Asus set to expand from 71 stores to 200 by 2020; 25 in South India

As part of its expansion plans, technology giant Asus will have 200-plus exclusive stores in India by 2020, a senior official said on Thursday.

As of now Asus has 71 exclusive stores across India and will have 100 stores by the end of the year, Asus India distribution and commercial manager Piyush Seth told reporters on the sidelines of opening of a new store here, the 72nd in India.

The company will open more than 25 exclusive stores in South India, which contribute 30 per cent to the revenue, he said.

The company was growing year on year 38 to 40 per cent, he said adding the expansion was mainly to sustain the 40 per cent growth and become the market leader, with 11.8 per cent market share reported in the third quarter.

Asus ROG Phone II review: Beating premium smartphones on their own turf

If you wonder what is so special about a gaming smartphone that a regular one does not have, you need to experience the Asus ROG Phone II. Besides flagship specifications, this smartphone offers several gaming-centric value-added features, including software-based customisation and hardware integration, which make mobile gaming convenient and fun. A successor to the ROG Phone, the first gaming smartphone in India, the ROG Phone II brings a number of cosmetic and hardware updates that make it the most comprehensive smartphone in the premium midrange segment.

The ROG Phone II appears to have all the right ingredients to make it an all-round gaming performer. But how does it fare on smartphone parameters? Let’s find out:

Design

The ROG Phone II is big, heavy and bulky. Its tall stature makes carrying it in pocket rather inconvenient. Also, the phone has an uneven weight distribution – its bottom feels slightly heavier than the rest of the body when you handle the phone for extended hours. The ROG Phone II’s design builds up on the ROG Phone’s. So, it looks identical to its predecessor. It has a premium glass-metal sandwich design with a uniquely shaped back profile that looks stunning and different from other smartphones.

Asus ROG Phone 2Given that the phone has several openings – a 3.5mm audio port, USB type-C charging and data transfer ports, microphone openings and air vents – and that it lacks an ingress protection rating for water and dust resistance, the phone’s internals are prone to easy damage.

Display

The ROG Phone II’s AMOLED screen is the most technology-rich panel that you will find in a smartphone. It boasts several industry-first features, including a 120Hz refresh rate and 10-bit HDR. These might sound technical, but they improve the experience and make the ROG Phone II’s display one of the best in smartphones.

Asus ROG Phone IIBeing a gaming device, the smartphone’s display is tuned to deliver optimal experience while playing supported games. The output is equally dazzling when it renders supported digital content from over-the-top (OTT) platforms like Amazon Prime Videos, Netflix, etc. The phone also has Widevine L1 certification, allowing it to stream digital OTT content in high definition. Except its brightness, which is dim and affects sunlight legibility, the phone’s display is found to be wanting on no other parameter.

Multimedia

Besides an immersive display, the ROG Phone II also has front-facing dual stereo speakers, with Dolby Ultra support. These make the phone a multimedia powerhouse. The speakers are loud and clear, and have a balanced stereo crosstalk. The ROG Phone II appears to have one of the best speaker set-ups for gaming and multimedia.

Camera

The ROG Phone II has capable camera modules on the back and front. The dual-camera set-up on the back utilises the same sensors that the company uses in its midrange flagship smartphone Asus 6z. When compared with its predecessor, the ROG Phone II’s camera is a huge improvement.

However, it is not the best in its segment.

Asus ROG Phone II camera sample: Low-light in auto modeAsus ROG Phone II camera sample: Low-light in auto modeAsus ROG Phone II camera sample: Low-light in night modeAsus ROG Phone II camera sample: Low-light in night modeThe phone’s dual-camera set-up on the back delivers consistent results in daylight conditions. The primary camera fixes focus quickly and takes detailed shots with negligible colour variation and decent dynamic range. The ultra-wide secondary sensor works well for landscape shots. It captures 125-degree wide frame and makes barrel effect smooth without unnecessarily softening the edges.

In lowlight conditions, however, the cameras seem to struggle. Even with a dedicated night mode, the cameras is not able to capture details at night. The phone also requires steady hands to shoot stable frames.

Asus ROG Phone II camera sample: Night modeAsus ROG Phone II camera sample: Night modeThe front camera for taking selfies and making video calls is decent. It takes satisfactory shots, but anything exceptional should not be expected here.

Performance

Though a midrange phone, the ROG Phone II has flagship specifications, some that you do not find even in premium smartphones. It is the first smartphone in India to be powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+ system-on-chip (SoC).

Like its predecessor, the Asus ROG Phone II has a pressure-sensitive chassis with active sensors on the lower left and right sides. The phone also has ultrasonic sensors (Air Triggers) located at the top and bottom on the right side of the chassis. The placement of Air Triggers has been improved in the ROG Phone II; using these now feels much more natural. Similarly, the pressure sensors now recognise palm force with ease and allow instant transition from normal to X-mode for game-related settings enhancements.

Asus ROG Phone IIThe phone also has a new ROG UI, based on the Android Pie operating system. The UI looks close to stock Android and comes with some value-added features for general improvement. It looks neat and feels swift. The phone handles tasks without any hiccups and its everyday performance is glitch-free.

Battery

The ROG Phone-II is powered by a 6,000 mAh battery, which keeps it going for two days straight on single charge (when the phone is used for mixed utilities, such as calling, messaging, internet browsing, casual gaming, etc). Playing graphic-intensive games and streaming videos consume the battery more rapidly, but the phone still manages to sail through one day. The phone supports fast charging, which takes around three hours to juice up a completely drained battery.

Verdict

With regard to gaming, multimedia and battery, the Asus ROG Phone II sets new benchmarks for both midrange and premium phones. At Rs 37,999 for the base model (8GB RAM + 256GB storage), the phone is a steal: It can outperform even the premium smartphones. Pick this one for its all-round performance, games-related software and hardware enhancements, immersive multimedia capabilities and a long-lasting battery. Except for its mediocre camera performance, there is nothing that you might not like in the ROG Phone II. 

Asus ROG Phone II first impressions: Extraordinary phone; steal at Rs 37999

Taiwanese electronics manufacturer Asus was the first smartphone brand to bring a gaming-centric smartphone (last year’s Asus ROG Phone) in India. Though it was an impressive device, the phone’s prohibitive price tag of Rs 69,999 restricted its reach to the community of digital gaming fanatics.

Now, the company has launched the second iteration of its ROG-series smartphone, the ROG Phone II. At Rs 37,999 for the base model (8GB RAM + 256GB storage), the ROG Phone II comes for just about half the price of its predecessor. Interestingly, the company has cut no corners and the phone brings some major upgrades to be a power-packed premium gaming device. Let’s take a look at the phone’s specifications:

Asus ROG Phone first impressions

Display

Asus ROG Phone IIThe ROG Phone II’s AMOLED screen boasts several industry-first features, including 120Hz refresh rate and 10-bit HDR. These features might sound technical but they improve the experience and make the ROG Phone II’s display one of the best that you can get in any smartphone. Being a gaming smartphone, the phone’s display is tuned to deliver optimal experience while playing games. It also looks equally dazzling while rendering supported digital content available on several over-the-top apps like the Amazon Prime Videos, Netflix, etc.

Multimedia

Asus ROG Phone IIBesides an immersive display, the ROG Phone II also has front-facing dual stereo speakers with Dolby Ultra support that makes the phone a multimedia powerhouse. The speakers are loud, clear, and have balanced stereo crosstalk. The ROG Phone II seems to have one of the best speaker set-ups for gaming and multimedia — even otherwise. The phone also has Widevine L1 certification, allowing it to stream digital content available on OTT platforms in high definition.

Performance

Though a midrange phone, the ROG Phone II has flagship specifications, some that yo0u don’t find even in premium smartphones. It is the first smartphone in India to be powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+ system-on-chip (SoC). Like its predecessor, the Asus ROG Phone II has a pressure-sensitive chassis with active sensors on the lower left and right sides. The phone also has ultrasonic sensors (Air Triggers) on the right side of the chassis, located on the top and bottom sides. However, the placement of Air Triggers has been improved and using them now feels much more natural. Similarly, the pressure sensors now recognise palm force with ease and allow instant transition from normal to X-mode for game-related settings enhancement.

Asus ROG Phone IIAt its price, the ROG Phone II has a lot for everyone. The phone is certainly aimed at gamers, but others might also appreciate it for its build quality, features, display, battery, etc. Therefore, the phone is being tested on several parameters and you will get a lowdown in a detailed soon-to-be-published review. Watch this space...

Asus ROG Phone II launched; starting price Rs 37,999: Specs, other details

Taiwanese electronics maker Asus on Monday launched in India the Asus ROG Phone II smartphone. The gaming-centric smartphone comes in 8GB RAM + 128GB storage and 12GB RAM + 512GB storage configurations, priced at Rs 37,999 and Rs 59,999, respectively. While the company has not confirmed the sale details of the 12GB RAM variant, the 8GB RAM variant goes on sale from September 30, exclusively on the home-grown e-commerce platform Flipkart.

Asus ROG Phone II specifications and features

Compared to its predecessor, the Asus ROG Phone, the second iteration brings several design improvements and hardware upgrades. It is the first smartphone in India to be powered by Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon 855+ system-on-chip. The Asus ROG Phone II has a 6.59-inch AMOLED screen of a fullHD+ resolution (2340 x 1080). The screen has an enhanced refresh rate that goes up to 120Hz, an improvement over the 90Hz screen refresh rate of its predecessor. Moreover, the screen has a 240Hz touch sampling, 1ms response time, 108 per cent DCQ-P3 colour gamut, 10-bit HDR support and a touch latency of 49ms – some key features that should improve the phone’s gaming experience.

In terms of design, the Asus ROG Phone II looks similar to its predecessor, except that it has a less flashy design and has a tall stance. Made of aluminium and glass, the phone has a Corning Gorilla Glass 6 protection on the front and back.

The phone’s back resembles the ROG Phone's, with a dual-camera set-up on the top-left corner, exhaust vent on the right and RGB LED-powered ROG logo at the centre.

Asus ROG Phone 2The phone is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+ SoC. It has a 6,000 mAh battery and two USB type-C ports (on the left and bottom of the chassis) and Quick Charge 4.0 fast-charge support. The port on the left side also doubles up as a connector to attach ROG accessories (sold separately). It can also be used to transfer data at up to 10Gbps using USB 3.1 Gen 2, and it can give a 4K video output using DisplayPort 1.4. The bottom Type-C port supports USB 2.0 transfers, plus fast-charging via Quick Charge 3.0 and USB Power Delivery 3.0 adapters. The phone has front-facing stereo speakers with DTS:X Ultra DSP.

Imaging is covered by a dual-camera set-up on the back, featuring a 48-megapixel primary sensor of an f/1.79 aperture and a 13MP ultra-wide lens. On the front, the phone has a 24MP selfie camera. The phone also boasts the quad-array noise-cancellation technology through four built-in microphones.

Asus ROG Phone II launched, price starts at Rs 37,999: Specs, other detailsAsus ROG Phone II retail package content details

8GB + 128GB variant: ROG Phone II, 18W QC 4.0 charger, USB type A to type C data cable, Aero Case, SIM ejector pin, user manual and warranty Card

12GB/512GB Variant: ROG Phone II, 30 Watt QC 4.0 charger, USB type C to type C data cable, Aero Case, Aero Active Cooler II (worth Rs 3,999 for free), SIM ejector pin, user Manual and warranty card

Besides the ROG Phone II, Asus also launched the phone’s supported accessory. Here are the details:

Kunai Game Pad: Rs 9,999

Aero Active Cooler: Rs 3,999

Professional Dock: Rs 5,499

TwinView II: Rs 19,999

Mobile Desktop Dock: Rs 12,999

30 Watt Charger: Rs 1,999

Lighting Armor Case: Rs 2,999

Asus ROG Phone II Flipkart Big Billion Days sale offer:

Asus ROG Phone 2The Asus ROG Phone II goes on sale as a special during the Flipkart’s upcoming Big Billion Days festive-season sale. During the sale, the phone will be available with 10 per cent instant discount offer for ICICI and Axis Bank card holders. Besides, it will also be eligible for a six-month no-cost equated monthly instalment offer.

Asus ROG Phone 2 with Qualcomm 855 Plus unveiled: Know specs and features

Taiwanese electronics maker Asus on July 22 unveiled the second iteration of its gaming-centric ROG smartphone. Named Asus ROG Phone 2, the phone brings several design improvements and hardware upgrades over predecessor ROG Phone. The ROG Phone 2 is also the first smartphone to be powered by Qualcomm’s recently unveiled Snapdragon 855 Plus mobile processor.
Here are key features and specifications of the Asus ROG Phone:
The Asus ROG Phone 2 looks similar to its predecessor, except that it has a less flashy design and has a tall stance. Made of aluminium and glass, the phone has a Corning Gorilla Glass 6 protection on the front and back. The phone’s back resembles the ROG Phone, with a dual-camera set-up on the top-left corner, exhaust vent on the right and RGB LED-powered ROG logo at the centre.
Asus ROG Phone 2 On the front, the phone has a 6.59-inch AMOLED screen of a fullHD+ resolution (2340 x 1080). The screen has an enhanced refresh rate that goes up to 120Hz. It also has 240Hz touch sampling, 1ms response time, 108 per cent DCI-P3 colour gamut, 10,000:1 contrast ratio and HDR support.Asus ROG Phone 2 The phone is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 Plus mobile processor, paired with up to 12 GB of RAM and 512 GB of internal storage. It has a 6,000 mAh battery and two USB type-C ports (on left and bottom sides of the chassis) and Quick Charge 3.0 support. The port on the left side also doubles up as a connector to attach ROG accessories (sold separately). It can also be used to transfer data at up to 10Gbps using USB 3.1 Gen 2, and it can give a 4K video output using DisplayPort 1.4. The bottom Type-C port supports USB 2.0 transfers, plus fast-charging via Quick Charge 3.0 and USB Power Delivery 3.0 adapters. The phone has front-facing stereo speakers with DTS:X Ultra DSP.Asus ROG Phone 2 Imaging is covered by a dual camera set-up on the back, featuring a 48-megapixel primary sensor of a f/1.79 aperture and a 13MP ultra-wide lens. On the front, the phone has a 24MP selfie camera. The phone also boasts the quad-array noise-cancellation technology through four built-in microphones.

Asus Zenfone 6 with 48+13MP flip camera unveiled: Better than OnePlus 7?

At a global event held in Paris, Taiwanese smartphone maker Asus on Thursday unveiled the Zenfone 6. A successor to the Zenfone 5z, the Zenfone 6 has a three-side bezel-less screen, glass-metal-glass design, motorised flip camera, and 5,000 mAh battery. Pitched as a rival to the recently launched OnePlus 7, the Zenfone 6 is expected to launch in India sometime next month.

Design . Asus Zenfone 6 The Asus Zenfone 6 has a glass-metal-glass design with Gorilla Glass 6 on the front and Gorilla Glass 3 on the back. The phone’s overall design resembles the ROG phone, albeit without the flashy elements like exhaust vents and LED insignia. The phone’s key design highlight is its 6.41-inch fullHD+ screen with no notch or cut-out area for earpiece and sensors which gives it a three-side bezel-less profile.

Camera

Asus Zenfone 6 flip camera The phone boasts a dual-camera module featuring a 48-megapixel primary sensor (Sony IMX 586) of an f/1.79 aperture and a 13MP ultra-wide lens of a 128-degree field of view.

The cameras are fitted on a motorised flip module resting inside a cut-out area on the back. Unlike the motorised pop-up camera module that ejects from the chassis, the flip module rotates 180 degrees, giving more flexibility to the user, especially while taking panorama shots or selfie shots.

Specifications

Asus Zenfone 6 flip camera Powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 system-on-chip, the phone boots Android Pie-based ZenUI 6.0. The new user interface is an improvement over the existing ZenUI. It looks close to the stock Android and has several value-add features integrated by Asus for an improved user experience. The key highlight of the phone is its 5,000 mAh battery, which supports 18W fast charging with the supplied charger. The phone is compatible with the Quick Charge 4.0 quick-charging technology.