Xiaomi Black Shark 2 is available in Europe for 549 euros (Update: UK now, too)

Update, April 4, 2019 (11:05 AM ET): Only a few days after launching in Europe, the Xiaomi Black Shark 2 is now available to residents of the United Kingdom. Just like in Europe, there are two configurations of the device and two different prices for each model:

• 479 pounds (~$627) for 8GB RAM +128GB storage
• 559 pounds (~$731) for 12GB RAM +256GB storage

You can click the button below to grab your new gaming phone if you live in the U.K. or scroll down a bit for a button to buy in Europe.

Original article, March 29, 2019 (05:07 AM ET): The Xiaomi-backed Black Shark 2 is one of the latest gaming smartphones on the market, offering flagship power and several gaming-related features. European consumers can also see what all the fuss is about, as the device is now available to buy in the region.

Xiaomi’s new gaming phone delivers a Snapdragon 855 chipset, 8GB or 12GB of RAM, 128GB or 256GB of storage, a 4,000mAh battery with 27-watt charging, and a notchless 6.39-inch full HD+ AMOLED screen.

Rounding out the spec sheet is a 48MP+13MP telephoto rear camera pairing, a 20MP selfie camera, an in-display fingerprint sensor, and customizable RGB strips (because, gaming phone). 

The Black Shark 2 does offer a few gaming-related features though, such as a hardware key to activate a gaming interface, reduced screen latency, and a “multi-layer liquid cooling” system. We’ve also got a pull-down menu in games (for toggling notifications, a frame-rate counter, and other settings) as well as a “ludicrous mode” for better performance at the expense of battery life.

The Black Shark 2 is available to buy from the official website and costs 549 euros (~$617) for the 8GB/128GB model. Need a bit more oomph? Then you can grab the 12GB/256GB variant for 649 euros (~$729). It’s clearly not as cheap as the triple camera-toting Xiaomi Mi 9 (retailing for 399 euros in Spain), but you’re getting more RAM and storage, various gaming features, as well as a bigger battery for the price.

Like the idea of a gaming smartphone? Then you can check out the Black Shark 2 product page via the button below.