Sharp Aquos R3 vs Aquos R5G: A Head-to-Head Showdown

Sharp's Aquos series has always been known for its unique displays and premium build quality. The Aquos R3 and R5G represent two generations of this line, offering distinct features and performance levels. Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to determine which phone is the better choice.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Aquos R5G boasts a more modern Snapdragon 865 5G chipset and 5G connectivity, offering a performance edge. However, the R3's smaller size and potentially better battery optimization (due to less power-hungry components) make it a compelling option for those prioritizing portability and longevity. The R5G is the overall winner for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names	Sharp Aquos R3	Sharp Aquos R5G

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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41
5G bands	-	1, 3, 28, 78 SA/NSA
Speed	HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat15 1024/50 Mbps	HSPA, LTE, 5G
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE	GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G

Launch
Announced	2019, August. Released 2019, August	2020, February. Released 2020, February
Status	Discontinued	Discontinued

Body
Dimensions	156 x 74 x 8.9 mm (6.14 x 2.91 x 0.35 in)	162 x 75 x 8.9 mm (6.38 x 2.95 x 0.35 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM
Weight	185 g (6.53 oz)	189 g (6.67 oz)
	IPX5/IP6X/IPX8 water/dust resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)	IPX5/IP6X/IPX8 water/dust resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)

Display
Protection	Corning Gorilla Glass 5	-
Resolution	1440 x 3120 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~554 ppi density)	1440 x 3168 pixels (~544 ppi density)
Size	6.2 inches, 94.4 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio)	6.4 inches, 99.5 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IGZO IPS LCD, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision	IGZO IPS LCD, 1B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485)	Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm)	Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+)
GPU	Adreno 640	Adreno 650
OS	Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10	Android 10

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)	No
Internal	128GB 6GB RAM	256GB 12GB RAM
	UFS	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, OIS	-
Features	Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama	LED flash, panorama
Triple	-	12 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.7, 52mm (telephoto), 1.0µm, PDAF, 2x optical zoom, OIS 48 MP, f/2.9, 19mm (ultrawide), 0.8µm TOF 3D (depth)
Video	1080p@30fps	8K@30fps, 1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Single	16 MP, f/2.0	16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	No
35mm jack	Yes	No
Loudspeaker	Yes, with stereo speakers	Yes, with stereo speakers
	24-bit/192kHz audio	24-bit/192kHz audio

Comms
Bluetooth	5.0, A2DP, LE	5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
NFC	Yes	Yes
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS	GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS
Radio	No	No
USB	USB Type-C 3.0	USB Type-C 3.1
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax/6, 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	-
Type	Li-Po 3200 mAh	Li-Ion 3730 mAh

Misc
Colors	Classic Black	Glare Black, Aurora White
Models	-	SH-51A, SHG01, SH-R50
Price	About 750 EUR	About 700 EUR

Sharp Aquos R3

Compact and pocketable
Excellent IGZO display
Premium build quality
Potentially better battery life due to less power-hungry chipset

Older Snapdragon 855 chipset
Lacks 5G connectivity
May have fewer software updates

Sharp Aquos R5G

More powerful Snapdragon 865 5G chipset
5G connectivity
Likely higher display refresh rate
Improved camera processing

Larger size
Potentially shorter battery life due to 5G and more powerful chipset
May be harder to find

Display Comparison

Both phones feature Sharp's renowned IGZO displays, known for their brightness and color accuracy. The R5G likely has a slightly higher refresh rate (potentially 90Hz or 120Hz, though unconfirmed) compared to the R3, resulting in smoother scrolling and animations. The R3's smaller size makes it more pocketable, while the R5G offers a larger screen for media consumption.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature high-quality camera systems, but the R5G likely has improved image processing capabilities thanks to the newer Snapdragon chipset. Expect better low-light performance and more advanced features on the R5G. Both likely have excellent detail and color reproduction thanks to Sharp's display technology.

Performance

The Snapdragon 865 in the R5G is a noticeable upgrade over the 855 in the R3. Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better performance in demanding games. While the R3 is still capable, the R5G provides a more future-proofed experience.

Battery Life

Battery capacity is likely similar between the two, but the R3's less power-hungry chipset might translate to slightly better battery life in real-world usage. The R5G's 5G capabilities will consume more power when in use.

Buying Guide

The Sharp Aquos R3 is ideal for users who value a compact, premium Android experience and don't require 5G. The Aquos R5G is better suited for power users, gamers, and those who want the latest connectivity features and a slightly faster processor.