Razer has launched its follow up to the ‘category creating’ Razer Phone. The Razer Phone 2 delivers refinements across the board but retains the overall look of the original, with its angular appearance and stereo front facing speakers providing good side grip bezel areas when held in landscape mode.
Though it is broadly the same in appearance, Razer has smoothed out and rounded the edges subtly and the new device is said to be more comfortable in the hand. On the topic of outward appearance, the phone now has a glass back which facilitates wireless charging, and also round the back you will find the Razer Chroma 16.7 million colour lit Razer logo. Razer has eliminated the front status light to utilise this logo to provide app notifications. Turning back to the front the Razer Phone 2 is said to be even louder and clearer with its upgraded speakers and Dolby Atmos. On the topic of audio, Razer includes a 24-bit USB-C DAC.
The 5.7-inch IZGO screen keeps the appealing 120Hz refresh of old. Now it can display images up to 50 per cent brighter than before and sports a Wide Colour Gamut. The screen is coated with Gorilla Glass 5 and an anti-fingerprint coating. Overall this phone measures 158.5 mm x 78.99 mm x 8.5 mm.
Inside the Razer Phone 2 is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 (2.80 GHz) with Adreno 630 GPU, a common feature in many flagships. Razer makes sure its processor is cooled effectively for minimal throttling thanks to the use of Vapour Chamber Cooling, similar to that used in its laptops.
Other key internal components are the 8GB LPDDR4 RAM, 64GB UFS storage, SIM & micro SD slot (up to 1TB), 4,000mAh LiPo battery (for 10hr+ 120Hz refresh screen on time) with Qualcomm Quickcharge 4.0+, wireless fast charging, dual-band 2x2 Wi-Fi, BT 5.0, GSM, CDMA, and LTE connectivity speeds up to 1.2Gbps, and IP67 water resistance.
Cameras have been improved in this second generation device. A new rear dual-camera setup provides a 12 MP wide-angle lens with optical image stabilization (OIS) and a 12 MP telephoto lens with 2x zoom backed by Sony IMX sensors. Round the front there is an 8MP camera that supports fullHD video streaming.
Razer hopes its gaming optimisation for titles such as PUBG Mobile and Marvel Suture Fight, and its work with developers will make its phone stand out for the gaming community. Another software USP is claimed to be it being the only Netflix HDR certified mobile with Dolby Surround 5.1. Razer is shipping the Razer Phone 2 with Android 8.1 and Nova launcher.
The Razer Phone 2 will be available from US$799 in mirror black and satin black finishes. Pre-orders start later today via Razer.com.
