Will the latest Xiaomi Black Shark Helo be able to take the competition against the ever-so-popular Razer Phone 2?
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Xiaomi Black Shark Helo and Razer Phone 2 Differences
Xiaomi Black Shark Helo pros over Razer Phone 2
- up to 10GB RAM/256GB internal storage
- extended 18:9 ratio
- 20 MP, f/2.2 selfie camera
- left and right controllers packaged for the top variant
- Pixelworks (converting SDR video to HDR)
- two liquid cooling pipes
- 100% DCI-P3 coverage
Xiaomi Black Shark Helo launched with 10GB RAM, P30k price
Razer Phone 2 pros over Xiaomi Black Shark Helo
- 120Hz refresh rate
- 1440p resolution, 580 nits
- upgradeable to Android Pie 9.0
- dedicated microSD slot of up to 512GB
- Dolby Atmos stereo speakers (THX-certified amplifiers)
- 24-bit audio playback via Type-C to 3.5 mm headphone jack adapter
- Quick charge 4+ 24W
- Razer Chroma
- wireless charging
- IP67
Xiaomi Black Shark Helo and Razer Phone 2 Similarities
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 845
- dual main camera setup
- HDR support
- Proprietary Gaming UI
- 4000mAh battery
- Bluetooth 5.0
- USB Type-C to 3.55mm headphone jack
- Programmable RGB LED
Which is a better buy between Xiaomi Black Shark Helo vs Razer Phone 2
The newest 1080p AMOLED screen of Black Shark Helo will deliver punchy colors and better contrast ratio although capped at 60Hz refresh rate, unlike the Razer Phone 2’s 120Hz, however, it makes use of an IPS LCD display with at a sharper 1440p resolution. Moreover, you’ll see more items on-display on the former’s 18:9 ratio.
Razer Phone 2 gaming now official, Not releasing in the Philippines
As the Razer Phone 2 switches to glass and aluminum design, it’s much heavier to use at 220 grams despite being thinner at 8.5mm. In other words, it’s less strain to the hands and wrist with the Black Shark Helo at 190 grams and 8.7mm.
Where the Black Shark Helo stands out is accessory support. Unlike Razer’s latest gaming phone, Xiaomi includes two controllers for better gaming experience while maximizing screen real estate. However, you’re missing on the wireless charging feature.
Both sports Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 but the differentiating factor will be optimization. While Xiaomi is stuck at Android 8.0 Oreo, Razer is at 8.1 with a planned upgrade to 9.0 Pie soon. Then, there’s the argument of 10GB versus the dedicated microSD slot of up to 512GB.
Camera utilization is pretty much the same as both use their second optics for optical zoom. The biggest disparity will come from the front camera as the Black Shark Helo comes with (technically) better 20MP f/2.2 over the 8MP f/2.0 of the Razer Phone 2.
Having 4000mAh in tow, the Razer Phone 2 will charge faster thanks to its 24W Quick Charge 4+ as opposed to the Xiaomi’s 18W Quick Charge 3.
Deciding which of the two is better will be a bit tricky. Razer Phone 2 enters as the complete gaming smartphone, however, it’s the extras of the Black Shark Helo that also makes it a compelling choice along with it’s less expensive price tag.
Huawei Mate 20 X vs Razer Phone 2 vs ASUS ROG Phone – Specs Comparison
| Specs | Xiaomi Black Shark Helo | ASUS ROG PHONE |
| Display | 6-inch FHD+ AMOLED, HDR, 60Hz refresh rate, 108.6% DCIP3, 10-point multi-touch, Gorilla Glass (unspecified version) | 5.5-inch IGZO IPS LCD, 1440 x 2560 pixels, 120Hz, 16:9 ratio ~513 ppi 5.5-inch IGZO IPS LCD, 580 nits, Corning Gorilla Glass 5, oleophobic coating |
| Dimensions | 159.8 x 76.8 x 7.5 mm, 168 g | 158.5 x 79 x 8.5 mm , 220 g |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 (10nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 (10nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 630 | Adreno 630 |
| Memory | 6GB/8GB/10GB RAM RAM + 128GB/258GB internal | 64 GB, 8 GB RAM |
| Main Camera | 12 MP, f/1.8, 1.25µm, dual pixel PDAF 20 MP, f/1.8, 1.0µm, AF, 2x optical zoom |
12 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.55″, 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.6, 1/3.1″, 1.0µm, 2x optical zoom |
| Front Camera | 20 MP, f/2.2, 1.0µm | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, WiFi Direct, hotspot, BT 5.0, A2DP, aptX HD, LE, A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS, USB Type-C | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, WiFi Direct, hotspot, BT 5.0, A2DP, LE, A-GPS, USB-C, audio jack adapter (24-bit/192kHz) |
| Battery | Non-removable Li-Ion 4000mAh battery with Quick Charging 3 18W | Non-removable Li-Ion 4000 mAh battery with Quick Charge 4+ 24W |
| OS | Android 8.0 Oreo with MI UI | Android 8.1 (Oreo), planned upgrade to Android 9.0 (Pie) Nova Prime Launcher |
| Official Price | $460 or P25,00 for 6GB RAM with controller, $500 for 8GB with controller, $550 estimated or P30,000 for 10GB + 256GB with two controllers | estimated at Php 44,990 up to Php 49,990 |
