And just like that, Black Shark is officially in the country, two weeks after Xiaomi Philippines started teasing one of the former’s gaming phones online.

(Update, February 26: Here’s something about the series’ successor! Read Black Shark 3 Pro benchmark score beats others we’ve seen.)

Starting tomorrow, December 13, you can already buy either the Black Shark 2 or its Pro model from authorized Mi Stores at SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, and SM Mall of Asia. Pricing is as follows:

• Black Shark 2 (6GB/128GB): P22,990 (around $454)
• Black Shark 2 (8GB/128GB): P23,990 ($473)
• Black Shark 2 (12GB/256GB): P28,990 ($572)
• Black Shark 2 Pro (8GB/128GB): P27,990 ($552)
• Black Shark 2 Pro (12GB/256GB): P33,490 ($661)

The local prices are glaringly higher than those in China. For example, the higher-specced Black Shark 2 Pro in the latter costs ¥3,999 (P28,822 or $568), almost P5,000 ($99) less expensive than the version that will be sold in the Philippines. But we still suggest getting one from an official store here for warranty purposes.

So which of the two smartphones should you get? What’s the difference between them besides the look?

Well, the Pro unit gets a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 Plus processor instead of the chip’s non-Plus version, so expect stronger CPU and GPU performance. Secondly, the Pro’s 48-megapixel main rear camera is from Sony, unlike the Black Shark 2’s Samsung sensor. The Sony IMX586 Exmor RS is generally considered better than the Samsung S5KGM1.

The rest of the specs are the same, from the 6.39-inch AMOLED screen to the 4,000mAh battery with support for 30-watt USB-C fast charging. You can see the full specifications below.

Black Shark 2 Pro specs

• 6.39-inch AMOLED display, 2,340 x 1,080 resolution (19.5:9), 240Hz touch sampling rate
• Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 Plus processor
• Liquid Cooling 3.0 Plus
• 8GB/12GB RAM
• 128GB/256GB storage
• Dual 48MP, f/1.75 main (Sony), 13MP, f/2.2 telephoto rear cameras with LED flash
• 20MP, f/2.0 front camera
• Fingerprint sensor (under-display)
• 4,000mAh battery with 30-watt USB-C fast charging
• Android 9.0 Pie

Black Shark 2 specs

• 6.39-inch AMOLED display, 2,340 x 1,080 resolution (19.5:9), 240Hz touch sampling rate
• Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor
• Liquid Cooling 3.0 Plus
• 6GB/8GB/12GB RAM
• 128GB/256GB storage
• Dual 48MP, f/1.75 main (Samsung), 13MP, f/2.2 telephoto rear cameras with LED flash
• 20MP, f/2.0 front camera
• Fingerprint sensor (under-display)
• 4,000mAh battery with 30-watt USB-C fast charging
• Android 9.0 Pie

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