Nearly every year, we get the luxury of seeing at least one new name in the smartphone market. In 2017, Razer joined the party by launching the Razer Phone, the first smartphone to feature a 120Hz display screen optimized for gaming and as tradition dictates, there’s a Razer Phone 2 that’s obviously here to take the place of the OG model.
The question that most are asking is whether the Razer Phone 2 is not only a worthy successor to the 2017 model but also a phone that can double as a daily driver and not just a gaming-specific handset. To find answers to these questions and then some, let’s dig a little deeper into what the Razer Phone 2 really is, including details of where to buy it.
Razer Phone 2 specs
- 5.7-inch QHD (2560×1440), 120Hz UltraMotion
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 with integrated custom vapor chamber cooling
- 8GB RAM
- 64GB or 128GB expandable storage, up to 1 TB
- Dual 12MP + 12MP main camera with OIS
- 8MP front camera
- 4000mAh Li-ion battery
- Android 8.1 Oreo
- Extras: Wireless Charging, Dual Stereo Speakers with Dolby Atmos along with a 24-bit USB-C DAC, Razer Chroma Illuminated Logo, IP67 dust and water resistance, Side-mounted FPS, Quick Charge 4+, etc.
If you know a thing or two about the Razer Phone or even the likes of Asus ROG Phone and Xiaomi Black Shark 2, the question you are probably asking is how good is the Razer Phone 2 compared to the competition? Given how feature-packed the ROG Phone is and how cheap the Black Shark can get, there’s no easy task for the second-generation Razer Phone when it comes to getting the attention of gamers.
To this effect, the Razer Phone 2 packs an over-clocked Snapdragon 845 processor that runs at 2.8GHz and is mated with 8GB RAM and 64GB or 128GB of expandable storage, basically the same specs sheet found on other 2018 Android flagship phones. But what makes the performance of the Razer Phone 2 not only better than its predecessor but also a step ahead of the competition is the included vapor chamber that mimics the company’s laptop cooling system to ensure sustained performance over long periods.
Like its predecessor, you still get a 5.7-inch QHD LCD display screen with a 16:9 aspect ratio and big bezels that house dual stereo front-facing speakers with each having an amplifier, Netflix HDR support and Dolby Surround 5.1 for the best audio experience when gaming. Unfortunately, there’s still no 3.5mm audio jack, but things like 24-bit DAC and bigger speaker boxes should still make up for a great audio experience.
The same 120Hz display refresh rate carries on, meaning even the latest from Asus, the ROG Phone, can’t match the Razer Phone 2, yet we haven’t even mentioned the improved brightness that can go all the way to 645 nits, a 50% jump compared to its predecessor. This screen gets protection from Corning’s Gorilla Glass 5 and even better is that the Razer Phone 2 design is IP67 certified for dust and water resistance.
Since it’s a device meant for gaming, Razer packed a 4000mAh battery in there, same as its predecessor and the likes of Samsung Galaxy Note 9. To ensure filling it up takes the shortest time possible, there’s support for Quick Charge 4+ and even better is that Qi Wireless Charging technology is on board, but of course, it isn’t as quick to charge the phone as using the wired charger. Also, you’ll need to buy a wireless charging dock complete with Chroma lighting effects separately at $100.
For gamers, photography might be the least of their concern, but this doesn’t mean the Razer Phone 2 doesn’t have good camera lenses. The back has a dual 12MP wide-angle lens with OIS and a secondary 12MP telephoto lens camera setup that also includes things like HDR and portrait mode. On the front, you get an 8MP shooter with a f/2.0 aperture and to ensure great video recording, you also get three microphones and noise cancellation.
In terms of software, the Razer Phone 2 has Android 8.1 Oreo out of the box and although a bit of a disappointment since Pie is already with us, the company says an update to the latest and greatest from Google will be here sooner than you know. Also, fans of the Nova Launcher Prime will be glad to know that the skin has kept its place alongside Razer Cortex. The logo on the glass back also can shift color with the help of Chroma effects and even better is that it can double as a notification LED.
Price and where to buy it
Unlike the OG Razer Phone, the second-generation model will be accompanied by a bunch of accessories. In addition to a variety of cases that range between $20 and $50, you’ll also be able to buy things like a USB-C to USB-C connector (Green) priced at $25, Razer Raiju Mobile gamepad controller priced at $150 (€150 in Europe) and Razer Hammerhead USB-C ANC headphones priced at $100 (€100) beginning this Q4 2018, but market availability varies.
As for the price of the Razer Phone 2 itself and where to buy it, the base model of 64GB costs $800 while the high-end Satin Glass model that also houses 128GB storage will set you back $900 in the U.S. In the UK, the phone goes for £780 and the rest of Europe will have to part with €899.99 for the base model, but there are some discounts in certain markets. Although pre-orders are live in the Asia Pacific region, we still don’t have pricing info and exact availability.
Speaking of which, the phone’s availability in the U.S. begins on October 22nd while those in the UK and Europe, in general, will have to wait until November 9th to get their hands on this device. The wait should be even longer in Asia Pacific countries.
To buy/pre-book the Razer Phone 2, hit the link below and select your specific region/country of residence before placing your order.
