With the Razer Phone 2, peripheral manufacturer Razer recently introduced its second smartphone, which is primarily aimed at gamers but also targets other high-end enthusiasts. Initial press reviews now show how well the available model actually performs for gaming.
The first reviews of the Razer Phone 2 attest that the new model has made significant improvements in detail compared to last year’s predecessor. Visually, not much has changed in the design, and Razer continues to rely on a rectangular, bulky housing compared to other top models without a bezel-less display.
Additionally, two Dolby stereo speakers are again used at the top and bottom of the screen, while a fingerprint sensor is placed in the side power button.
Technical Specifications of the Razer Phone 2
What’s new in the design: The Razer Phone 2 uses a shatter-resistant glass cover on the back instead of metal like the predecessor, which now also allows for wireless charging of the still 4,000 mAh battery according to the Qi standard. Additionally, Quick Charge 4.0+ is included.
Thanks to the new IP67 certification, protection against dust and temporary submersion in water is promised. Meanwhile, the rear manufacturer logo features a Chroma RGB lighting for various colors and effects.
Display and Internal Values: Like the first Razer Phone, the new model features a 5.7-inch display with an IPS LCD panel and IGZO technology, which has a resolution of 2,560 x 1,440 pixels and a refresh rate of 120 Hz. However, the brightness is reportedly increased by 50 percent.
- Inside, there are still 8 GB of RAM, with a more powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 and Adreno 630 GPU handling the computing tasks. Keeping things cool is a vapor chamber cooling system (vapor chambers that allow for more effective heat dissipation).
- There is 64 GB of fixed storage available (a 128 GB model is expected to follow), which can be expanded via microSD card.
- A 24-bit DAC audio adapter is supposed to ensure optimal sound, with the headphone connection made via USB rather than a headphone jack.
This is what the camera can do: Razer relies on an improved dual-camera system with 12-megapixel sensors from Sony (wide-angle lens with optical image stabilization and telephoto lens with 2x zoom).
- The aperture values are specified as f/1.75 and f/2.6.
- Support for HDR video recording at up to 30 fps in 4K resolution is provided. The latter also applies to the 8 MP front camera.
- The camera performance, which was often criticized in the predecessor, is reported to have improved, yet tests indicate it still can’t keep up with other top models.
- Razer also emphasizes that the selfie camera is well-suited for filming oneself during game streams.
The Gaming Features
The Android 8.1 (update to Android 9 is expected) with NovaLauncher offers numerous gaming optimizations from Razer in terms of graphics and sound. Particularly regarding Dolby Atmos support and a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz, which is supposed to provide a smoother gaming experience. Supported games are listed on the manufacturer’s site Razer.com*.
The implemented “Game Boost” mode is intended to continuously deliver maximum performance and provide other setting options, such as a customized power-saving mode.
- In terms of equipment and computing power, the Razer Phone 2 is overall well-equipped for current mobile games.
- The colleagues from Gamestar.de noted, however, that battery life can quickly interfere with the gaming experience: In a gaming test with Fortnite, it ended after just over three hours.
- However, the low temperature under load is praised, and its focus on the panoramic mode makes the smartphone very suitable for gaming, even if the Razer Phone 2 dispenses with game controllers.
- Otherwise, the smartphone holds up well in daily use on the mobile network and with occasional usage for games and videos for a good day (8:31 hours).
Test Summary
Most press reviews praise the exceptionally smooth scrolling of the display, although the color values do not quite reach current OLED equivalents.
The excellent speakers are also praised, as well as the fact that the smartphone usually stays comparatively cool under load. The adjustable logo with lighting is often highlighted as a positive gimmick.
Criticism mainly focuses on the mediocre camera and the somewhat clunky design of the housing. All in all, however, positive assessments outweigh the criticisms, and the Razer Phone 2 is described as a good gaming and entertainment smartphone.
- The Verge: “The Razer Phone 2 will not change the smartphone market, but it could change the way mobile gamers view regular flagship smartphones.”
- IGN: “Razer’s improved phone is great for gaming, but it needs more work before it’s a great all-round device.”
- Cnet: “It improves upon the original Razer Phone in almost every way, but battery life and photo quality are disappointing.”
Who is the Razer Phone 2 suitable for? For owners of the first Razor smartphone, the upgrade is not really worth it. However, those with gaming ambitions switching from another manufacturer and who do not have high-end camera requirements can consider it.
However, at 849 euros, the smartphone is not necessarily inexpensive and is primarily suitable for enthusiasts, while casual gamers can also rely on other smartphones with sufficient computing power. The model can be ordered directly from Razer.com:
On Amazon.de, it can currently only be pre-ordered:
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