In terms of power, the Super Saiyan 2 is twice as strong as the Super Saiyan. The Super Saiyan 2 transformation, surpasses the Super Saiyan's speed, strength, and power, eliminating the need to balance between power, speed, strength, and stamina with previous derivatives of the Super Saiyan transformation. According to Gokū, this form comes with the ' back tingling' feeling that accompanied the first Super Saiyan form. As such, the Saiyan as to once again further hone their emotional control to negate the ruthlessness in this form. Any previous emotional mastery of Super Saiyan Fourth Grade is negated upon first entry into Super Saiyan 2. In order for a Super Saiyan to become a Super Saiyan 2 they must experience an extreme rage or emotion, akin to the Super Saiyan transformation, or achieve it through methods of training. The Saiyan's aura becomes more violent, while also gaining bursts of plasma within the aura.

The hallmarks of the Super Saiyan 2 transformation are more golden and rigid hair than the Super Saiyan transformation. The transformation into a Super Saiyan 2, like its predecessor, isn't a drastic one. 5.1.1 Dragon Ball Z: The Galaxy's at the Brink!! The Super Incredible Guy.

Super saiyan god gohan