The Sharp Aquos R2 Compact and Zero 2 represent a fascinating period for the brand – a commitment to high-end specs in relatively compact form factors. While both devices aim for a premium experience, they differ significantly in their core processing power, utilizing the Snapdragon 845 and 855 respectively. This comparison dissects those differences, and others, to determine which phone delivers the best value and performance in 2024.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing future-proofing and sustained performance, the Sharp Aquos Zero 2 is the better choice. The Snapdragon 855, built on a 7nm process, offers a noticeable performance uplift and improved efficiency over the 10nm Snapdragon 845 in the R2 Compact, justifying the price difference for demanding tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 11, 12, 17, 19, 26, 28, 41, 42 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 28, 38, 39, 41 - Taiwan |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2018, November. Released 2019, January | 2020, May 22. Released 2020, May 22 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, aluminum frame | - |
| Dimensions | 131 x 64 x 9.3 mm (5.16 x 2.52 x 0.37 in) | 158 x 74 x 8.8 mm (6.22 x 2.91 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 135 g (4.76 oz) | 141 g (4.97 oz) |
| | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins) | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2280 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~485 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.2 inches, 67.5 cm2 (~80.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IGZO IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10 | OLED, 1B colors, 240Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.6 GHz Kryo 385 Gold & 4x1.7 GHz Kryo 385 Silver) | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 (10 nm) | Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 630 | Adreno 640 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 3.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 12.2 MP, f/1.7, (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS
20 MP, f/2.4, 125˚ (ultrawide), AF |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 22.6 MP, f/1.9, 22 mm, PDAF, OIS | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps (gyro-EIS) | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, 23 mm | 8 MP, f/2.2, 23mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| |
24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, PD2.0 | Wired, PD2.0 |
| Type | Li-Ion 2500 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3130 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Smokey Green, Deep White, Pure Black | Blue |
| Models | SH-M09 | SH-Z20, SHV47, 906SH |
| Price | - | About 670 EUR |
Sharp Aquos R2 compact
- More affordable price point
- Compact form factor for easy one-handed use
- Capable Snapdragon 845 performance for everyday tasks
- Older Snapdragon 845 chipset may struggle with demanding games
- Less efficient 10nm process leads to potentially shorter battery life
Sharp Aquos Zero 2
- More powerful Snapdragon 855 chipset for smoother performance
- 7nm process offers improved power efficiency and thermal management
- Likely superior camera performance due to advanced ISP
- Higher price tag
- May be slightly larger than the R2 Compact
Display Comparison
Unfortunately, detailed display specs are unavailable. However, given Sharp's history, both likely feature high-quality LCD panels. The Zero 2, being the newer model, *may* benefit from improved color calibration and brightness. The R2 Compact's smaller size (implied by 'compact' designation) suggests a potentially higher pixel density, but this is speculative. Both likely support PD2.0 for fast charging, but display technology differences remain unknown without further data.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information, a direct camera comparison is difficult. However, the Zero 2, as the higher-end model, likely features a more advanced image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 855, leading to better dynamic range and low-light performance. It's reasonable to assume the Zero 2 has a larger primary sensor, enabling better detail capture. The R2 Compact’s camera is still capable, but the 855’s processing capabilities give the Zero 2 an edge in image quality and video recording.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Aquos Zero 2’s Snapdragon 855 (SM8150) built on a 7nm process, represents a significant architectural leap over the R2 Compact’s Snapdragon 845 (SDM845) fabricated on a 10nm node. The 855 features a Kryo 485 CPU with a prime core clocked at 2.84 GHz, compared to the 845’s 2.6 GHz Kryo 385 Gold core. This translates to faster single-core performance and improved multi-core efficiency. The 7nm process also contributes to better thermal management, reducing the likelihood of throttling during extended gaming sessions. While both phones likely utilize LPDDR4X RAM, the 855’s improved memory controller further enhances performance.
Battery Life
Battery capacity data is missing for both devices. However, the Snapdragon 855’s 7nm process offers improved power efficiency compared to the 845’s 10nm process. This means the Zero 2 will likely achieve comparable or better battery life despite potentially having a similar or even smaller battery capacity. Both support PD2.0 charging, but the Zero 2’s more efficient chipset may allow for faster overall charging times due to reduced heat generation.
Buying Guide
Buy the Sharp Aquos R2 Compact if you need a highly capable, yet more affordable, compact flagship and don't anticipate pushing the phone to its absolute limits with demanding games or applications. It's ideal for everyday tasks, social media, and moderate multimedia consumption. Buy the Sharp Aquos Zero 2 if you prioritize sustained performance, smoother multitasking, and a longer software support lifespan, and are willing to pay a premium for the Snapdragon 855's advantages.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 845 in the Aquos R2 Compact struggle with graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact?
The Snapdragon 845 is capable, but you'll likely need to lower graphics settings to maintain a stable frame rate in demanding titles like Genshin Impact. The 855 in the Zero 2 offers a significantly smoother experience at higher settings due to its improved GPU and thermal management.
❓ Does the Aquos Zero 2's Snapdragon 855 offer noticeable improvements in app loading times compared to the R2 Compact?
Yes, the Snapdragon 855's faster CPU and improved memory controller result in noticeably quicker app loading times and smoother multitasking. While the difference may not be dramatic for basic apps, it becomes more apparent with larger, more complex applications.
❓ Is the PD2.0 charging on both phones equally fast, or does the Zero 2 charge quicker?
While both support PD2.0, the Zero 2 likely charges faster. The Snapdragon 855's improved efficiency generates less heat during charging, allowing it to sustain higher wattage for a longer period, resulting in a quicker 0-100% charge time.
