Gaming phones make up a niche category, but with mobile gaming projected to grow into a multi-billion dollar business in the near future, some companies are hoping to take an early lead. Xiaomi[1]-backed Black Shark[2] is one of them and it is now looking to expand its influence with its third offering — the Black Shark 2[3]. It has all the makings of a great gaming phone, such as a flagship processor, aggressive design with RGB lighting effects, gaming-centric features, superior cooling, and more. But is the Black Shark 2 the best option for mobile gaming enthusiasts? How well does it stack up against other gamin-focussed options in the market? Most importantly, is it worth shelling out Rs. 39,999 for? Read on to find the answers in our Black Shark 2 review.
Black Shark 2 design
The Black Shark 2 is unmistakably a phone targeted at gamers, thanks to its curved edges and aggressive styling. It boasts of solid anodised metal body with a frosted finish on top. The sloping contours of its predecessor[4] are still there, but they are more subtle. The monotony is broken by glass inserts that not only impart it a distinct look but are also of functional value, as the X-shaped antenna lies beneath them for better network reception.
The matte finish on the metallic parts feels pleasant, but the glossy areas quickly get smudged. A neat design touch is the slight vertical hump in the middle, which keeps the glass-covered region from touching any surface it is lying on and protects it from getting scratched. The Black Shark 2 feels solid, but lacks an IP certification for protection against accidental liquid exposure.
The Black...