The Sharp Aquos R3 and Sony Xperia XZ3 represent different eras of Android flagship phones. The Aquos R3 boasts a more modern chipset, while the XZ3 impressed with its exceptional battery life and unique display. Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to see which device still holds up.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Sharp Aquos R3 wins on performance thanks to its Snapdragon 855. However, the Xperia XZ3's legendary battery life and potentially better camera (depending on software updates) make it a compelling choice for users prioritizing longevity. It's a battle of power versus endurance.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - H8416, H9436, H9493 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 28, 38 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 26, 28, 29, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 66 - H8416, H9436, H9493 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat15 1024/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat18 1200/200 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, August. Released 2019, August | 2018, August 30. Released 2018, October 05 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 156 x 74 x 8.9 mm (6.14 x 2.91 x 0.35 in) | 158 x 73 x 9.9 mm (6.22 x 2.87 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 185 g (6.53 oz) | 193 g (6.81 oz) |
| | IPX5/IP6X/IPX8 water/dust resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) | IP65/IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3120 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~554 ppi density) | 1440 x 2880 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~537 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.2 inches, 94.4 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~80.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IGZO IPS LCD, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision | P-OLED, HDR BT.2020 |
| | - | Triluminos display
X-Reality Engine |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485) | Octa-core (4x2.7 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 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - dual SIM model only |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS | UFS 2.1 |
| 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 | Laser AF, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | - | 19 MP, f/2.0, 25mm (wide), 1/2.3", 1.22µm, predictive PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, 1080p@30fps (5-axis gyro-EIS), 1080p@960fps, HDR |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0 | 13 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps (5-axis gyro-EIS) |
| 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
Dynamic vibration system
|
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, aptX HD, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.0 | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG |
| 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, DLNA |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, barometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wired, PD
Wireless | 18W wired, PD2.0
Wireless (Qi) |
| Type | Li-Po 3200 mAh | Li-Ion 3300 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Classic Black | Black, Silver White, Forest Green, Bordeaux Red |
| Models | - | H9436, H8416, H9493 |
| Price | About 750 EUR | 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 R3
- Superior Performance (Snapdragon 855)
- Potentially Better Display (Modern Panel)
- Wireless Charging
- Battery Life Unknown
- Availability (Older Model)
- Limited Information on Specific Features
Sony Xperia XZ3
- Exceptional Battery Life (90h Endurance)
- Compact Size
- Unique Display Characteristics
- PD2.0 Charging
- Older Chipset (Snapdragon 845)
- Lower Performance Compared to R3
- Potentially Outdated Software Support
Display Comparison
Both phones feature displays with impressive contrast ratios (nominally infinite, 4.502 in sunlight). The Aquos R3 likely has a more modern panel with potentially better color accuracy and brightness, though specific details are limited. The XZ3's display was known for its vibrant colors and excellent outdoor visibility.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is complex. Both phones offer 'Photo/Video' capabilities, but the Aquos R3 likely benefits from newer image processing techniques. The XZ3's camera was well-regarded at launch, and software updates could have improved it over time. A direct comparison would require detailed testing.
Performance
The Aquos R3's Snapdragon 855 offers a significant performance advantage over the XZ3's Snapdragon 845. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming performance on the R3. The XZ3, while still capable, will show its age in demanding tasks.
Battery Life
The Xperia XZ3's standout feature is its exceptional battery life, boasting an endurance rating of 90 hours. The Aquos R3's battery capacity is unknown, but the Snapdragon 855 is generally more power-efficient than the 845. However, the XZ3's impressive endurance remains a major selling point.
Buying Guide
The Sharp Aquos R3 is ideal for power users and gamers who demand the latest performance. The Sony Xperia XZ3 is a great pick for those who value long battery life, a unique display, and a more compact form factor, especially if they can find it at a good price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Sharp Aquos R3 still worth buying?
It depends. If you prioritize performance and can find one, it's a capable device. However, consider its age and potential lack of software updates.
❓ How does the Xperia XZ3's battery life compare to modern phones?
While 90 hours is impressive, modern phones often have larger batteries. However, the XZ3's efficiency is remarkable for its time.
