Razer Phone vs Razer Phone 2: Which One is Right for You?

The Razer Phone and Razer Phone 2 are two of the most popular gaming smartphones on the market. Both devices boast powerful specs, immersive displays, and unique features designed to enhance the mobile gaming experience. But which phone comes out on top? This detailed comparison will explore the key differences between the Razer Phone and Razer Phone 2, helping you decide which one is right for you.

Design and Build

Both Razer Phones feature a sleek, angular design with a distinctive green Razer logo on the back. The original Razer Phone boasts a larger and more prominent bezel than the Razer Phone 2, giving it a slightly dated look. The Razer Phone 2, however, sports a smaller bezel and a more modern, edge-to-edge display, making it more aesthetically pleasing.
The Razer Phone 2 is also slightly more compact and lighter than its predecessor, making it easier to hold and use for extended periods. Both phones are built with durable materials, including aluminum and glass, making them resistant to scratches and drops.

Display

The Razer Phone and Razer Phone 2 both feature impressive displays designed for gaming. The original Razer Phone boasts a 5.7-inch IGZO LCD with a 120Hz refresh rate, making it one of the first smartphones to offer this feature. The 120Hz refresh rate provides a smoother and more responsive gaming experience, especially in fast-paced games.
The Razer Phone 2 takes the display to the next level with a 5.7-inch IGZO LCD that also features a 120Hz refresh rate but with a higher resolution (2,160 x 1,080 pixels) compared to the original Razer Phone (1,440 x 756 pixels). The Razer Phone 2 also boasts a higher pixel density, resulting in a sharper and more vibrant visual experience.

Performance

Both Razer Phones are powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, ensuring smooth and responsive performance. The original Razer Phone is equipped with a Snapdragon 835 processor, while the Razer Phone 2 features a more powerful Snapdragon 845 processor. This upgrade offers a significant performance boost, especially for demanding games and applications.
Both phones also come with ample RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and fast app loading times. The Razer Phone comes with 8GB of RAM, while the Razer Phone 2 features 8GB or 10GB of RAM, depending on the model. Both phones offer ample storage options, with expandable storage capabilities.

Camera

The camera department is where the Razer Phone 2 shines. The original Razer Phone features a dual-camera setup with a 12MP wide-angle lens and a 13MP telephoto lens. While the camera quality is decent, it doesn’t quite match the capabilities of its competitors.
The Razer Phone 2 features a significant upgrade in the camera department, boasting a dual-camera setup with a 12MP wide-angle lens and a 12MP telephoto lens. The Razer Phone 2 also features improved image processing, resulting in sharper and more vibrant images. Both phones offer 4K video recording capabilities.

Battery Life

Both Razer Phones offer decent battery life, thanks to their large battery capacities. The original Razer Phone features a 4,000mAh battery, while the Razer Phone 2 boasts a 4,000mAh battery with faster charging capabilities. Both phones support quick charging, enabling you to quickly replenish the battery when needed.

Audio

Both Razer Phones are known for their exceptional audio quality. The original Razer Phone features front-facing stereo speakers tuned by Dolby Atmos, delivering a truly immersive audio experience. The Razer Phone 2 takes audio to the next level with even louder and more powerful front-facing stereo speakers, also tuned by Dolby Atmos. Both phones also support aptX HD Bluetooth audio, ensuring high-quality audio streaming.

Connectivity

Both Razer Phones offer a wide range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, and GPS. The Razer Phone 2 features the latest connectivity standards, including Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring faster and more reliable connections.

Software

Both Razer Phones run on Android, offering a clean and customizable user interface. The Razer Phone 2 comes with Android 8.1 Oreo out of the box, while the original Razer Phone shipped with Android 7.1 Nougat. Both phones are eligible for software updates, ensuring you receive the latest features and security patches.

Razer Phone vs Razer Phone 2: The Verdict

The Razer Phone 2 is a significant upgrade over the original Razer Phone. It features a more modern design, a better display, a more powerful processor, a superior camera system, and improved audio quality. If you’re looking for the best possible gaming experience, the Razer Phone 2 is the clear winner.
However, the original Razer Phone is still a capable device, especially if you’re on a budget. It offers a smooth gaming experience, a great display, and excellent audio quality.
Ultimately, the best phone for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider your budget, gaming needs, and other features that are important to you when making your decision.

The Razer Phone 2: Still a Great Option

While the Razer Phone 2 is no longer the latest model, it remains a solid choice for those seeking a gaming-focused smartphone. Its performance, display, and audio quality are still impressive, and it’s available at a more affordable price point compared to newer models.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: Is the Razer Phone 2 worth buying in 2023?
A: While the Razer Phone 2 is no longer the newest model, it’s still a solid choice for gamers and those who prioritize a high refresh rate display and powerful performance. It’s available at a more affordable price compared to newer models, making it a good value for the features it offers.
Q: What are the main differences between the Razer Phone and Razer Phone 2?
A: The Razer Phone 2 features a more modern design, a higher-resolution display with a smaller bezel, a more powerful processor, a superior camera system, and improved audio quality.
Q: Does the Razer Phone 2 have a headphone jack?
A: Yes, the Razer Phone 2 has a headphone jack.
Q: Does the Razer Phone 2 support wireless charging?
A: No, the Razer Phone 2 does not support wireless charging.
Q: Is the Razer Phone 2 waterproof?
A: No, the Razer Phone 2 is not waterproof. It has an IP67 rating, which means it’s dustproof and resistant to water splashes but not fully waterproof.