Razer may create a smartphone made exclusively for hardcore gamers

By Andy Boxall Published July 21, 2017

Razer Blade 2017 review — Bill Roberson/Digital Trends

Gaming company Razer is rumored to be working on a smartphone designed to appeal to hardcore gamers. Although only a rumor at the moment, it may actually happen. Razer acquired smartphone startup Nextbit Systems back in January, and while it said at the time Nextbit would be a standalone division, it’s entirely possible the two are working on the project together.

The gaming phone’s development will apparently be funded by Razer’s initial public offering (IPO) in Hong Kong, with a projected company valuation of between $3 billion and $5 billion, according to anonymous sources speaking to Bloomberg. The IPO is planned for sometime around October, but there’s no indication of when Razer’s gaming phone will be released.

Recommended Videos

Razer is best known for its gaming peripherals, including mice and keyboards, along with sleek, stylish laptops. It has also dabbled in the world of wearables, with varying degrees of success, and has promoted the company’s Insider community, leading to the desire to connect millions of game players around the world together. It was one of the most tempting aspects of its wearables, and tapped into the traditional tribal-like nature of serious online gamers.

Growing niche, not without competition

With the continued rise in mobile gaming’s popularity, both at home and in the competitive world of esports, Razer may find more people are keen to join a central community and connect with like-minded people today. A smartphone that doubles as a powerful games machine would seem to be the ideal platform, especially coupled with Razer’s zVault digital wallet and zGold virtual currency, which gamers can earn-as-they-play, enabling them to pay for new equipment in the future. However, this is speculation on our part, as Razer hasn’t confirmed it’s making a phone.

If it is developing a gaming phone, it won’t be the first, and it would also face competition from another startup which may have very similar plans. Acer, which like Razer has a very strong gaming brand under its Predator name, has already produced striking gaming tablets, and shown off the Predator 6 gaming smartphone. However, this was back in 2015 and since then, outside of checking out a non-working prototype, the phone has been a no-show.

Startup Wonder is also most likely building a phone. It’s potentially the centerpiece of a larger ecosystem of gaming products, if CEO Andy Kleinman’s comment about the Nintendo Switch almost (but not quite) bridging the gap between mobile and gaming, is anything to go by. Wonder’s first device may be out before the end of the year. Companies including Sony and Nokia have made phones suitable for gaming in the past.

Nothing is official about Razer’s smartphone plans yet. We’ll keep you updated right here.

Topics

Senior Mobile Writer

Andy is a Senior Writer at Digital Trends, where he concentrates on mobile technology, a subject he has written about for…

Computing

Razer launches the Kraken V3 X, a new $70 gaming headset

Razer Kraken on a desk next to

Razer's Kraken series gaming headsets have long been a popular go-to option, and today the company is releasing yet another new iteration. This one is called the Kraken V3 X, and with a lightweight design, new drivers, and Chroma RGB lighting, it might just be another big hit.

The headset weighs in at just 285 grams (1.63 pounds) without accounting for the cable. To achieve this low weight, most of the construction is plastic, but you'll appreciate the feather-light design when you're in extended gaming sessions. It's not as light as the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro, but that's a much more expensive option.

Mobile

How to choose a smartphone by brand, carrier, or features

How to choose a cell phone

Choosing a smartphone for yourself or a loved one is no easy task. Smartphones are generally high-ticket but critically needed items, and there are ways to narrow down your choices so that you spend your money wisely for the most important features for you. Hundreds of available options can make your selection process overwhelming, especially if you're not clear on your priorities. We can help you narrow down your choices by analyzing all considerations you need to confidently choose the best phone. Below are the major questions you need to answer.

For an in-depth look at what the current smartphone market has to offer, see our guides to the best smartphones, best Android phones, and best cheap smartphones.
What's your price range?
First, determine how much you're willing to spend and how you want to spend it. If you're an Apple customer, you already know that iPhones tend to be more costly than Android phones. However, a cheaper iPhone SE (2020) for around $400 may be the ideal budget phone for the iOS platform. Samsung is another relatively high-priced brand with models across the price range. On the lower end of the price scale, you'll find brands like Nokia, Honor, and Motorola. You can save upfront costs with phones that are subsidized via a carrier that you can pay for in monthly installments over a year or two. While these financial arrangements won't save money in the long run, they will make a more expensive phone with more features more affordable. Have a look at our roundup of the best cheap phones to get an idea of what's out there. If you're really on a tight budget, you can still buy a smartphone for $100 or less.
What features do you need?

Mobile

Quirky smartphone accessories you never knew you needed

Screen Magnifier for Smartphone

When you think of smartphone accessories, you probably picture cases, screen protectors, and even PopSockets. However, unknown to the average consumer are a number of quirky smartphone add-ons that may enhance your lifestyle more than you expect. From gaming controllers to projectors, we've rounded up the best quirky smartphone accessories you never knew you needed.
Dizaul Screen Magnifier

If you enjoy watching movies and shows on your phone, you may have noticed that the screen's a little small. That's not always a problem, but if you want to catch more details or share the experience with a friend, your options are limited. This beautiful screen magnifier has a built-in magnification screen to view your phone through. Find the right angle, and you can enjoy a superior experience for your shows, games, or video chats. The magnifier folds back down into a mat when not in use for easier storage, too!