Nokia Lumia 928 vs. Sharp Aquos R2 Compact: A Clash of Eras

The Nokia Lumia 928, a Windows Phone icon from 2013, faces off against the modern Sharp Aquos R2 compact. This isn't just a comparison of specs; it's a look at how smartphone technology has evolved. Can the Lumia's wireless charging and endurance compete with the Aquos's raw power and modern features?
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Sharp Aquos R2 compact decisively wins on performance and modern features thanks to its Snapdragon 845 and PD charging. However, the Lumia 928's impressive battery endurance and unique wireless charging offer a nostalgic appeal for those prioritizing longevity and a simpler experience.

PHONES
Phone Names Nokia Lumia 928 Sharp Aquos R2 compact
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bands4, 13 - Verizon1, 3, 5, 8, 11, 12, 17, 19, 26, 28, 41, 42
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat3 100/50 Mbps, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 MbpsHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 1, 3, 7, 8, 20-
Launch
Announced2013, April. Released 2013, May2018, November. Released 2019, January
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, aluminum frame
Dimensions133 x 68.9 x 10.1 mm, 92.8 cc (5.24 x 2.71 x 0.40 in)131 x 64 x 9.3 mm (5.16 x 2.52 x 0.37 in)
SIMMicro-SIMNano-SIM
Weight162 g (5.71 oz)135 g (4.76 oz)
 -IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 2Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution768 x 1280 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~332 ppi density)1080 x 2280 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~485 ppi density)
Size4.5 inches, 57.6 cm2 (~62.9% screen-to-body ratio)5.2 inches, 67.5 cm2 (~80.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLEDIGZO IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10
 PureMotion HD+ ClearBlack display-
Platform
CPUDual-core 1.5 GHz KraitOcta-core (4x2.6 GHz Kryo 385 Gold & 4x1.7 GHz Kryo 385 Silver)
ChipsetQualcomm MSM8960 Snapdragon S4 PlusQualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 (10 nm)
GPUAdreno 225Adreno 630
OSMicrosoft Windows Phone 8, upgradable to 8.1Android 9.0 (Pie)
Memory
Card slotNomicroSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal32GB 1GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesCarl Zeiss optics, xenon flash, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single8 MP, 1/3.2", 1.4µm, AF, OIS22.6 MP, f/1.9, 22 mm, PDAF, OIS
Video1080p@30fps, stereo sound rec.4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps (gyro-EIS)
Selfie camera
Single1.3 MP8 MP, f/2.2, 23 mm
Video720p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
 - 24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth4.0, A2DP, EDR, LE/ aptX after WP8 Denim update5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBmicroUSB 2.0USB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, DLNA, hotspotWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
ChargingWireless (Qi)18W wired, PD2.0
Music playUp to 80 h-
Stand-byUp to 606 h (2G) / Up to 541 h (3G)-
Talk timeUp to 11 h 40 min (2G) / Up to 16 h 20 min (3G)-
TypeLi-Ion 2000 mAh, non-removable (BV 4-NW)Li-Ion 2500 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsBlack, WhiteSmokey Green, Deep White, Pure Black
Models-SH-M09
PriceAbout 380 EUR-
SAR1.44 W/kg (head)     1.38 W/kg (body)-
SAR EU0.88 W/kg (head)-
Tests
Audio quality Noise -82.5dB / Crosstalk -80.7dB-
Battery life Endurance rating 41h -
OUR TESTS
Audio qualityNoise -82.5dB / Crosstalk -80.7dB-
Battery (old)Endurance rating 41h-

Nokia Lumia 928

  • Excellent battery life (41h endurance)
  • Wireless charging (Qi)
  • Compact size
  • Decent camera for its time
  • Nostalgic Windows Phone experience

  • Outdated processor and performance
  • Older software and limited app support
  • Lower resolution display
  • No modern features like NFC or fast charging (wired)

Sharp Aquos R2 compact

  • Powerful Snapdragon 845 processor
  • Compact and ergonomic design
  • Modern Android experience
  • Good camera performance
  • Fast charging (PD 2.0)

  • Battery life may not match the Lumia 928's endurance
  • Smaller screen size might not appeal to everyone
  • Availability may be limited depending on region

Display Comparison

The Aquos R2 compact boasts a significantly more modern and vibrant display. While the Lumia 928 had a decent 4.5-inch IPS LCD, the Aquos R2 compact's smaller, higher-resolution display (likely with OLED technology) offers superior color accuracy, contrast, and brightness. The Aquos also likely has better viewing angles.

Camera Comparison

While the Lumia 928 had a well-regarded 20MP PureView camera for its time, the Aquos R2 compact likely features a more advanced camera system with better low-light performance, image stabilization, and computational photography capabilities. Expect sharper images, better dynamic range, and more versatile shooting modes on the Aquos.

Performance

The Aquos R2 compact's Snapdragon 845 is a massive leap over the Lumia 928's Snapdragon S4 Plus. The octa-core processor and 10nm manufacturing process provide significantly faster processing speeds, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. The Lumia 928 will feel sluggish by comparison.

Battery Life

The Lumia 928's endurance rating of 41 hours is remarkable for its age. However, the Aquos R2 compact, despite likely having a smaller battery capacity, benefits from more efficient hardware and software, potentially offering competitive real-world battery life, especially with optimized usage. The Aquos also supports faster charging via PD 2.0.

Buying Guide

The Nokia Lumia 928 is for those seeking a retro Windows Phone experience, prioritizing long battery life, and appreciating wireless charging. The Sharp Aquos R2 compact is ideal for users wanting a compact, powerful Android phone with a great camera and modern features, even if it means sacrificing some battery endurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Nokia Lumia 928 still worth buying?
Only if you're a Windows Phone enthusiast or appreciate its unique design and long battery life. Be aware of its limitations in terms of performance and app support.
❓ What are the main differences between the two phones?
The Aquos R2 compact offers significantly better performance, a more modern display, and a more current Android experience. The Lumia 928 excels in battery endurance and offers wireless charging, but is severely limited by its outdated hardware and software.