Price and specifications of Xiaomi Black Shark 2 Pro advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Introduction to Xiaomi Black Shark 2 Pro

The Xiaomi Black Shark 2 Pro is a robust and powerful smartphone designed for gaming enthusiasts. Released in August 2019, the device brings cutting-edge technology and design aesthetics, promising an immersive gaming experience and high-tier performance. In this comprehensive review, we'll delve into its specifications, design, display, performance, camera capabilities, battery life, and more.

Design and Build

The Black Shark 2 Pro boasts a striking design with a glass front, aluminum back, and an aluminum frame, ensuring both premium aesthetics and sturdy durability. With dimensions of 163.6 x 75 x 8.8 mm and a weight of 205 grams, it is robust yet not cumbersome, fitting comfortably in the hand despite its gaming-centric build. Available in colors like Shadow Black, Iceberg Grey, Gulf Blue, and Streamer Purple, the design targets a youthful and vibrant audience.

Display

Equipped with a 6.39-inch AMOLED screen, the Black Shark 2 Pro offers a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 81.7%. This high-quality display, with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels and a 19.5:9 aspect ratio, delivers vivid colors and clear images. The pixel density of ~403 ppi enhances the sharpness, ensuring that every detail in a game or video is perceivable and immersive.

Performance and Software

At the core of the Black Shark 2 Pro is the Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855+ chipset, a pinnacle of performance during its release year. This 7 nm technology chipset, combined with an octa-core CPU configuration (1x2.96 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485) and the Adreno 640 GPU, ensures exceptional performance for both everyday tasks and demanding gaming sessions. The device's responsiveness is supported by 8GB or 12GB RAM options, depending on the storage variant. Operating on Android 9.0 (Pie), users get access to intuitive software, though slightly outdated, it supports a range of modern applications seamlessly.

Storage

The smartphone offers internal storage options of 128GB or 256GB. However, there is no card slot for expandable storage. The provided storage should be ample for most users, allowing space for apps, games, and media files.

Camera Capabilities

On the camera front, the Black Shark 2 Pro holds its ground with a dual rear camera setup. The primary sensor is a 48 MP lens with an f/1.8 aperture, capable of capturing vibrant and detailed photos. It is complemented by a 12 MP telephoto lens with an f/2.2 aperture and 2x optical zoom, allowing for varied shooting experiences. The camera supports features like LED flash, HDR, and panorama. For video enthusiasts, it offers 4K recording at 30/60fps and supports slow-motion at 1080p@120fps and 720p@1920fps. The 20 MP front camera with f/2.0 aperture ensures clear and detailed selfies, with HDR support for balanced exposures.

Sound Features

The sound system in the Black Shark 2 Pro comes with stereo speakers, enhancing the gaming and media experience with robust audio output. However, it lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, which might be a downside for those who prefer wired audio fidelity.

Connectivity

The device supports a range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, and Wi-Fi Direct. Bluetooth 5.0 with A2DP, aptX HD, and LE support provides excellent connectivity with peripherals. For navigation, it utilizes GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, and BDS. Unfortunately, it doesn't include NFC or radio features but has a USB Type-C 2.0 port for charging and data transfer.

Battery Life

The Black Shark 2 Pro is powered by a 4000 mAh non-removable Li-Ion battery, supporting 27W fast charging. This ensures prolonged gaming sessions without frequent charging interruptions, making it an ideal choice for heavy smartphone users and gaming enthusiasts.

Conclusion

The Xiaomi Black Shark 2 Pro makes a compelling case for being one of the top choices for gamers in 2019 and beyond, offering robust performance, a vibrant display, and a solid build. Despite some downsides, like the lack of NFC and radio, the device stands out for anyone looking for a solid mid-range gaming phone. With a starting price of approximately 550 EUR, it presents a blend of performance and cost-effectiveness that is difficult to overlook.