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Xiaomi Black Shark 2

Specifications

Xiaomi Black Shark 2
Xiaomi Black Shark 2 (Black Shark Series)
Processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 8 x 2.8 GHz, Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 485)
Graphics adapter
Memory
8 GB 
, LPDDR4x
Display
6.39 inch 19.5:9, 2340 x 1080 pixel 403 PPI, capacitive, AMOLED, FHD+, glossy: yes, HDR
Storage
128 GB UFS 2.1 Flash, 128 GB 
, 113.5 GB free
Connections
1 USB 2.0, Audio Connections: USB-C to 3.5mm audio adapter, 1 Fingerprint Reader, Brightness Sensor, Sensors: accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, fingerprint reader, Liquid Cooling 3.0 System, RGB ighting, Camera2 API Level 3, Quick Charge 4.0, aptX, aptX HD, WiFi Display, WiFi Direct, VoLTE
Networking
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/), Bluetooth 5.0, GSM (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz), UMTS (850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz), LTE (Band 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41), Dual SIM, LTE, GPS
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 8.77 x 163.61 x 75.01 ( = 0.35 x 6.44 x 2.95 in)
Battery
4000 mAh Lithium-Ion
Operating System
Android 9.0 Pie
Camera
Primary Camera: 48 MPix 48 MP (f/1,8, 1/2", 0,8 µm) + 12 MP (telephoto, f/2,2, 1,0 µm, 2x optical zoom)
Secondary Camera: 20 MPix f/2,0, 0,9 µm
Additional features
Speakers: stereo speakers, Keyboard: virtual, modular power adapter (Quick Charge 3.0, 5V/3A, 9V/3A, 12V/2.25A, 20V/1.35A), USB cable (Type-A to Type-C), USB-C-to-3.5mm audio adapter, SIM-Tool, clear case, quick-start guide, JoyUI, 24 Months Warranty, fanless
Weight
205 g ( = 7.23 oz / 0.45 pounds), Power Supply: 35 g ( = 1.23 oz / 0.08 pounds)
Price
549 Euro

 

Pricecompare

Average Score: 81.51% - good
Average of 30 scores (from 54 reviews)
price: 80%, performance: 90%, features: 79%, display: 85% mobility: 88%, workmanship: 86%, ergonomy: 80%, emissions: 97%

Reviews for the Xiaomi Black Shark 2

87.3% Xiaomi Black Shark 2 Smartphone Review | Notebookcheck
The Xiaomi Black Shark 2 will settle for nothing less than being the best gaming smartphone. With the Snapdragon 855 high-end SoC, passive liquid-cooling, up to 12 GB RAM and optional controllers, it seems to have very high chances of achieving this. Our review will reveal if gamers should pull the trigger on this.
Black Shark 2 Pro Audio review
Source: DxOMark English Archive.org version
While the Black Shark 2 Pro is technically equipped with the latest hardware for a high-end mobile gaming experience, our testing showed that audio was not one of the Black Shark’s strongest features. In terms of recording, the lack of bass, imbalance, distortion, and hissing were noticeable. While there are many areas for improvement, especially in bass, the audio playback should satisfy most hard-core gamers, who are more likely to be seduced by the Black Shark 2 Pro’s sleek futuristic look and visual performance capabilities anyway. But for users who are more inclined to use their phones to listen to music or to watch movies, there are better-performing smartphone options available at similar prices.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 01/21/2020
80% Black Shark 2 review
Source: Techradar English Archive.org version
Combining a great camera, excellent internals and improved gaming credentials over the original, the Black Shark 2 is a triple threat that betters most of its gaming phone rivals. It’s lumbered with a handful of instabilities and quirks, but even with those accounted for, the bang for buck it delivers is off the chart.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 01/13/2020
Rating: Total score: 80%
Black Shark 2 camera review
Source: DxOMark English Archive.org version
Primarily aimed at smartphone “gamers,” the fast processing engine, large screen and futuristic design will be the biggest selling points for the Black Shark 2. As such, camera performance is a secondary consideration, but its dual-camera setup with optical zoom and a bokeh mode mean that there are some nice photography features, too. Good results are possible in favorable conditions outdoors, where exposure, color, and zoom are good. Inconsistent performance for autofocus and bokeh mode, as well as low detail in zoom shots in low light, place the Black Shark 2 in the bottom half of our rankings for image quality, however.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 11/14/2019
The Black Shark 2 Review: A Gaming Phone's Existential Crisis
Source: AnandTech English Archive.org version
Here’s the thing, the Black Shark 2 isn’t all that cheap, coming at a minimum of 549€ for the base storage model. For a phone which completely fails at the very thing it’s designed for, I can’t see how one would able to justify its purchase. The cameras are massively underwhelming, and the display is also lacklustre compared to other phones. The only redeeming features of the Black Shark 2 remains its 240Hz touchscreen, the MasterTouch feature, and above-average battery life.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 09/25/2019
80% Black Shark 2 review: a must for mobile gamers
Source: T3 English Archive.org version
Xiaomi's second stab at a gaming phone has really has managed to hit the sweet spot between outstanding performance, a lovely-looking display, and a fantastically low price, and if you can get over a couple of potential bugbears in the form of the AMOLED panel and lower refresh rate, it's an absolute bargain for gamers, and verges on a must-buy for everyone else, if they can get past the somewhat aggressive design.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 08/23/2019
Rating: Total score: 80%
80% Black Shark 2 review: Turning up the heat for gaming phones
Source: Android Central English Archive.org version
The Black Shark 2 has all the bells and whistles you'd expect from a gaming phone: LED lighting, top-notch hardware, a gaming mode with granular customization options, and a massive battery that lets you play all day. The screen has pressure-sensitive zones with assignable actions, the 43.5ms touch latency is one of the lowest on any phone today, and you get a clean software with no bloatware.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 08/13/2019
Rating: Total score: 80%
80% Black Shark 2 review
Source: Tech Advisor English Archive.org version
We’re impressed by what the Black Shark 2 offers gamers, with impressive specs, innovative gaming-focused tech and a very affordable price tag, but it’s not the perfect smartphone by any means.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 08/12/2019
Rating: Total score: 80%
80% Black Shark 2 Review
Source: NDTV Gadgets English Archive.org version
The Black Shark 2 delivers on its key promise — excellent gaming performance. The phone can handle any game out there with ease, and offers a lot of features that enhance the experience. It has a solid build quality, and the RGB lights and aggressive styling further help it stand out from the crowd.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 08/08/2019
Rating: Total score: 80% price: 80% performance: 100% display: 90% mobility: 80% workmanship: 90%
Black Shark 2 Review – High End Gaming Smartphone On A Budget
Source: Mobygyaan English Archive.org version
The Black Shark 2 has been settled for nothing less than a gaming smartphone, it’s a must for gamers on a budget. The Black Shark 2 is certainly the fastest gaming smartphone at this price and if you’re looking for a smartphone for playing heavy games, the Black Shark 2 is currently the best choice for gamers.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 08/03/2019
Black Shark 2 Pro Review: A Powerful Gaming Phone With Revolutionary Design
Source: Igeekphone English Archive.org version
The answer is simple because the Kindle can only read books, ipod can only listen to music. When using them, users can feel the purest and most extreme experience. Just like switching to a mobile phone, the mobile game experience is the ultimate and the person has nothing to do. Naturally, the irreplaceability of the game phone will become more and more prominent. By the way, you can use Xiaomi Black Shark 2 Pro 12GB 256GB
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 07/31/2019
85% Black Shark 2 review: Polished gaming experience
Source: India Today English Archive.org version
At Rs 39,999, the Black Shark 2 is a mighty phone with supreme gaming capabilities. It fares better than other gaming phones in its class However, the Nubia Red Magic 3 at Rs 35,999 is slightly cheaper and offers a 90Hz AMOLED display as well as a fan-based cooling system. And it's as capable than the Black Shark 2. For the geeks, the Red Magic 3 may sound better. The Black Shark 2, however, offers an overall polished experience -- you get a more complete smartphone. If that is what you want, go ahead and buy it.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 07/18/2019
Rating: Total score: 85%
82% Black Shark 2 Review: Better Gaming…in Verse
Source: Tech PP English Archive.org version
Gaming phones seem to be getting very popular these days. And one of the latest entrants to this segment is the Chinese brand, Black Shark, which has released the Black Shark 2 in the Indian market. But does this new player have what it takes to make a mark in a market that could not be dented by the likes of the Asus ROG and the Nubia Red Magic 3? We could have gone the normal spec and description way but felt that this phone merited a bit more. So here’s our review of the Black Shark 2. In verse.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/11/2019
Rating: Total score: 82% price: 80% performance: 80% workmanship: 90%
84% Black Shark 2 review
Source: GSM Arena English Archive.org version
The Black Shark 2 is a great phone, that we thoroughly liked, but one that we find surprisingly hard to recommend. The lack of a 90Hz screen means that while it will sustain its performance longer than most flagships it wont give you any smoother framerates. And the missing 3.5mm jack means you can't charge and use headphones at the same time, which is a bigger issue on a gaming phone than anywhere else.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 07/09/2019
Rating: Total score: 84%
70% Black Shark 2 review: For those who are in the need for speed
Source: Gadgets Now English Archive.org version
This is a powerful gaming device that gives you bang for the buck as far as speed and gaming performance are considered. Extensive gaming sessions will cause warming up of the device but it can be tackled by installing the side-out case. The camera performance during the day is quite impressive. The battery also runs long and will easily last a day and a half for any average smartphone user.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/05/2019
Rating: Total score: 70%
Black Shark 2 review: A gaming device for photography enthusiasts
Source: Business Standard English Archive.org version
The Black Shark 2 is a gaming-centric device but also has most of the things you look for in a regular smartphone. Priced at Rs 39,999, the phone has a good form factor, gaming-inspired design, sleek performance, ample game-related customisations, capable battery and a capable camera set-up. Except multimedia, there is little that the phone is not able to deliver on. Consider this one if you need an all-round smartphone that also doubles up as a gaming device.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 06/28/2019
70% The Black Shark 2’s pressure-sensitive screen makes mobile gaming better
Source: The Verge English Archive.org version
Black Shark’s application of this sort of tech is still mostly a gimmick. Its utility will vary depending on what games you like to play, and you won’t get much use out of it if you’re already an ace at playing games on a touchscreen. But personally, it was revelatory. Instead of logging onto Twitter every few minutes, for a lack of anything better to do on my phone, I actually felt the rare pull to play a mobile game.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 06/15/2019
Rating: Total score: 70%
80% Black Shark 2 Review: The best gaming phone around?
Source: The Indian Express English Archive.org version
Black Shark 2 is a good gaming companion and a stellar smartphone overall. I loved each and every aspect of this smartphone and playing games on it was a pleasure. If you are a person that loves to game on the go, this is the smartphone for you.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 06/06/2019
Rating: Total score: 80%
Black Shark 2 review: Taking another bite from gamers’ wallets (Update: Now in India)
Source: Android Authority English Archive.org version
The Black Shark 2 is a good phone, not a great phone. It delivers hardcore performance in key metrics like battery life and raw power. Beyond that, the clean software, customizable light show, capable camera, and dedicated gaming experiences should entice those looking for a mobile BFG to tote into their next campaign.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 05/27/2019
80% Black Shark 2 Review: The new mid-tier ‘gaming phone’ master
Source: Slashgear English Archive.org version
You’ll want to make certain this phone works on your network of choice. In the USA, you’ll most likely be using T-Mobile USA, AT&T, or Verizon – but not across all bands. This might be a better phone to purchase exclusively for 1P games and wi-fi internet – but it’s up to you!
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 05/10/2019
Rating: Total score: 80%
80% Black Shark 2 review
Source: Stuff TV English Archive.org version
It isn’t perfect, with a couple of screen responsiveness issues that crop up every now and then, but if you’re okay with imperfection and want maximum bite for your buck, look no further.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 05/08/2019
Rating: Total score: 80%
80% Black Shark 2 review
Source: Techradar English Archive.org version
Combining a great camera, excellent internals and improved gaming credentials over the original, the Black Shark 2 is a triple threat that betters most of its gaming phone rivals. It’s lumbered with a handful of instabilities and quirks, but even with those accounted for, the bang for buck it delivers is off the chart.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 04/26/2019
Rating: Total score: 80%
Black Shark 2 review: Taking another bite from gamers’ wallets
Source: Android Authority English Archive.org version
The Black Shark 2 is a good phone, not a great phone. It delivers hardcore performance in key metrics like battery life and raw power. Beyond that, the clean software, customizable light show, capable camera, and dedicated gaming experiences should entice those looking for a mobile BFG to tote into their next campaign.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 04/21/2019
90% Black Shark 2 Review - Insane Power For Less Than £500
Source: Know Your Mobile English Archive.org version
The Black Shark 2 has pretty much come out of nowhere and won our hearts. It's an insanely powerful Android device which, even if you're not a gamer, will enrich your mobile life. Stock Android, amazing reception, robust stamina, a fast touchscreen and an eye-catching design all combine to make this a real gem of a phone; if you happen to be into mobile games as well, then it really is the perfect device. When you consider that you can get all of this for less than £500, then it becomes almost impossible to give this anything but the highest recommendation. Wireless charging, a 120Hz screen, water resistance and a 3.5mm headphone socket would have been nice, but for around half the price of a Galaxy S10, it's hard to grumble too much.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 04/18/2019
Rating: Total score: 90%
80% Black Shark 2 Review: The Gaming Phone You Really Want
Source: Tom's Guide English Archive.org version
The Black Shark 2 offers unbeatable performance and battery life at a stellar price. However, depending on where you live, you may not have the opportunity to buy this phone — in which case, we'd recommend the OnePlus 6T instead.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 04/15/2019
Rating: Total score: 80%
Black Shark 2 review: Hands-on
Source: Tech Advisor English Archive.org version
We’re impressed by what the Black Shark 2 can offer gamers, with impressive specs, innovative gaming-focused tech and a very affordable price tag, but we’ll reserve our final judgement for when we get the smartphone back to Tech Advisor Towers in the coming days.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 04/09/2019
Black Shark 2 hands on review
Source: Techradar English Archive.org version
The Black Shark 2 isn't as unwieldy as some competitors, and has some interesting extra features like an impressive camera, but the lack of a headphone jack is a particularly blow for a gaming phone, and there's not a lot else besides its gaming prowess.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 04/09/2019
90% Black Shark 2 Review
Source: Trusted Reviews English Archive.org version
The Black Shark 2 is the ultimate gaming smartphone. Loaded with fancy features and offering super-powered performance, even non-gamers will get great value for money at this low price.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 04/09/2019
Rating: Total score: 90%
80% Black Shark 2 review: Not just a gaming great, a fantastic flagship too
Source: Pocket Lint English Archive.org version
This gaming phone impresses on many levels: not only is it a super-powerful device for gaming, with great optional controller integration (sold separately) and a hyper-responsive screen, its design is a well-considered flagship alternative with great software too. If only it had a 2K 120Hz screen, better speakers and top-tier cameras, then it'd be near perfect for gamers.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 03/28/2019
Rating: Total score: 80%
Black Shark 2 Review: Ultimate Gaming Phone With High-End Performance
Source: Igeekphone English Archive.org version
If you let me define the Black Shark 2, I think it is the very pure hand-held weapon in the player’s mind. For the game player, having a better game experience is the meaning of the game phone. With the Snapdragon 855, the global tower-wide liquid cooling and the touch screen, the Black Shark 2 has become a powerful gaming phone. If you are a mobile game player, this phone is definitely a great tool for you.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 03/20/2019
Hands on: Black Shark 2 Review
Source: Trusted Reviews English Archive.org version
I'm incredibly impressed by the Black Shark 2 on first impressions. Packing an ultra-speedy processor and oodles of memory, an AMOLED display and a bunch of high-tech gaming features, you'd expect this smartphone to cost around £700. But with an affordable base price of £360, the Black Shark 2 is primed to take the mobile gaming market by storm.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 03/19/2019

Foreign Reviews

87% Black Shark 2
Source: Chinahandys.net German DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 06/06/2019
Rating: Total score: 87% performance: 85% display: 90% mobility: 95% workmanship: 90%
80% Das Raubtier unter den Gaming-Smartphones
Source: Android Pit German DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 05/19/2019
Rating: Total score: 80%
88% Black Shark 2, análisis y opinión
Source: Computerhoy Spanish ES→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 04/15/2019
Rating: Total score: 88% features: 100% display: 80% mobility: 80% workmanship: 80%
87% Black Shark 2, análisis: este móvil gaming está ya cerca de ser una auténtica consola portátil
Source: Xataka Spanish ES→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 04/04/2019
Rating: Total score: 87% performance: 98% display: 88% mobility: 90% workmanship: 85%
Black Shark 2, Review Del Último Móvil Gaming Del Mercado
Source: Game IT Spanish ES→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Elegant design; great built quality; powerful hardware; nice gaming performance; high autonomy; good cooling system. Negative: Poor cameras; inflexible fingerprint sensor.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 06/26/2019
Análisis Black Shark 2: llevando el juego en el móvil a otro nivel
Source: El Androide Libre Spanish ES→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Powerful hardware; high gaming performance; premium design; high autonomy; great speakers. Negative: Poor cameras.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 05/15/2019
80% Recensione Black Shark 2: un predatore d'elite a buon prezzo
Source: AndroidPit.it Italian IT→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 05/10/2019
Rating: Total score: 80%
79% Recensione Black Shark 2: ottimo gaming phone, meno come smartphone
Source: HDblog.it Italian IT→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 04/24/2019
Rating: Total score: 79% features: 93%
80% Black Shark 2 Recensione: Uno Smartphone Completo, Non Solo Per Il Gaming
Source: Everyeye.it Italian IT→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 04/04/2019
Rating: Total score: 80%
86% Test du Black Shark 2, l'étonnant smartphone qui ambitionne de remplacer votre Nintendo Switch
Source: 01Net French FR→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 09/17/2019
Rating: Total score: 86% performance: 100% mobility: 100%
80% Test du Black Shark 2 : le smartphone gaming presque irréprochable
Source: Phonandroid French FR→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 08/01/2019
Rating: Total score: 80%
80% Test du Black Shark 2 : le smartphone gaming parfait ?
Source: AndroidPit.fr French FR→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 05/27/2019
Rating: Total score: 80%
80% Test Du Black Shark 2 : Le Smartphone Qui Se Voulait Nintendo Switch
Source: Frandroid French FR→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 04/06/2019
Rating: Total score: 80% performance: 90% display: 80% mobility: 80% workmanship: 80%
Prise En Main Du Black Shark 2 : Nos Photos Et Premières Impressions
Source: Frandroid French FR→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Powerful hardware; high gaming performance; excellent display.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 03/19/2019
Обзор плюсов и минусов Black Shark 2 8/128GB. Самый доступный игровой смартфон
Source: Mega Obzor RU→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Powerful processor; good cooling system; nice display; elegant design; great dual cameras; good speakers; attractive price. Negative: No NFC.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/27/2019
Đập hộp Xiaomi Black Shark 2 phiên bản cao cấp nhất: Vừa đẹp vừa sang
Source: The Gioididong VN→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Premium design; solid workmanship; powerful hardware; high gaming performance.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 08/15/2019
Lý do Black Shark 2 là điện thoại chơi game đỉnh cao
Source: FPT shop VN→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Powerful processor; high gaming performance; excellent display; great speakers.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 07/18/2019
Đánh giá nhanh Black Shark 2: không chỉ có hiệu năng mà còn nhiều thứ khác
Source: FPT shop VN→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Premium design; solid workmanship; powerful hardware; high gaming performance; impressive cameras; excellent battery life.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 07/15/2019
Black Shark 2: Chiếc smartphone chỉ dành cho game thủ chuyên nghiệp
Source: FPT shop VN→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Powerful hardware; high gaming performance; excellent display; great speakers; nice cameras.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 05/28/2019
Đánh giá Xiaomi Black Shark 2: Smartphone chơi game cực “đỉnh”
Source: The Gioididong VN→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Powerful hardware; high gaming performance; impressive design.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 03/26/2019
Trên tay quái vật chơi game Xiaomi Black Shark 2: Chip Snapdragon 855, camera 48MP, giá hợp lý
Source: FPT shop VN→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Powerful processor; high gaming performance; impressive cameras; attractive price.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 03/25/2019
Trên tay Xiaomi Black Shark 2 tại Việt Nam: chất hơn, mạnh hơn, giá gần 13 triệu đồng
Source: Nghenhin Vietnam VN→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Powerful hardware; high gaming performance; premium design; solid workmanship; impressive cameras.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 03/25/2019
Siêu phẩm chơi game Xiaomi Black Shark 2 trình làng với RAM khủng
Source: Danviet VN→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Powerful hardware; high gaming performance; decent autonomy; quick charging.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 03/19/2019
Xiaomi Black Shark 2 review: smartphone de gaming accesibil
Source: Computerblog.ro →EN Archive.org version
Positive: Powerful hardware; premium design; good price; nice cameras; decent autonomy. Negative: Unsupported waterproof and dust avoiding; no wireless charging.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 05/28/2019

Comment

Model: While the flagships interest most of the smartphone users out there, there is a growing number of users who prefer gaming centric phones. The Xiaomi Black Shark 2 is an update to last years Black Shark. For a start, the phone looks more “gaming” than ever. The entire back shouts gaming but not as much as the Razer Phone 2 or the Asus ROG gaming phone. The middle of the back portion has a ‘X’ like shape that comes out slightly above the back. It houses the dual camera at the top. There is an illuminating ‘S’ logo at the centre along with two side lights that can illuminate and flash through colors for different notifications and apps. These lights can be adjusted from the pre-installed app. The sides of the’X’ design is sleek with matte like finishing which makes it easy to grip the phone. The phone measures in at 163.6 x 75 x 8.8 mm which is rather thick for a phone but acceptable for a gaming phone as additional space is needed for proper cooling.

At the front, the display is lined with a subtle green colored edging. The display is a 6.39 inch AMOLED touchscreen with a resolution of 1,080 x 2,340 pixels. This may be a letdown for those who prefer the higher resolution displays from the flagship models but the display does provide good clarity, color and brightness. The screen also comes with Apples’s 3D touch like functions, named as the Magic Press in this gaming phone. It can be used to trigger different action in game settings. The sensitivity can be adjusted to give different pressure presses.The bezels are also on the larger side as there is no any kind of notch. To be exact, the screen-to-body ratio is at 81.7%, not far from Xiaomi’s very own budget, Redmi series. This might be a good thing though. Serious gamers wouldn’t want their games to be interrupted by a notch but on the other hand, there are some smart notch-hiding features on other phones which can be turned on or off depending on the application.

With the larger bezel, the Black Shark 2 fits in dual front-facing speakers at the top and bottom of the phone. However, based on some user reviews, the Razer Phone 2 still sounds better. There is an in-display fingerprint scanner on the Black Shark 2 which works just like the one in the Mi 9. Inside the phone is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor with a variation of 6, 8 or 12 GB of RAM and 128 or 256 GB of internal storage. The specs are good enough to push power hungry games such as PUBG at higher details. To push it further, the Black Shark 2 has a cooling system that covers all components of the chipset to ensure efficient heat dissipation.

The phone has a dual camera setup, with one 48 MP sensor and a 12 MP telephoto sensor. The cameras come with 2x optical zoom. On the front is a 20 MP single selfie shooter. The phone does come with the latest Bluetooth 5.0 and supports fast charging for its 4,000 mAh battery via the type-C port. The Black Shark 2 comes with its very own gaming controllers which are sold separately. The thumbstick and buttons attach to the left side of the phone and the touchpad and buttons attach to the right side. They come with the rear case to clip them onto. The controllers are paired by Bluetooth and have to be charged separately via their own type-C ports as they can’t draw power from the phone. There is also an optional cooling case that according to the company, can cool the device by 5 °C in about 10 seconds.

The Black Shark 2 is an impressive gaming device, but it remains at that. Not many would want to get a gaming device and loose the portability of the latest flagships. Apart from that, it has one major competitor which is the Razer Phone 2. However, the Black Shark 2 does provide a lot for a very reasonable price.

Hands-on article by Jagadisa Rajarathnam

Qualcomm Adreno 640: Graphics chip for smartphones and tablets that is intergrated within the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 SoC. Qualcomm claims that it is 20% faster than the Adreno 630 in the Snapdragon 845 SoC and offers 50% more compute units (ALUs).

Non demanding games should be playable with these graphics cards.

» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Graphics Cards and the corresponding Benchmark List.


SD 855: High-end SoC for smartphones that was introduced in late 2018 and manufactured in 7 nm at TSMC. Integrates one “Prime Core” based on a modified ARM Cortex-A76 architecture clocked at up to 2.84 GHz. Three more performance cores are also based on the A76 but clock up to 2.42 GHz. Furthermore, four energy saving cores are integrated that are based on the ARM Cortex-A55 architecture and clock at up to 1.8 GHz. In addition to the processor cores, the SoC integrates a X24 LTE modem (up to 2 Gigbit download), a new Wi-Fi modem (Wi-Fi 6 ready, 60 GHz mmWave), Hexagon 690 DSP with new Tensor cores for AI processing, a Spectra 380 ISP with an integrated computer vision engine and an integrated LPDDR4x memory controller.» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Processsors.


6.39":

It is a small display format for smartphones. You shouldn't be severely defective in vision, and you won't see much detail on the screen and only have a small resolution available. For that, the device should be small and handy, easy to transport.

» To find out how fine a display is, see our DPI List.


Xiaomi:

Founded in 2010, Xiaomi Corporation is a Chinese multinational electronics company and produces consumer electronics and related products, including smartphones, televisions, fitness bands, power banks, headphones, smart devices and accessories. Xiaomi offers its products under the Mi, Redmi and POCO brands.


81.51%: This rating is slightly above average, there are somewhat more devices with worse ratings. However, clear purchase recommendations look different.


» Further information can be found in our Notebook Purchase Guide.

 

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Stefan Hinum (Update: 2019-04-13)