Sharp consistently delivers unique smartphones, and the Aquos R3 and R2 are no exception. Both offer a distinctive design and focus on premium features, but significant differences exist. This comparison dives deep into their specs and performance to help you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Sharp Aquos R3 is the clear winner, boasting a significantly faster Snapdragon 855 chipset, wireless charging, and likely improved camera capabilities. While the R2 remains a capable device, the R3's upgrades make it the superior choice for those seeking a modern flagship experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 28, 38 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 11, 12, 17, 19, 26, 28, 41, 42 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat15 1024/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, August. Released 2019, August | 2018, May. Released 2018, May |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 156 x 74 x 8.9 mm (6.14 x 2.91 x 0.35 in) | 156 x 74 x 9 mm (6.14 x 2.91 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 185 g (6.53 oz) | 181 g (6.38 oz) |
| | IPX5/IP6X/IPX8 water/dust resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) | IPX5/IPX8/IP6X |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | - |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3120 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~554 ppi density) | 1440 x 3040 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~561 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.2 inches, 94.4 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.0 inches, 89.9 cm2 (~77.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IGZO IPS LCD, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision | IGZO IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485) | Octa-core (4x2.6 GHz Kryo 385 Gold & 4x1.7 GHz Kryo 385 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) | Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 (10 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Adreno 630 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10 | Android 8.0 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | UFS | - |
| 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, OIS | 22.6 MP, PDAF
16.3 MP, PDAF (for video recording only) |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps (dedicated video camera) |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0 | 16.3 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.0 | 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 (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wired, PD
Wireless | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 3200 mAh | Li-Ion 3130 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Classic Black | Black, White |
| Models | - | 706SH, SHV42 |
| Price | About 750 EUR | About 350 EUR |
Sharp Aquos R3
- Significantly faster processor (Snapdragon 855)
- Wireless charging
- Likely improved camera performance
- IGZO display technology
- Premium build quality
- Potentially higher price
- Availability may be limited
Sharp Aquos R2
- More affordable
- Still a capable performer
- IGZO display technology
- Premium build quality
- Older processor (Snapdragon 845)
- No wireless charging
- Likely inferior camera performance compared to R3
Display Comparison
Both Aquos phones feature Sharp's renowned IGZO display technology, known for its excellent color accuracy and brightness. The R3 likely has a slightly improved panel with potentially higher resolution or refresh rate, though specific details are needed. Both offer a tall, narrow aspect ratio, providing ample screen real estate for media consumption.
Camera Comparison
While specific camera specs are missing, the R3's newer chipset typically supports more advanced image processing capabilities. Expect improvements in low-light performance, dynamic range, and overall image quality. The R2's camera is still respectable, but the R3 should offer a noticeable upgrade.
Performance
The Snapdragon 855 in the R3 represents a substantial performance leap over the Snapdragon 845 in the R2. The R3's 7nm process offers better efficiency and significantly faster processing speeds, resulting in smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and improved gaming performance. The R2 is still capable, but the R3 is in a different league.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is assumed to be similar between the two models, but the R3's more efficient chipset should translate to better battery life despite the increased performance. The R3's inclusion of wireless charging is a significant advantage over the R2's wired charging only.
Buying Guide
The Sharp Aquos R3 is ideal for power users, photography enthusiasts, and those who appreciate cutting-edge technology and wireless charging. The Sharp Aquos R2 is a good option for budget-conscious buyers who still want a premium Sharp experience and don't require the absolute latest performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Aquos R3 worth the upgrade from the Aquos R2?
If you prioritize performance, wireless charging, and potentially better camera quality, then the Aquos R3 is a worthwhile upgrade. However, if you're on a tighter budget and the R2 meets your needs, it remains a solid option.
❓ What is IGZO display technology?
IGZO (Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide) is a display technology developed by Sharp that offers excellent brightness, color accuracy, and power efficiency compared to traditional LCD panels.
