ASUS is sending the ROG Phone II to custom ROM and kernel developers

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Even though some manufacturers, including ASUS, have done a great job of refining their Android skins, there’s still plenty of interest in custom ROM and kernel development for plenty of devices. However, two of the biggest barriers that hold back custom ROM development for new devices are cost and availability. It isn’t feasible for developers to go out and buy every new phone out there, which is why some manufacturers send out a few units to developers to kickstart development. ASUS, for instance, sent out several units of its flagship ZenFone 6 to developers earlier this year in June. And now, the company is sending out units of the ASUS ROG Phone II to custom ROM and kernel developers.

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The ASUS ROG Phone II is undoubtedly one of the best premium flagships in the market today, offering top-of-the-line specifications in a gamer-centric chassis. The device packs in Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon 855+ chip, coupled with up to 12GB of RAM and an impressive 120Hz high refresh rate display. Not only does the ROG Phone II offer great hardware, but it also offers a more polished software experience that’s frankly close to stock Android. All these factors combined together make it one of the best flagship smartphones out there. But what makes it even better is that ASUS has already released a bootloader unlock tool and kernel source code for the device. And now, with the company shipping devices to developers, we expect the development to switch to high gear on our forums.

Currently, ASUS is sending units of the ROG Phone II to 4 developers from the list of 10 who were selected for the ZenFone 6 program as they expressed interest in working on the device. More developers may receive devices in the future, but that’s not set in stone yet. Here are the 4 developers who are initially getting the ROG Phone II:

As of now, both OrdenKriger and luca020400 have already confirmed that they’ve received their units and the other units are on their way to freak07 and micky387.