Razer Phone 2: what we want to see

Update: Razer has confirmed in an earnings report that the Razer Phone 2 is in the works and suggested it could come with some new software.

The Razer Phone has set the standard for what a gaming smartphone should be. It has top-end specs, like so many flagship phones, but truly stands out with its 120Hz display. Tapping into its roots as a PC-focused company, Razer knows that games are only as good as the screen that you play them on.

Looking forward, there’s a ton of potential for the Razer Phone 2. From the more obvious improvements, like jumping up to the Snapdragon 845 or even the Snapdragon 855, to design and software changes, we’ve put together a list of what we want to see out of the next gaming phone to rule them all.

We're also starting to hear the first rumors about the handset, along with confirmation that it's actually on the way, all of which you'll find below.

Cut to the chase

Razer Phone 2 news and rumors

If there was ever much doubt that we'd get a Razer Phone 2, there isn't any more, as the company has confirmed in an earnings report (spotted by WCCFTech) that the "second generation Razer Phone" is in development.

The report doesn't shed any real light on the specs and features, other than to say that there will be "accompanying software releases which will extend our software and services from PC into the mobile market."

So that might mean some heavily customized software, or apps and features that Razer currently offers on PC, such as potentially access to an Android version of its Razer Game Store or its zGold virtual currency.

The only other news about the Razer Phone 2 so far, other than the possibility of a launch this year, is that it will apparently use the latest Qualcomm chipset. That claim comes straight from a Razer exec, so it's probably true.

Which chipset that would be though will depend on when it lands. Right now the Snapdragon 845 is the top-end one, but we're expecting to get the Snapdragon 855 before the end of 2018 or in early 2019. Regardless, it's sure to be a very high-end handset.

What we want to see

A refined design

That the Razer Phone adopted the look of the Nextbit Robin was a bit of a surprise. Opinion of its blocky design varies wildly among those in our office (though I like it quite a bit), so most of us are looking to Razer’s next phone to shake things up.

The answer doesn’t lie simply in rounding off the corners or making it an all-glass affair, but there are certainly a few ways in which Razer can inject some unique design in its next phone. 

Judging from its lineup of PC peripherals, the company knows a thing or two about designing with curves. Another key component of Razer design is RGB lights – and a lot of them. Curiously, the Razer Phone features absolutely none, and that might have been a wise move until the company could figure out how to balance them visually what with their probable impact to battery performance.

A headphone port with DAC

Is it too much to ask for a headphone port? Looking at the Razer Phone, there’s ample room for it, so its omission is perhaps more inexcusable than other phones that lopped off the feature. 

In addition to the 3.5mm port on the Razer Phone 2, we’d like to see it juiced up with a DAC of some sort, like we’ve seen with the LG V30 and previous models in that series. Razer’s screen tech is next-level, but limiting this phone to USB-C or wireless headphones is a downside

Stereo speakers

Dual front-facing speakers can really make an impact in the day-to-day use of a phone. Whether you spend spare time watching YouTube videos or playing games, front-facing speakers elevate the experience – just try going back to a phone with a speaker that fires away from your face.

Razer did well to include this feature in the Razer Phone, so all we’re asking is that it keeps it for the successor.

Wireless charging

The Razer Phone doesn’t support wireless charging, but there’s little reason why its sequel should be limited. 

If the company’s next phone is made with glass, that would be perhaps the easiest way to make that happen. But looking at its Hyperflux wireless charging technology currently employed with PC peripherals like the Razer Mamba Hyperflux, it seems like this feature is destined to make an appearance on its upcoming phone

Timely updates

The Razer Phone launched in November 2017, well after Android Oreo launched, yet it came with Android Nougat built-in. After only just receiving the Oreo update in April 2018, we hope that the next model comes with Android P built into the phone should it happen to arrive after Google’s new software.

A phone that adopts new software quickly is likely to become a fan-favorite, but Razer’s time with Nougat certainly didn’t spoil the experience. That’s partially due to its Nova Launcher software. It’s likely to keep with that going forward, only upgrading when its launcher is compatible with Google’s software.

Contributer : Techradar - All the latest technology news https://ift.tt/2qPYfJc