Xiaomi Black Shark 2 Full Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Design and Build Quality

The Xiaomi Black Shark 2 delivers an intriguing design that combines aesthetics with function. With dimensions of 163.6 x 75 x 8.8 mm and weighing in at 205 grams, it feels solid in hand while remaining comfortable for extended use. The front is predominantly glass, enhancing the immersive display experience, while the aluminum back and frame provide durability and a premium feel. Sporting a bold and aggressive look, the Black Shark 2 caters to gamers but appeals to anyone who appreciates robust design. The phone supports dual SIM cards (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by), making it flexible for personal and professional use.

Display

The display on the Black Shark 2 is a key feature. It boasts a 6.39-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, delivering vibrant colors and deep contrasts. With a 19.5:9 aspect ratio and approximately 81.7% screen-to-body ratio, it ensures a near-borderless experience that's ideal for gaming and multimedia consumption. The display supports HDR and offers a contrast ratio deemed infinite under nominal settings, ensuring exceptional visual quality irrespective of use case.

Processing Power

Under the hood, the Black Shark 2 is powered by the Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 chipset, built on a 7nm process. This octa-core processor includes a main core clocked at 2.84 GHz for power-intensive tasks, accompanied by three cores at 2.42 GHz and four cores at 1.78 GHz for general use. Paired with an Adreno 640 GPU, the device can handle modern games and applications effortlessly. It comes in various memory configurations: 6GB RAM with 128GB storage, 8GB RAM with 128GB or 256GB storage, and 12GB RAM with 256GB storage, although it lacks a card slot for expandable storage.

Camera Capabilities

The dual rear camera setup offers impressive photography capabilities. Featuring a 48 MP main sensor with an aperture of f/1.8, it ensures clarity and detail in various lighting conditions. The secondary 12 MP telephoto lens, with 2x optical zoom, broadens your creative options. It includes features such as PDAF, LED flash, HDR, and panorama for versatile shooting. The front-facing 20 MP camera, with an aperture of f/2.0, supports HDR and captures detailed selfies, while also recording in 1080p at 30fps.

Audio and Multimedia

The Black Shark 2 excels in audio, featuring loud, stereo speakers that enhance gaming and video experiences. While it omits a 3.5mm headphone jack, it compensates with advanced Bluetooth 5.0 support, including A2DP and aptX HD for high-quality wireless audio. The device ensures immersive multimedia experiences across the board.

Battery Life

Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery, the Black Shark 2 provides extended usage on a single charge. It supports 27W wired charging, significantly reducing downtime. Xiaomi's power management within the Black Shark 2 is optimized for the Snapdragon 855, ensuring efficient energy use for gaming and daily tasks. With an endurance rating of 93 hours, users can confidently navigate their phone through a full day of heavy use.

Operating System and Software Experience

Running on Android 9.0 Pie, upgradable to Android 10 with JoyUI 11, the Black Shark 2 provides a user-friendly and responsive interface tailored for gamers. JoyUI incorporates practical features and intuitive navigation, allowing seamless control over games and applications alike. Regular updates enhance the software's security and performance, ensuring a dynamic and engaging user experience.

Connectivity and Additional Features

Connectivity options on the Black Shark 2 are extensive, supporting Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac with dual-band and Wi-Fi direct capabilities. Bluetooth 5.0 facilitates fast and stable wireless connections. Positioning is accurate with GPS, GLONASS, and BDS support, though NFC and radio features are notably absent. However, the USB Type-C port ensures fast data transfer and charging.

Sensors and Security

The Black Shark 2 includes a range of sensors, such as an under-display optical fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass, contributing to varied functionality. Especially noteworthy is the fingerprint sensor's speed and accuracy, ensuring secure access to the device without sacrificing convenience.

Market Positioning and Pricing

Available in striking color options—Black, Silver, and Blue—the Black Shark 2 offers a distinct choice for those seeking a capable smartphone with a focus on gaming. Its pricing, around 400 EUR at launch, positions it competitively within the market. This balance of performance and cost-effectiveness makes it an attractive option for gamers and power users seeking a reliable and powerful device without breaking the bank.