Hands-on with the Razer Phone
I’m going to be sweet and succinct with this post, very much like my briefing with the device and Razer’s new VP of mobile. Firstly, it has a completely brick-styled, industrial unibody design — no curves, only corners.
Some people like that, some don’t — I do. However, I would say the design overall isn’t novel or stands out.
Front-facing Dolby certified speakers flank the top and bottom portions of the phone, while the sides are virtually sans-bezel. The 5.72-inch IGZO LCD screen is a Sharp-supplied quad HD (2,560x1440) display, similar to those used on the Blade laptops.
Thankfully, Gorilla Glass protection doesn’t get in the way of also having a 120Hz refresh rate, like a gaming monitor, so animations are buttery smooth (we’re talking iOS levels). And unlike the Pixel 2 XL, colors are vibrant.
On the back, dual 12MP cameras and dual LED flash. The front houses sensors and an 8MP selfie camera. On first glance, they seemed solid, but I can’t vouch for them yet.
The brain and heart of the Razer Phone is a Snapdragon 835 — a spec it shares with the Pixel 2 XL. However, it completely sweeps the Pixel 2 in terms of RAM — 8GB, which is absurd but also wonderful.
USB-C is your one and only port on the phone, but Razer supplies you with a THX-certified (and DAC equipped) 3.5mm to USB-C dongle in the box — a welcomed touch. Another neat spec is the massive 4,000mAh battery with QuickCharge 4.0 support, which definitely contributes to the hefty feel of the device. But, it’s also a good thing.
Razer told me their first phone will only feature one SKU and one storage option: 64GB, expandable to 256GB via microSD card storage.
The only real downers I came across when I was first introduced to the Razer Phone were its lack of wireless charging, waterproofing of any sort (apparently due to those large speaker grilles) and usage of Android 7.1. An update to stock Android 8.0, with just a few minor software additions will occur in Q1 of 2018.
Also, the side power button doubles as the fingerprint sensor. This took some getting used to, but it does work.
Real-world usage will determine whether or not the first phone by gamers, for gamers is good for anyone. After all, Razer is only selling it directly and unlocked in the United States for $699.
Until I make one my daily driver, I do have to say it’s a decent first try.
