News Razer enters the smartphone market with $699 Razer Phone

Fixing the DAC to the headphone also allows for cheaper higher-quality audio. Cheap driver + fixed EQ from hardware characterisation = perfect response without tuning, within the minimum impulse response level of the amp&driver (i.e. any imperfect driver and/or amp response is inverted in software prior to the DAC). Plus you can add a switch to choose a desirable distortion (e.g. valve amp) if desired.
This can be done with discrete components, but requires either
a) Characterising the system with a calibrated mic and a non-zero amount of knowledge.
b) Throwing money into a pit attempting to buy individual components, ALL of which need to exhibit a perfect response.

 

But it's not fashionable, is it.
Plus, my point was you have to contend with EMI issues and grounding inside the case. Externalize the audio and you have complete control over it.

 

As they are not Apple or Samsung they will never make it beyond niche product status in the mobile market anyway, so they might as well embrace their outsider status and dare to be different instead of chasing trends.

 

I really like the look of it TBH

 

Agree but reviewers go "oh waa waa it's still got the OLD 3.5mm jack: 7/10"

Can't please the tick-box culture.