Razer launches Android smartphone geared towards gamers

2 Nov 2017

The new Razer Phone is geared towards gamers. Image: Razer

Gaming giant Razer had been rumoured to be working on a smartphone for some time.

Razer is a giant in terms of gaming products such as custom mouses, keyboards, software and headsets, but its most recent offering is sure to intrigue mobile gaming fans.

In January 2017, TechCrunch reported that Razer had acquired Nextbit, the creators of the Robin smartphone. At the time, rumours swirled that the company was thinking of entering the Android market, and now they have proven to be true.

The new Razer Phone was launched yesterday (1 November) in London, and its focus on gaming means it has quite a notable list of specs.

Impressive specs

The Razer Phone boasts Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 835 chip – the same chip that powers the Google Pixel 2 and Galaxy S8. It also has a 4,000mAh battery, 8GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage.

It has a generous 5.72in, 120Hz display, meaning the screen refreshes quickly for smoother movement and better animation in games. The phone also uses Dolby Atmos technology in its front-firing speakers and dual amplifiers.

As well as specs geared specifically towards gamers, the phone also has 12MP dual cameras and dual tone flash.

Gaming-level tech

In Ireland, the phone will be available to order exclusively from Three from 7 November, with an official in-store launch to come on 17 November.

Mark Gardiner, head of products, services and logistics at Three, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Razer to be the only network in Ireland offering this premium gaming handset.”

Razer CEO and co-founder Min-Liang Tan spoke at the launch: “It’s common knowledge that I’m obsessed with my smartphones, I play a ton of games on them, and they’re my go-to for streaming content. We have wanted to make a phone with gaming-level tech for years, and the Razer Phone delivers in every way we imagined.”

Prices for the Razer Phone start at €99 on Three’s Unlimited Flex Max plan. Initially, the Razer Phone will run on Android Nougat but it will receive the upgrade to Android Oreo in spring of next year.

Ellen Tannam was a journalist with Silicon Republic, covering all manner of business and tech subjects

editorial@siliconrepublic.com