Sharp Aquos R2 Compact vs Sony Xperia XZ3: A Detailed Snapdragon 845 Comparison

Released in 2018, both the Sharp Aquos R2 Compact and the Sony Xperia XZ3 represent interesting approaches to the flagship smartphone experience. The R2 Compact prioritized a truly compact form factor, while the XZ3 aimed for a more premium, multimedia-focused experience. Both devices share the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845, making a direct performance comparison compelling, especially as prices on these older models fluctuate.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user seeking a functional, compact flagship, the Sony Xperia XZ3 edges out the Sharp Aquos R2 Compact. While both share the Snapdragon 845, the XZ3’s wireless charging and slightly higher CPU clock speed, coupled with its excellent display, provide a more refined overall experience.

PHONES
Phone Names Sharp Aquos R2 compact Sony Xperia XZ3
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - H8416, H9436, H9493
4G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 11, 12, 17, 19, 26, 28, 41, 421, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 26, 28, 29, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 66 - H8416, H9436, H9493
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat18 1200/200 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2018, November. Released 2019, January2018, August 30. Released 2018, October 05
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
Dimensions131 x 64 x 9.3 mm (5.16 x 2.52 x 0.37 in)158 x 73 x 9.9 mm (6.22 x 2.87 x 0.39 in)
SIMNano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight135 g (4.76 oz)193 g (6.81 oz)
 IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)IP65/IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 3Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2280 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~485 ppi density)1440 x 2880 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~537 ppi density)
Size5.2 inches, 67.5 cm2 (~80.5% screen-to-body ratio)6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~80.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIGZO IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10P-OLED, HDR BT.2020
 -Triluminos display X-Reality Engine
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.6 GHz Kryo 385 Gold & 4x1.7 GHz Kryo 385 Silver)Octa-core (4x2.7 GHz Kryo 385 Gold & 4x1.7 GHz Kryo 385 Silver)
ChipsetQualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 (10 nm)Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 (10 nm)
GPUAdreno 630Adreno 630
OSAndroid 9.0 (Pie)Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - dual SIM model only
Internal64GB 4GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM
 -UFS 2.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR
Single22.6 MP, f/1.9, 22 mm, PDAF, OIS19 MP, f/2.0, 25mm (wide), 1/2.3", 1.22µm, predictive PDAF
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps (gyro-EIS)4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, 1080p@30fps (5-axis gyro-EIS), 1080p@960fps, HDR
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single8 MP, f/2.2, 23 mm13 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps (5-axis gyro-EIS)
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
  24-bit/192kHz audio24-bit/192kHz audio Dynamic vibration system
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, aptX HD, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 3.1, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA
Features
SensorsFingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, barometer, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired, PD2.018W wired, PD2.0 Wireless (Qi)
TypeLi-Ion 2500 mAh, non-removableLi-Ion 3300 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsSmokey Green, Deep White, Pure BlackBlack, Silver White, Forest Green, Bordeaux Red
ModelsSH-M09H9436, H8416, H9493
Price-About 510 EUR
Tests
Audio quality- Noise -91.2dB / Crosstalk -88.7dB
Battery life-Endurance rating 90h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal), 4.502 (sunlight)
Loudspeaker- Voice 71dB / Noise 75dB / Ring 82dB
Performance- AnTuTu: 284555 (v7), 295468 (v8) GeekBench: 8607 (v4.4), 2137 (v5.1) GFXBench: 19fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Sharp Aquos R2 compact

  • Truly compact and pocketable design
  • Snapdragon 845 performance
  • PD2.0 fast charging

  • No wireless charging
  • Smaller display size
  • Limited camera details

Sony Xperia XZ3

  • Wireless charging (Qi)
  • Larger, potentially higher-quality display
  • Slightly faster CPU clock speed

  • Larger form factor
  • Limited camera details
  • May be harder to use one-handed

Display Comparison

Both the Aquos R2 Compact and Xperia XZ3 boast displays with an 'Infinite' contrast ratio (nominal) and a 4.502 sunlight contrast ratio, suggesting similar outdoor visibility. However, the XZ3’s larger display size is a significant differentiator. While specific panel technology details are missing, Sony historically focused on color accuracy and image processing, likely providing a more vibrant and calibrated viewing experience. The R2 Compact’s smaller size necessitates compromises in screen real estate, potentially impacting multimedia consumption and productivity.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are lacking. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. Sony’s Xperia line historically emphasized camera performance, often incorporating advanced image processing algorithms. The R2 Compact, while capable, likely prioritized other features given its compact design. The absence of details suggests neither phone boasts a standout camera system compared to contemporary flagships.

Performance

Both devices are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 (10nm), but the Xperia XZ3 features a slightly higher CPU clock speed – 2.7 GHz versus 2.6 GHz on the R2 Compact. This marginal difference likely translates to a small performance boost in CPU-intensive tasks. Both utilize an octa-core configuration (4x2.6/2.7 GHz Kryo 385 Gold & 4x1.7 GHz Kryo 385 Silver). The absence of RAM specifications requires assuming both utilize a standard 6GB or 8GB configuration common for 2018 flagships. Thermal management will be crucial; the XZ3’s larger chassis may offer better heat dissipation, potentially mitigating throttling during sustained workloads.

Battery Life

The Xperia XZ3 boasts an endurance rating of 90 hours, indicating solid battery life. Both devices support 18W wired charging with PD2.0, offering relatively quick charging speeds. However, the XZ3 adds the convenience of Qi wireless charging, a feature absent on the R2 Compact. While the battery capacity of the R2 Compact is unknown, its smaller form factor likely necessitates a smaller battery, potentially impacting longevity compared to the XZ3.

Buying Guide

Buy the Sharp Aquos R2 Compact if you absolutely prioritize a small, pocketable form factor and don't mind potentially sacrificing some premium features. It’s ideal for one-handed use and those who value portability above all else. Buy the Sony Xperia XZ3 if you prefer a larger display, wireless charging convenience, and a more polished software experience, even if it means a less compact device.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 845 in the Aquos R2 Compact experience throttling during extended gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 845 is a capable chip, but throttling is possible under sustained load. The R2 Compact’s smaller form factor may limit its cooling capacity, potentially leading to more noticeable throttling compared to the XZ3, which has more internal space for heat dissipation.
❓ Is the lack of wireless charging on the Aquos R2 Compact a significant drawback?
For users who frequently utilize wireless charging, the absence of this feature on the R2 Compact is a notable omission. The Xperia XZ3 offers Qi wireless charging, providing added convenience and flexibility.
❓ How does the size difference between these two phones impact usability?
The Aquos R2 Compact is designed for one-handed use and easy pocketability. The Xperia XZ3, being larger, requires two hands for comfortable operation and may not fit as easily into smaller pockets.
❓ Given their age, are software updates still available for either of these devices?
Software update support for both devices is likely limited or non-existent at this point. They were released in 2018 and are well past their end-of-life support windows. Security updates are a major concern.