U.S. It doesn't have full support on any carrier. The only way to use it on Verizon is as a data only device, then use Google Voice for calls and texts. I was willing to work with that, but there's no VoLTE or Wi-Fi calling. That means as carriers start dropping 2/3G support in the next few years, this phone won't be able to make any standard phone calls, including 911. With how commonplace mobile phones are now and landlines going the way of the dinosaur, this is just unacceptable. The phone was basically obsolete by design before it was ever released. To add insult to injury, those functions do work on the Tencent version in China. Asus is making a choice to not support either protocol on the U.S. version. Anyone that has contacted them gets the same response, no plans to support even VoLTE.

I'm keeping an eye on it and all the discussions at XDA. I know they have looked into bypassing and getting VoLTE working, but no luck yet. It's a beast for sure, but U.S. buyers beware.
 
It's an awesome phone, but I'm skipping it for now. I'll address a few of your points, then add my own thoughts.



3. Cameras are so close now that it's splitting hairs among flagships. I know the ROG II camera gets mixed reviews out of the box, but the sensor itself is pretty good. There's also a Gcam port for it that many people like better (though comparison photos are hit and miss for my tastes with it). I also prefer using manual modes, which isn't dependent on software and AI stuff to get a good photo.

4. Are you in the U.S? If so, you can buy the U.S. version to get a warranty here. It's still rolling out worldwide I think, so check your local retailers for more info.

5. I've yet to have a phone with an IP rating. Even if it was rated, I'd treat it no different than my past phones. So no skin off my back. Remember, no manufacturer warranties water damage, so it's not advisable to rely on that lab test rating.

6. This one takes a bit of effort to wrap your head around. Understand that as Li-ion batteries are charged, the charging rate slows after you hit about 75%. The closer you get to being full, the slower it goes. Think of it like filling a bucket from a water hose. If you keep it at full blast, water will start to spill out before it's full. So as it gets full, you slow the water flow and can fill it right to the brim.

Now compare the Note 10+ 4,300 mAh battery to the ROG II's 6,000 mAh battery. With the 45W charger running full tilt, the 10+ takes just over an hour for a full charge, including the slow down as it fills. The ROG II is advertised to charge 0-4,000 mAh in 58 minutes. It hits 4,300 mAh in almost the same time as the Note 10+. How can it do that on the weaker 30W charger? (Note that's for the global version. The Tencent version comes with an 18W charger, not sure about Indonesia.) Because it hasn't filled enough to start slowing the charge much. So from a real world perspective, you can get the same usable capacity in almost the same amount of time, and do so with less stress on the battery. Let's also not forget I compared that to the 45W charger that must be purchased separately for the 10+. Since that only saves about 5 minutes on a complete charge, most people are likely to stick with the stock 25W charger. That easily puts the ROG II ahead in charging performance.

Asus also goes one step further for those that insist on overnight charging. You can set the time you want it to be done, and it will adapt the charge rate to go slower and still finish when you're ready to get up. Again, this puts less stress on the battery, and that's important with sealed batteries.

7. Screen resolution... I'm not too concerned. With such small screens, anything over 1080p is overkill anyway. I doubt you'll be able to notice a difference (I can't even notice a difference above 720p on my V20).

Now for my thoughts, and why I'm no longer considering it.

Network compatibility. This is a huge issue in the U.S. It doesn't have full support on any carrier. The only way to use it on Verizon is as a data only device, then use Google Voice for calls and texts. I was willing to work with that, but there's no VoLTE or Wi-Fi calling. That means as carriers start dropping 2/3G support in the next few years, this phone won't be able to make any standard phone calls, including 911. With how commonplace mobile phones are now and landlines going the way of the dinosaur, this is just unacceptable. The phone was basically obsolete by design before it was ever released. To add insult to injury, those functions do work on the Tencent version in China. Asus is making a choice to not support either protocol on the U.S. version. Anyone that has contacted them gets the same response, no plans to support even VoLTE.

I'm keeping an eye on it and all the discussions at XDA. I know they have looked into bypassing and getting VoLTE working, but no luck yet. It's a beast for sure, but U.S. buyers beware.

I like your detailed reply. Btw im from Indonesia and its not Official yet so if its damaged i have to go to Singapore to get it fixed.

But im guessing i dont need the ROGPHONE 2 since i already have the N10+. Which is already a good phone.

But the accessories for ROGPHONE 2 is nice... And pricey...i remembered buying the Dual Screen thingy for my 1st gen ROGPHONE and it was USD$400...
 
Only if you do a lot of gaming on your phone really, besides that I see absolutely no reason to swap from your current device.
Using N10+ myself as well
 
Also the SD 855+ is just an overclocked 855, it's not THAT much better than the Exynos so unless you're the the type that wank to benchmark scores.
 
But its true right? Even standard SD855 is already better...

As far as I know it is only in the graphics/gaming end of things you would Maybe notice a difference as a user, everything else is optimised so finely that it is only in benchmark mickey measuring that it is better
 
As far as I know it is only in the graphics/gaming end of things you would Maybe notice a difference as a user, everything else is optimised so finely that it is only in benchmark mickey measuring that it is better

But it has vapor cooling chambers... Hahaha. Fine i get it. Thanks for reminding me that the N10+ is good enough.
 
The Samsung S10 phones have a finger print sensor issues. Probably even the Note 10 phones.

In HK the Note 10 phones are dropping in price.
 
So as the title suggests. Anyone thinking of moving to the ROGphone 2?im currently using an Unlocked Exynos N10+(12/512)im tempted to buy it as it uses SD855+...

I am not a heavy mobile phone gamer but it keeps popping up in my mind xD.

But a few "cons" always hold me back.
1.No wireless charging.
2.Difference of 100 PPI vs the N10+.
3 Cameras not as good as the N10+.
4.No warranty at the moment.
5.No IP rating.
6.Slower charging speed compared to N10+.
7.Lower screen resolution.
8.And apparently in Indonesia a brand new ROGphone 2(12/512)costs USD$200 more than a brand new N10+(12/512)...

Owh wait i forgot the "pros".
1.120Hz screen.
2.240Hz touch sensing.
3.SD855+
4.Stereo Speakers(i had the 1st Gen ROGphone, trust me the speakers are crazy)
5.6000mAh battery.
6.2 x USB-C ports.
7.2 x headphone jacks.

About a month or 2 ago I was interested in the ROG2. That's pretty much faded since I am not a gamer or anything like that.
 
I have exactly 2 games on my Note 10+ phone: Asphalt 9 and Cover Fire.

I play those games maybe once every few weeks for about 10 minutes. Then I get bored.

So no ROG for me...
 
I don't consider myself a gamer either, but it still has plenty to like, if not for the network issues.
 
It's an awesome phone, but I'm skipping it for now. I'll address a few of your points, then add my own thoughts.



3. Cameras are so close now that it's splitting hairs among flagships. I know the ROG II camera gets mixed reviews out of the box, but the sensor itself is pretty good. There's also a Gcam port for it that many people like better (though comparison photos are hit and miss for my tastes with it). I also prefer using manual modes, which isn't dependent on software and AI stuff to get a good photo.

4. Are you in the U.S? If so, you can buy the U.S. version to get a warranty here. It's still rolling out worldwide I think, so check your local retailers for more info.

5. I've yet to have a phone with an IP rating. Even if it was rated, I'd treat it no different than my past phones. So no skin off my back. Remember, no manufacturer warranties water damage, so it's not advisable to rely on that lab test rating.

6. This one takes a bit of effort to wrap your head around. Understand that as Li-ion batteries are charged, the charging rate slows after you hit about 75%. The closer you get to being full, the slower it goes. Think of it like filling a bucket from a water hose. If you keep it at full blast, water will start to spill out before it's full. So as it gets full, you slow the water flow and can fill it right to the brim.

Now compare the Note 10+ 4,300 mAh battery to the ROG II's 6,000 mAh battery. With the 45W charger running full tilt, the 10+ takes just over an hour for a full charge, including the slow down as it fills. The ROG II is advertised to charge 0-4,000 mAh in 58 minutes. It hits 4,300 mAh in almost the same time as the Note 10+. How can it do that on the weaker 30W charger? (Note that's for the global version. The Tencent version comes with an 18W charger, not sure about Indonesia.) Because it hasn't filled enough to start slowing the charge much. So from a real world perspective, you can get the same usable capacity in almost the same amount of time, and do so with less stress on the battery. Let's also not forget I compared that to the 45W charger that must be purchased separately for the 10+. Since that only saves about 5 minutes on a complete charge, most people are likely to stick with the stock 25W charger. That easily puts the ROG II ahead in charging performance.

Asus also goes one step further for those that insist on overnight charging. You can set the time you want it to be done, and it will adapt the charge rate to go slower and still finish when you're ready to get up. Again, this puts less stress on the battery, and that's important with sealed batteries.

7. Screen resolution... I'm not too concerned. With such small screens, anything over 1080p is overkill anyway. I doubt you'll be able to notice a difference (I can't even notice a difference above 720p on my V20).

Now for my thoughts, and why I'm no longer considering it.

Network compatibility. This is a huge issue in the U.S. It doesn't have full support on any carrier. The only way to use it on Verizon is as a data only device, then use Google Voice for calls and texts. I was willing to work with that, but there's no VoLTE or Wi-Fi calling. That means as carriers start dropping 2/3G support in the next few years, this phone won't be able to make any standard phone calls, including 911. With how commonplace mobile phones are now and landlines going the way of the dinosaur, this is just unacceptable. The phone was basically obsolete by design before it was ever released. To add insult to injury, those functions do work on the Tencent version in China. Asus is making a choice to not support either protocol on the U.S. version. Anyone that has contacted them gets the same response, no plans to support even VoLTE.

I'm keeping an eye on it and all the discussions at XDA. I know they have looked into bypassing and getting VoLTE working, but no luck yet. It's a beast for sure, but U.S. buyers beware.


Wow, serious, no network support?? My Note 10+ already has poor cellular reception at home on my Verizon signal, so I don't need a different device that will give me worse network signal that what I'm already getting now.
 
I have exactly 2 games on my Note 10+ phone: Asphalt 9 and Cover Fire.

I play those games maybe once every few weeks for about 10 minutes. Then I get bored.

So no ROG for me...

Yeah I think I would lose interest fast since I'm not a gamer.
 
Wow, serious, no network support?? My Note 10+ already has poor cellular reception at home on my Verizon signal, so I don't need a different device that will give me worse network signal that what I'm already getting now.

Don't confuse reception with network support. From what I've read, most people get great reception on the ROG II. By network support, I mean being compatible with the various frequency bands. For Verizon, it's compatible with all of their 4G bands, but only for data and requiring the work around because it's not a CDMA or VoLTE compatible phone in the U.S. It is compatible with AT&T service and all but one band of TMO (GSM only carriers), but it's still limited to calls only on the 2G and 3G bands. Those lower bands are going to start disappearing next year with Verizon (not that matters in this discussion), and I think AT&T is scheduled to be removing them in 2022. I can easily see keeping this phone over two or three years, so that's cutting it too close for comfort.

If you're on AT&T or TMO, and plan to upgrade frequently, this may become a non-issue. Verizon's work around would use the data network anyway, so also maybe not a problem if you don't mind setting that up. That same work around would actually apply to any carrier, and keep it useful longer. So the big issue I see right now is 911. I drive for a living, so being able to make reliable 911 calls on the road is more important to me than the average person. The work around wouldn't help with 911 service.

I am trying to dig into this more, though. I talked to someone at the FCC earlier today. She said they have been getting a lot of these calls, though mostly from elderly people. She said they love their flip phones and don't want to upgrade to smart phones. According to her, the 2G and 3G networks are still supposed to remain active for 911 access, just not for regular calls. Mind you, this was just one agent and not something I've been able to get a lot of info on yet to verify her answer one way or another. I sent an email to the Emergency Medical Service office, which runs the 911 system, asking the same thing. No reply so far.

Wanting to be on the bleeding edge is a lot of work! Lol
 
So as the title suggests. Anyone thinking of moving to the ROGphone 2?im currently using an Unlocked Exynos N10+(12/512)im tempted to buy it as it uses SD855+...

I am not a heavy mobile phone gamer but it keeps popping up in my mind xD.

But a few "cons" always hold me back.
1.No wireless charging.
2.Difference of 100 PPI vs the N10+.
3 Cameras not as good as the N10+.
4.No warranty at the moment.
5.No IP rating.
6.Slower charging speed compared to N10+.
7.Lower screen resolution.
8.And apparently in Indonesia a brand new ROGphone 2(12/512)costs USD$200 more than a brand new N10+(12/512)...

Owh wait i forgot the "pros".
1.120Hz screen.
2.240Hz touch sensing.
3.SD855+
4.Stereo Speakers(i had the 1st Gen ROGphone, trust me the speakers are crazy)
5.6000mAh battery.
6.2 x USB-C ports.
7.2 x headphone jacks.

NO S PEN ☹️
 

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