After Razer, Black Shark, ASUS, and Nubia, we no longer need to scoff at the idea of an all-out gaming smartphone. This year, we expect OEMs to go even crazier with their specification sheets with ridiculously and unapologetically overpowered phones. The latest ASUS ROG Phone II is the next iteration in the gaming smartphone series from ASUS, and it comes with a mind-blowing specification sheet comprising of head-turners like a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 Plus SoC, a 120Hz 6.6" FHD+ AMOLED display, a massive 6,000 mAh battery, and so much more.
While everyone unanimously enjoys the flex on the specification sheet, a lot of people do not enjoy the over-the-top presentation that comes on gaming smartphones. This ranges from the flashy exterior that exudes a sense of gaming-inspired distinctiveness, to the software that makes generous use of dark UI elements with tacky highlights. The UX specifically is a far cry from the evolution of modern smartphone user experiences, and the idea of being locked into this experience can be enough of a deterrent for potential customers who are also looking for an actual smartphone and not just a gaming machine.
ASUS has recognized the needs of both sets of its audiences — gamers who prefer the distinctiveness of a gaming UX and mainstream consumers looking for a powerful smartphone with a more conventional UX. Because of this, the new ASUS ROG Phone II will offer its users an option to choose from either the ROG UI or a more stock-like Android user experience through ZenUI Classic at the final page of the initial setup. We're told that the stock-like Android experience on the ROG Phone II will be similar to what we see on the ASUS ZenFone 6, which should be sufficient for most users.
This decision to offer a choice to move away from a heavy UX in favor of a lighter and more approachable UX is definitely commendable. The game-centric software features will still be bundled into a separate app, so can still control game-related aspects of the device on either user interface. Thus, ASUS' decision is a win-win for all potential consumers.