The Kyocera Torque E6710 and Sharp Aquos R2 represent vastly different eras of smartphone technology. The Torque, powered by the aging Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Plus, was designed for durability and basic functionality. The Aquos R2, featuring the Snapdragon 845, aimed for a more premium experience with significantly enhanced performance. This comparison dissects the core differences, helping you understand where each phone excels and who would benefit from choosing one over the other.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the vast majority of users, the Sharp Aquos R2 is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 845 chipset delivers a dramatically faster and more responsive experience than the Kyocera Torque E6710’s Snapdragon S4 Plus. While the Torque prioritizes ruggedness, the Aquos R2 offers a modern smartphone experience at a potentially similar price point today.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | CDMA 800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 25 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 11, 12, 17, 19, 26, 28, 41, 42 |
| Speed | LTE Cat3 100/50 Mbps, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | CDMA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2013, January. Released 2013, March | 2018, May. Released 2018, May |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 128.5 x 68.4 x 12.9 mm (5.06 x 2.69 x 0.51 in) | 156 x 74 x 9 mm (6.14 x 2.91 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Non-removable | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 168.5 g (5.93 oz) | 181 g (6.38 oz) |
| | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 mins)
MIL-STD-810G compliant
IPX5, IPX7 certified
Flashlight | IPX5/IPX8/IP6X |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - Corning Gorilla Glass 2 | - |
| Resolution | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density) | 1440 x 3040 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~561 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 (~51.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.0 inches, 89.9 cm2 (~77.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IGZO IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.2 GHz Krait | Octa-core (4x2.6 GHz Kryo 385 Gold & 4x1.7 GHz Kryo 385 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8960 Snapdragon S4 Plus | Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 (10 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 225 | Adreno 630 |
| OS | Android 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich) | Android 8.0 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 4GB (1GB user available), 1GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 22.6 MP, PDAF
16.3 MP, PDAF (for video recording only) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps (dedicated video camera) |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 1.3 MP | 16.3 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP, EDR, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Talk time | Up to 19 h | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 2500 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 3130 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, White |
| Models | - | 706SH, SHV42 |
| Price | About 270 EUR | About 350 EUR |
Kyocera Torque E6710
- Highly durable and rugged design
- Potentially longer software support due to simpler hardware
- May be significantly cheaper to acquire
- Extremely limited performance
- Outdated chipset and software
- Poor multitasking capabilities
Sharp Aquos R2
- Significantly faster performance with Snapdragon 845
- More modern features and software
- Improved camera capabilities (likely)
- Less rugged than the Kyocera Torque E6710
- May be more expensive to acquire
- 10W charging is relatively slow by modern standards
Display Comparison
Information regarding the displays of both devices is unavailable. However, given the Aquos R2’s positioning as a more premium device, it likely features a higher resolution and potentially a more advanced panel technology than the Torque E6710. The Aquos R2 likely benefits from advancements in color accuracy and viewing angles common in devices released several years later.
Camera Comparison
Details regarding the camera systems are unavailable. However, the Aquos R2, being a later-generation device, likely incorporates more advanced camera technology, including larger sensors, improved image processing algorithms, and potentially optical image stabilization (OIS). The S4 Plus’s image signal processor (ISP) is significantly less capable than the one found in the Snapdragon 845, resulting in lower image quality and slower processing times on the Torque E6710.
Performance
The performance gap between the Qualcomm MSM8960 Snapdragon S4 Plus in the Kyocera Torque E6710 and the Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 in the Sharp Aquos R2 is substantial. The S4 Plus, with its dual-core 1.2 GHz Krait CPU, struggles with modern multitasking and demanding applications. The Aquos R2’s Snapdragon 845, an octa-core processor built on a 10nm process, offers a significant leap in CPU and GPU performance. The Kryo 385 Gold cores provide peak performance for intensive tasks, while the Kryo 385 Silver cores handle background processes efficiently. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother gaming, and a more responsive user interface on the Aquos R2. The 10nm fabrication process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling under sustained load.
Battery Life
Battery capacity information is unavailable for both devices. However, the Aquos R2’s 10W wired charging is a notable feature, suggesting a more modern charging implementation than the Torque E6710 likely possessed. While the mAh rating is unknown, the Snapdragon 845’s improved power efficiency could offset a potentially smaller battery capacity, resulting in comparable or even better real-world battery life on the Aquos R2, especially during moderate usage. The S4 Plus is known for being less power efficient, potentially requiring more frequent charging on the Torque E6710.
Buying Guide
Buy the Kyocera Torque E6710 if you absolutely require a highly durable, rugged device and your smartphone needs are limited to basic communication and light tasks. You prioritize longevity and resistance to damage over speed and features. Buy the Sharp Aquos R2 if you value performance, responsiveness, and a more modern smartphone experience. You want to run demanding apps, play games, and enjoy smoother multitasking, even if it means sacrificing some extreme ruggedness.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 845 in the Aquos R2 still capable of running modern apps and games?
Yes, the Snapdragon 845 remains a capable chipset for most modern applications and games, although it may struggle with the most demanding titles at maximum settings. It offers a significant performance advantage over the Snapdragon S4 Plus and provides a smooth user experience for everyday tasks.
❓ Would the Kyocera Torque E6710 be a suitable choice for someone needing a basic 'burner' phone?
The Kyocera Torque E6710 could serve as a basic 'burner' phone, particularly if durability is paramount. However, its limited performance and outdated software may make even simple tasks frustrating compared to more modern, inexpensive alternatives.
❓ Does the Sharp Aquos R2 support software updates?
Software update support for the Sharp Aquos R2 is likely limited at this point, given its age. However, it will still receive security patches and updates for a longer period than the Kyocera Torque E6710.